Model Variant:
        
        
            DL, GL, GL-10, RX, Loyale (some overlapping and transitional models)
        
     
    
        
            Production Years Covered:
        
        
            1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994
        
     
    
    
        
            Chassis Codes:
        
        
            A4 (sedan), A6 (station wagon), AM (BRAT/Brat)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Segment:
        
        
            Compact/Subcompact Economy Cars and SUVs (Station Wagon variants)
        
     
    
        
            Key Attributes:
        
        
            Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard or optional on most models), durability, reliability, off-road capability for their class
        
     
    
    
        
            Competitors:
        
        
            Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, Mazda 323, Mitsubishi Mirage
        
     
    
    
        
            Distinctive Features:
        
        
            Subaru's boxer engine configuration, optional/standard AWD, rugged build
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, enthusiasts, owners seeking to maintain older vehicles
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Mechanical:
        
        
            Engine overhaul, component inspection, timing belt replacement, cooling system, lubrication system
        
     
    
        
            Engine Management:
        
        
            Fuel injection systems (MPFI, SPFI), ignition systems, emissions control, diagnosis and troubleshooting
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Manual transmission overhaul and repair, automatic transmission overhaul and repair, clutch system, transfer case
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Front and rear differentials, CV joints, drive shafts, four-wheel-drive system operation and repair
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (and rear discs on some models), parking brake system, hydraulic system diagnosis
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Steering:
        
        
            Front independent suspension (MacPherson strut), rear suspension, power steering system, alignment specifications
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Charging system, starting system, battery, lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, component testing
        
     
    
        
            Body Chassis:
        
        
            Body panel repair, frame specifications, interior trim removal, door/window mechanisms, glass replacement
        
     
    
        
            Heating Ac:
        
        
            HVAC system components, refrigerant handling, diagnosis and repair
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission, differential), filter replacements, spark plug service
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, mechanical problems, using diagnostic codes
        
     
    
        
            Repair Overhaul:
        
        
            Step-by-step instructions for major component repairs, engine rebuilds, transmission rebuilds, brake caliper replacement
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for various systems, including OBD-I (on later models) interpretation
        
     
    
        
            Technical Data Specifications:
        
        
            Torque specifications, clearances, measurements, engine timing settings, diagnostic voltage readings
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Family:
        
        
            EA Series (EA71, EA81, EA82)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Configurations:
        
        
            Horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder (Boxer)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Displacements:
        
        
            1.6L (1595cc), 1.8L (1769cc), 2.0L (1994cc, turbocharged)
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower Range:
        
        
            Approx. 70-125 HP (naturally aspirated), 135 HP (turbocharged RX)
        
     
    
        
            Torque Range:
        
        
            Approx. 80-105 lb-ft (naturally aspirated), 145 lb-ft (turbocharged RX)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Carbureted (early models), Single Point Fuel Injection (SPFI), Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI) (later models)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded Gasoline
        
     
    
    
        
            Timing Drive:
        
        
            Timing Belt
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Types:
        
        
            4-speed Manual, 5-speed Manual, 3-speed Automatic, 4-speed Automatic
        
     
    
    
        
            Transfer Case:
        
        
            Dual Range 4WD (Part-time on some models), Full-time 4WD with viscous coupling center differential (on later AWD models)
        
     
    
    
        
            Clutch Type:
        
        
            Dry single plate (manual transmissions)
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (refer to manual for exact spec and capacity)
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            Dexron II/III equivalent (refer to manual for exact spec and capacity)
        
     
    
        
            Transfer Case Fluid:
        
        
            API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (refer to manual for exact spec and capacity)
        
     
    
        
            Differential Fluid:
        
        
            API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (refer to manual for exact spec and capacity)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Body Styles:
        
        
            2-door Coupe, 4-door Sedan, 5-door Station Wagon, 2-door Coupe Utility (BRAT/Brat)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase Range:
        
        
            Approx. 96.2 - 96.5 inches
        
     
    
        
            Length Range:
        
        
            Approx. 160 - 175 inches (depending on body style)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight Range:
        
        
            Approx. 2,100 - 2,800 lbs (depending on model and drivetrain)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type)
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement:
        
        
            Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles or 5-7 years (critical interval due to interference engine design on EA82)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Specification:
        
        
            API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for specific temperature range and oil capacity)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Ethylene glycol based antifreeze (typically 50/50 mix with distilled water). Color may vary by manufacturer. Refer to manual for capacity.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Common Problems:
        
        
            Head gasket leaks (especially EA82), carburetor issues (early models), timing belt failure (if not replaced), oil leaks from seals
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain Common Problems:
        
        
            CV joint wear, differential seal leaks, manual transmission synchro wear
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Common Problems:
        
        
            Alternator issues, ignition coil failure, wiring harness degradation (corrosion), fuel pump failure
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Steering Common Problems:
        
        
            Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, strut mounts, power steering pump leaks
        
     
    
    
        
            Timing Belt Part Number Example:
        
        
            Subaru P/N 13028AA080 (This is an example and can vary by exact engine. Always verify with VIN.)
        
     
    
        
            Oil Filter Part Number Example:
        
        
            Subaru P/N 15208AA001 (e.g., Fram PH7317, Wix 51515 - verify fitment)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Subaru Origins:
        
        
            Founded in 1953, originally Fuji Heavy Industries, with roots in aircraft manufacturing.
        
     
    
    
        
            L Series Development:
        
        
            Evolved from the Subaru Leone, representing Subaru's entry into the compact car market with unique AWD capabilities.
        
     
    
        
            Generational Changes:
        
        
            Key updates include adoption of fuel injection, more advanced AWD systems, styling revisions, and interior upgrades throughout the production run.
        
     
    
        
            Transition To Loyale:
        
        
            In 1990, the L-Series was rebadged as the Subaru Loyale, continuing with minor updates until 1994.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Location:
        
        
            Japan (Ota, Gunma Prefecture)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Off Road Capabilities:
        
        
            Praised in period reviews for its AWD system's capability relative to other compact cars/wagons, enabling light off-roading and superior traction in adverse weather.
        
     
    
        
            Durability Reputation:
        
        
            Gained a reputation for being durable and long-lasting, especially those with naturally aspirated engines and manual transmissions.
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Economy:
        
        
            Competitive for its class and era, with AWD models slightly less economical than FWD counterparts. Specific MPG figures vary by engine and drivetrain.