Forester

The SG5 Forester

The second-generation Forester went on sale in Japan on 12 February 2002, built on the platform of the 2000 Impreza and lighter than the car it replaced. SG5 covers the 2.0-litre cars: the non-turbo X and X20, and the XT, whose turbocharged EJ20 flat-four makes 220 PS and 309 Nm through a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. All have four-wheel drive, and the XT took about 60% of launch orders.

The lower Cross Sports of October 2002 brought the roof down to 1,550 mm. The STi Version of February 2004, with a 2.5-litre turbo at 265 PS, a six-speed manual and Brembo brakes, is a different code, SG9. A January 2005 update gave every SG four-wheel disc brakes, and the third-generation SH replaced it in December 2007.

What SG5 owners upgrade

The turbo XT shares its engine family with the Impreza WRX, and owners tune it the same way: an exhaust system from Fujitsubo or HKS, pod and panel filters from the intake range, and electronics. In the drivetrain, LSD upgrade kits and clutch kits from Cusco are the regular orders.

Many owners also give the cabin a sportier feel, with steering wheels from DAMD in the interior range, Recaro seats, emblems and strut braces. Replacement alternators from Advance Alternator, radiator caps and engine mounts keep older cars healthy. APEXi, Laile, Launsport and Ikeya Formula are among the other names owners choose.

Genuine parts

On a turbo manual SG5, check that the recall work was done on the bolts of the valve-timing oil control valve cover, which could loosen under sustained high load and rpm. Check whether a car has rear discs or drums before ordering brake parts: X20s built before the 2005 update have drums. All four tyres should match, as Subaru warns that a single odd tyre can damage the four-wheel drive. Service and repair parts are in our genuine Subaru parts catalogue.

Wheels

The SG5 uses M12 x 1.25 wheel nuts. Factory wheels are 15x6 +48, 16x6.5 +48 and 17x7 +48, by grade. Other sizes are listed under wheels that fit the SG5 Forester.