Everything Subaru 2003 Subaru Forester

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 2003 Forester
looking for 2002 or 2004 Forester

On this page scroll down or click

history- maintenance- warranty I new for 03 I prices
specs- dimensions- features I options I accessories I colors I ordering a car

2003 Pacifica Blue Pearl Forester X

Please read- this unofficial independent Subaru research site by Joe Spitz is designed to help you learn about Subarus. It is not sponsored, authorized,  supported or approved of by Subaru or any dealer and is not connected to, or affiliated with, any dealer. Always contact your local dealer. Information always subject to change, correction.

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you are here http://www.cars101.com/subaru/forester/forester2003.html v 9.28.10



About the Forester
The basics...
The Subaru Forester is an all-wheel-drive car-based SUV introduced in 1998.
Shares wheelbase with the Subaru Impreza
Only one engine, the 2.5L is available
Size and price wise it fits between the smaller Impreza and the larger Legacy and is popular with commuter, campers and small families. People appreciate the practicality, looks, strong motor, smooth ride and excellent handling.
The Forester has done very well in Insurance Institute crash tests and various consumer magazine ratings, usually earning top spots and recommended ratings.
 

Introduced in 1998: 1st year
1999 model body was stiffened and strengthened and did very well in crash tests.
2001 Minor re-design, available early, in February 2000. New: front, rear lights, dashboard, rear seats, S Premium model added
2002 model has a few minor upgrades, including factory leather (S Premium only), daytime running lights etc
2003: 2nd generation Forester available mid-May 2002. 1st major re-design. Models renamed X and XS. Side airbags standard all models, new dashboard, XS brakes and suspension upgraded. New grill, tailgate, hood, seats ...

2003 Platinum Silver Forester XS Premium, rear view
2003 Platinum Silver Forester XS, note how low the rear glass is, for safer backing-up. And big tail lights are visible from the side!



2003 Forester XS Premium MSRP window sticker
2003 Forester XS Premium with Leather MSRP window sticker

Safety and vehicle roll-over concerns
    Forester meets federal safety standards for Passenger Vehicles. Maintenance:
Oil changes intervals: 3,750 miles with normal driving, 7,500 miles with light driving
Minor service: every 15,000 miles - inspection, tire rotation (best 9-12,000 miles), air and other filter changes as necessary.
30,000 mile service with major fluids and filter change and starting with 2000 Models replace spark plugs
60,000 miles - repeat 30,000 service, on 1998-9 models spark plug replacement
105,000 miles replace timing belt.

Warranties-
Bumper-to-bumper: 3 year/36,000 miles
3year/36,000 Service Adjustment (adjustment performed one time)
3yr/36000 miles roadside assistance (through Cross Country Motor Club, call 800 261-2155)
3year/36,000 mile Wear Item Warranty covers keyless remote battery, brake pad/shoe linings, clutch disc lining, wiper blades
Roadside assistance: 3 year/36,000 miles
Powertrain: 5 year/ 60,000 miles
Corrosion: 5 year/100,000 miles

Contents on this page
2003 Forester options, specs
Ordering a Subaru
(top)
New on the 03 Forester
scroll down for complete model information

03 was a major make-over for the Forester
a few things new on all models
All new Dashboard
All new Center console re-designed with 2 cupholders
Hill holder clutch is back! (manual only)
Side airbags standard on all models
Dual stage deployment front passenger airbag
Aluminum alloy hood (lighter weight)
Aluminum alloy rear gate (lighter weight)
Counter balanced glove box (easier open)
Dual vanity mirrors
Dual overhead console bins
Fuel door release lever
Larger disc brakes
Illuminated power window switches 
Accessory plug in console plus dash lighter plug
Re-designed driver's seat with greater height adjustment range
Tilt wheel has larger range
No passenger door key, key works on driver's door only (and remote entry is std on all models)

new on X, con't  (only $250 more than 02 L)
X model replaces L
16" wheels (were 15")
Keyless remote standard (was optional)
Variable delay front wipers (replaces single speed)
Rear window wiper de-icer 
CD player/AM/FM/Weatherband standard (no cassette avail)

a few new things on XS (no price increase over 02!)
XS model replaces S model
Automatic climate control
CD Changer in-dash/Cassette/AM/FM/Weatherband
Electronic brake Force Distribution
Illuminated ignition key ring
Chromed inner door handles
New design wheels

a few new things on XS Premium
($50 increase over 02)
auto open-close sunroof
 

(top)
 
2003 Forester List Prices (dealer invoice)
prices include destination and prep 

MSRP list price (invoice)

Note: price increase effective Jan 3, 2003. 
2nd row of prices in the table below are the ones effective Jan 3, 2003

all prices include $525 destination (Alaska residents add $120 destination = $685)


 
Model prices include delivery
List (invoice)
model
code
Manual trans
List (invoice) 
model 
code
Automatic trans
List (invoice)
X model
2nd row of prices effective 1/3/03
3CA
$21,070 ($19,225)
$21,370 ($19,569)*
3CB
$21,870 ($19,974)
$22,170 ($20,228)*
XS model
2nd row of prices effective 1/3/03
3CC
$23,420 ($21,303)
$23,620 ($21,512)*
3CD
$24,220 ($22,022)
$24,420 ($22,231)*
XS Premium
2nd row of prices effective 1/3/03
3CE
$24,420 ($22,199)
$24,620 ($22,408)*
3CF
$25,220 ($22,918)
$25,420 ($23,127)*
XS Premium with Leather
2nd row of prices effective 1/3/03
na
na
3CG
$25,970 ($23,590
$26,170 ($23,799)*
* 2nd row prices effective 1/3/03. If the vehicle was shipped after that it has the higher prices

 
Subaru Forester cargo area measurements 
FORESTER CARGO MEASURMENTS
hand measurements by me

A: door opening height from sill to sill 32"
B: cargo length with rear seat up 37"
C: height floor to roof 34" no sunroof
D: floor width, maximum (same as top of wheel well) 53.5"
E: length with rear seat down 62"
F: width mid-gate 46.5"
G: width at narrowest gate 37"
H: width between wheel wells 37.5"

.
2003 Forester 
Specifications, Dimensions, Weight etc
Engine - Phase II 2.5 liter 4 cylinder, 16 valve Single Overhead Cam Boxer engine, 
Horsepower: 165 hp, 166 foot pounds of torque at 4000 rpm 
Fuel system: multi-port sequential fuel injection, distributorless ignition. 

Brakes: power assisted, 4 channel ABS anti-lock.
Forester X -   11.4" vented front disc with dual caliper piston, 9" rear drum. 
Forester XS - 11.4" vented front disc with dual caliper piston, 10.3" rear disc, with EBD Electronic Brake Force Distribution which distributes braking power front-to-rear depending on weight load.

Fuel: regular unleaded, 15.9 gallon tank, 
EPA economy: 
Manual - 21 city / 27 highway
Automatic -  21 city / 26 highway Automatic. 

Dimensions, measurements:
Minimum Road Clearance: 7.5" 
Turning radius: 34.8 feet (circle) 
Overall length: 175.2"
Wheelbase 99.4"
Interior Volume (cubic feet): 93.5cf, 91.2cf w/ sunroof
Front/rear leg room 43.6"/33.7"
Front head room 39.8" 39.0" w/ sunroof
Rear head room: 39.8", 37.0 w/ sunroof
Cargo volume rear seat down  64.1cf,  62.7cf w/ sunroof
Cargo volume rear seat up  32.0, 29.6cf w/ sunroof

Curb Weight (pounds): 
Manual trans: X- 3,090 XS- 3,095 XS Premium 3,130
Auto trans: X-3,135 XS-3,140 XS Premium 3,175

Steering: variable assist rack and pinion 

Wheels/Tires
X - 16" Steel, M&S 215/60R16 Raised white letter
XS 16" Alloy, M&S 215/60R16 Raised white letter

Towing
automatic: 2000 pounds. 
manual: 2400 pounds

Safety
all models have front and front side air bags
Front passenger airbag is "dual stage deployment"
crumple zones front and rear, 
side impact door beams
child safety rear door locks
child seat anchors (latch system)
child seat tethers (latch system)
tinted safety glass.
Daytime running lights
Anti-lock brakes

Standard Equipment

 
  • STANDARD ON ALL X MODELS
  • All wheel drive
  • Anti-lock brakes, 4 channel
  • daytime running lights
  • front airbags
  • new front side airbags
  • new front passenger airbag is dual stage deployment
  • new hill holder clutch (manual trans only) 
  • new Variable speed front wipers
  • new Keyless remote entry
  • new Illuminated power window switches
  • new 16" steel wheels, MS tires
  • new AM/FM/CD, 4 spkrs, 80 watts
  • new dual over-head storage console (sunglasses etc)
  • new 12 volt front center console power outlet
  • Dual speed rear wiper, fixed intermittent, blade de-icer
  • heavy duty front disc brakes, rear drums
  • Power windows, 
  • Power door locks
  • Power outside mirrors
  • Air conditioning 
  • Cruise control
  • Fog lights
  • Cupholders: 2 front, 2 rear (re-designed)
  • 3 rear shoulder belts
  • STANDARD ON ALL X MODELS
  • 3 rear headrests
  • Rear defroster, wiper blade de-icer
  • See-through front head rests
  • Full Size spare tire under floor inside vehicle
  • Leather shift boot (manual only)
  • Dual vanity mirrors
  • Roof rack with cross bars
  • Height adjustable drivers seat, with lumbar support
  • Interior dome light (delayed off), rear cargo light, 
  • Map lights with sunglass holder
  • 3 under-carpet rear cargo storage bins
  • 4 cargo tie-down hooks, 
  • 12 volt rear cargo area power outlet
  • Tilt steering column
  • Tachometer, low fuel light, coolant temp. gauge
  • Outside temperature gauge
  • Automatic off headlights
  • Floor mats
  • Split folding rear seats
  • Raised back-up lights (reverse lights)
  • Plastic headlight lens
  • 2 resetable trip odometers
  • Tinted glass
  • Height adjustable outside shoulder harnesses (all)
  • (top)
    2003 XS Forester adds over X model

     
  • new design 16" 5-spoke alloy wheels (X has steel wheel) 
  • Rear disc brakes (X has rear drum)
  • new EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution varies braking front/rear depending on cargo
  • All Weather Package: oversize outside defrosting mirrors, heated front seats, front windshield wiper de-icer, rear axle limited slip differential (not avaIl on X)
  • CD 6 disc in-dash changer /cassette/AM/FM/Weatherband (weatherband is new)
  • new Automatic climate control with day-bright
  • new Chromed interior door handles
  • new Illuminated ignition ring
  • new Steel Gray Metallic painted lower accent
  • new Gray Metallic painted outside mirrors
  • Velour cloth interior (X has a slightly 'harder' finish cloth)
  • Leather wrapped steering wheel, 
  • Leather parking brake handle
  • Leather shift knob
  • Leather manual transmission shift boot
  • Front seat back pockets
  • 2003 XS Premium adds over XS

     
  • Power glass sunroof with new auto open-close feature
  • Mono-tone paint: molding, trim, bumpers are body colored but the mirrors are still Steel Gray like on the XS.

  • Optional leather interior available with automatic transmission only

    end 2003 features
    (top)
    start 2003 options
    2003 Forester Options

    Notes prices are factory installed. Dealer installed prices may be higher due to labor and parts costs (contact your dealer)
    Prices: List (invoice)
    'code' = factory order code

    S = standard, A = available option, NA = not available

     Option Packages,  scroll down for individual options
    prices: List (invoice)
    X model XS model
    XS Premium
    with or without leather
    Automatic transmission $800 ($719)
    A
    A
    0- XS
    S- S with leather
    Popular Equipment Group 1A (code F4E) 
    rear bumper cover, cargo tray, Steel Grey painted splash guards  $282 ($172)
    na
    A
    na
    Popular equipment group 1 B, C, D, E, or F (code F4..)
    rear bumper cover, cargo tray, body color painted splash guards $282 ($172) 
    na
    na
    A
    Popular Equipment Group 2 (code F4G)  Auto-dimming rear view mirror, Security Alarm Upgrade, Custom Tailpipe Tip $425 ($262)
    A
    A
    A
    Popular Equipment Group 3A and 3B (beige interior- code F4N, gray interior- F4P)
    Air filtration sytem (cleans air), Rear cargo net, Armrest extension  $238 ($148)
    A
    A
    A
    Popular Equipment Group 4 (code F4Q) Rear cargo bin, rubber floor mats $170 ($100)
    A
    A
    A
    Popular Equipment Group 5 (code F4T) Rear verticle and side cargo nets, front seatback cargo net, cargo area spotlight $224 ($136) (revised May 02)
    A
    A
    A
    Popular Equipment Group 6 (code F4U) Cargo tray, mud flaps, tailpipe tip 
    $267 ($163)
    A
    na
    na
    Protection Group (code F4V) brush guard, rear differential protector, hood deflector, rear window dust deflector $619 ($367)
    A
    A
    A
    Premium Sound Package 1 (code F4R) CD Changer, upgraded speakers, tweeters, subwoofer amplfier $795 ($600)
    A
    na
    na
    Premium Sound Package 2 (code F4S)
    Upgradeds speakers, tweeters, subwoofer/amplifier $395 ($300)
    A
    A
    A
    2003 Forester Individual Options
    A= available, na= not available, S = standard
    X model
    XS model
    XS 
    Premium
    CD changer, 6 disc in dash (code D3A). $520 ($390)
    A
    std
    std
    Tweeters (code D3D) $100. ($65)
    A
    A
    A
    Subwoofer/amplifier (code: D3C) $200 ($130)
    A
    A
    A
    Upgraded speakers (code D3B) $195 ($127) 
    A
    A
    A
    Security alarm upgrade (code R3A) $200  ($130)
    A
    A
    A
    Rear bumper cover (code P3G) $57 ($37)
    na
    A
    A
    Rubber floor mats (code B3A) $55 ($33)
    A
    A
    A
    Cargo tray (code M3D) $75 ($46)
    A
    A
    A
    Cargo bin (code M2E) $115, ($72)
    A
    A
    A
    Custom tailpipe tip, bright metal (code LWB) $42 ($29)
    A
    A
    A
    Cargo net rear (code M3A) $42. ($28)
    A
    A
    A
    Cargo net- Sides rear  (code M3B) $75 ($49) 
    A
    A
    A
    Cargo net- back of rear seats (code M3C) $42 ($28)
    A
    A
    A
    Leather Shift Knob 
    manual (code J3A) $60 ($39)
    auto. (code J3B) $120 ($78)
    A
    std
    std
    Air filtration  (code K3A) $71  ($46)
    removes passenger compartment dust and pollen - which we need this year for sure...(achoo)
    A A
    A
    Auto-dimming rearview mirror w/ compass (code: KYE)
    The name says it all $183  ($119)
    A
    A
    A
    Armrest extension (code: KWB beige, KWC gray) $125.($82)
    A
    A
    A
    Hood deflector/bug guard (code P3C) $95 ($45)
    A
    A
    A
    Rear differential protector rear (code: P3A) $105 ($69)
    A
    A
    A
    Deflector: Rear window dust deflector (code Q3B) $124  ($81)
    A
    A
    A
    Splash Guards (code Q3J) black mud flaps $150 ($98)
    A
    na
    na
    Splash Guards (code Q3D) Steel Grey mud flaps $150 ($98)
    na
    A
    A
    Splash Guards (code Q3E,F,G,H,I depending on color) body color painted mud flaps $150 ($98)
    na
    na
    A
    Brush guard, black (code P3E) $295  ($192)
    A
    na
    A
    Brush guard, Steel Grey (code P3D) $295  ($192)
    na
    A
    na
    Alloy Wheels (H3A) $649  ($487)
    A
    std
    std
    Wheel Locks (code MSV) $39 ($26)
    A
    A
    A
    Rear Spoiler (code depends on color) $350 ($228)
    A
    A
    A
    Cargo area spotlight (code M3E) $65 ($39)
    A
    A
    A
    Trailer hitch (2000#), includes wiring harness, receiver (code Q3K) $295  ($192)
    A
    A
    A
    2003 Forester options
    X
    XS
    XS Premium
    end 03 options
    (top)
     
    ACCESSORIES
    available through dealership parts departments
    Note: prices do not include installation, and may vary by dealer
    part
    part number
    Roof rack cross bar set, square $129 E361ESA000
    Bike Attachment, hitch mounted $199 E3610AS940
    Bike Atachment, roof mounted $229 E362\10AS801
    Cargo box $395 E3610FE600
    Cargo box, extended length $450 E3610LS200
    Kayak carrier $127 varies by cross bars
    Ski Attachment $125 varies by cross bars
    Cargo basket $129 varies by cross bars
    Moonroof Air Deflector (S Premium) $74 F5410FS200
    Performance Gauge package $635 H5010SA000
    housing H0010SA950ML
    Anti-slip cargo area mat $19.95 J501LS040
    Block heater $29.95 A0910AS000
    Battery warmer $29.95 J6010FS000
    Front bra - full $1224 MOOO1SSA100
    Front bra - hood only  $49 M001SSA000
    Car cover $99 M001SSA110

    start 03 colors
    2003 Forester Colors
    color
    X
    all with unpainted gray lower accent
    XS
    all with Steel gray painted lower accent
    XS Premium
    XS Premium w/ Leather
    all with mono-tone body
    Aspen white (gray interior)
    A
    NA
    A
    Cayenne Red (beige interior)
    A
    NA
    A
    Java Black Pearl (gray interior)
    NA
    A
    A
    Pacifica Blue Pearl 
    (gray interior)
    A
    A
    NA
    Platinum Silver Metallic (gray interior)
    A
    A
    A
    Sierra Gold Metallic (beige interior)
    A
    A
    A
    Woodland Green Pearl
    A
    A
    NA
    end 03 colors
    (top)

    A brief note on availability and ordering:

    Usually a dealer can supply a model, if not from their own stock, then by trading with another local dealer.
    Your dealer will search for the correct model and then contact the other dealer and if the  vehicle is still available then the vehicle will be driven in from the other location. This can take place within days.
    Or you can wait for a vehicle your dealer already has coming into their own inventory.

    If a vehicle is freshly ordered Subaru will give an expected delivery date but this is not an exact date. Usually a vehicle arrives at a dealer within 6-8 weeks, but delays can, and sometimes do happen at any point along the assembly and shipping process, so be patient. The dealer wants you get your car as quickly as you do!



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    I would like your business if you're in the market for a new or used Subaru, or any other sort of vehicle we might have.

    Thank you.
    Joe Spitz

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