Used Subaru Forester review: 1997-2001

MODEL WATCH

The Forester was launched here in 1997. It was based on the Impreza platform. Although, it didn't look much like its rather mundane family-car cousin. Its four-door wagon body gave it a completely new look, one that promised the convenience of a station wagon for a family combined with the ability to escape the shackles of the city.

It had the high-driving position with the good road vision, but it didn't have the bulkiness. It was relatively light and had good road manners which made it an easy driving all-rounder perfect for the family.

The Forester was primarily powered by Subaru's familiar single overhead camshaft flat-four engine, in this case a 2.0-litre unit developing 92kW at 5600 revs and 184Nm at 3600 revs. Not exactly sports car stuff, but it pulls smoothly and willingly from low down in the rev range with heaps of mid-range grunt.

When raced it would accelerate to 100km/h in a little over 11 seconds and account for the standing 400m dash in a respectable 17 seconds. At the same time it would return about 11.0L/100km on average.

For more zip, Subaru released the GT in 1998 and that came with a turbocharged double overhead camshaft 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine boasting 125kW at 5600 revs and 240Nm at 3200 revs. Buyers could choose between a five-speed manual gearbox and a four-speed auto trans. The Forester's system is a constant four-wheel-drive, unlike other soft-roaders which have a part-time system with drive primarily going through either the front or rear wheels.

At the heart of the system is a centre transfer case with viscous limited-slip differential. When it detects a difference in the rotation speed of the front and rear axles, it automatically adjusts the torque split for optimum drive.

Subaru offered three main variants of the Forester: the GX Wagon, RX Limited Wagon and GT Wagon.

The GX Wagon had steel wheels, colour-coded bumpers, roof rails, power steering, cruise, power windows and mirrors and central locking. The RX Limited Wagon had all of that plus dual front airbags, air-conditioning and self-levelling suspension.

At the top of the Forester range sat the GT Wagon which had alloy wheels, velour trim, leather steering wheel and hand brake knob, metallic paint and central locking.

IN THE SHOP

There isn't much that goes wrong with the Forester in general. While most Foresters stick to the black top around town, it is worth checking for signs of heavy offroad use. A lack of ground clearance is the thing that stops a Forester, so take a look at the underbody for damage that might have been caused by being grounded on a rough bush track. If you suspect it has been used off-road for more than the occasional trip down an unsealed road, walk away. There are plenty more out there to choose from.

It's important to change the cam-timing belt every 100,000km. So make sure that's been done. While you're at it, check the service record to make sure the servicing has been done as Subaru recommends.

CRUNCH TIME

The Forester gets good marks for primary safety with its all-wheel-drive system. Anti-lock brakes weren't available on the GX, but were standard on the RX and GT, enhancing their primary safety.

Likewise, airbags were not available on the GX, but the RX and GT both had dual front airbags making them the preferred choice for secondary crash protection.