Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Sedan and Wagon, known for its standard All-Wheel Drive and practical nature
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Taurus, Mazda Millenia, Nissan Altima
All Wheel Drive:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) was a defining feature, offering superior traction in adverse conditions.
Reliability:
Generally regarded as a reliable vehicle, especially with proper maintenance.
Practicality:
Offered in both sedan and versatile wagon body styles, appealing to those needing cargo space.
Engine Options:
Provided two reliable boxer engine options with distinct power characteristics.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing belts, lubrication system, cooling system
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, exhaust system, engine diagnostics and troubleshooting
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, transmission assembly, gear shift mechanism, lubrication
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, transmission assembly, valve body, hydraulic controls, shift solenoids, lubrication, diagnostics
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, front and rear differentials, drive shafts, CV joints
Suspension:
Front struts, rear struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings, sway bars
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, ABS system, brake fluid, hydraulic lines, parking brake
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, tie rods
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, lighting system
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, structural components, collision repair guidelines
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, climate control, refrigerant
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting flowcharts
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, drive belt inspection/replacement
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper replacement, power steering pump replacement
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for various symptoms, fault code interpretation and resolution
Electrical Diagnostics:
Using multimeters, interpreting wiring diagrams, troubleshooting electrical faults
Component Removal And Installation:
Detailed instructions for removing and installing virtually every serviceable component
Specification Charts:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, timing settings, electrical component resistance values
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission overhauls and advanced diagnostics)
Engine 1:
2.2L SOHC 16-valve Boxer-4 (EJ22E)
Engine 1 Displacement:
2197 cc (2.2 Liters)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
135 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)
Engine 1 Torque:
140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
96.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
9.5:1
Engine 2:
2.5L SOHC 16-valve Boxer-4 (EJ25D)
Engine 2 Displacement:
2457 cc (2.5 Liters)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
165 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Torque:
162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
9.5:1
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Multi-point
ECU Type:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) - Manufacturer specific, likely Denso or Hitachi
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (with lock-up torque converter)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Active AWD for automatic, viscous coupling for manual)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF HP or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-5 75W-90 Gear Oil (approx. 3.5-4.0 L)
Differential Fluid:
GL-5 75W-90 Gear Oil (Front and Rear)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4-star (1999 model year)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4-star (1999 model year)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most trims
AWD:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provides enhanced traction and stability
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts
Child Seat Anchors:
Rear seat ISOFIX/LATCH anchors not standard for this era, typically relied on seatbelt systems
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette player with optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.
Climate Control:
Manual climate control system with rotary knobs for temperature, fan speed, and air direction.
Cruise Control:
Factory cruise control system standard on many trims.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature. Warning lights for system status.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; primarily focused on radio and basic vehicle operation. No modern infotainment or smartphone integration.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe use) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal use) - Consult manual for specifics
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on ambient temperature, check manual)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.2 US quarts (4.0 L) with filter (EJ22E) / 4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter (EJ25D)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended every 60,000 miles or 4 years (critical for EJ series engines to prevent catastrophic failure)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type, typically copper or platinum)
Coolant Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years (using Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru Power Steering Fluid or Dexron II/III ATF
Head Gaskets:
While not as prevalent as in later EJ engines, potential for head gasket leaks on the EJ25D, especially with high mileage or overheating.
Timing Belt Tensioner:
Tensioner failure can lead to premature timing belt wear or failure. Replacement with the belt is highly recommended.
Cv Joint Boots:
Front CV joint boots can be susceptible to tearing, leading to grease loss and eventual joint failure.
Radiator And Hoses:
Original radiator and hoses may degrade over time, leading to leaks and potential overheating.
Automatic Transmission Cooling:
Ensure the transmission cooler is functioning correctly, as overheating can lead to premature failure, especially in heavy-duty use.
Subaru Heritage:
Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries) has a history dating back to aviation, leading to their distinctive horizontally opposed (boxer) engines and focus on AWD technology.
Legacy Introduction:
The Subaru Legacy was introduced globally in 1989 as a replacement for the Subaru Leone. It was designed to compete in the growing mid-size car market.
Second Generation Launch:
The second generation (BD/BG/BK) was launched in 1993 (Japan) and 1995 (North America), featuring a more modern design and increased size.
1999 Facelift:
The 1999 model year represents a mid-cycle refresh for the second generation, receiving updated styling cues, improved interiors, and potentially minor mechanical revisions.
Manufacturing Location:
Primary manufacturing typically in Gunma, Japan.