Segment:
Mid-size SUV/Crossover, Station Wagon
Competitors:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra
Distinctive Features:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, raised ground clearance (Outback), boxer engine design
Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent mechanics, Subaru owners seeking in-depth repair knowledge
Benefit:
Cost-effective vehicle maintenance and repair, empowerment for owners
Engine:
2.5L EJ25 SOHC & DOHC naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines
Transmission:
4-speed automatic (4EAT), 5-speed manual
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, front and rear differentials, drive axles
Suspension:
Front struts, rear shocks, control arms, stabilizer bars, bushings
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system, parking brake
Steering:
Power assisted rack and pinion, steering column, linkages
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, coolant passages
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, fuel tank, evaporative emissions control (EVAP)
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipes
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
Climate Control:
HVAC system, A/C compressor, heater core, blower motor, controls
Body Interior:
Door panels, seats, dashboard, trim, headliner
Body Exterior:
Bumpers, fenders, hood, doors, tailgate, glass, seals
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, ABS, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, fluid flushes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, electrical circuit analysis
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues
Installation:
Component replacement and installation procedures for all major systems
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Engine Type:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) 16-valve or DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) 16-valve
Horsepower Sohc:
Approx. 165 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque Sohc:
Approx. 162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower DOHc Turbo:
Approx. 212 hp @ 5500 rpm (GT/GT-B trims)
Torque DOHc Turbo:
Approx. 241 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (GT/GT-B trims)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane (Regular Unleaded), 91 Octane recommended for Turbo models
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (4EAT) with Subaru's Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) AWD
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with viscous coupling center differential (manual) or electronically controlled clutch pack (automatic)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-5 75W-90 (API classification)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags, which were optional/standard on higher trims)
ABS:
Standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available on some trims/models
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional front side airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts, pretensioners and load limiters for front seats
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe driving) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal driving)
Engine Oil Filter:
Replace at every oil change. Part numbers vary by engine. Example: 15208AA031 (for EJ25)
Timing Belt:
Replace every 90,000 to 105,000 miles or 105 months. Crucial for EJ25 engines. Part number example: 13028AA073
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles (platinum tipped)
Engine Oil Type:
5W-30 (API SG or SH classification)
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Head Gaskets:
Common issue on EJ25 engines of this era, particularly the SOHC version. Look for coolant leaks, milky oil, or misfires.
Oil Consumption:
Some EJ25 engines can exhibit oil consumption, especially with higher mileage. Ring wear is a common cause.
Awt Transmission Issues:
The 4EAT transmission can sometimes develop issues with solenoid packs or torque converters at higher mileage.
Heritage:
Subaru, a division of Fuji Heavy Industries, has a long history of producing AWD vehicles, starting with the Subaru Leone in the 1970s.
Generation:
This is the second generation of the Subaru Outback, introduced as an all-new model for 1996, built on the Legacy platform. The 2001 model represents a facelift and update to the second generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
