Chat Transcript

<moderator_kh>: Welcome to tonight's chat at Edmunds.com. Tonight we welcome Mike Whelan, Senior Manager of Product Public Relations at Subaru of America who will answer your questions about the all-new 2003 Forester. Welcome, Mike! Can you tell us a little bit about what's new for 2003?

<mike_whelan>: Hey everybody! Let's have fun tonight...It's a completely redesigned Forester... with increased structural strength and a number of feature enhancements!

<rsholland>: Mike, since I'll probably only be able to get in one request from you tonight, I've got several questions, so please bear with me for a moment here. The ProDrive restyling effort of the Impreza will reportedly be introduced at the Paris Auto Show this September, and should be on sale by January in the UK. I'm assuming that we'll get it here as an '04 model? Will the WRX-STi debut in the USA with this new facelift? Will we see the Forester and Baja available with an "Adventure" package which might include the dual-range (Tow/Haul) 5-speed transmission, and an integrated standard (Class II) tow hitch?

<mike_whelan>: Oh boy. Let's see...there's an available tow hitch through your Subaru dealer as before, but no dual range is available for the Forester. As for the restyling of the Impreza that will most likely be 2004 model year...at the earliest. For the STi, we are still evaluating that vehicle coming to the US and have made no decision as of this date.

<dcab>: I was wondering why a red XS (non-Premium) was offered this year. And what has the reaction been to the beige interior this year?

<mike_whelan>: dcab... the red metallic is a very popular color of the Forester and the decision was made to offer it on a wider variety of models. The beige interior has been very well received... the 2003 Forester is selling better than we had expected. Without having sales numbers by color of interior at hand, it's hard to say for sure.

<rsunico>: Hi Mike. Here's a question many people want to know: any chance of a turbo on the Forester for next year? I dumped my 96 Saab for a Sube and miss the turbo on the Saab, but overall my Sube is a much better car.

<mike_whelan>: rsunico...I'm really glad you like your Subie... you've obviously discovered the beauty of all wheel drive! With regard to the turbo, there are no plans at this time to bring the turbo in, but we're studying the feasibility of brining it to the US. Obviously YOU would like to have one!

<kajko>: Hello! Since there is no Forester offered with lo range in the US market, (will it ever be?), how easy is it to install it, say, if i brought the transmission from Australia? Along the same lines, does the future for the Forester include making it a bit more SUV (read off road) or rather performance oriented?

<mike_whelan>: kajko, tough question... I'd have to check the parts book before I gave you a definite answer on that, but time and money probably makes anything possible. The trend for SUV's in general is that they are becoming more car-like in character and nature. So what you see on the 2003 Forester is very indicative of the future direction for the vehicle. As for the sporty element, with its new hydro-formed front sub-frame and increased structural strength, the new Forester handles even better than last year's model.

<kajko>: Guess what i am trying to do is combine the great mileage and be able to do mild off-roading. Thanks!

<mike_whelan>: An added feature of internal rebound springs in all four struts greatly improves both handling and stability.

<moderator_kh>: I noticed that Hillholder is back. Can you tell me a little bit about it and why you decided to bring it back?

<mike_whelan>: The Hillholder returns on the 2003 Forester ...for those of you not familiar with Hillholder, it's a great safety and security feature which prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards on a hill when starting from a stop. And thanks in part to the Edmunds Subaru Crew for suggesting the return of this feature! The feature is very simple to use. When you come to a stop on an incline, just depress both the clutch and brake pedals simultaneously. Once you've done that, you can lift your right foot off the brake, and the hillholder maintains brake pedal pressure for you. As you release the clutch to start, the hillholder device automatically releases the pressure in the brake line and the vehicle goes forward without rolling backwards... a great feature for anyone in San Francisco!

<ateixeira>: That's very cool, I have to try it...

<rsholland>: Can we expect to see a 5-speed automatic here?

<mike_whelan>: There are no plans at this time for a 5 speed auto.

<ateixeira>: The manual has a higher towing rating, why? Did it get the oil cooler that used to come only with automatics?

<mike_whelan>: You know Juice, I knew the answer to that at one time...LOL... But at the moment it COMPLETELY escapes me... Sorry!

<ateixeira>: he he, no problem, I should have asked the maintenance techies

<mike_whelan>: No Juice, it didn't get the oil cooler

<ateixeira>: wow, ok, so the beefier tow ratings must be due to other improvements, curious

<kajko>: Following juice, I have heard about manuals having a check oil gauge in the engine. if so, can you tell more about it... What I mean, is there's a dipstick for manual transmission?

<mike_whelan>: Right kajko, we've had that on 5 speed vehicles for a while. It's just a dipstick to enable you to check fluid levels... nothing more complicated than that!

<rsholland>: The H-6 Legacy is already on sale in Japan. How soon will we get it, and will it be available with a manual transmission?

<mike_whelan>: At this time the only vehicles that will have the H-6 are Outback models and I know of no plans to offer a 5 speed manual with the H-6.

<ateixeira>: I saw VTD and shiftronic in the 2003 Legacy at the NY show, and was very impressed. Will these make it to the Forester? Please say yes! :-)

<mike_whelan>: Juice... the VTD with sportshift is currently only available on the Legacy 2.5 GT models.

<ateixeira>: Will we see it spread? We're a curious bunch!

<mike_whelan>: At present there are no plans to offer this on Forester, since we're reserving it for those vehicles that are part of our driving performance strategy.

<ateixeira>: PS Are we allowed to ask bunny questions? ha ha

<mike_whelan>: LOL

<mike_whelan>: Juice... the WRX with manual already has the VTD with the 4 speed auto, but no plans to put sportshift on the WRX at present.

<ateixeira>: Really? I think sportshift on the auto would make sense. But not that many autos are sold, I guess.

<taddison>: Can hillholder be disconnected easily if I were to decide I didn't like it?

<mike_whelan>: taddison... your Subaru service department can tell you... if I had it in front of me I could probably tell... but rather than give you the wrong info...it would be best to check with your dealer... but I think you'll like the feature, it's a great convenience.

<taddison>: Thanks

<rsholland>: Will we see 6-speed manuals on other performance-oriented Subarus here in the USA besides the STi, if and when it arrives?

<mike_whelan>: Bob...I'm still working on trying to get the STi here!

<declansdad>: Any chance the towing capacity on the forester autos will increase?

<mike_whelan>: declansdad... no, the towing capacity will not increase.

<alsana1_2>: Just bought 2003 Forester XS Premium AT (java black). Picking it up on Monday. First-time Subie owner! Noticed that there was no button to open lift gate from inside car. Why? Oversight? Would be nice to have.

<mike_whelan>: alsana, there is an emergency release handle on the inside of the lift gate, but there's no regular handle because the cargo area is not meant to be occupied by passengers.

<ateixeira>: Just hit the unlock on the power door locks, it opens from the outside.

<alsana1_2>: Thanks.

<dcab>: I drive a 97 Outback. Can you summarize safety improvements when comparing 03's to 97's? And has Subaru decided to install side air bags with head protection on all models by a certain date?

<mike_whelan>: dcab, beginning with the 2000 Outback and Legacy, they all received a new ring-frame reinforced design which provides greater structural strength and body rigidity which improves both handling and passive safety. As for the side impact airbags... they will most likely be phased in on all models over the next few years, but I have no definite date.

<kajko>: Has Subaru ever considered adding (perhaps as an off-road option/package) air suspension for more ground clearance for tough spots ? I am thinking akin to LandRovers.

<mike_whelan>: kajko, we have offered air suspension in the past which offered the capability of adjusting the ground clearance, however, these systems can prove to be very expensive to maintain over a long period of time versus a fixed height suspension. Therefore, we don't offer that feature anymore.

<rsholland>: Now that the GM/Subaru SUW is dead, will Subaru plan on offering a 3-row-seat (Honda) Pilot-like vehicle on their own?

<mike_whelan>: Bob, Subaru still plans to offer a third row 7 passenger vehicle but will do so solely on its own and rest assured, it will be a crossover type of vehicle.

<subearu>: What about a low-range tranny (or lower 1st gear. I know Australian Subarus get the low-range tranny - how come we don't? The Forester could be a good candidate for it.

<mike_whelan>: There are no plans for the dual range manual tranny for US models, and no plans for altering gear ratios at this time.

<ateixeira>: What was the thinking behind the new models, X and XS. Does XS stand for Xtreme Sport or something like that? Xtra Safety? Gen X SUV? Sounds like a rock band, INXS Premium 2.5 :-)

<mike_whelan>: Juice, the X stands for crossover and the S is for sport (the 2.5 XS has the 16" alloy wheels as standard equipment which improves handling in all conditions).

<ateixeira>: Crossover, of course!

<kens>: How do you see the Forester evolving in the next few years? Will it become more sport-oriented (ie. turbo model) or will it go down the CR-V path and become larger?

<mike_whelan>: ooo boy... let me think...

<kens>: I'm praying Mike says turbo ;-)

<mike_whelan>: The Forester will probably continue as you see it, but if enough people keep asking me about the turbo, who knows? We may end up offering one here.

<flip25>: Have the rear wheel bearings been redesigned for the '03 model? Many '98-02 owners, including myself, have experienced multiple rear wheel bearing failures.

<mike_whelan>: I don't know the answer to that one, but I would suggest you contact your dealer's service department.

<ateixeira>: How 'bout the turbo? C'mon guys, chime in...

<kens>: So, it isn't definite, then.

<declansdad>: the turbo or H6 would be sweet!

<lark6>: Fear that Forester Turbo sales will cannibalize WRX wagon sales?

<rsholland>: There are rumors of a 2.5 low-pressure turbo (Forester?), and most recently a supercharged H-6. Comments?

<mike_whelan>: You ARE persistent Bob!...LOL. But nothing has changed in the last half hour, so there are STILL no plans for the turbo here... nor a supercharged H-6.

<kens>: As you know Turbo and STi tuned Foresters are currently available outside of the US. Why aren't these models offered in the US? What makes the US market different?

<mike_whelan>: The US is different from other markets in terms of the certification process for emissions and for safety. So if we're going to bring another model in, we have to study the feasibility and the cost of making a vehicle comply with all government regulations to make it eligible for sale in the US. It's not as simple as just bringing it here... I wish it were.

<lark6>: What prompted the change from vinyl/plastic arm rests to fabric covered ones? Aren't armrests considered high-traffic areas?

<mike_whelan>: Ed, the change to fabric covered arm rests was part of the 2003 redesign in that the interior has a more upscale look and feel to it and a vinyl armrest doesn't look or feel as rich.

<lark6>: Thank you. Rich feelings aside, the wear factor should be considered.

<mike_whelan>: Ed, the fabric is what's called a flat woven fabric which wears very well.

<lark6>: Okay, glad to hear it, thanks.

<mike_whelan>: Time for one more...

<subearu>: Can you comment on any changes to the Legacy in '04, or am I out of topic scope (or were they brought up earlier)?

<mike_whelan>: We don't have any details on the 2004 Legacy at this time...

<flip25>: I have been looking at the 2003 XT premium, Can you explain the better breaking on the premium? I have 98 forester and the mirrors look bigger than the 2003 X. What are your views?

<mike_whelan>: flip, the 2.5 XS has EBD, electronic brakeforce distribution. EBD optimizes the distribution of braking force between the front and the rear wheels according to how the vehicle is loaded with passengers and cargo. It works similarly to ABS, but works at lower speed than ABS typically operates.

<ateixeira>: Mirrors were always bigger on S, it continues that way on the XS

<rsholland>: Thanks Mike! :)

<ateixeira>: We appreciate you taking the time to spend an eve with us. It means a lot to us that Subaru spends the time.

<moderator_kh>: Thanks, Mike. I hear the first 2003 Foresters were delivered in mid-May, so we look forward to stopping by the showroom to check out all the new features!

<mike_whelan>: Thanks for having me. It was a lot of fun, even though I couldn't bring you the turbo TONIGHT :)

<moderator_kh>: Thanks to everyone for your great questions. Good night everyone, and drive safely!