Verdict
C
← Subaru Forester · 1997-2002 · SF
Subaru Forester SF
Headline trim: 2.0 turbo - 167 bhp, 0-62 in 8.4s.
BHP
167 bhp
0–60
8.4 s
Top speed
124 mph
MPG
20 mpg (US)
Used
$1,000-$4,400
Strengths
- Impreza-based - flat-four AWD honesty
- Turbo variant a sleeper
- Cult outdoorsy buyer
Weaknesses
- Rust kills them
- EJ20 head gaskets
- Cabin agricultural
Notable tech
- First-gen Forester (SF)
- Impreza GC platform
- EJ20 / EJ25 boxer four
- 2.0 NA / 2.0 turbo / 2.5 NA petrol
- Permanent AWD
Common issues
- EJ20 head gasket
- Rust on arches
- Turbo coking
Engine derivatives
US-spec trims and engines offered across SF's life. Click any two rows to compare them side-by-side.
2.0 NA EJ20
BHP122
Torque186 Nm
0–6011.0 s
Top109 mph
MPG (US)23 mpg
DriveAWD
Gearbox5MT / 4AT
2.0 turbo EJ20
BHP167
Torque240 Nm
0–608.4 s
Top124 mph
MPG (US)20 mpg
DriveAWD
Gearbox5MT / 4AT