Market Segment:
Compact/Subcompact Sedan and Wagon, known for its All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability, reliability, and practical utility.
Competitors 1989:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Mitsubishi Mirage.
Vehicle Highlights:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (optional on many trims), durable EA82 engine, rugged construction, practical interior space, excellent visibility, and a reputation for longevity.
Mechanical Systems:
Engine (EA82 series), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Drivetrain (FWD/4WD/Dual Range), Transmission (Manual/Automatic), Clutch, Axles, Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front Disc/Rear Drum), Wheels and Tires
Electrical Systems:
Charging System (Alternator/Battery), Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting System, Instrument Panel, Wiper/Washer System, Horn, Audio System, Power Accessories, Engine Control System (ECU), Fuel Injection System (SPFI/MPFI variants), Emission Control Systems
Body And Chassis:
Body Construction, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass, Bumpers, Exterior Trim, Frame and Chassis Components
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Coolant Flushes, Brake Fluid Replacement, Air Filter Service, Belt Inspection and Replacement, Tire Rotation, Battery Maintenance
Repair Procedures:
Engine Reassembly, Transmission Overhaul, Clutch Replacement, Brake Component Servicing, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering System Repair, Fuel Pump Replacement, Radiator Service, Alternator and Starter Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Systematic diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs if applicable), electrical circuit tracing, mechanical fault finding
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive diagnostics, detailed repair procedures, disassembly and reassembly instructions, specifications and tolerances, wiring diagrams, vacuum diagrams, exploded views, special tool requirements, torque specifications
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated, Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) Four-Cylinder
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1767 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
80.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.5:1 or 9.5:1 (depending on variant)
Horsepower Gross:
Approximately 90-97 HP @ 5200-5600 RPM (depending on fuel system and market)
Torque Gross:
Approximately 101-110 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 RPM (depending on fuel system and market)
Fuel Delivery:
Single-Point Fuel Injection (SPFI) or Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI), some markets may have Carbureted variants (less common for 1989 US market).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Octane Rating:
87 Octane (4-Star, 90 AKI)
ECU Type:
ECU controlled fuel injection and ignition timing.
Standard Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission with Lock-up Torque Converter
Drivetrain Options:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Dual Range (4WD/4WD-L).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil. Capacity: Approximately 2.5 liters (2.6 US quarts).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent. Capacity: Approximately 4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts) for fluid change.
Length Sedan:
Approximately 4,345 mm (171.1 inches)
Width Sedan:
Approximately 1,670 mm (65.7 inches)
Height Sedan:
Approximately 1,365 mm (53.7 inches)
Wheelbase Sedan:
Approximately 2,500 mm (98.4 inches)
Length Wagon:
Approximately 4,365 mm (171.9 inches)
Height Wagon:
Approximately 1,460 mm (57.5 inches)
Curb Weight Sedan FWD:
Approximately 1,050 kg (2,315 lbs)
Curb Weight Wagon AWD:
Approximately 1,220 kg (2,690 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model and configuration, typically around 1,600-1,800 kg (3,527-3,968 lbs).
NHTSA Ratings:
Data from 1989 may be limited or not directly comparable to modern standards. Vehicles of this era generally lacked advanced safety features.
Active Safety Features:
Standard front disc brakes, optional rear disc brakes on some higher trims, All-Wheel Drive system providing enhanced traction in adverse conditions.
Passive Safety Features:
Safety glass, front and rear crumple zones, 3-point front seatbelts, 2-point rear seatbelts (on some models/positions), reinforced body structure.
Infotainment Features:
AM/FM Radio with Cassette Player, optional equalizer, manual climate control, analog gauges.
Driver Assistance Features:
None in the modern sense. Primary focus on the All-Wheel Drive system for traction.
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No provisions for Bluetooth, USB, or integrated navigation systems).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, whichever comes first, 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 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, potentially longer for platinum or iridium plugs (if factory-equipped or upgraded).
Coolant Replacement:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for EA82 engines as they are generally non-interference. Recommended interval: 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years. Refer to the manual for specific details and the importance of the idler pulley bearing.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40. Check manual for seasonal variations.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.2 Liters (4.4 US Quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol-based antifreeze. Use a 50/50 mixture with deionized water. Subaru Blue coolant or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Wear Items:
Head gaskets (especially on turbo models, though less common on NA), cooling system components (radiator, hoses, thermostat), exhaust system rust, clutch wear, suspension bushings and ball joints, front wheel bearings, aging electrical connectors.
Ej Engine Characteristics:
EA82 engines are generally robust but can be sensitive to maintenance neglect. Proper timing belt maintenance is critical. Some models featured a turbocharger, which requires diligent oil changes and careful operation.
Subaru Heritage:
Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), has a long history of producing durable and capable vehicles, particularly known for their pioneering use of All-Wheel Drive in passenger cars.
Loyale Evolution:
The 1989 model represents the third generation of Subaru's compact car, which began in the early 1970s as the Leone. The Loyale nameplate was used in many markets for this generation, succeeding the previous generation which shared the Leone name globally. It featured updated styling and improved technology over its predecessors.
Production Period:
Third Generation (Leone/Loyale) produced from 1985 to 1994. The 1989 model year falls within this period.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan by Subaru Corporation.
