Subaru Forester 1 / SF

Subaru Forester debuted in 1997, becoming one of the first crossovers on the market. In accordance with the traditions adopted by the Japanese company, the car received a permanent all-wheel drive and an opposition gasoline engine (including turbocharged).

Review

Subaru Forester debuted in 1997, becoming one of the first crossovers on the market. In accordance with the traditions adopted by the Japanese company, the car received a permanent all-wheel drive and an opposition gasoline engine (including turbocharged). An additional advantage is an increased ground clearance, which ensures the overcoming of obstacles on easy off-road.

Forester's appearance betrays his respectable age. The interior design and the body lines are already outdated. There are a number of ergonomic shortcomings in the cabin. For example, some controls are devoid of illumination, and the steering wheel is adjusted in only one plane.

Production of Forester was completed in 2002. Two years earlier, the model experienced a light restyling. On the market you can find an SUV with a 2.5-liter engine, designed exclusively for the market in the United States.

Engines

The first Forester was equipped exclusively with a gasoline engine of the boxer type with a working volume of 2.0 liters. The naturally aspirated version of the engine provides 120 hp, and with turbocharging - 180 hp (determined by the presence of a large air intake on the hood). The engines are characterized by significant fuel consumption, but they are quite hardy. Often, with a large mileage, there is a need to replace the gasket of the cylinder head. There are two in the boxer engine. Much more attention and money is needed for Forester's turboversion. How much gasoline will burn the engine envy only the driver - from his driving style. This engine likes to burn oil. In addition, piston rings wear out, which means a rather serious and expensive repair. This will be reported by the smoke from the exhaust pipe. The cost of operation can significantly increase the replacement of the HRM belt, valve adjustment and other operations. Many services, and in particular authorized, for this purpose necessarily remove the engine. Such services cost from 300 to 1000 dollars. Yes, certain operations are easier to perform on the removed engine, but this is not always necessary. Some craftsmen require the removal of the engine even to replace candles. Therefore, before any work with the engine, discuss in advance the course of repair and the cost of services. But it should be understood that even without the removal of the power unit, replacing the HRM drive, adjusting the valves or replacing the candles will be more expensive, compared to a conventional car, due to difficult access.

Transmissions

The engines were combined with both mechanical and automatic transmission. If the crossover with the manual transmission is still somehow accelerated, then with the machine it is very lazy. Moreover, even a powerful turbo version with automatic transmission shows not the best dynamic performance.

The advantage of automatic transmission is the service life. With proper use and regular oil replacement, it seems to be eternal. The reliability of the ICS is also in order. With intensive operation and frequent towing of the trailer, the clutch quickly wears out.

Owners of cars with a manual transmission will appreciate the serial equipment with a gearbox. This device with a small gear ratio of 1,447, very much helps off-road and on the rises, especially with a trailer or when fully loaded. However, on rough terrain Subaru Forester with the “automatic” is almost not inferior to the version with mechanics. Automatic transmission allows you to “crawl” slowly and control the speed with the brakes, which in some situations is even more convenient.

All-wheel drive system

Another difference between an automatic and manual crossover is the way to implement traction distribution across the axles. In the version with the manual transmission, an interaxial differential with a blocked multi-plate clutch is installed. The bundle functions perfectly in off-road conditions, when driving on snow and gravel. In cars with automatic transmission, the multi-disc clutch itself is responsible for the distribution, which also works well. In fact, in both cases, Subaru’s all-wheel drive system is so flawless that it’s hard to tell the difference unless you know the mechanism is related to a particular type of transmission.

Both mechanisms are maintenance-free and usually fail-safe. But if you know for sure that the car will often be operated in difficult road conditions, then it is better to purchase a version with manual transmission. Multi-disc clutch instances with automatic can overheat and eventually fail. But these are isolated cases. The only way to quickly disable the coupling is to ride wheels of different diameters, although this will take a very long time.

Walking

The Forester suspension is generally quite reliable. But poor roads quickly disable self-leveling rear-axle shock absorbers (SLS suspension). Such shock absorbers are available only in the original and are very expensive. But you can save by restoring shock absorbers, or installing conventional ones. In the latter case, you need to choose a suitable set and buy other springs. It is still cheaper than the factory solution. According to many owners, properly selected springs of the rear axle improve handling.

Other problems and malfunctions

The quality of interior materials is not impressive, but they are steadfastly tolerate the influence of time. The body is well protected from corrosion. The presence of rust usually indicates poor-quality repairs after an accident.

Electricity and electrical equipment are the strengths of Subaru Forester.

Engines

• (Determined by the presence of a large air intake on the hood).
• Often, with a large mileage, there is a need to replace the gasket of the cylinder head. There are two in the boxer engine.
• In addition, piston rings wear out, which means a rather serious and expensive repair.
• The cost of operation can significantly increase the replacement of the HRM belt, valve adjustment and other operations.
• Yes, certain operations are easier to perform on the removed engine, but this is not always necessary.
• Therefore, before any work with the engine, discuss in advance the course of repair and the cost of services.
• But it should be understood that even without the removal of the power unit, replacing the HRM drive, adjusting the valves or replacing the candles will be more expensive, compared to a conventional car, due to difficult access.
• It is worth adding that the opposing type of engines do not like operation with low oil levels, so it should be checked regularly and often enough.

All-wheel drive system

• Both mechanisms are maintenance-free and usually fail-safe.

Walking

• In the latter case, you need to choose a suitable set and buy other springs. It is still cheaper than the factory solution.

Other problems and malfunctions

• The body is well protected from corrosion.
• The presence of rust usually indicates poor-quality repairs after an accident.

Subaru Forester is an expensive car to operate, compared to classic SUVs of similar size. The main reason is the opposition engine. In addition, even the weakest engine consumes a lot of fuel – at least 10 l / 100 km. When converted to gas, there can be no question of a flow rate of less than 12-14 l / 100 km. Nevertheless, in monetary terms, gas cylinder equipment reduces costs. But first, we have to think hard. Installation of HBO will require more frequent valve adjustment, which for a conventional engine is carried out approximately once every 100,000 km.

When buying a Forester of the first generation, you need to be aware of the age of the car. It is also important to note that the car can be very busy. This means that the initial maintenance investment will not be limited to the replacement of the belt and working fluids. It is also important to understand that not all spare parts have replacements. Fortunately, original details guarantee high quality and durability. Finally, remember that there is no shortage of workshops specializing in Subaru, and the average mechanic is reluctant to take up the repair of a custom engine with a special arrangement of cylinders.

• Subaru Forester debuted in 1997, becoming one of the first crossovers on the market.
• Engines: (determined by the presence of a large air intake on the hood).
• Transmissions: The engines were combined with both manual and automatic transmissions.
• All-wheel drive system: Both mechanisms are maintenance-free and usually fail-safe.
• Driving: The Forester suspension is generally quite reliable.
• Other problems and malfunctions: The body is well protected from corrosion.

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