The Forester is not only extremely easy to drive but quite rewarding. Power assisted, speed sensing rack-and-pinion steering is precise at highway speeds and effortless when parking. Its 4-wheel independent suspension makes for good handling both on pavement and dirt roads alike, while standard front disc and rear drum brakes, with 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Bosch ABS allow quick stopping without drama. The rear disc brakes and electronic brake force distribution (EBD) that come with the optional XS package improve brake feel and performance even more. Passive safety features include dual front and side-impact airbags with head and chest protection for the front seats, standard.
The torque happy 165-hp, 2.5-L 4-cylinder continues on in the 2003 as the only engine choice, which makes sense. It's a great engine, and plenty powerful for all but the most daring highway passing procedures. Also, fuel prices as they are, an economic 4-cylinder seems logical. Still, with a curb weight of 1,385 kg (3,053 lbs) - down 20 kilos from the previous model - it's hard not to speculate on how wonderfully fun it would be with the Outback's superb 212-hp H6. But that's the driving enthusiast, not the pragmatic speaking. Subaru does give you a choice of transmissions though, with either a 5-speed manual that includes a viscous-coupling locking center differential and hill holder feature (that keeps you from rolling backwards when accelerating up a steep incline from standstill), or an optional gated 4-speed automatic transmission with its controlled variable transfer clutch. A viscous-type limited slip rear differential helps to keep the back end in check when the road gets slippery.
The torque happy 165-hp, 2.5-L 4-cylinder continues on in the 2003 as the only engine choice, which makes sense. It's a great engine, and plenty powerful for all but the most daring highway passing procedures. Also, fuel prices as they are, an economic 4-cylinder seems logical. Still, with a curb weight of 1,385 kg (3,053 lbs) - down 20 kilos from the previous model - it's hard not to speculate on how wonderfully fun it would be with the Outback's superb 212-hp H6. But that's the driving enthusiast, not the pragmatic speaking. Subaru does give you a choice of transmissions though, with either a 5-speed manual that includes a viscous-coupling locking center differential and hill holder feature (that keeps you from rolling backwards when accelerating up a steep incline from standstill), or an optional gated 4-speed automatic transmission with its controlled variable transfer clutch. A viscous-type limited slip rear differential helps to keep the back end in check when the road gets slippery.