What are the differences between pre-2000 and post-2000 models?
Beside one extra headrest for rear seats, new head-rests, different bumpers, side moldings, grill, headlights, tail lights...etc.

Any difference on the drivetrain?

When my parents were shopping for a Forester last year, we test drove both the 00 and 01 models.. Other than the cosmetic changes that you have mentioned, the drivabilty of both cars are exactly the same. With the rumors of the H6 going into the Forester, I would doubt Subaru would change anything with the current 2.5L drivetrain (for just 2 years since the current 2.5L works well in its current setup)and then pass it aside for the new H6 drivetrain.

Side airbags, dual cup holder.

I bought my 2001 Forester, because the lower mouldings were painted. I didn't like the gray bottom. This model also has the 6-CD changerhttp://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/smile.gif

Actually, regardless of the year, L models have unpainted plastic cladding and S and S Premiums are painted.

For 2001, all models get a center rear shoulder belt, a different split for the rear seat (no longer recline though), height adjustbale belt anchors in the rear sides, a slightly wider rear track, revised front suspension tuning for less brake dive, a dual odometer, and an outside temperature guage. They also got seat-belt force limiters and pre-tensioners for the front row of seats.

The S model also gets new wheels, keyless, variable intermittent wipers, in-dash CD changer, leather steering wheel, hand brake, and shifter, and body color mirrors.

The newly available Premium package adds monochrome paint (others are two-tone), side air bags, unique gold accent wheels, and finally a factory moonroof (mine is aftermarket).

-juice

Also, the pre-2000 have a MAF air flow sensor versus the 2000+ which have a MAP air flow sensor. This makes a difference when it comes to getting an aftermarket air intake. I was going to purchase the Ganzflow intake and I found that it only works out for a MAP intake because the MAF needs a filter before the censor. Oh well, I do OK with the removal of the silencer in the fender and a K&N filter. There an improvement in preformance and a cool sound also.

any other engine differences between years?
Aaron

The 2001s have an LSD as an option. At least the S Premiums anyway. Has anybody seen the moonroof on those suckers, good-god it's huge. The S Premiums are nice. My wife was looking at them back in Dec. She liked it way better then the CR-V. The monochrome paint is a major improvement. I don't really care for the JDM grill on the S Premium, IMO the standard grill looks way better. MSRP of 26k is kinda steep though.

[This message has been edited by jaybird (edited January 29, 2001).]

Forester had the Phase I engine in 1998. This was a DOHC design with 165hp/162lb-ft of torque. It had a redline of 6500rpm.

In 1999, they went to the Phase II, SOHC design, with 4 ft-lbs of extra torque. It had a lower redline, though, at 6250rpm.

Oddly, the intakes did not change at that same time. I believe, as stated above, that the MAF existed in 98-99 models, and the MAP replaced it in 2000. They look visibly different, so it's easy to tell them apart if you see them.

The LSD was actually not an option. It became standard on all S models in 2000, and has been since. Not available in 98-99 models. No L models have them, but obviously S Premiums do.

Suspension changes? Subaru claimed to widen the rear track for 2001, but just barely. They also supposedly tuned the front suspension for less brake dive, but I don't notice either difference.

Other changes are minor. Subaru kept adding equipment like power mirrors and cruise control to the L, while the price crept up only slightly, not even keeping pace with inflation.

Another bonus - they now offer roadside assistance for free. I think that's new for 2001.

If you're buying one to mod, stick with the newer ones. The intake is easier to modify, the S models get the rear LSD, plus you have more torque.

-juice

Post and pre-2000 differences? Looks like you guys pretty much got them all. Basically, the Forester got all the same drivetrain changes that the Impreza 2.5RS got: DOHC->SOHC, MAF->MAP, revised pressure plate, 4 bolts->7 bolts, etc.

Biggest difference is that the pre-2000 Foresters got character. http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/wink.gif

Ken

I do not know if it is true but wasn't there a reworking of the suspension?
I thought I heard something about the suspension being redesigned. Anyone know of this being true?

My husband has a 2000 Impreza RS, and we recently purchased the Forester over the Outback Sport because although the Sport is cute the Forester seemed to drive similiar to the RS, even though it is slightly heavier. I thought the 2.5L in the Forester compared to the 2.2L in the Sport is a drastic difference in power you get. I have the Forester S and I really like the monotone paint job compared to the two-tone, that was one reason we chose the one we did over the Forester L we were looking at, besides the fact I love the moon roof http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/smile.gif

So you actually have the S Premium. Sweet.

I found the Forester bigger than the OBS, enough for baby paraphernalia. Those are fun too, though.

I also like the bigger boxer. For 2002 the new OBS will get the same engine - that ought to be fun.

-juice

If you're going to get the WRX, then hey -- go for making the Forester more off-roadable.

Check out some of these guys over at the Yahoo Forester club who've beefed up their vehicles:
http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/subaruforester

Ken

I was thinking of putting the 4" lift kit on the my 99 Forester and also the clear corners in the front. Has anyone done the lift on the Forester yet? Is it worth it and how bad does body roll increase?

I was thinking of moding my Forester into a faster sport wagon by doing a chip, sway bar, muffler, intake(done already), exhaust modifications. The other other choice is to make it a better off road vehicle by adding, 4" lift, bigger tires(after lift), full front bull bar, diff. protector, skid plate.

Both of these options are going to cost about the same so I am torn. I was thinking, I just get the new WRX when it comes out and make the Forester rougher instead. I finished paying for the Forester already so I have been saving somewhat. What do you guys think?

Also, when they redesigned the sheet metal up front for 01, they made the engine bay slighty bigger so that the h6 can fit in the up coming years.

H6 or even the turbo would be sweet. Bring it on!

Subro: folks that swap springs are generally very happy. You get 2" or so, and a stiffer ride, but handling does not suffer too much.

If you go further and do the lift kit as well, you may have a problem with the tranny. 4" will change the angles enough that there may be difficulty shifting.

But the springs alone are fine. Noone that has them seems to complain. I'm in the same boat - also trying to decide what to do, as you are.

-juice

Didn't realize that the 01 Forester engine bay was increased in length. Cool! More evidence that the H6 might make it's way into the Forester.