The 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester arrived as one of the early car-based sport utility vehicles, blending wagon practicality with Subaru's all-wheel-drive character and compact footprint. That mix still makes it appealing to owners who want an everyday-friendly vintage Subaru rather than a purely nostalgic garage piece. Tire choice matters here because fitment splits between 205/70R15 and 215/60R16 radial sizes depending on sub-model. Within 205/70R15, there is meaningful variety in blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and even a bias-look radial presentation across several tire series and brands. The right selection starts with confirming the exact trim and wheel diameter, then matching the tire's look and construction to how the Forester will be driven.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester
The 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester uses two primary tire sizes, and the first step is identifying the exact sub-model and confirming whether the vehicle has 15-inch or 16-inch wheels. Base and L models use one radial size, while the S uses another, so trim level and wheel diameter matter before comparing tire style, brand, or appearance options.
205/70R15 is a metric radial size in which 205 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 15 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester, this size applies to the 15-inch-wheel fitment used on certain sub-models. Available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and a bias-look radial style across brands such as Maxxis, Michelin, Avon, American Classic, Coker Classic, Dunlop, Tornel, and Travelstar. This size is the one to evaluate when the vehicle retains the 15-inch wheel setup and the goal is balancing correct fitment with either a traditional or more distinctive appearance.
215/60R16 is also a metric radial size, with 215 indicating nominal section width in millimeters, 60 identifying the aspect ratio, R for radial construction, and 16 for the wheel diameter in inches. For the 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester, this size belongs to the 16-inch-wheel configuration rather than the 15-inch setup. Its role in the lineup is straightforward: it serves the sub-model equipped for this larger rim diameter. Choosing this size starts with confirming that the vehicle still has the correct 16-inch wheels, especially if wheel swaps or trim conversions have taken place over the years.
Sub-model fitment is not the same across the 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester range. Base and L share one tire size, while the S uses a different size on a different rim diameter, so confirming the exact trim is important before selecting tires.
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1998 Subaru Trucks Forester Base
The 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester Base uses the 205/70R15 radial fitment. That makes tire selection less about comparing primary sizes and more about choosing the right sidewall style, brand, and overall presentation for a 15-inch-wheel Forester.
The 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester L also uses the 205/70R15 radial size. Owners can focus on whether they want a straightforward blackwall look, a whitewall treatment, or a more traditional-looking radial option while staying within the correct 15-inch fitment.
The 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester S uses the 215/60R16 radial fitment rather than the 15-inch size found on other sub-models. That means wheel diameter should be confirmed first, especially on vehicles that may have had wheels changed during their service life.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester Tires for Sale
Available 205/70R15 choices span Maxxis, Michelin, Avon, American Classic, Coker Classic, Dunlop, Tornel, and Travelstar, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and bias-look radial styles. The product grid is most useful for comparing appearance, tire series, construction details, and rim-width compatibility within the 15-inch fitment.
These FAQs focus on the tire-size split between 15-inch and 16-inch Forester trims, what the metric sizes mean, how to compare available 205/70R15 options, and what to inspect before putting a 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester?
The 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester uses two primary tire sizes: 205/70R15 and 215/60R16. Base and L models use 205/70R15 radial tires, while the S uses 215/60R16 radial tires, so the correct size depends on the exact sub-model and wheel package on the vehicle.
The key is not choosing between two interchangeable sizes, but confirming which trim and wheel diameter the vehicle actually has today. A Forester that has had wheels swapped over the years should be checked carefully before replacement tires are selected, since a 15-inch tire and a 16-inch tire require different wheel diameters.
What size rim does a 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester use?
A 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester uses either a 15-inch or 16-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The 205/70R15 fitment uses a 15-inch rim, and the 215/60R16 fitment uses a 16-inch rim, which is why wheel diameter must match the tire size exactly.
Checking the wheel itself is especially important on older vehicles that may no longer wear their original trim-specific wheel setup. Tire size markings, wheel stampings, and the current sub-model configuration should all agree before a new set is chosen, because the tire bead and rim diameter must correspond precisely.
Do all 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester Base and L use 205/70R15 radial tires, while the S uses 215/60R16 radial tires. That means fitment changes by sub-model, and the difference includes both tire size and rim diameter rather than just a cosmetic variation.
This matters because the first buying decision is identifying whether the vehicle is a Base, L, or S and whether it still retains the correct wheel setup for that trim. Once that is confirmed, tire selection becomes much simpler, since the remaining choices center on available products, sidewall style, and intended use.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 205/70R15 tire for a 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester?
Start with correct size, radial construction, and wheel compatibility. In 205/70R15, the available choices differ by brand, tire series, sidewall style, and rim-width specification, with options ranging from blackwall performance-oriented styles to narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and bias-look radial presentations.
That means the best comparison points are not just appearance, but also how the tire will be used and whether the wheel falls within the product's stated rim-width range. A Forester kept close to stock may call for a simple blackwall radial, while a more individualized build may lean toward one of the whitewall offerings.
What sidewall styles are available for 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester tires?
Within the 205/70R15 fitment used on the 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester Base and L, available sidewall styles include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. That gives owners a broader appearance range than many late-1990s vehicles, especially if the goal is to add a more customized or retro-inspired look.
Sidewall style changes the visual character of the vehicle more than the size code itself, so it is worth deciding early whether the Forester should look stock-minded, slightly customized, or more openly nostalgic. Appearance should still be matched with the correct 15-inch fitment and the wheel specifications required by the specific tire.
What brands offer tires for the 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester?
For the 205/70R15 Forester fitment, available brands include Maxxis, Michelin, Avon, American Classic, Coker Classic, Dunlop, Tornel, and Travelstar. Those choices appear across several tire series, giving the buyer options that range from straightforward blackwall radials to whitewall and bias-look radial styles.
Brand choice should be considered alongside the tire's construction details, intended look, and wheel compatibility rather than as a stand-alone decision. A buyer comparing products for a Base or L model will usually get farther by narrowing the preferred sidewall style and tire series first, then reviewing the matching brand options.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester?
A period-style starting point for a 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester is the correct trim-specific radial size first, then a sidewall treatment that matches the look you want. On 205/70R15 applications, choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and a bias-look radial, so appearance can vary noticeably while staying within the proper size.
Most late-1990s Foresters were not known for dramatic sidewall styling, so restoration-minded owners often prefer a restrained look unless the vehicle is being personalized. When exact historical presentation matters, compare the current tire choice against original sales literature, period photos, or marque-specific references before making a final decision.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester?
On the 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester, the primary fitments are radial, so the construction question is more about visual character within radial offerings than about recreating an older bias-ply look. A standard blackwall radial gives a familiar late-1990s appearance, while whitewall and bias-look radial options can shift the vehicle toward a more customized presentation.
That visual difference matters most on the 205/70R15 fitment, where several sidewall styles are available. Owners restoring the vehicle with an eye toward era-appropriate appearance should focus on correct size and wheel diameter first, then decide whether the tire should blend into the vehicle's design or become a visible styling element.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester?
Yes. Wheel swaps, suspension changes, lowering, lift modifications, and brake or hub changes can all affect tire fitment on a 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester. That is especially relevant here because the vehicle already has two factory size paths, one built around a 15-inch rim and another around a 16-inch rim.
A modified Forester should be checked for actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at the fender and steering components before replacement tires are chosen. Even when the tire size seems familiar, an aftermarket wheel or altered ride height can change the usable fitment range enough to make careful measurement worthwhile.
What should I inspect before driving a 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm tire pressures, and make sure the new tires clear the suspension, steering, and bodywork through the full range of motion. It is also wise to check alignment condition and verify that all four tires match the intended fitment for the vehicle.
An older Forester can have hidden issues such as bent wheels, uneven suspension wear, or previous wheel changes that only become obvious once new tires are installed. A careful walkaround and short, low-speed test drive can help catch rubbing, vibration, or pull before the vehicle is used for longer highway travel.
What should I check before a longer drive in a 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester?
Before a longer trip, check tire pressure, tread condition, sidewall condition, and any signs of cuts, bulges, or slow air loss. On a 1998 Subaru Trucks Forester, it is also important to confirm that the vehicle is riding on the correct size for its trim and wheel diameter rather than on a mismatched set.
Longer drives put more heat and sustained load into the tires, so this is the time to look closely at aging rubber, valve stems, and wheel condition as well. A Forester that sits often should receive extra attention, since storage-related cracking or pressure loss can go unnoticed until the vehicle is back in regular use.
