Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size family car, competing with models like Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Taurus.
Key Selling Points:
Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on most models), boxer engine design for lower center of gravity, reputation for durability and safety.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform complex repairs and routine maintenance, significantly reducing labor costs and increasing vehicle longevity.
Manual Accessibility:
Instant digital download provides immediate access, a cost-effective alternative to physical manuals.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine removal/installation, cylinder head, valve train, engine block, lubrication, intake/exhaust systems, cooling/heating, fuel and emissions systems, engine repair
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, emissions control, wiring diagrams
Drivetrain:
Transaxle, clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission, differential, driveshaft
Chassis:
Steering, suspension, brakes (including ABS)
Body And Accessories:
Body, interior, exterior, heater and air conditioning, automatic climate control
Electrical Systems:
General electrical systems, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-up procedures
Engine Repair:
Valve timing, chain/gear replacement, tensioner adjustments and release/reset methods, timing mark alignment, cylinder head overhaul, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft and bearing service
Transmission Service:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, differential service
Brake System:
Brake pad/shoe replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder service, brake fluid flush, ABS diagnostics and repair
Suspension And Steering:
Component replacement (shocks, struts, bushings, tie rods), alignment procedures, power steering system service
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Component testing, wiring harness diagnosis, SRS system troubleshooting
Climate Control:
AC system service, heater core replacement, climate control module diagnostics
Troubleshooting Guides:
Detailed guides for diagnosing common and uncommon problems, including electrical gremlins.
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostics with troubleshooting guides and symptom-based problem solving
Repair Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions with detailed illustrations for all major and minor repairs
Rebuild Procedures:
Comprehensive instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of special tools required for specific repairs
Torque Specifications:
Extensive list of all necessary torque specifications for fasteners throughout the vehicle.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all major systems, crucial for electrical troubleshooting.
Engine Type:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) Engine
Engine Codes:
EJ22E (2.2L SOHC), EJ25D (2.5L DOHC - often problematic head gaskets)
Displacement 2.2L:
2211 cc
Displacement 2.5L:
2457 cc
Horsepower 2.2L:
Approximately 130 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 2.2L:
Approximately 137 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Horsepower 2.5L:
Approximately 165 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 2.5L:
Approximately 162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 (or higher)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission with Lock-up Torque Converter
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on most trims)
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent, e.g., Dexron III)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto:
Approximately 7.1 US quarts (6.7 liters) for refill
NHTSA Driver Side Frontal Impact:
4 Stars (1997-1998 models)
NHTSA Passenger Side Frontal Impact:
4 Stars (1997-1998 models)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Available on some trims)
AWD:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Standard on most trims) - enhances traction and stability.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags (SRS)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage construction
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for interference engines: typically every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) or 5-7 years. The EJ25D engine in particular is known to be an interference engine.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (API SG or SH rated)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change (for 2.2L and 2.5L engines)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water (silicate-free)
Ej25D Head Gasket Failure:
A very common and well-documented issue on the 2.5L DOHC EJ25D engine, often leading to coolant leaks into cylinders or oil passages.
Oil Leaks:
Common from valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets due to age and material degradation.
Exhaust Manifold Leaks:
Can develop cracks or gasket failures, leading to ticking noises, especially on cold starts.
Automatic Transmission Hard Shifting:
Can occur due to worn solenoids or internal component wear, especially with higher mileage.
Subaru Legacy Origin:
Subaru, a division of Fuji Heavy Industries, has a history dating back to aircraft manufacturing. The Legacy was introduced globally in 1989 as a successor to the Subaru Leone.
Second Generation:
The 1998 model belongs to the second generation (BD/BG/BK, 1993-1998), which saw significant styling and engineering updates, including longer wheelbase and improved aerodynamics. This generation introduced the Outback model as a lifted, more rugged version of the Legacy wagon.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Gunma, Japan.
Road And Track Editors Choice:
The second-generation Legacy, particularly the Outback variant, received positive reviews for its capability and utility during its production run.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Variable. While Subaru generally has a reputation for reliability, specific issues like the EJ25D head gaskets impact overall reliability scores for this era.
