Segment:
Mid-size sedan and wagon, known for its AWD capabilities and practical design
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima, Mazda 626, Ford Taurus
Differentiators:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, horizontally opposed ('Boxer') engine layout, robust build quality
Engine:
2.2L EJ22, 2.5L EJ25 (Naturally Aspirated and Turbocharged) - DOHC and SOHC variants
Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (4EAT), 5-speed Manual
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials, driveshafts, CV joints
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, Rear multi-link, coil springs, shock absorbers, stabilizer bars
Brakes:
Front vented discs, Rear solid discs (or drums on some models), ABS system
Steering:
Power assisted rack and pinion
Fuel System:
Fuel injection, fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, lines
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant hoses, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, ignition system, lighting, fuses, relays
Climate Control:
HVAC system, blower motor, heater core, A/C system components
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, sound deadening
Diagnostics:
OBD-I and early OBD-II diagnostic procedures, fault code retrieval
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks, tire rotation
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnosis of common and uncommon faults with step-by-step guides
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing nearly all mechanical and electrical components
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical wiring schematics for all systems
Depth:
Detailed specifications, torque values, clearances, diagnostic procedures, and overhaul instructions
Engine Options:
2.2L EJ22E SOHC (135 hp @ 5600 rpm, 137 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm), 2.5L EJ25D DOHC (165 hp @ 6000 rpm, 162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm), 2.5L EJ25T DOHC Turbo (208 hp @ 5500 rpm, 240 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm - GT/GT-B models)
Bore X Stroke:
EJ22: 96.0 mm x 75.0 mm; EJ25: 99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
EJ22: 9.5:1; EJ25D: 9.7:1; EJ25T: 8.5:1
Injection Type:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum, higher recommended for Turbo)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 to 105,000 miles or 4-7 years (refer to manual for specific intervals and conditions)
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic with Sportshift (4EAT)
AWD Engagement:
Full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF HP or Dexron III (check manual for exact specification)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (check manual for exact specification)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.3 inches (2649 mm)
Length:
Approx. 187.2 inches (4755 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.7 inches (1770 mm)
Height:
Approx. 56.7 inches (1440 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3000-3400 lbs (1360-1540 kg), depending on body style and trim
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4300-4600 lbs
NHTSA Frontal Crash:
Not rated or 4-star (Varies by specific test year and configuration)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Not typically available as standard in this generation
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts, driver's pretensioner
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles)
Cabin Air Filter:
Not typically equipped in this generation
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron III or Subaru Power Steering Fluid
Head Gaskets:
Common issue, especially on EJ25D, leading to coolant leaks or internal coolant contamination. Early detection is crucial.
Oil Leaks:
Can occur from valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and front/rear main seals due to age and heat.
Automatic Transmission:
Some units can experience hesitant shifting or premature wear; regular fluid changes are vital.
Oxygen Sensors:
Can become fouled or fail over time, affecting fuel economy and emissions.
Cv Joint Boots:
Can degrade and tear, leading to grease loss and premature CV joint wear.
