Segment:
Mid-size sedan and wagon
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina
Drivetrain:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on most models, offering enhanced traction and stability
Engine Layout:
Horizontally opposed (Boxer) engines
Reliability Perception:
Known for robust AWD system and generally good durability
Design Philosophy:
Functional, safe, and all-weather capable
Primary Regions:
North America (USA, Canada)
Market Focus:
Service and Repair
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM)
Content Scope:
Comprehensive Workshop Repair
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Digital Features:
Searchable text, Bookmarked sections
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, Engine management, Fuel system, Exhaust system, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain (AWD System)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS included), Wheels & Tires
Body:
Exterior body panels, Interior trim, HVAC, Doors, Glass, Seats, Body sealing
Electrical:
Engine control, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power accessories, SRS (Airbag) system, Audio system, Wiring diagrams
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, Fluid checks and changes, Filter replacements, Belt replacements, Spark plug replacement
Repair:
Engine rebuilding, Transmission overhaul, Suspension component replacement, Brake caliper service, Steering rack replacement, Electrical component diagnosis and repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Circuit testing, Component testing
Installation:
Accessory installation, Component replacement procedures
Depth:
Factory-level diagnostic and repair information, including detailed specifications and procedures
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions with detailed diagrams and illustrations
Engine Type 1:
2.2L SOHC EJ22E Boxer-4
Displacement Ej22:
2211 cc
Compression Ratio Ej22:
9.1:1
Horsepower Ej22:
135 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque Ej22:
140 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine Type 2:
2.5L DOHC EJ25D Boxer-4 (Phase I)
Displacement Ej25D:
2457 cc
Compression Ratio Ej25D:
9.5:1
Horsepower Ej25D:
165 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque Ej25D:
162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Management:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Timing Belt:
Yes (Service interval critical)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Octane Requirement:
87 AKI minimum (91 AKI recommended for EJ25D)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG, SH, or SJ certified SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for climate specific)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission (5MT)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)
AWD System Type:
Active All-Wheel Drive (Variable Torque Distribution - VTD on some models, viscous coupling center differential on others)
Fluid Specifications Manual
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 gear oil
Fluid Specifications Automatic
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Subaru Genuine ATF HP (or equivalent Dexron II/III compatible)
Length Sedan:
Approx. 187.2 inches (4755 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.5 inches (1715 mm)
Height Sedan:
Approx. 55.1 inches (1400 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.3 inches (2650 mm)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 3100 - 3400 lbs (1406 - 1542 kg)
NHTSA Driver Side Impact:
4 stars (1997 model year, varies by specific test)
IIHS Front Crash:
Good (1997 model year, varies by specific test)
ABS:
Available (Standard on higher trims and later models)
AWD:
Standard Symmetrical AWD
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger airbags (SRS)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette player and optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim.
Display Technology:
Analog gauges, basic LCD displays for odometer and trip meter.
Cruise Control:
Available on most trims.
Traction Control:
Not typically available on this generation.
Connectivity Features:
Limited to auxiliary inputs for aftermarket audio devices.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Not equipped on all models of this generation, check for availability. If equipped, typically every 12,000-15,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum tipped (check vehicle specifics)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years. CRITICAL INTERVAL. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.7 US quarts (6.3 liters)
Head Gaskets:
While less prone than later generations, early EJ25D engines (1996-1998) can develop head gasket leaks. Manual details diagnosis and replacement.
Timing Belt Tensioner:
Failure of the automatic tensioner can lead to belt slippage or breakage.
Rear Main Seal Leak:
Occasional leaks can occur at the rear main crankshaft seal.
Cv Axle Boots:
Wear and tear can lead to torn CV axle boots, requiring replacement to prevent joint damage.
Subaru Identity:
Known for its pioneering use of AWD in passenger cars and its boxer engine design.
Generation:
Second Generation (1995-1999)
Redesign Notes:
Larger and more refined than the first generation, with improved safety and styling.
Production Plants:
Ota, Gunma, Japan
Sales Trend:
Steady sales, benefiting from Subaru's reputation for all-weather capability.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Often rated average to above average for reliability and performance in its class during its production years, with specific praise for AWD.
Safety Awards:
Achieved good safety ratings for the era, contributing to Subaru's safety image.
