CarSpecHub

Subaru Forester, 1997–2000

Subaru Forester 1st generation specifications

The Subaru Forester 1st generation was built from 1997 to 2000. This page lists all 37 versions (wagon and crossover) with 120–247 hp and 176–350 Nm of torque.

120–247 hp
Power (89–184 kW)
176–350 Nm
Torque (130–258 lb-ft)
8.2–12.5 s
0–100 km/h (fastest to slowest version)
198 km/h
Highest top speed (123 mph)

All versions

From least to most powerful. Figures are manufacturer claims and vary by market and model year.

Power, torque and performance for each version of the Subaru Forester 1st generation.
VersionEnginePowerTorque0–100 km/hTop speedGearboxDrive
2.0 AT Crossover 5-doors2.0 litre gasoline120 hp 90 kW176 Nm12.1 s166 km/hAutomatic, 4-speedAll wheel drive
2.0 MT Crossover 5-doors2.0 litre gasoline120 hp 90 kW176 Nm10.8 s178 km/hManual, 5-speedAll wheel drive
2.0 AT 4WD wagon 5 doors2.0 litre gasoline121 hp 90 kW176 Nm10.9 s178 km/hAutomatic, 4-speedAll wheel drive
2.0 MT 4WD wagon 5 doors2.0 litre gasoline121 hp 90 kW176 Nm10.8 s178 km/hManual, 5-speedAll wheel drive
2.0 AT Crossover 5-doors2.0 litre gasoline123 hp 92 kW184 Nm12.4 s167 km/hAutomatic, 4-speedAll wheel drive
2.0 AT 4WD wagon 5 doors2.0 litre gasoline123 hp 92 kW184 Nm12.4 s166 km/hAutomatic, 4-speedAll wheel drive
2.0 MT Crossover 5-doors2.0 litre gasoline123 hp 92 kW184 Nm11.4 s179 km/hManual, 5-speedAll wheel drive
2.0 MT 4WD wagon 5 doors2.0 litre gasoline123 hp 92 kW184 Nm10.7 s178 km/hManual, 5-speedAll wheel drive
2.0 AT JP-spec crossover 5-doors2.0 litre gasoline133 hp 99 kW181 Nm——Automatic, 4-speedAll wheel drive
2.0 AT 4WD wagon 5 doors2.0 litre gasoline133 hp 99 kW181 Nm12.5 s170 km/hAutomatic, 4-speedAll wheel drive
2.0 MT JP-spec crossover 5-doors2.0 litre gasoline133 hp 99 kW181 Nm——Manual, 5-speedAll wheel drive
2.0 MT 4WD wagon 5 doors2.0 litre gasoline133 hp 99 kW181 Nm10.8 s170 km/hManual, 5-speedAll wheel drive
2.0 AT JP-spec crossover 5-doors2.0 litre gasoline135 hp 101 kW186 Nm——Automatic, 4-speedAll wheel drive
2.0 AT 4WD wagon 5 doors2.0 litre gasoline135 hp 101 kW187 Nm12.5 s170 km/hAutomatic, 4-speedAll wheel drive
2.0 MT JP-spec crossover 5-doors2.0 litre gasoline135 hp 101 kW186 Nm——Manual, 5-speedAll wheel drive
2.0 MT 4WD wagon 5 doors2.0 litre gasoline135 hp 101 kW187 Nm10.8 s178 km/hManual, 5-speedAll wheel drive
2.5 AT 4WD wagon 5 doors2.5 litre gasoline148 hp 110 kW221 Nm10.6 s—Automatic, 4-speedAll wheel drive
2.5 MT 4WD wagon 5 doors2.5 litre gasoline148 hp 110 kW221 Nm10.8 s178 km/hManual, 5-speedAll wheel drive
2.5 AT 4WD wagon 5 doors2.5 litre gasoline162 hp 121 kW225 Nm8.4 s—Automatic, 4-speedAll wheel drive
2.5 MT 4WD wagon 5 doors2.5 litre gasoline162 hp 121 kW226 Nm10.8 s178 km/hManual, 5-speedAll wheel drive
2.5 AT Crossover 5-doors2.5 litre gasoline163 hp 121 kW225 Nm——Automatic, 4-speedAll wheel drive
2.5 MT Crossover 5-doors2.5 litre gasoline163 hp 121 kW225 Nm——Manual, 5-speedAll wheel drive
2.5 AT JP-spec crossover 5-doors2.5 litre gasoline165 hp 123 kW235 Nm——Automatic, 4-speedAll wheel drive
2.0 AT Crossover 5-doors2.0 litre gasoline168 hp 125 kW240 Nm9.3 s189 km/hAutomatic, 4-speedAll wheel drive
2.0 AT 4WD wagon 5 doors2.0 litre gasoline168 hp 125 kW240 Nm9.3 s189 km/hAutomatic, 4-speedAll wheel drive

Dimensions and weight

Typical values for the 1st generation, wagon and crossover.
Length4,460 mm176 in
Width1,735 mm68 in
Height1,580 mm62 in
Wheelbase2,525 mm99 in
Ground clearance190 mm7 in
Kerb weight1,280–1,442 kg2,822–3,179 lb
Boot space406–1,525 litres14–54 cu ft
Seats5
Turning circle10.8 m35 ft
Fuel tank60 litres16 US gal
Towing (braked trailer)up to 3,755 kg8,278 lb

Questions about the Subaru Forester 1st generation

What is the most powerful Subaru Forester 1st generation?

The 2.0 AT jp-spec crossover 5-doors, with 247 hp (184 kW) and 309 Nm of torque.

How fast is the Subaru Forester 1st generation from 0 to 100 km/h?

The quickest version, the 2.0 MT 4WD wagon 5 doors, takes 8.2 seconds; the slowest takes 12.5 seconds. 0–60 mph is about 0.3 seconds quicker than 0–100 km/h.

What engines does the Subaru Forester 1st generation have?

Engines from 2.0 to 2.5 litres, running on gasoline. The table above lists the power, torque and gearbox of each version.

How big is the Subaru Forester 1st generation?

About 4,460 mm long, 1,735 mm wide and 1,580 mm tall (176 in long), weighing 1,280–1,442 kg. Figures vary slightly by body style.

Every Subaru Forester generation

  1. 1st generation 1997–2000
  2. 1st generation, facelift 2000–2002
  3. 2nd generation 2002–2005
  4. 2nd generation, facelift 2005–2008
  5. 3rd generation 2007–2011
  6. 3rd generation, facelift 2010–2013
  7. 4th generation 2012–2015
  8. 4th generation, facelift 2015–2016
  9. 4th generation, second facelift 2016–2019
  10. 5th generation 2018–2021
  11. 5th generation, facelift 2021–present
  12. 6th generation 2024–present

Subaru Forester overview: current engines, dimensions and markets

Sources: manufacturer data for each version. Figures are manufacturer claims and vary by market, model year and equipment.