Subaru Forester 1997

Overview

Likes

All-wheel drive is great on wet and slushy roads

Surprising ability off road

Good handling for an SUV

Dislikes

Base model GX didn't get airbags until 2000

Low performing 2.0-litre engine

Some road noise, particularly on course surfaces

Subaru Forester 1997 Reviews

CAR REVIEWS

Used Subaru Forester review: 1997-2002

6.0/10

23 Mar 2018

CAR REVIEWS

Used Subaru Forester review: 1997-2014

24 Feb 2015

CAR REVIEWS

Used Subaru Forester review: 1997-2013

7.0/10

10 Feb 2014

CAR REVIEWS

Used Subaru Forester review: 1997-2011

15 Jun 2012

CAR REVIEWS

Used Subaru Forester review: 1997-2001

2 Sep 2006

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Subaru Forester 1997 News

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18 Aug 2011

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26 Jul 2008

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Subaru Forester 1997 VS The Competition

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Subaru Forester 1997 Towing Capacity

The 1997 Subaru Forester has maximum towing capacity of 1300kg. Some models also offer heavy-duty or towing option packs which can increase towing capacity, as well as options which can hamper towing capacity. Towing capacities can vary wildly on a large number of factors. These include engine, transmission, model, and options chosen. Always check with the manufacturer or in your vehicles handbook before attempting to tow anything.

Subaru Forester Model	Body Type	Specs	Braked Capacity
Gx	Body Type: SUV	Specs: 2.0L ULP 4 SP AUTO	Braked Capacity: 1300kg
Rx Limited	Body Type: SUV	Specs: 2.0L ULP 4 SP AUTO	Braked Capacity: 1300kg

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Subaru Forester 1997 Pricing & Specs

The Subaru Forester 1997 prices range from $2,200 for the basic trim level SUV Gx to $5,170 for the top of the range SUV Rx Limited.

$2,200

Based on third party pricing data.

Subaru Forester Model	Body Type	Specs	Price from	Price to
Gx	Body Type: SUV	Specs: 2.0L ULP 4 SP AUTO	Price From: $2,200	Price To: $4,730
Rx Limited	Body Type: SUV	Specs: 2.0L ULP 4 SP AUTO	Price From: $2,860	Price To: $5,170

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Subaru Forester 1997 Dimensions

Dimensions for the 1997 Subaru Forester are dependent on which body type is chosen. The maximum width and height is 1735mm x 1595mm and can vary on the basis of model.

Subaru Forester Model	Body Type	Height x Width x Length	Ground Clearance
Gx	Body Type: SUV	Height x Width x Length: 1595x1735x4450 mm	Ground Clearance: 200 mm
Rx Limited	Body Type: SUV	Height x Width x Length: 1595x1735x4450 mm	Ground Clearance: 200 mm

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Subaru Forester 1997 FAQs

My 2010 Subaru Forester has a clunk shifting to third or fourth

This is a bit of a known problem in the six-speed manual (which I assume is the transmission you’re talking about) in this model Forester. Some examples of this model were manufactured with a missing oil passageway. Over time, this can lead to poor lubrication of the third and fourth gears, leading to failure.

The noise and clunk that you’re hearing now might be the start of this failure. The good news is that Subaru actually recalled affected vehicles to fix this problem, so you need to contact a Subaru dealership to see if your car was one of the affected ones and what can be done about it now.

It’s worth remembering that this recall was issued back in the day (2010) but if the problem is the one identified in the recall, that shouldn’t matter as Australian vehicle recalls don’t have an expiry date.

Does the 2021 Subaru Forester have a timing chain or timing belt?

This generation of the Subaru Forester used the 2.5-litre FB25 engine which made use of a timing chain that should be good for the life of the vehicle.

For the record, the vast majority of engines that use a rubber toothed timing belt have what’s called a dry belt. A relatively small number of engines use wet-belt technology which is where the rubber belt operates in an oil bath situation. This tech has proved to be problematic for some car-makers and Ford, for one, is moving to a timing chain layout for the new engine in its Ranger, Everest and Transit line-up.

What switch controls the light for the speedometer in a 2008 Subaru Forester?

Most cars have a rotary dial somewhere on the dashboard to control the brightness of the dashboard lights. On this model Subaru it’s extremely well hidden. But if you look closely at the indicator stalk, you should see a collar surrounding it towards the tip of the stalk. This collar can be twisted in either direction to either brighten or darken the dashboard lighting. However, I’ve read that while some of the lights will adjust this way, the speedometer’s brightness is non-adjustable.

I’m told that by holding the climate control off button down for a few seconds, you can also adjust the intensity of the lighting for that function as well.

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Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. CarsGuide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

Subaru Forester 1997 Wheel Size

Wheel size for the 1997 Subaru Forester will vary depending on model chosen, although keep in mind that many manufacturers offer alternate wheel sizes as options on many models. The wheel size available will alter the range of tyres available to be fitted.

Subaru Forester Model	Body Type	Front Tyre Size	Front Rim	Rear Rim
Gx	Body Type: SUV	Front Tyre Size: 205x70 R15	Front Rim: 6.0x15 in	Rear Rim: 6.0x15 in
Rx Limited	Body Type: SUV	Front Tyre Size: 205x70 R15	Front Rim: 6.0x15 in	Rear Rim: 6.0x15 in

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Subaru Forester 1997 Fuel consumption

Fuel consumption for the 1997 Subaru Forester is dependent on the type of engine, transmission, or model chosen. The Subaru Forester currently offers fuel consumption from 9.9L/100km.

Subaru Forester Model	Body Type	Specs	Fuel Consumption
Gx	Body Type: SUV	Specs: 2.0L ULP 5 SP MAN	Fuel Consumption: 9.9L/100km
Gx	Body Type: SUV	Specs: 2.0L ULP 4 SP AUTO	Fuel Consumption: 10.0L/100km

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Subaru Forester 1997

Subaru Forester 1997

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Subaru Forester 1997 VS The Competition

Subaru Forester 1997 Towing Capacity

Subaru Forester 1997 Pricing & Specs

Subaru Forester 1997 Dimensions

Subaru Forester 1997 FAQs

Subaru Forester 1997 Wheel Size

Subaru Forester 1997 Fuel consumption