The 2004 Subaru Forester marked the introduction of the second generation of this compact crossover SUV in the North American market. While the second generation (SG chassis) had been available in other markets since 2002, the 2004 model year was significant for the US due to several key updates and the introduction of a highly anticipated new trim level.
Engine Specification
| ENGINE | 2.5 X 2.5 XS 2.5 XS Premium | 2.5 XT 2.5 XT Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Horizontally opposed 4-cylinder with die-cast aluminum-alloy block and aluminum-alloy cylinder heads | Horizontally opposed 4-cylinder intercooled turbo with die-cast aluminum-alloy block and heads and Active ValveControl System (AVCS) variable valve timing |
| Displacement | 2.5 liters (150 cubic inches) | 2.5 liters (150 cubic inches) |
| Horsepower | 165 @ 5600 rpm | 210 @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 166 @ 4000 rpm | 235 @ 3600 rpm |
| Valvetrain | 16-valve with Camshaft design (SOHC) | Single Overhead 16-valve with Dual Over-head Camshaft design (DOHC) |
| Fuel System | Sequential multi-port fuel injection system | Sequential multi-port fuel injection system |
| Ignition System | Low-maintenance distributorless electronic | Direct Ignition with less electronic iridium spark plugs |
| Exhaust System | Standard Type | Turbo Type |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gallons | 15.9 gallons |
| 2004 EPA Mileage Estimates (city/highway) | 21/28 (manual) 22/27 (automatic) | 18/23 (manual) 19/23 (automatic) |
Drivetrain
| Manual Transmission (Standard) | 5-speed manual with overdrive Manual N/A on 2.5 XT Premium Package |
| Automatic Transmission (Optional) | 4-speed electronic Direct Control automatic (optional on 2.5 XT, standard on 2.5 XT Premium Package) Automatic power mode engages with rapid use of the accelerator pedal. |
| All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Full-Time AWD system automatically distributes power between front and rear wheels based on traction needs: Manual transmission models have a viscous-coupling locking center differential. Automatic transmission models have an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch. 2.5 XS and 2.5 XT models have a limited-slip rear differential. |
Chassis
| Body Construction | Unitized with hydroformed front sub-frame, front and rear crumple zones and aluminum-alloy hood. 72% of body sheet metal is two-sided galvanized |
| Suspension | Fully independent, heavy-duty raised type with coil springs and struts Front: lower L-arms with liquid-filled rear bushings and stabilizer bar Rear: parallel links and stabilizer bar |
| Brakes | ower-assisted with dual diagonal hydraulic circuits and 4-channel/4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) (2.5 XS and 2.5 XT) Front: 11.4-inch ventilated discs with twin-piston-calipers Rear: 9.0-inch drums (2.5 X); 10.3-inch discs (2.5 XS and 2.5 XT) |
| Steering | Variable ratio rack-and-pinion with engine-speed-sensing power assist |
| urning Circle, Curb-to-Curb | 34.8 ft. all models |
| Wheels | 2.5 X: 16×6.5-inch styled steel with center cap 2.5 XS: 16×6.5-inch aluminum-alloy 5-spoke design 2.5 XT: 16×6.5-inch aluminum-alloy 6-spoke design |
| Tires | 215/60R16 94H M+S all-season radials with raised black letters and full-size spare |
Dimensions
| Wheelbase/Length | 99.4/175.2–all models |
| Width/Height | 68.3/65.0–all models |
| Track: Front/Rear | 58.9/58.5–all models |
| Minimum Road Clearance | 7.5 (at curb weight)–all models |
| Headroom | Front: 39.8 (39.0 with moonroof†) Rear: 39.8 (37.0 with moonroof†) |
| Legroom | Front/Rear 43.6/33.7–all models |
| EPA Interior Volume (cubic feet) | 93.5 (91.2 with moonroof†) |
| EPA Cargo Volume (cubic feet) | 32.0 (rear seat up) 29.6 (rear seat up with moonroof†) 64.1 (rear seat down-SAE) 62.7 (rear seat down-SAE with moonroof†) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs.) | 2000 Automatic Transmission (Class One) 2400 Manual Transmission (Class One) |
2004 Subaru Forester Safety Features
- Meets all federal passenger car safety standards
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Viscous limited-slip rear differential
- 4-channel/4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
- Safety brake-pedal system
- Dual front air bags (SRS)
- Dual-stage deployment passenger front air bag (SRS)
- Front seat head/chest side impact air bags (SRS)
- Active front seat head restraints
- Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
- 3-point front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, force limiters and height-adjustable shoulder belt anchors
- Energy-absorbing collapsible steering column
- 5-mph impact-absorbing bumpers
- Child safety rear door locks
2004 Subaru Forester Interior Features
- Sport design reclining front bucket seats with height-adjustable head restraints
- Driver’s seat height and lumbar adjustments
- Front seatback net pockets
- 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback
- Perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter handle and parking brake handle
- Rear seat headrests for all three seating positions
- Tilt-adjustable steering column
- Off-delay dome light
- Overhead console with dual sunglasses storage bin and dual map lights
- 12-volt center console power outlet
- Upper dash storage pocket with lid and digital clock
- Sport design instrumentation
- Four cup holders: two in center console and dual retractable rear
- Remote keyless entry system
- Cruise control
- Air conditioning with rotary controls and 4-speed fan
- Automatic climate control system
Exterior Features
- Functional hood scoop
- Headlights: auto-off with ignition switch
- Dual power fold-away mirrors
- Large dual power heated fold-away mirrors
- Variable intermittent windshield wipers
- Dual-mode rear window wiper with washer: single speed and fixed intermittent
- Rear window wiper de-icer
- Rear window defogger with timer
- Multi-reflector fog lights
- Headlights auto-off with ignition switch
Warranties
- Basic Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first
- Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first
- Rust Perforation Warranty: 5 years, unlimited mileage
View also 2004 Subaru Outback
