I think I saw someone complaining about the rear window sprayer some time ago, so I'll relay my experience.
The rear sprayer on my 2002 was not "bringing forth", so I took it into the dealer. They found a kink in the line. Unfortunately I did not ask where was the kink, but it now sprays with gusto!
Our training session was pretty short yesterday. Also, we did not get to drive it because it was a pre-production model that could not be driven on the streets. That being said:
Stats: Brochures with details are not available yet. I'll post when they are so you can all request one via Subaru.com.
Rear seat room: No, it's not as much room as an Outback, but I can say I noticed an increase in leg room. I was much more comfortable.
In one word, I would say that the new Forester has become more "refined". It is a beautiful car. The styling is more European. Cup holder's = 4 (two in the console) and two in the rear.
There are 3 outlets, including one in the console that can accomodate a cell phone (it closes while the phone is plugged in). In the "what's inside that counts" catagory, I was really impressed. More use of aluminum alloys to lighten the car up. It is much more streamlined. The aerodynamics have been changed to allow for a drag reduction from .389 to .35. For comparison, the SVX is .32.
The undercover has been redesigned for improved aerodynamics along with the exterior re-design. There are front wheel air dams. The rear view is improved (with a goal of being able to see anything at least 39"). The current rear wiper has a clearing range of 136 degrees. In the 2K3, it is 168 degrees.
There is a hydroformed sub-frame that has less spot welds and is lighter. There are rails in the undercarriage that are designed to facilitate the engine dropping and sliding back in a front end collision. Side mirrors are grooved to allow for rain to run off better.
Towing capacitiy is now 2400 lbs with a manual (with trailer brakes) and 2000 lbs for an automatic.
There is an internal rebound spring inside the struts to adjust for body attitude. There is an increase in brake rotor size (from 10.7 to 11.4) and a larger master brake cylinder to improve brake feel.
Hillholder is back. Crush zones built into the shoulder line. Active head restraints and side head/chest air bags.
There is a tilt steering column that allows for more adjustment for a roomier feel.
Variable gear ratio steering (simply put - looser feel for parking, etc. and tighter feel at highway speeds).
The interior is much richer in look. Better visors and control placement. Dual stage airbags.
Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to get some information to you.
For your 2K3 Forester post! Great info. You're the best. We are so lucky to have you in our midst here. I post here now and again and always feel I'm very serious and technical. BUT, another reason I'm glad to have a Subaru is your involvement in these boards. This community aspect is the real thing when it comes to the elusive, much talked about concept of "brand loyalty".
Hi, Patti, do you know when the 2003 will be out to dealers? I will be looking to replace a car in May and am contemplating the 2002 Forester but it looks like there are quite a few changes to the 2003 so I should look in to that too. Will the exterior colors be the same? Thanks again for keeping the board up to date. Gene
I've never seen a MT have a higher towing capacity than the AT. .35 and .32 CD! Pshaw my XT6s are .29 I wonder if that is still the lowest in the industry? I know the NSX just dropped to .33 for 03.
Indeed, it is interesting that the manual has has a higher towing capacity—and that it's been increased over other Subarus! I've never seen that before. I could understand that if it had the dual-range tranny. I guess that extra gear in the manual does the trick, and that the clutch is up to the task. I wonder if the Outback will also get an increased towing capacity for '03?
I'm assuming the unbraked towing is still at 1000 pounds for both models?
Well, I know there is a white and a red. I don't have much information on the other colors yet. The red Forester that I was looking at was different than our current Sedona Red. It had a bit more of a subtle "purplish (sp)" hue to it. It was VERY subtle, but it was very nice with the tan interior. Also, the interior was a richer tan than what I have seen in the past.
more Outback-like in terms of refinement and content? That's the sense I've gotten from everything I've read to date.
I'm wondering if the increased towing is more in line with what Subaru recommends for other markets, such as Australia and Europe? Need to get out my metric converter...
I wonder if that will also be used in the '03 Impreza, and will replace the Sedona Red? The Impreza and Forester have shared several colors in the past, including Sedona Red.
Great write up. I could almost visualize the changes as I read down your post. As a 1st gen, 1st year Forester owner, I'm really happy how Subaru has put the effort to further refine the model. All the changes make it sound great!
So, what's your overall impression of the 2003 Forester? Would you consider getting one? How about if it came in a turbo (wink, wink)? :-)
Hi everyone. I'm a new member of this board and am considering purchasing a new 2002 Forester. My question is for Patti. First Patti let me say that I am impressed that Subaru is listening to its customers and potential customers. Other brand dealers have told me that information posted on these boards is not believable and therefore they pay no attention to it.
My concern...I have read that several people have had(expensive)problems with wheel bearing failures. I have also spoken with a small dealer who has told me his theory on why this is happening. Obviously there is a design flaw here. Is Subaru working to correct this problem or will I be on my own once the power train warranty expires.
Patti, thank you for looking into this for me. I know you said you called my dealership and the manager there was sincere about helping me. After bringing it there twice for the same problem I tried another dealer and they definitely said the alignment was out and sent it out for a 4 wheel alignment. We'll see how this goes. Thanks again, I'll let you know how I make out.
crossroads- Welcome. I can't answer for Patti but from what I've seen posted, the problem with the wheel bearing failures has been greatly exaggerated. Of the actual number reported, it appears that the majority of instances involved the initial 97/98 Forester with few (if any) being reported on the latter models). Also, many of the wheel bearings crossroads- Welcome. I can't answer for Patti but from what I've seen posted, the problem with the wheel bearing failures has been greatly exaggerated. Of the actual number reported, it appears that the majority of instances involved the initial 97/98 Foresters with few (if any) being reported on the latter models. Also, many of the wheel bearings failed relatively early on while still under warranty and therefore the repairs were at no charge to the consumer.
I don't know if Subaru ever admitted that there was a production problem with the early models but Subaru has recognized that it is easy to improperly replace failed bearings and has provided detailed instructions to the dealers on how it should be done.
Thanks for your response Frankp. I guess I hear what you say, but the impression I am getting is that the problem is still out there. I will be interested to hear what Patti has to say about it.
Also any others owners comments would be welcomed.
My 2001 Forester S is now 21 months old with 27,000 kms, mainly city driving (Vancouver) except for summers spent on nasty logging roads. The *only* problem I had was a noise in the rear hatch that was fixed by replacing the hatch latch (I love saying that). Rufus is still very tight and quiet, tracks perfectly and the tires and brakes are wearing very evenly and slowly. This is the most trouble free car I have ever owned (at least so far). My first new car purchase was in 1969 so there have been quite a few. I too have heard of repeat failures in wheel bearings, and yes, some of them were on newer cars. They still seem rare and the repeat is due mainly to over torquing during installation.
I have a 2001 Forester L with auto transmission. I hear a klicking sound when trans shifting from 2 to 3 gear - not all the time and sound is louder when I'm going uphill with acceleration. Also I'm hear similar sound when breaking - but much quiter. (Except - in cold weather - when I'm breaking first time). Is there any problem with transmission or clutch?
Ask the dealer to check the ATF fluid at the next service. That alone reveals a lot. It doesn't sound like anything big.
Please don't touch the moonroof, for me it's the main attraction. Size does matter. ;-)
My main impression is this: Subaru has been listening. Sounds like they really took our feedback and addressed our concerns. Slightly more towing, even? That's a shocker. I was way off. paisan - you got the pool results? Who said 2400 lbs?
More refined reminds me of the Impreza changes, so I believe it. The Outback Sport I drove was far more refined that my Forester. The visors had to go - mine are plastic and neither side even has a mirror. Even on upscale models they were cheap. Good to hear.
Wheel bearings should cease to be an issue, because they likely changed the design, like they did for the 2002 Impreza.
Hi everybody. I thought I'd intoduce myself here since I recently bought a 2002 Forester. I picked it up March 1st and so far so good. While I am an aircraft mechanic by trade, I don't plan on doing any heavy maintenance myself. I'll do the light stuff like fluids, filters, brakes and such, but any real problems the dealer is going to get. The service department at the dealer I bought the car from comes highly recommended by several people. Any of you have experiences with Metric Subaru in Huntington, New York? I'd like to hear what you have to say about them. Besides, I have a 1971 VW bus for when I feel like tinkering. So far, thanks to you folks, I'm driving with an ear out for bearing noises and am being careful when putting the fuel cap back on. Any other issues I should be aware of on a day to day basis? The car is running just fine and with about 600 miles on the odometer it's getting 21 miles to the gallon in mostly "around town" driving. It seems like the Subarus have a following similar to the old aircooled VWs. Anyway, I hope I can be of some help here as well as receiving it when I'm in need.
Not only Subaru was listening to our pleas, it was actually reading our minds. Well, at least my mind for sure. I always loved aluminum in the interior (as already said, I do like all things shiny :-), but forgot to put it on my wishlist for 2K3 Forester... and here it comes!
Drool, drool, drool. Time to cut down on expenses (husband's beer and cable TV are first to go, right?), to save some dough for a new Forester.
Warm welcome! I, too, was an avid reader of this site while in the process of deciding, purchasing and breaking in my 2001 Forester S, "Toby." (I vowed to not get stung by the CEL/gas cap sting. But twice in 6 months! Double DOH!) You will find the members here among the finest, most helpful and informative posters as exists on the whole of the internet. Looking forward to your posts.... Joe
We did have some wheel bearing failures in earlier models. It wasn't a large number. I think what really got to customer's was the number of times that they would fail after the first replacement.
We found that there were shortcuts happening with the installation. They needed to be hand pressed, but that took time. If it wasn't done properly, the hub was getting distorted causing repeat problems. That can be seriously frustrating for people. We did send out very clear installation instructions to try to ease it. I think (don't quote me) that the newer models have bearings that are less sensitive to improper installation. I hope that helps you in your decision.
Welcome to the family! And a '71 VW Bus to boot! Metric has some nice folks. If you ever have a problem, tell Dave Brown, the Service Manager, that Patti sent you. I think he'll laugh and I'm sure he'll take care of you!
ateixeira...yep, the VW is a boxer too, but aircooled. I've got to tell you though, the subie engine is a favorite among enthusiasts to fit to their old VWs. Maybe I'll go find myself an engine and do a transplant someday.
Patti...thanks for the welcome. I've heard nothing but good things about Dave Brown, of Metric, from both friends and strangers who I "interviewed" to see how they liked their Subaru. He's part of the reason I bought from Metric, not to mention that they offered the lowest price of 3 local dealers I went to.
hopelessly in love with 2001 forester-i bought a 2002 forester for my wife soshe could be safe in rain and snow. I have driven mercedes diesels for the last 28 years; still have several-difference in bad weather awsome. too bad cannot get diesel engine in forrester and have best of both worlds.
Wow, you've made my life complicated! Or shall I say Subaru has. Just until the 2003 Forester was announced, I was sure I'd want a WRX Wagon a Legacy GT Wagon as my next vehicle. Now hearing all the improvements in the 2003 Forester plus the wink-wink engine, I feel like a kid let loose in a candy store (but without the money quite yet). :-)
Any news on the updates to the 2003 Legacy? Whoops, wrong forum! I'll take it over to Future Models...
Thanks for the info re the wheel bearings. We concluded the deal this evening. So on Saturday we will be driving a new, silver Ltd. We're really looking foreward to it.
I see that many of you have given names to your cars...maybe I should call ours HI HO! (As in HI Ho Silver Awayyy..). Somehow I don't think the BOSS will go along with that name.
I had my Forester surviced today at Camelback Subaru in Phoenix AZ,and I got to talking to a sales rep. I asked him when the new Forester would be there, he said not till Sept. I said "well everything I've heard or read says in May",he says"oh yeah,well we should get 1 or 2 for the lot in May,but until production gets geared up probably won't have any volume till Sept".He went on to say"we should have the Baja here in April tho". I'm sure Patti will have much more reliable info on that matter. This is slightly OT. I was drooling over a blue WRX wagon, and I noticed MVA $1500 on the sticker,so I asked about it .Market Value Added.Because of the supply& demand they tack on an extra $$$$,never had heard of that,but then again I've only shopped for one new car in 20yrs It also sounds like SOA wants to make all Subie franchises independent,by that I mean,a car dealership with just Subaru's. That's it for now folks,TaTa, Tony The more I drive it the more I like it.
Congratulations on your purchase. I'm sure you'll love it. Hi Ho - I like it. Mine is Rufus, Ken has Raven, Kate has Silvius, Juice has Sandy. Foresters seem to like names. It should be a great ride of the Interiour. Enjoy it.
Tony- Your salesman is probably right in that it will be fall before dealerships have a sufficient inventory of 2003s.
Regarding the market value added practice... I believe it is also popular with CA dealers. Dealers employ it on vehicles that are in high demand and low supply (PT Cruiser, New Bug etc). It's usually discouraged by the manufacturers (since they don't see any of the money and it creates ill feeling with buyers). The best way to stop it is to vote with your feet and purchase elsewhere (you could fly to the east coast to buy and still save over $1,000).
Is the glove box lined? I put a felt liner in mine, which wasn't.
The hatch fix sounds good - a few people have complained that it's hard to get it to close properly the first time.
Transplant? Sounds interesting. If you could find a wrecked WRX, imagine a 227hp VW Bus! Wow! That would actually be pretty scary!
Way to go, goose! Double ownership? You have us all beat! Congrats!
Congrats to Mike in advance. We joke that most owners are named Dave or Mike, so you'll fit right in, and prove us right!
Tony: markups? He's dreaming. $500 over invoice is easy, at many dealers, for a WRX. Even at first most people only paid MSRP.
Look at the Beetle and Cruiser - both are heavily discounted now. Pity the guy who paid $25 grand on eBay, boy was that dumb. New PTs cost $14.6k and up now, so his may be worth $12 grand. Half the value a year later. Ouch.
Hi everybody, I'll be going for one month to Europe soon and have a dilemma: is it safe to disconnect battery in my Forester 01 for such a long period of time. I don't want it to be drained by this little red alarm light. Will it affect car computer in any way? Thank you, Chris.
I would pull the negative battery terminal. A month is a long time with no charging. Do you have a trickle charger? You may be OK without it if you disconnect the battery.
When you reconnect, make sure to start her up and let her idle until she warms up.
Comments
The rear sprayer on my 2002 was not "bringing forth", so I took it into the dealer. They found a kink in the line. Unfortunately I did not ask where was the kink, but it now sprays with gusto!
IC
-mike
Stats: Brochures with details are not available yet. I'll post when they are so you can all request one via Subaru.com.
Rear seat room: No, it's not as much room as an Outback, but I can say I noticed an increase in leg room. I was much more comfortable.
In one word, I would say that the new Forester has become more "refined". It is a beautiful car. The styling is more European. Cup holder's = 4 (two in the console) and two in the rear.
There are 3 outlets, including one in the console that can accomodate a cell phone (it closes while the phone is plugged in). In the "what's inside that counts" catagory, I was really impressed. More use of aluminum alloys to lighten the car up. It is much more streamlined. The aerodynamics have been changed to allow for a drag reduction from .389 to .35. For comparison, the SVX is .32.
The undercover has been redesigned for improved aerodynamics along with the exterior re-design. There are front wheel air dams. The rear view is improved (with a goal of being able to see anything at least 39"). The current rear wiper has a clearing range of 136 degrees. In the 2K3, it is 168 degrees.
There is a hydroformed sub-frame that has less spot welds and is lighter. There are rails in the undercarriage that are designed to facilitate the engine dropping and sliding back in a front end collision. Side mirrors are grooved to allow for rain to run off better.
Towing capacitiy is now 2400 lbs with a manual (with trailer brakes) and 2000 lbs for an automatic.
There is an internal rebound spring inside the struts to adjust for body attitude. There is an increase in brake rotor size (from 10.7 to 11.4) and a larger master brake cylinder to improve brake feel.
Hillholder is back. Crush zones built into the shoulder line. Active head restraints and side head/chest air bags.
There is a tilt steering column that allows for more adjustment for a roomier feel.
Variable gear ratio steering (simply put - looser feel for parking, etc. and tighter feel at highway speeds).
The interior is much richer in look. Better visors and control placement. Dual stage airbags.
Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to get some information to you.
Patti
- John
Patti, do you know when the 2003 will be out to dealers? I will be looking to replace a car in May and am contemplating the 2002 Forester but it looks like there are quite a few changes to the 2003 so I should look in to that too. Will the exterior colors be the same?
Thanks again for keeping the board up to date.
Gene
-mike
John
-mike
I'm assuming the unbraked towing is still at 1000 pounds for both models?
Bob
I'll get more info. as we go along and share it with you all. I appreciate the positive feedback.
Patti
-mike
Patti
I'm wondering if the increased towing is more in line with what Subaru recommends for other markets, such as Australia and Europe? Need to get out my metric converter...
Bob
Ross
Bruce
Bob
So, what's your overall impression of the 2003 Forester? Would you consider getting one? How about if it came in a turbo (wink, wink)? :-)
Ken
My concern...I have read that several people have had(expensive)problems with wheel bearing failures. I have also spoken with a small dealer who has told me his theory on why this is happening. Obviously there is a design flaw here. Is Subaru working to correct this problem or will I be on my own once the power train warranty expires.
Thanks again, I'll let you know how I make out.
I don't know if Subaru ever admitted that there was a production problem with the early models but Subaru has recognized that it is easy to improperly replace failed bearings and has provided detailed instructions to the dealers on how it should be done.
-Frank P.
Also any others owners comments would be welcomed.
Ross
I hear a klicking sound when trans shifting from 2 to 3 gear - not all the time and sound is louder when I'm going uphill with acceleration.
Also I'm hear similar sound when breaking - but much quiter. (Except - in cold weather - when I'm breaking first time).
Is there any problem with transmission or clutch?
Please don't touch the moonroof, for me it's the main attraction. Size does matter. ;-)
My main impression is this: Subaru has been listening. Sounds like they really took our feedback and addressed our concerns. Slightly more towing, even? That's a shocker. I was way off. paisan - you got the pool results? Who said 2400 lbs?
More refined reminds me of the Impreza changes, so I believe it. The Outback Sport I drove was far more refined that my Forester. The visors had to go - mine are plastic and neither side even has a mirror. Even on upscale models they were cheap. Good to hear.
Wheel bearings should cease to be an issue, because they likely changed the design, like they did for the 2002 Impreza.
-juice
:-)
Ross
Huh? I never wrote that! ;-)
-juice
I thought I'd intoduce myself here since I recently bought a 2002 Forester. I picked it up March 1st and so far so good. While I am an aircraft mechanic by trade, I don't plan on doing any heavy maintenance myself. I'll do the light stuff like fluids, filters, brakes and such, but any real problems the dealer is going to get. The service department at the dealer I bought the car from comes highly recommended by several people. Any of you have experiences with Metric Subaru in Huntington, New York? I'd like to hear what you have to say about them. Besides, I have a 1971 VW bus for when I feel like tinkering.
So far, thanks to you folks, I'm driving with an ear out for bearing noises and am being careful when putting the fuel cap back on. Any other issues I should be aware of on a day to day basis? The car is running just fine and with about 600 miles on the odometer it's getting 21 miles to the gallon in mostly "around town" driving.
It seems like the Subarus have a following similar to the old aircooled VWs. Anyway, I hope I can be of some help here as well as receiving it when I'm in need.
Paul A.
02 Subaru Forester
71 VW Bus
Not only Subaru was listening to our pleas, it was actually reading our minds. Well, at least my mind for sure. I always loved aluminum in the interior (as already said, I do like all things shiny :-), but forgot to put it on my wishlist for 2K3 Forester... and here it comes!
Drool, drool, drool. Time to cut down on expenses (husband's beer and cable TV are first to go, right?), to save some dough for a new Forester.
I, too, was an avid reader of this site while in the process of deciding, purchasing and breaking in my 2001 Forester S, "Toby."
(I vowed to not get stung by the CEL/gas cap sting. But twice in 6 months! Double DOH!)
You will find the members here among the finest, most helpful and informative posters as exists on the whole of the internet. Looking forward to your posts....
Joe
-juice
Thanks Patti, for the info. All I need is the brochure and I can go to work.
Greg
P.S. Still trying to catch up.
A little longer for the turbo, but, as it is I think everyone will love it.
Two neat little side notes:
The glove box is, for the lack of the actual technical term, kind of "hydrolic". It slowly lowers instead of flopping down. Nice solid feel.
The rear hatch, when lowered 98% of the way, will ease itself into a completely latched position. Again, very solid in feel.
I'll play some more and let you know about anything else that jumps out at me.
Patti
Patti
We found that there were shortcuts happening with the installation. They needed to be hand pressed, but that took time. If it wasn't done properly, the hub was getting distorted causing repeat problems. That can be seriously frustrating for people. We did send out very clear installation instructions to try to ease it. I think (don't quote me) that the newer models have bearings that are less sensitive to improper installation. I hope that helps you in your decision.
Patti
Patti
Patti
ateixeira...yep, the VW is a boxer too, but aircooled. I've got to tell you though, the subie engine is a favorite among enthusiasts to fit to their old VWs. Maybe I'll go find myself an engine and do a transplant someday.
Patti...thanks for the welcome. I've heard nothing but good things about Dave Brown, of Metric, from both friends and strangers who I "interviewed" to see how they liked their Subaru. He's part of the reason I bought from Metric, not to mention that they offered the lowest price of 3 local dealers I went to.
-mike
But it's just a little too far...
Have fun.
Steve
Wow, you've made my life complicated! Or shall I say Subaru has. Just until the 2003 Forester was announced, I was sure I'd want a WRX Wagon a Legacy GT Wagon as my next vehicle. Now hearing all the improvements in the 2003 Forester plus the wink-wink engine, I feel like a kid let loose in a candy store (but without the money quite yet). :-)
Any news on the updates to the 2003 Legacy? Whoops, wrong forum! I'll take it over to Future Models...
Ken
I see that many of you have given names to your cars...maybe I should call ours HI HO! (As in HI Ho Silver Awayyy..). Somehow I don't think the BOSS will go along with that name.
Mike
The more I drive it the more I like it.
Ross
The Baja will be out late Oct./Nov., IIRC.
It's sad that dealers are selling any Subaru higher than MSRP. In the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic, you can get a WRX for a few hundred over dealer invoice.
-Dennis
Regarding the market value added practice... I believe it is also popular with CA dealers. Dealers employ it on vehicles that are in high demand and low supply (PT Cruiser, New Bug etc). It's usually discouraged by the manufacturers (since they don't see any of the money and it creates ill feeling with buyers). The best way to stop it is to vote with your feet and purchase elsewhere (you could fly to the east coast to buy and still save over $1,000).
-Frank P.
The hatch fix sounds good - a few people have complained that it's hard to get it to close properly the first time.
Transplant? Sounds interesting. If you could find a wrecked WRX, imagine a 227hp VW Bus! Wow! That would actually be pretty scary!
Way to go, goose! Double ownership? You have us all beat! Congrats!
Congrats to Mike in advance. We joke that most owners are named Dave or Mike, so you'll fit right in, and prove us right!
Tony: markups? He's dreaming. $500 over invoice is easy, at many dealers, for a WRX. Even at first most people only paid MSRP.
Look at the Beetle and Cruiser - both are heavily discounted now. Pity the guy who paid $25 grand on eBay, boy was that dumb. New PTs cost $14.6k and up now, so his may be worth $12 grand. Half the value a year later. Ouch.
-juice
When you reconnect, make sure to start her up and let her idle until she warms up.
-juice