Segment:
Mid-size sedan and wagon, known for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda 626, Nissan Altima, Ford Mondeo.
AWD Standard:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across most trims, a significant differentiator.
Engine Options:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) engine configurations offering a lower center of gravity.
Body Styles:
Available as a sedan (BD) and a wagon (BG), with the 'Grand Wagon' (BK) offering increased ride height and rugged styling.
Covered Regions:
Global (with regional variations noted where applicable)
Estimated Page Count:
Estimated 1500+ pages (typical for a comprehensive workshop manual of this era)
Type:
Workshop Manual / Repair Manual / Service Manual
Format:
Digital Download (likely PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Emission Control, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System
Drivetrain:
Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Transfer Case, Drive Shafts, Axles, Differentials (Front, Center, Rear)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Hydraulic, ABS)
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Wiper & Washer System, Horn, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks), Audio System Wiring, SRS Airbag System
Body:
Body Panel Removal/Installation, Doors, Hood, Trunk/Tailgate, Bumpers, Exterior Trim, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass, Seals
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance (Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks), Belt Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Brake Pad/Shoe Replacement, Tire Rotation
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Charts, Electrical Schematics for Fault Finding
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Caliper/Master Cylinder Replacement, Steering Rack Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement
Disassembly Reassembly:
Detailed step-by-step guides for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly with torque specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics.
Engine Codes:
EJ22 (2.2L), EJ25D (2.5L DOHC)
Ej22 Horsepower:
135 hp @ 5600 rpm
Ej22 Torque:
140 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Ej25D Horsepower:
165 hp @ 6000 rpm
Ej25D Torque:
162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Layout:
Horizontally-Opposed (Boxer)
Head Type:
DOHC (EJ25D), SOHC (EJ22)
Drive Mechanism:
Timing Belt
Type Sedan:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type Wagon:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (often standard on higher trims or optional on base)
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential.
Atf Type:
Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon)
Manual Gear Oil Type:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.3 inches (2649 mm)
Length Sedan:
Approx. 187.2 inches (4755 mm)
Length Wagon:
Approx. 185.6 inches (4714 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.7 inches (1770 mm)
Height Sedan:
Approx. 55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Height Wagon:
Approx. 57.7 inches (1465 mm)
Curb Weight Est:
Approx. 3100-3400 lbs (1406-1542 kg) depending on configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 4300 lbs (1950 kg)
Standard Tire Size:
205/55R16
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x100mm
Wheel Offset:
ET48 (typical)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
4/5 stars (typical for AWD vehicles of the era)
IIHS Crash Test Ratings:
Good (frontal offset)
ABS:
Standard on most models, especially those with 2.5L engine and AWD.
Traction Control:
Limited availability or specific trim dependent.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts, driver's pretensioner.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe service) / 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal service) – consult manual for specifics.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended at 90,000 miles or 7 years, whichever comes first. Crucial due to interference engine design.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: Every 30,000-45,000 miles. Manual: Check and top up as needed, change if contaminated.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on climate). API Certified, ILSAC GF-2.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Head Gaskets:
The EJ25D DOHC engine is known for potential head gasket failures, often due to Subaru's original gasket design. This manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.
Awt Coupling:
Wear in the viscous coupling center differential can lead to binding or rough handling, especially during tight turns.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear in control arm bushings and other suspension components can lead to knocking noises and poor handling.
Cv Joints:
Front and rear CV joints can wear over time, especially if protective boots are damaged.
AWD Focus:
Subaru has a long-standing reputation for All-Wheel Drive technology, originating with the Leone and establishing it in passenger cars with the Legacy.
Generation Ii Introduction:
The second generation, introduced in 1994 (for the 1995 model year in some markets), featured a stiffer chassis, improved aerodynamics, and updated styling.
Styling Updates:
Larger greenhouse, smoother lines compared to the first generation. The wagon ('Liberty' in many markets) was particularly popular and offered a robust, capable alternative to SUVs.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (Main Plant: Gunma Prefecture)
Production Years Gen Ii:
1994-1999 (with this manual covering the initial 1994-1997 phase)
Consumer Reports:
Often received average to good reliability ratings, with specific powertrain variants noted for better longevity.
Motor Trend:
The Legacy/Liberty has been praised for its driving dynamics and the utility of its wagon variant, especially with AWD.
Emissions Compliance:
Designed to meet EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for its respective model years.