Positioning:
The Subaru Loyale represented Subaru's entry into the compact and mid-size car segments, emphasizing practicality, all-wheel drive capability, and ruggedness. It competed with vehicles like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Ford Escort, and Volkswagen Golf of its era.
Key Differentiators:
Standard or available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) was a primary differentiator, setting the Loyale apart from many front-wheel-drive competitors. Its horizontally opposed (boxer) engine contributed to a lower center of gravity, enhancing handling and stability. The wagon models were particularly popular for their utility and capability in adverse weather conditions.
Notable Features:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, horizontally opposed engine, optional turbocharging (EA82T), dual-range 4WD transfer case (on some models), independent front suspension, solid rear axle or independent rear suspension (depending on model/year), tilt steering wheel, tachometer, rear window wiper/washer (wagon).
Engine Coverage:
1.6L EA71, 1.8L EA81, 1.8L EA82 (SOHC, DOHC, Turbo)
Transmission Coverage:
4-speed Manual, 5-speed Manual, 3-speed Automatic, 4-speed Automatic
Drivetrain Coverage:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) - Full-time and Dual-Range
Body Styles Covered:
2-Door Coupe (DL/GL), 4-Door Sedan (DL/GL), 5-Door Station Wagon (DL/GL/RX), 2-Door BRAT (B2WD/4WD)
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, timing belts/chains, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel delivery system (carburetor/fuel injection), exhaust system
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, ECU/ECM diagnosis, sensors, emissions control systems
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission overhaul, automatic transmission overhaul, clutch system, transfer case, front and rear differentials, CV joints, driveshafts, AWD system operation and service
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (McPherson struts), rear suspension (independent trailing arm/solid axle depending on model), steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (some models with rear discs), brake system diagnostics, ABS (if equipped), parking brake
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, instrument cluster, interior and exterior electronics, power windows, locks, mirrors, horn, wiper/washer system
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, doors, windows, bumpers, chassis lubrication, rust prevention
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system service, refrigerant handling (where applicable)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, power steering fluid change, transmission fluid change, differential fluid change
Engine Repair:
Head gasket replacement, piston ring replacement, bearing replacement, valve adjustment, timing belt/chain service, carburetor rebuild, fuel injection cleaning and servicing
Transmission Repair:
Clutch replacement, transmission gear replacement, seal replacement, torque converter service, automatic transmission internal repair
Suspension Steering Repair:
Strut and shock absorber replacement, ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, power steering pump and rack repair
Brake Repair:
Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing or replacement, brake caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul, brake line replacement, bleeding procedures
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting electrical faults using wiring diagrams, component testing, sensor diagnosis, ECU/ECM relearn procedures (where applicable)
Body Repair:
Door adjustment, window regulator repair, minor body panel replacement, trim piece installation
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common issues
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance and adjustments to complete engine and transmission overhauls, detailed electrical diagnostics, and bodywork procedures.
Engine 1.6L:
EA71: 1.6L (1595cc) Naturally Aspirated SOHC 4-cylinder boxer. Power output typically around 70-73 HP @ 5200 RPM, Torque around 80-82 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM. Carbureted.
Engine 1.8L Na:
EA81: 1.8L (1769cc) Naturally Aspirated SOHC 4-cylinder boxer. Power output typically around 73-80 HP @ 4800-5200 RPM, Torque around 95-100 lb-ft @ 2800-3200 RPM. Carbureted or early EFI.
Engine 1.8L DOHc Turbo:
EA82T: 1.8L (1769cc) Turbocharged DOHC 4-cylinder boxer. Power output typically around 95-115 HP @ 5200-5600 RPM, Torque around 120-135 lb-ft @ 2800-3200 RPM. Fuel injected, intercooled turbocharger on later models.
Typical 0 60Mph:
10-15 seconds (depending on engine, drivetrain, and transmission)
Fuel Economy Est:
18-25 MPG (city/highway, depending on engine and drivetrain)
Carbureted Engines:
Hitachi or Keihin 2-barrel carburetors (e.g., EA71, EA81)
Fuel Injected Engines:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Bosch or Subaru ECUs for EA82 and EA82T engines
Length Station Wagon:
Approx. 167-170 inches (4240-4318 mm)
Width Station Wagon:
Approx. 65.2-65.6 inches (1656-1666 mm)
Height Station Wagon:
Approx. 54.7-56.3 inches (1390-1430 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 96.9 inches (2460 mm)
Cargo Volume Wagon:
Approx. 30-60 cu ft (with rear seats folded, depending on specific model configuration)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2100-2500 lbs (950-1135 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 3200-3500 lbs (1450-1590 kg)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or annually
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) depending on spark plug type (copper vs. platinum)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 50,000-70,000 miles (80,000-112,000 km) or 5 years for EA82 engines. EA71 and EA81 engines often used timing chains or gears, which typically do not require replacement unless worn.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 is common for most conditions. Refer to manual for specific temperature ranges.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4-5 quarts (3.8-4.7 liters) with filter, depending on engine
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent is recommended for later models.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil. Check manual for specific recommendation.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF. Check manual for specific part number/type.
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5 SAE 80W-90 gear oil for front and rear differentials. Check manual for specific viscosity and LSD additive if applicable.
Head Gasket Leaks:
While not as prevalent as in later EJ-series engines, older EA-series engines can develop head gasket leaks, particularly on the EA82 series due to thermal cycling and material aging.
Carburetor Issues:
Carburetors on EA71 and EA81 engines can become gummed up or require adjustment due to age, leading to rough idling or poor performance. Fuel leaks are also a potential concern.
Rust And Corrosion:
Common in vehicles of this era, especially in areas with road salt. Rust can affect wheel arches, rocker panels, door bottoms, and the undercarriage.
Cv Joint Wear:
Front CV joints can wear out, leading to clicking noises during turns, especially in AWD models.
Heater Core Leaks:
Leaking heater cores can lead to coolant loss and a foggy windshield.
Electrical Connector Corrosion:
Corroded electrical connectors can cause intermittent faults in various systems.
Subaru Heritage:
Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), has a history rooted in aerospace engineering, which influenced its early automotive designs, particularly the use of horizontally opposed engines and robust drivetrains. Known for its pioneering use of AWD in passenger cars.
Loyale Lineage:
The Loyale was the successor to the Subaru DL/GL models. It continued Subaru's reputation for building reliable, capable vehicles with a focus on AWD. The Loyale itself evolved through various facelifts and engine updates during its production run, culminating in the introduction of more advanced fuel injection and turbocharging on the EA82 and EA82T engines.
Production Period:
1984-1994. The Loyale nameplate was used for the North American market, while similar vehicles were sold under different names globally.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
