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2004 FORESTER looking for 2003, 2005 ON THIS PAGE history I safety-maintenance-warranty I new for 04 I prices specs- dimensions I standard features I options I accessories I colors 2004 Forester phototgraph page Feb 04 Car & Driver magazine best Small SUV Crash test Best Pick,  June 03 Leading consumer car testing magazine: Forester suggested buy. ***** 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 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. ***** all photographs, text, formatting ©. joe spitz. unauthorized reproduction prohibited you are here: http://www.cars101.com/subaru/forester/forester2004.html  v  9.26.10

BASICS...

The Subaru Forester is an all-wheel-drive car-based SUV introduced in 1998.
Shares wheelbase with the Subaru Impreza
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.

HISTORY...

2004: Turbo XT model introduced.

2003: Major remodel: 2nd generation Forester available mid-May 2002.
1st major re-design sinbce introduced in 1998. Models renamed X and XS.
Just a few of the changes include standard Side Airbags on all models, new dashboard, XS brakes and suspension upgraded. New grill, tailgate, hood, seats ..

2002 model has a few minor upgrades, including factory leather (S Premium only), daytime running lights etc

2001 Minor re-design, available early, in February 2000. New: front, rear lights, dashboard, rear seats, S Premium model added

1999 model body was stiffened and strengthened and did very well in crash tests.

1998 1ST YEAR!
 
 

Safety and vehicle roll-over questions     the Forester meets federal safety standards for Passenger Vehicles The Forester does not require a roll over warning label on the driver's visor and has excellent emergency handling. (All other small sport utilities are required to have a safety warning that they don't handle like a normal car and extra care must be taken to prevent roll over and injury)
Safety: 5 Star front, side crash results, US govt Crash Tests from the Ins Inst for Hgwy Safety all models have front and front side air bags all have collapsable pedals 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	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 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 Does not cover wear or damage due to competitive driving
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.

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New on the 04 Forester scroll down for complete model information

NEW FOR 2004 $50 price increase over X, XS, XS Prm new on all models: Collapsable pedals! A safety featured designed to reduce risk to feet in an accident. new on X model: Cloth sun visor replace vinyl new on XS models: Cassette deleted from stereo. In-dash CD changer only. new model: XT Turbo 210hp performance model with 7.7" ground clearance. There are 3 versions, XT manual or automatic transmission with off-black cloth interior, and XT Premium with sunroof,  off-black leather and automatic tranmission. No manual transmission with leather or sunroof. All XTs with mono-tone paint.

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2004 FORESTER PRICE LIST NOTE:  price increase on vehicles delivered January 2004 (1/04) and later Price include $550 destination and prep charges, tank of gas Note: Ak residents add $135 destination = $685 New England, NY, NJ, Hi: contact your local dealer, prices may vary slightly Rebates, interest rates page
TRANMISSION	Manual Trans			Automatic Trans
MODEL all prices include $550 destination	code	MSRP	Invoice	code	MSRP	Invoice
2004 X	4CA	$21,445 - after 1/04 $21,570	$19,646- after 1/04 $19,759	4CB	$22,245 - after 1/04 $22,370	$20,365
2004 XS	4CC	$23,695 - after 1/04 $23,820	$21,588- after 1/04 $21,701	4CD	$24,495 - after 1/04 $24,620	$22,307
2004 XS Premium	4CE	$24,695- after 1/04 $24,820	$22,485- after 1/04 $22,598	4CF	$25,495- after 1/04 $25,620	$23,204
2004 XS Premium w/ leather	na	na	na	4CG	$26,245 - after 1/04 $26,370	$23,877
2004 XT Turbo	4CI	$25,520  after 1/04 $25,645	$23,323- after 1/04 $23,435	4CJ	$26,320 - after 1/04 $26,445	$24,042
2004 XT Turbo Premium w/ leather, sunroof, automatic trans	na	na	na	4CK	$28,070- after 1/04 $28,195	$25,612

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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" 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"

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2004 Forester  Specifications, Dimensions, Weight etc
FEATURE	X	XS	XS PREMIUM	XT TURBO	XT TURBO PREMIUM
Engine	Phase II 2.5 liter 4 cylinder Boxer engine 16 valve, SOHC Single Overhead Cam Fuel system: multi-port sequential fuel injection, distributorless ignition.			2.5L 4 cylinder boxer DOHC turbo Intercooled Variable valve Timing (VVT)
Automatic  transmission	0	0	0 on cloth model only S on XS Prm w/ leather	0	S
Horespower Torque	165hp@5600 rpm 166 ft lbs torque at 4000 rpm			210hp @5,600rpm torque 235lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm
Gear ratios*	manual: 1st:3.454, 2nd 2.062, 3rd 1.448, 4th 1.088, 5th .780, reverse 3.333.  final 4.111 automatic: 1st 3.027, 2nd 1.619, 3rd 1,0, 4th 0.694 reverse 2.272; final 4.444			manual: 1st 3.454, 2nd 1.947, 3rd 1.366. 4th 0.972, 5th 0.738, reverse 2.272. Final 4.444 automatic: 1st 2.785, 2nd 1.545. 3rd 1.0, 4th 0.694,  reverse 2.272.  Final 4.444
Tune-up information* check, confirm with your mechanic - parts supplier for confirmation or changes.  Not responsible for errors etc	plugs: Champion RC10YCR, or NGK BKR6E-11, BKR5E-11  firing order 1-3-2-4  ignition timing/idle (btdc): manual 10* +/- 8* 650 rpm, auto 15*+/- 8* 700rpm  Idle speed/rpm: manual: 650 +/- 100, auto 700 +/-100 Generator/Battery 12V-90A, manual 48AH, Auto 52AH			plugs: NGK: PFR6G  firing order 1-3-2-4  ignition timing/idle (btdc): 17* +/- 10* at 700rpm  Idle speed/rpm 700+/- 100  Generator/Battery 12V-90A, manual 48AH, auto 52AH
Fuel economy all models:  15.9 US gallon tank	Regular unleaded EPA economy rating: Manual trans - 21 city / 27 highway Automatic trans -  21 city / 26 highway Automatic.			Premium Unleaded recommended EPA economy rating Manual trans: Automatic trans: 19/23
Brakes	Front:  11.4" vented disc with dual caliper piston,  Rear: 9" drum.	Front: 11.4" vented front disc, dual caliper piston,  Rear: 10.3" disc. With EBD Electronic Brake Force Distribution which distributes braking power front-to-rear depending on weight load.		Front: 11.4" vented front disc, dual caliper piston,  Rear: 10.3" disc. With EBD Electronic Brake Force Distribution which distributes braking power front-to-rear depending on weight load.
Anti-lock brakes	S	S	S	S	S
Steering: variable ratio, engine-speed sensing, power assist rack and pinion	S	S	S	S	S
Wheels, tires	16" Steel Wheel M&S 215/60R16 raised white letter	16" Alloy Wheel with M&S 215/60R16 raised white letter		16" 6 spoke Alloy Wheel M&S 215/60 R16 raised black letter
Hill-Holder Clutch (manual transmission only)	S	S	S	S	NA
Curb Weight (pounds): manual trans only	3,090	3,095	3,130	3,150	na
Curb Weight (pounds): automatic trans	3,135	3,140	3,175	3,250	3,300
Towing -  automatic: 2000 pounds.  manual: 2400 pounds	S	S	S	S	S
feature	X	XS	XS PREMIUM	XT TURBO	XT TURBO PREMIUM
Minimum Road Clearance	7.5"	7.5"	7.5"	7.7"	7.7"
Turning radius	34.8 feet (circle)	34.8 feet (circle)	34.8 feet (circle)	34.8 feet (circle)	34.8 feet (circle)
Overall length	175.2"	175.2"	175.2"	175.2"	175.2"
Wheelbase	99.4"	99.4"	99.4"	99.4"	99.4"
Interior Volume (cubic feet)	93.5cf	93.5cf	91.2cf	93.5cf	91.2cf
Cargo volume, rear seat up	32.0cf	32.0cf	29.6cf	32.0cf	29.6cf
Cargo volume, rear seat down	64.1cf	64.1cf	62.7cf	64.1cf	62.7cf
Front head room	39.8"	39.8"	39.0"	39.8"	39.0"
Rear head room	39.8"	39.8"	37.0	39.8"	37.0"
Front/rear leg room	43.6"/33.7"	43.6"/33.7"	43.6"/33.7"	43.6"/33.7"	43.6"/33.7"
feature	X	XS	XS PREMIUM	XT TURBO	XT TURBO PREMIUM

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STANDARD FEATURES

X MODEL

ALL 2004 FORESTER X HAVE new collapsable pedals new cloth sunvisor with dual vanity mirrors, replaces vinyl All Wheel Drive Brakes: Anti-Lock brakes, 4 wheel, 4 channel Brakes: heavy-duty front disc, rear drums Front and side airbags 5 shoulder seatbelts, 2 front and 3 rear 3 rear headrests Hill holder clutch (manual trans only)  Keyless Remote Entry Power windows with illuminated switch Power door locks Power outside mirrors, fold-in Air conditioning  Cruise control Fog lights Outside Temperature Gauge 12volt front power outlet  for cell phones etc 12volt rear cargo area power outlet Cigarette plug and ashtray (lighter not included) Variable speed front wipers Dual speed rear wiper, fixed intermittent, blade de-icer Stereo: am/fm/single disc CD, 80 watts Stereo: 4 speakers

2 Tone with unpainted charcoal gray lower body-cladding and bumpers Cupholders: 2 front, 2 rear (re-designed) Rear defroster, rear wiper blade de-icer See-through front head rests Full Size spare tire under floor inside vehicle 16" steel wheels, MS tires Leather shift boot (manual only) 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,  Tilt steering column Tachometer, low fuel light, coolant temp. gauge Automatic off headlights Floor mats, carpeted Split folding rear seats, one-touch folds flat Raised back-up lights (reverse lights) Plastic headlight lens, chip resistant lexan Dual over-head storage console (sunglasses etc) Center storage console with 12v power outlet 2 resetable trip odometers Tinted glass

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STANDARD FEATURES XS, XS PREMIUM, XT TURBO
2004 XS Forester adds over X model 2 tone- Steel Gray Metallic painted lower body-cladding and bumpers 16" 5-spoke alloy wheels (X has steel wheel)  Rear disc brakes (X has rear drum) 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/AM/FM/Weatherband (new without cassette) 4 speakers Automatic climate control with Daybright feature Chromed interior door handles Illuminated ignition ring 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	2004 XS Premium adds over XS Power glass sunroof with auto open-close feature Mono-tone paint. Car, bumpers, lower cladding, moldings etc is one color. Mirrors are still Steel Gray like on the XS.     Optional Leather, with auotmatic transmission only
.
2004 XT TURBO MODEL adds over XS model new model for 2004 Mono-tone paint (all one color) Turbocharged 4 cylinder engine with intercooler etc. engine specs above. Hood scoop for the intercooler Aluminum finish roof rails Black perforated leather shifter and parking brake handle Silver front door sill plates with 'Forester' badging Upgraded CD 6 disc in-dash changer/AM/FM/Weatherband with 7 speakers, with base, mid range and treble adjustments, Daybright feature 4 main speakers are upgraded, plus 2 tweeters, plus rear subwoofer speaker 6 spoke alloy wheels	XT TURBO PREMIUM adds over XT new model for 2004 Automatic transmission only (no manual available) Sunroof, large glass sunroof with auto open-close Leather interior

end 2004 features
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start 2004 options

2004 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	XT Turbo	XT TURBO PREMIUM
Automatic transmission, 4 speed $800 ($719)	A	A	0- S- with leather	0  electronic direct control	S electronic direct control
Popular Equipment Group 1A (code F4E)  rear bumper cover, cargo tray, Steel Grey painted splash guards  $282 ($172)	na	A	na	na	na
Popular Eq group 1 F, H, J, K, M, G, (code F4..) rear bumper cover, cargo tray, body color painted splash guards $282 ($172)	na	na	A	A	A
Popular Eq Group 2 (code F4G)  Auto-dimming rear view mirror, Security Alarm Upgrade, Custom Tailpipe Tip $429 ($265)	A	A	A	na	na
Popular Eq Group 3A, 3B (beige- code F4N, gray- F4P) Air Filtration (cleans interior air), Rear cargo net, Armrest ext.  $233 ($145)	A	A	A	A	A
Popular Eq Group 4 (F4Q) Rear cargo bin, rubber floor mats $170 ($100)	A	A	A	A	A
Popular Eq 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	A	A
Popular Eq Group 6 (F4U) Cargo tray, mud flaps, tailpipe tip  $272 ($165)	A	na	na	na	na
Popular Eq. Group 7 (F5C) Alarm security upgrade, auto dimming rear view mirror/compass $387 ($239)	na	na	na	A	A
Protection Group (code F4V, W) brush guard, rear differential protector, hood deflector, rear window dust deflector $630 ($371)	A	A	A	na	na
Premium Sound Package 1 (code F4R) CD in dash 6 disc Changer, upgraded speakers, tweeters, subwoofer amplifier $820 ($614)	A	na	na	na	na
Premium Sound Package 2 (code F4S) Upgraded speakers, tweeters, subwoofer/amplifier $415 ($310)	A	A	A	na	na
2004 Forester Individual Options A= available, na= not available, S = standard	X model	XS model	XS  Premium	XT Turbo
CD changer, 6 disc in dash (code D3A). $525 ($394)	A	std	std	std	std
Tweeters (code D3D) $102. ($67)	A	A	A	std	std
Subwoofer/amplifier (code: D3C) $273 ($178)	A	A	A	std	std
Upgraded speakers (code D3B) $201 ($131)	A	A	A	std	std
Security alarm upgrade (code R3A, R4B) $204  ($133)	A	A	A	A	A
Rear bumper cover (code P3G) $59 ($39)	na	A	A	A	A
Rubber floor mats (code B3A) $55 ($33)	A	A	A	A	A
Cargo tray (code M3D) $75 ($46)	A	A	A	A	A
Cargo bin (code M2E) $115, ($72)	A	A	A	A	A
Custom tailpipe tip, bright metal (code LWB) $42 ($28)	A	A	A	na	na
Cargo net rear (code M3A) $46. ($30)	A	A	A	A	A
Cargo net- Sides rear both  (code M3B) $75 ($49)	A	A	A	A	A
Cargo net- back of rear seats (code M3C) $46 ($30)	A	A	A	A	A
Leather Shift Knob manual (code J3A) $61 ($40) auto. (code J3B) $121 ($79)	A	std	std	std	std
Air filtration  (code K3A) $71  ($46). Removes passenger compartment dust and pollen - which we need this year for sure	A	A	A	A	A
Auto-dimming rearview mirror w/ compass (code: KYE) The name says it all $183  ($119)	A	A	A	A	A
Armrest extension (code: KWB beige, KWC gray) $125.($82)	A	A	A	A	A
Hood deflector/bug guard (code P3C) $100 ($45)	A	A	A	na due to intercooler	na due to intercooler
Rear differential protector rear (code: P3A) $105 ($69)	A	A	A	A	A
Deflector: Rear window dust deflector (code Q3B) $124  ($81)	A	A	A	A	A
Splash Guards (code Q3..) black, steel gray painted or body color mud flaps $150 ($98)	A black unpainted	A steel gray painted	A body color	A body color	A body color
Turbo Boost Gauge (T4A) $307 ($200). Lit, put on steering column	na	na	na	A	A
Brush guard, (code P3D, E) $295  ($192)	A black	A steel gray painted	A black	A black	A black
Alloy Wheels, 16" (H3A) $659  ($495)	A	std 5spoke	std 5 spoke, gold accent	std 6 spoke	std 6 spoke
Wheel Locks (code MSV) $39 ($26)	A	A	A	A	A
Rear Spoiler (code depends on color) $353 ($230)	A	A	A	A	A
Cargo area spotlight (code M3E) $65 ($39)	A	A	A	A	A
Trailer hitch (Forester rated at 2000#), includes wiring harness, receiver (code Q3K) $295 ($192)	A	A	A	A	A
2004 Forester options	X	XS	XS Premium	XT Turbo

end 04 options
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ACCESSORIES available through dealership parts departments or AllSubaru.com
part	part number
Roof rack cross bar set, square	E361ESA000
Bike Attachment, hitch mounted	E3610AS940
Bike Atachment, roof mounted	E362\10AS801
Cargo box	E3610FE600
Cargo box, extended length	E3610LS200
Kayak carrier	varies by cross bars
Ski Attachment	varies by cross bars
Cargo basket	varies by cross bars
Moonroof Air Deflector (S Premium)	F5410FS200
Performance Gauge package	H5010SA000 housing H0010SA950ML
Anti-slip cargo area mat	J501LS040
Block heater	A0910AS000
Battery warmer	J6010FS000
Front bra - full	MOOO1SSA100
Front bra - hood only	M001SSA000
Car cover	M001SSA110

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start 04 colors

2004 Forester Colors
color	X all with unpainted gray lower accent	XS all with Steel Gray  painted lower accent	XS Premium and XS Premium w/ optional Leather all with mono-tone body, no 2-tone paint	XT TURBO mono-tone paint	XT TURBO PREMIUM with Sunroof, Leather, Mono-tone paint
Aspen white	gray interior	NA	gray interior	off-black interior	off-black interior
Cayenne Red	beige interior	NA	beige interior	off-black interior	off-black interior
Java Black Pearl	NA	gray interior	gray interior	off-black interior	off-black interior
Pacifica Blue Pearl	gray interior	gray interior	NA	NA	NA
Platinum Silver Metallic	gray interior	gray interior	gray interior	off-black interior	off-black interior
Sierra Gold Metallic	beige interior	beige interior	beige interior	off-black interior	off-black interior
Woodland Green Pearl	beige interior	beige interior	NA	NA	NA

end 04 colors
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These pages are done to help you determine your interest in Subaru.
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

suggestions and comments related to this web page are welcomed.