Segment:
Mid-size Sedan and Wagon, known for its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system and rally-bred performance heritage.
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda 626, Nissan Altima, Mitsubishi Galant. Distinguished by its AWD as standard and Subaru's boxer engine configuration.
Differentiators:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard on all trims, horizontally-opposed 'Boxer' engines, robust build quality, and a reputation for reliability and driver engagement, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Regions Covered:
Global, with potential regional variations noted for specific emissions or component differences.
Estimated Page Count:
1500-2500 pages (typical for a comprehensive factory-level service manual)
Type:
Full Service and Repair Manual (Factory Technical Service Manual Equivalent)
Format:
Digital (PDF typically, may include printable sections)
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical (NA & Turbo), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Engine Control System (ECU/ECM), Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain (AWD System, Differentials, Axles).
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (ABS included), Wheel Alignment.
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Power Distribution, Audio System, Power Accessories, Instrument Cluster, ECU Diagnostics, Body Control Modules.
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Seats, Doors, Glass, Convertible Top (if applicable), Chassis Frame and Structure.
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil and Filter Changes, Spark Plug Replacement, Air Filter Replacement, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush, Belt Replacement, Fluid Level Checks.
Repair:
Engine Overhaul/Rebuild, Transmission Repair/Rebuild, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair and Replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Troubleshooting, Electrical Schematics Interpretation, Mechanical Component Diagnosis.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-I/OBD-II) system interpretation, scan tool usage, live data analysis, sensor testing, actuator testing.
Rebuilds:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including component measurements, tolerances, and assembly specifications.
Depth:
Factory-level diagnostic procedures, component specifications, torque values, special tool requirements, electrical schematics, and detailed disassembly/assembly instructions for all major vehicle systems.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive and detailed color-coded electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle circuits, including component locations and connector pinouts.
Digital Format:
PDF (Searchable Text, Bookmarked Sections, High-Resolution Diagrams)
Searchability:
Fully searchable text allows for quick location of specific information, part numbers, and procedures.
Print Readability:
Designed for clear printing of text and diagrams, ensuring legibility of technical illustrations and schematics.
Diagram Clarity:
High-resolution diagrams, schematics, and exploded views are presented with clarity for easy understanding during repairs.
Physical Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital Format); If printed, typically spiral-bound or perfect-bound for workshop use.
Physical Paper:
Not Applicable (Digital Format); Historically, factory manuals used high-quality, durable paper suitable for workshop environments.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated and Turbocharged Boxer-4 (EJ Series)
Displacement Options:
2.0L (EJ20), 2.2L (EJ22), 2.5L (EJ25)
Turbocharged Variants:
GT and STI models typically featured the EJ20G (turbocharged) or similar performance-oriented variants.
Horsepower Range:
135-215 hp (depending on engine and trim, naturally aspirated 2.5L around 165-170 hp, turbocharged variants higher)
Torque Range:
135-220 lb-ft (depending on engine and trim)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
ECU Type:
Hitachi or Denso Engine Control Unit (ECU) depending on variant and region
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission (TY754, TY755, etc.)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (TZ102, TZ103, etc.)
AWD System:
Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with viscous coupling center differential (manual) or electronically controlled clutch pack (automatic).
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (refer to specific model for exact specification, typically Subaru Genuine Gear Oil)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
Subaru ATF-HP (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon before HP)
Wheelbase Inches:
104.3 inches
Length Inches:
184.3 inches (Sedan), 187.8 inches (Wagon)
Width Inches:
68.9 inches
Height Inches:
55.7 inches (Sedan), 57.3 inches (Wagon)
Curb Weight Lbs Range:
3100 - 3400 lbs (depending on trim and drivetrain)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x100
Tire Size Standard:
205/55R16, 215/50R17 (depending on trim)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for this model year, but generally considered safe for its era.
IIHS Ratings:
Not specifically rated by IIHS for this year, but later models improved.
Active Safety:
Standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for enhanced traction and stability.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags. Side airbags were an option on some trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most or all trims.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette or CD player. Optional premium sound systems available on higher trims. Manual covers basic diagnostics and speaker replacement.
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control system available, with troubleshooting covered.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Optional feature, manual covers system operation and basic diagnosis/programming.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe duty), 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal duty).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles or 7 years (critical for interference engines).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (copper plugs), 60,000-100,000 miles (platinum/iridium plugs, check specific type).
Engine Oil Capacity Quarts:
4.5 - 4.7 quarts (with filter, depending on engine)
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to owner's manual for climate recommendations)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with appropriate corrosion inhibitors. Capacity approx. 7.0-7.5 quarts.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Headgaskets:
While less common on EJ22 and EJ25D than later EJ25 SOHC/DOHC, EJ25 engines from this era can develop coolant leaks from head gaskets. The manual will cover inspection and replacement procedures.
Automatic Transmission:
Early 4-speed automatics can be prone to wear or torque converter issues. Maintenance of fluid and filter is crucial.
O2 Sensors:
Oxygen sensors can fail over time, leading to poor fuel economy and check engine lights. The manual details diagnosis and replacement.
Cv Boots:
Torn CV boots are common due to age and exposure, leading to joint failure. The manual covers inspection and replacement.
