• Second-generation Forester was introduced for 2003 with premium performance, safety, comfort and utility enhancements.
• New for 2005, Forester 2.5 XS L.L.Bean Edition i the premium naturally aspirated model, featuring enhancements to performance, luxury and utility.
• Sport Utility Tough, Car Easy™ crossover design approach blends positive SUV attributes such as a high seating point and interior versatility with passenger car comfort, handling and fuel efficienc
• Forester 2.5 XT model was introduced for 2004 with high-performance intercooled / turbocharged engine.
New for 2005
• 4-speed electronic direct control automatic transmission (standard for 2.5 XS L.L.Bean Edition; optional for other models)
• 8-way power driver’s seat (except 2.5 X)
• Air filtration system
• Body-color bumpers and protective side cladding (2.5 XS)
• Dual-stage deployment driver’s front air bag
• Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system now on naturally aspirated models
• Illuminated power lock switches
• Raised black letter tires replace raised white-letter tires on 2.5 X and 2.5 XS models
• Tricot upholstery (2.5 X)

Key Facts:
• Forester 2.5 X and 2.5 XS models powered by a 165-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine. Forester 2.5 XT powered by a 210-horsepower intercooled/turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer engine th emphasizes strong torque at low engine speeds.
• All Forester models are equipped with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (two different systems, depending on the transmission). Models with the 5-speed manual transmission feature a viscous coupling locking center differential that distributes power 50/50 front to rear. Models with the 4-speed electronic direct control automatic transmission feature an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch housed in the
transaxle tailshaft. Both systems power all four wheels all the time and can transfer more power to the wheels with the best grip.
Hill Holder clutch system in models with 5-speed manual transmission helps make starting off on an incline easier and safer.
4-speed electronic direct control automatic transmission introduced on 2004 Forester 2.5 XT now available on all models (standard on 2.5 XS L.L.Bean Edition); uses fewer moving parts than the previous 4-speed automatic transmission and benefits from redesigned electronic controls. Advanced computer technology provides for a more
precise shift pattern and slope control functions on inclines and descents.
Robust body structure, heavy-duty raised 4-wheel independent suspension, and standard 16-inch wheels make Forester models fun to drive while preserving a smooth, quiet ride and trail-driving ability; load-leveling rear suspension standard on 2.5 XS L.L.Bean Edition.
Forester meets all Federal passenger car safety standards and achieved the highest rating (“good”) in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests. Standard
safety features include a 4-channel/4-sensor anti-lock brake system (ABS), dual-stage deployment driver’s and passenger front air bags, standard front seat head/chest side-impact air bags (SRS), active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
• Forester offers seating for five. Cargo capacity behind rear seat is 32.0 cu. ft. and doubles to 64.1 cu. ft. with standard rear 60/40 split rear seatbacks folded down (29.6/62.7 cu. ft. in models with moonroof). Roof rails and crossbars are standard on all models.

Basic Specifications
Body 5-pass. SUV
Wheelbase 99.4 in.
Length 175.2 in.
Base weight 3,090 lb
Ground clearance 7.5 in.
Engine
2.5 X and 2.5 XS: H4, 2.5-liter
Horsepower 165 @ 5,600 rpm
Torque 166 lb-ft. @ 4,000 rpm
2.5 XT: H4, 2.5-liter,
intercooled/turbocharged
Horsepower 210 @ 5,600 rpm
Torque 235 lb-ft. @ 3,600 rpm
Key Standard Features (Forester 2.5 X)
• 16 x 6.5-inch styled steel wheels with 215/60R16 all-season raised black-letter tires
• 4-channel/4-sensor anti-lock brake system (ABS)
• 100-watt AM/FM/Weatherband stereo with single-disc CD player and four speakers
• Air conditioning
• Air filtration system
• Cruise control
• Digital outside temperature gauge
• Foldable power side-view mirrors
• Height adjustable driver’s seat
• Multi-reflector fog lights
• Power door locks
• Power windows with driver’s auto down
• Rear wiper/washer and wiper de-icer
• Remote keyless entry system
• Roof rails with cross bars
• Textured gray bumpers and lower body side cladding
• Tilt-adjustable steering column Forester 2.5 XS and 2.5 XT models add:
• 4-wheel disc brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• 8-way power driver’s seat
• 120-watt AM/FM Weatherband stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer and upgraded speakers (7-speaker audio system with rear sub-woofer for 2.5XT)
• All-Weather Package that includes: viscous limited-slip rear differential, dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer
• Aluminum-alloy wheels (8-spoke for 2.5 XS and 6-spoke for 2.5 XT)
• Automatic climate control system
• Large side view mirrors
• Monochromatic appearance with body-color bumpers and side cladding
• Perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake handle
• Upgraded interior trim, upholstery and carpeting Forester 2.5 XS L.L.Bean Edition adds over 2.5 XS:
• 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels
• 4-speed electronic direct control automatic transmission (optional for other models)
• Auto-dimming rear-view compass mirror
• Beige leather-trimmed upholstery with perforated leather bolsters and L.L.Bean logo-embossed front seats
• Bumpers and body cladding: steel gray metallic or platinum silver metallic
• L.L.Bean-embroidered floor mats
• Power moonroof (also available for 2.5 XS and 2.5XT)
• Rear seatback and cargo floor – durable, water-resistant hard surface
• Security system
• Self-leveling rear suspension