Subaru introduced the second generation of the Forester in 2002, after a successful career for the first generation, which proved to be a big success story for the small Japanese carmaker.
Subaru chose to introduce the sequel for the Forester Saga at the 2002 Chicago Auto Show. It was still built on the same platform as its Impreza sibling. Since it shared many parts with the sporty sedan, it was soon noticed as a sporty SUV. Its turbocharged gasoline engines and the all-wheel-drive systems were among the main reasons why customers loved the Forester. But there were other reasons as well.

Subaru might not have the best designers around, and it didn’t want to hire some fancy Italian design studio to do the job for them. The car featured a flat hood for the naturally aspirated engine versions and installed a scoop on them for the turbocharged ones. Its boxy-looking greenhouse and the flat, almost vertical tailgate had nothing special to impress. But, unlike any other car in the SUV segment, it featured frameless door windows.

Inside, the carmaker kept the same “keep-it-simple” spirit and installed an almost flat dashboard, slightly sloped toward the passenger area. Above the center stack, Subaru’s designers made room for a small storage area with a lid. They also imagined a three-dial design for the instrument panel with a big, centered speedometer and a tachometer on the left. The third dial incorporated the fuel and temperature gauges. For seating, the carmaker installed a pair of low-mounted seats at the front and a 60/40 split-folding bench in the back.

Under the hood, Subaru installed only boxer engines, naturally aspirated or turbocharged. For the former, it even added a low-range gear.