The 2003 Forester will compete with a wider array of vehicles than before, including both truck- and car-based SUVs. Unlike many of these, the Forester comes standard with full-time All-Wheel Drive, an integral part of Subaru core technology that also includes a lightweight horizontally opposed engine, a simple, symmetric drivetrain layout and long-travel four-wheel independent suspension. This combination of elements endows the Forester with ride control and handling response unexpected in an SUV.
Optimizing the Forester body structure allowed Subaru to add feature content and still reduce overall vehicle weight by about 40 kg (88 pounds) compared to the previous model. Using aluminum for components located far from the centre of gravity ? including the hood, bumper beams and roof rails ? also contributes to more responsive handling due to a lowering of the yawing moment of inertia.
All Forester models come with standard 16 x 6.5-inch wheels (aluminum alloy on the 2.5 XS model) and 215/60R16 94H Yokohama Geolander G 900 M+S all-season tires. All models include a standard full-size steel spare wheel and tire.
The Subaru Forester was among the first SUVs to ride on a four-wheel independent suspension, a feature that is becoming more common on large and luxury SUVs. This type of suspension gives the Forester a car-like ride quality while providing exceptional handling characteristics. Although the 2003 Forester retains the proven strut-type suspension design for packaging efficiency, the strut units are all new and incorporate internal rebound springs and improved valving to reduce body roll and further refine ride quality.