In terms of active safety, the Forester ? like all Subaru models ? delivers excellent road-holding capability due to a lower centre of gravity afforded by the horizontally opposed engine design.
Although it shares components with the rally-bred Impreza WRX, the Forester uses its own version of the Subaru Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame structure. This design has been strengthened through the use of a hydroformed front subframe and tailored-blank welded structural elements. The stronger body structure adds to the passive safety quotient and, along with reduced vehicle weight, helps improve handling ? a plus for active safety.
All Forester models gain larger-diameter front brake rotors, while the 2.5 XS also adds rear discs in place of the drums used on the 2.5 X model. A four-channel, four-sensor anti-lock brake system (ABS) is standard on all models. New for 2003, an Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) system on the 2.5 XS enhances braking performance and stability by actively optimizing braking force distribution between the front and rear wheels.
Subaru expanded the standard passive safety equipment in the 2003 Forester. The passenger front airbag now uses dual-stage deployment and the Forester gains standard front seat head/chest side impact airbags (SRS), new upper-trim head impact protection and front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters. New front-seat active head restraints help minimize whiplash injury.