Editing Subaru Forester (section)

=={{anchor|SF|first}} First generation (SF; 1997)==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = First generation
| image = 1998 Subaru Forester (SF5) GX wagon (2011-10-25).jpg
| model_code = SF
| production = 1997–2002
| model_years = 1998–2002
| related = {{ubl
  | [[Subaru Impreza]]
  | [[Subaru Impreza WRX]]
  | [[Subaru Impreza WRX STi]]
  }}
| engine = {{ubl
  | 2.0&nbsp;L ''[[Subaru EJ engine#EJ20|EJ20]]'' [[Overhead camshaft#Dual overhead camshaft|DOHC]] [[Flat-four engine|H4]]
  | 2.0&nbsp;L ''[[Subaru EJ engine#EJ20 Turbocharged|EJ20T]]'' DOHC [[Turbocharger|turbo]] H4
  | 2.5&nbsp;L ''[[Subaru EJ engine#EJ25D|EJ25D]]'' DOHC H4 (1997-1998)
  | 2.5&nbsp;L ''[[Subaru EJ engine#EJ251|EJ251]]'' [[Overhead camshaft#Single overhead camshaft|SOHC]] (1998-2002)
  }}
| transmission = {{ubl
  | 5-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]
  | 4-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]
  }}
| wheelbase = {{convert|2525|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| length = 1997–2000: {{convert|4450|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<br />2000–2002: {{convert|4460|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|1735|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|1650|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|1430|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}
| assembly = Japan: [[Ōta, Gunma]]
| caption = Pre-facelift
}}
[[File:1999 Subaru Forester (SF5 MY99) Limited wagon (2011-10-31) 02.jpg|left|thumb|Rear (pre-facelift)]]
The Forester was first introduced as the Streega concept at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show and became available for sale in Japan in February 1997, reaching the U.S. market later that year for the 1998 model year. As one of the first crossover SUVs, it was reportedly inspired by Volkswagen.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.edmunds.com/subaru/forester/ |title=Subaru Forester Overview |publisher=Edmunds |date=August 11, 2010 |access-date=June 17, 2024}}</ref> Built in the style of a station wagon, the Forester featured a taller stance, higher H-point seating, and a standard all-wheel drive drivetrain.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.subaru.com/engineering/symmetrical-awd.html |title=Subaru Symmetrical AWD |publisher=Subaru |access-date=June 17, 2024}}</ref> Subaru marketed it with the slogan "SUV tough, Car Easy". It utilized the Impreza platform but was powered by the larger 2.5-liter DOHC EJ25D engine from the Subaru Outback, producing 123 kW (165 hp) at 5,600 rpm and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.motortrend.com/features/subaru-boxer-engine-history/ |title=Subaru Boxer Engine History |publisher=MotorTrend |access-date=June 17, 2024}}</ref>

===Japan===
In its domestic market, the Forester replaced the Impreza Gravel Express, known in the US as the [[Subaru Outback Sport]]. However, the Outback Sport remained in production for the U.S. market. The Forester appeared after the introduction of the [[Nissan Rasheen]] in Japan with a similar appearance, and the Forester's Japanese competitors include the [[Toyota RAV4]], [[Mitsubishi RVR]], and the [[Suzuki Grand Vitara]]. Because of the Forester's low center of gravity, it meets the United States federal safety standards for passenger vehicles and does not require a "risk of rollover" warning label on the driver's visor. Size- and price-wise, it fits between the shared Impreza platform and the larger [[Subaru Legacy|Legacy]].

The automatic transmissions used on AWD-equipped vehicles will normally send 60% of the engine's torque to the front wheels and 40% to the rear wheels, using a computer-controlled, continuously variable, multi-plate transfer [[clutch]]. When the transmission detects a speed difference between the front and rear axle sets, the transmission progressively sends power to the rear wheels. Under slip conditions, it can achieve an equal split in front and rear axle speeds.<ref name="Auto World">{{Cite web|url=https://www.subaru.co.jp/en/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210212806/http://www.subaru-global.com/tec_awd.html|url-status=dead|title=Subaru Corporation|archivedate=December 10, 2014|website=Subaru Corporation}}</ref>

When accelerating or driving uphill, the vehicle's weight shifts rearward, reducing front-wheel traction, causing the transmission to automatically send torque to the rear wheels to compensate. When braking or driving downhill, the vehicle's weight shifts towards the front, reducing rear-wheel traction. The transmission again compensates by sending torque to the front wheels for better steering control and braking performance. If the automatic is placed in reverse or first gear, the transmission divides the torque 50/50 to both front and rear wheels. {{Citation needed|reason=please give a reliable source for this assertion. The transmission clutch does not simply divide torque but instead monitors speed between the front and rear differentials. In essence, the transmission is set more aggressively close to this ratio|date=July 2010}}  The manual transmission cars are set up with a near 50/50 torque split as a base setting, and it varies from there. Essentially, manual cars are set up with more bias towards the rear than automatic cars.

{{Multiple image
| direction         = vertical
| image1            = 2002 Subaru Forester (SF5 MY02) Limited wagon (2011-07-17).jpg
| image2            = 2001 Subaru Forester (SF5 MY01) Limited wagon (2011-10-25).jpg
| caption2          = Facelift
| align             = left
}}

===Australia===
There was a change in body styling for all 2001–2002 models, and the 2001/2002 GT spec also had a change in engine management and power output was increased from 125 to {{convert|130|kW|hp PS|0|abbr=on}}.

===United States===
The U.S. market first got the car starting in the fall of 1997 as a 1998 model. The 1998 had the 2.5-liter DOHC (EJ25D) engine, and in 1999+ models changed to a 2.5-liter SOHC naturally aspirated engine (no turbocharged engines). In 2000, for [[Model year|MY]]2001, Subaru updated the exterior with a modest facelift to the front, rear, sides, and the interior's dashboard.

The trim levels were the basic model "L" and the fully equipped "S" for the USA versions.

{{Multiple image
| direction         = vertical
| image1            = Subaru Forester front 20080312.jpg
| image2            = Subaru Forester rear 20080312.jpg
| caption2          = Subaru Forester S (facelift)
| align             = left
}}

Forester L came with a high level of standard equipment, including ABS, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, digital temperature gauge, multi-reflector halogen headlights, fog lights, roof rack, rear window defogger, trailer harness connector, reclining front bucket seats with adjustable lumbar support, tilt steering, tinted glass, AM/FM/cassette stereo with its antenna laminated in the left-rear quarter window. Notably new in 2001 were the three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions, including force limiters in front and height-adjustable shoulder belt anchors for front and rear outboard positions, plus rear seat headrests for all three seating positions.

Forester S adds a viscous limited-slip differential for the 2000 Model Year, rear disc brakes, 16 × 6.5-inch alloy wheels with 215/60R16 tires (the L uses 15 × 6-inch steel wheels), upgraded moquette upholstery, heated front seats with net storage pockets in back, dual vanity mirrors, heated side-view mirrors, heated windshield wipers, and keyless entry. New equipment for 2001 included Titanium pearl paint for the bumpers and cladding; six-disc in-dash CD sound system; leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, and handbrake handle; variable intermittent wipers with de-icers and driver's side fin; and the five-spoke alloy wheels. Some models were equipped with the optional premium package on the Forester S, including monotone paint (Sedona Red Pearl), power moonroof, front side-impact airbags, and gold accent wheels. Other options were the automatic transmission, chrome tailpipe cover, and auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass.
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