Segment:
Mid-size Sedan/Wagon
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Taurus, Nissan Maxima
Key Selling Points:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, boxer engine layout, reliable reputation, durable construction
All Wheel Drive:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system offering superior traction and stability in various conditions.
Engine Layout:
Horizontally opposed (Boxer) engine for a lower center of gravity and improved handling.
Body Styles:
Offered in Sedan and Wagon body styles.
Trim Levels:
Available in various trim levels like RS, LS, GT, Outback (wagon variant).
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing belt, oil pump, lubrication system, cooling system
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection system, ignition system, emission control systems (catalytic converter, EGR, PCV), engine diagnostics, performance tuning
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, gearbox overhaul, gear selection, synchronizers, bearings
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission overhaul, hydraulic control systems, torque converter, valve body, shift control
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, viscous coupling, differentials (front and rear), driveshafts, CV joints, axle shafts
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings, sway bars
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, wheel alignment specifications
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, disc brakes, drum brakes, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, brake booster, ABS system (if equipped), parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting systems, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, ignition switch
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, exterior trim, glass, doors, hood, trunk, chassis diagnostics, rust prevention
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, condenser, climate controls
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics) system, troubleshooting flowcharts, common fault diagnosis
Maintenance Routines:
Oil change, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, power steering fluid flush
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, component removal and installation, reassembly, torquing specifications
Troubleshooting Guide:
Systematic approach to identifying and resolving common and uncommon vehicle issues, symptom-based diagnosis
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, component locations, connector pinouts
Diagnostic Procedures:
Procedures for using diagnostic tools, reading sensor data, testing electrical components, checking fuel pressure, ignition timing adjustments
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and component-level repair.
Length Sedan:
183.1 in (4650 mm)
Width Sedan:
67.7 in (1720 mm)
Height Sedan:
56.1 in (1425 mm)
Length Wagon:
185.4 in (4710 mm)
Width Wagon:
67.7 in (1720 mm)
Height Wagon:
57.5 in (1460 mm) (standard), 60.0 in (1525 mm) (Outback)
Wheelbase:
104.3 in (2650 mm)
Curb Weight Manual:
Approx. 3100-3300 lbs (1400-1500 kg)
Curb Weight Automatic:
Approx. 3200-3400 lbs (1450-1550 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 4300 lbs (1950 kg)
Cargo Volume Sedan:
Approx. 14.1 cu ft (399 liters)
Cargo Volume Wagon:
Approx. 37.5 cu ft (1062 liters) (rear seats up)
Cargo Volume Wagon Seats Folded:
Approx. 70.0 cu ft (1982 liters) (rear seats folded)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact Rating:
Not rated or unavailable for this model year.
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact Rating:
Not rated or unavailable for this model year.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on select trims.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts. Pretensioners for front seatbelts.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH/ISOFIX not standard on this model year, but provisions for child seats may exist.
Body Structure:
Reinforced body structure with crumple zones.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first. Use synthetic oil for extended intervals.
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Fuel Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, or 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum/iridium plugs (check specific plug type).
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years, critical to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or 2 years.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 (preferred), 10W-30, or 10W-40 depending on climate.
Engine Oil Capacity Ej22:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Specification:
Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru power steering fluid or Dexron II/III ATF.
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent than in later EJ series engines, early EJ25D engines (if present) were known for head gasket failures. The EJ22 is generally more robust.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear and tear on suspension bushings and ball joints is common with age and mileage.
Oil Leaks:
Rear main seal and valve cover gasket leaks can occur over time.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged or fail over time, especially with poor maintenance.
Maintenance Schedule Summary
Basic Checks:
Tire pressure, fluid levels, belts, hoses, lights should be checked regularly (monthly).
Subaru Philosophy:
Subaru is known for its emphasis on safety, durability, and its unique Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
Second Generation Intro:
The second generation Legacy (BD/BG/BK) was introduced for the 1995 model year, evolving from the first generation. The 1996 model represents a continuation of this generation, with minor updates.
Second Generation Facelift:
The second generation received a significant facelift for the 1997 model year, meaning the 1996 model is the pre-facelift version of the second generation.
Outback Variant:
The Outback variant, a lifted and more rugged version of the Legacy wagon, gained popularity during this generation.
Production Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan.
Production Years Second Gen:
1995-1999