Subaru Forester SG

The second-generation Forester (SG, 2002–2008) moved to the Impreza second-gen AWD platform, with smoother body lines, a more rigid chassis, and a larger cabin. The export-market XT turbo (EJ255, 230 hp at production, 17-inch wheels, HID headlights, MOMO steering wheel, available with automatic or 5-speed manual) is the SG variant the US actually got. The JDM-only crown of the lineup is the 2004 Forester STi: EJ255 turbo making close to 300 horsepower, 6-speed manual with DCCD, repositioned struts, larger anti-roll bars, sport springs, 18-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, a lighter aluminum hood with functional scoop, Impreza WRX STi bucket seats, and STi badging on the grille and fog-light covers. The JDM Forester Cross Sports was a separate trim derived from XT styling but powered by the EJ20 making 230 hp paired to a 4-speed automatic.

Subaru sold the SG in China between 2004 and 2007, badged with JDM-equivalent trims (Forester 2.0X for EJ20, Forester 2.5X for EJ25). The SG Forester STi is the rarest factory variant and the import target for collectors — it becomes 25-year-rule eligible starting 2029. For value buyers, a clean SG XT with documented service history and an unmolested tune is the practical pick: roughly Impreza WRX-grade pace in a more useful body, available on the US market without import friction. As with the SF, watch for rust at the rear subframe, strut towers, and brake lines in salt states, and verify any turbo car has not been heavily modified or run on a bad map — abused XTs can have ringland or knock damage that doesn't show on a cold-start test.