Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV / Crossover
Unique Selling Proposition:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, practicality, go-anywhere capability
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Xterra, Ford Escape
Powertrain Philosophy:
Horizontally-opposed 'Boxer' engines for a lower center of gravity
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on most trims)
Suspension Design:
Independent strut front, multi-link rear for comfortable ride and handling
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, timing belt, lubrication, cooling system
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control, ECU diagnostics, sensor data
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox overhaul, gear ratios, shift mechanisms, fluid specifications
Transmission Automatic:
ATF specifications, torque converter, valve body, hydraulic control, transmission overhaul
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, front differential, rear differential, driveshafts, CV joints
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, wheel alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column
Brakes:
Brake system components (front and rear), hydraulic lines, ABS system, brake fluid specifications, rotor and pad replacement
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, ignition, power distribution, wiring diagrams
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass replacement, chassis lubrication
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Body Electronics:
Power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, security system
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting flowcharts, diagnostic procedures
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, differential repair, suspension component replacement
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic guides for common and complex issues
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing all major and minor vehicle components
Electrical Diagnostics:
Using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and diagnostic tools for electrical faults
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete and detailed wiring schematics for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts
Diagnostic Procedures:
Includes specific diagnostic routines and expected values
Torque Specifications:
All critical torque values for fasteners and assemblies
Clearances And Tolerances:
Specific measurement guidelines for engine and mechanical components
Engine Code 1:
EJ251 (2.5L SOHC)
Engine Type 1:
2.5 Liter Flat-4 (Boxer), Naturally Aspirated, SOHC
Bore X Stroke 1:
99.5 mm x 80.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
9.7:1
Horsepower 1:
165 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 1:
166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Code 2:
EJ25D (2.5L DOHC - early 99 models, rare)
Engine Type 2:
2.5 Liter Flat-4 (Boxer), Naturally Aspirated, DOHC
Horsepower 2:
165 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 2:
162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
0-60 Mph Approx:
8.0 - 9.5 seconds (depending on transmission and trim)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended
Fuel Tank Capacity:
60 Liters (15.8 US gallons)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)
AWD System Manual:
Continuous All-Wheel Drive (CAWD) with viscous coupling center differential
AWD System Automatic:
Active Automatic All-Wheel Drive (with electronically controlled clutch pack)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Gear Oil GL-5 75W-90 (or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP (or Dexron-III compatible)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4/5 Stars (1999-2002 models)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4/5 Stars (1999-2002 models)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (models with side airbags, not standard)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most trims
AWD:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction
Airbags:
Dual front airbags standard; optional side airbags on select trims
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months (whichever comes first), or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months with synthetic oil (check manual for specific recommendation)
Engine Oil Filter:
Replace at every oil change
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (NGK Platinum recommended)
Timing Belt:
Replace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 105 months. Crucial item, failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Engine Oil Type Capacity:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30. Capacity: 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru All-Season Synthetic Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (Dexron-III is sometimes used but check specific model recommendations)
Head Gaskets:
Potential for coolant leaks due to degrading head gasket seals, especially on higher mileage DOHC engines (less common on SOHC EJ251, but still possible).
Timing Belt Tensioner:
Tensioner bearing failure can occur, leading to belt slippage or failure. Replace with tensioner when changing belt.
Wheel Bearings:
Front wheel bearings can wear prematurely, causing humming or grinding noises.
Ac Compressor Clutch:
AC clutch failure can result in loss of cooling.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Exhaust manifold can develop cracks, leading to exhaust leaks and ticking noises.
Subaru Identity:
Known for its commitment to All-Wheel Drive technology and reliable, practical vehicles
First Generation Launch:
Introduced in 1997 in Japan, North American debut in 1998 for the 1999 model year
Sf Generation Design:
Characterized by its high beltline, rugged styling, and wagon-like profile
Updates During Generation:
Minor styling updates and equipment changes occurred throughout the 1999-2002 model years
Manufacturing Location:
Gunma Plant, Japan