Subaru 2003 Forester Owner's Manual page 335

Starting and operating
Do not drive the vehicle with the clutch disen-
gaged (i.e., when the clutch pedal is depressed)
or with the shift lever in the neutral position.
Engine braking has no effect in either of these
conditions and the risk of an accident is conse-
quently increased.
Shift into reverse ONLY when the vehicle has
completely stopped. It may cause damage to
the transmission to try shifting into reverse
when the vehicle is moving.
„ Shifting speeds
T Recommended shifting speeds
The best compromise between fuel economy and ve-
hicle performance during normal driving is ensured by
shifting up at the speeds listed in the following table.
7-12
Shift up
1st to 2nd
2nd to 3rd
3rd to 4th
4th to 5th
T Maximum allowable speeds
The following table shows the maximum speeds that
are possible with each different gear.
Never exceed the speed limit below for each gear po-
sition except for brief acceleration in an emergency.
The tachometer's needle will enter the red area if
these speeds are exceeded. Failure to observe this
precaution can lead to excessive engine wear and
poor fuel economy.
1st
2nd
3rd
mph (km/h)
15 (24)
25 (40)
40 (65)
45 (73)
mph (km/h)
X and XS
30 (49)
51 (82)
73 (117)