🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy

Year:

2002

Chassis Code:

BE/BH Series

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Sedan / Wagon

Brand Perception:

Known for All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability, boxer engines, and a reputation for reliability and longevity.

Key Competitors:

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Mazda6, Ford Mondeo

Standard AWD:

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive was standard on most Legacy models in this generation, differentiating it from many competitors.

Powertrain Options:

Availability of naturally aspirated and turbocharged boxer engines, and a larger H6 option.

Body Styles:

Offered as both a sedan and a wagon (often referred to as the Outback Sport or Legacy GT Wagon).

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

North America (USDM, potentially CdnDM)

Engine Variants Covered:

2.5L Naturally Aspirated (EJ253), 2.5L Turbocharged (EJ254 - GT models), 3.0L H6 (EZ30D - GT30 models)

Transmission Types Covered:

4-speed Automatic (4EAT), 5-speed Manual

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 1500-2000+ (typical for comprehensive factory manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control, exhaust, turbocharging (if applicable), transmission (manual and automatic), driveline (front/rear differentials, driveshafts, CV joints)

Chassis:

Suspension (front struts, rear multi-link, coil springs, shocks), steering (power rack and pinion), brakes (front vented discs, rear solid discs, ABS system, parking brake)

Electrical:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrumentation, power windows/locks/mirrors, wiper/washer system, horn, fuse box, relay functions, ECU/PCM locations and pinouts, sensor diagnostics

Body:

Exterior panels (doors, hood, trunk, fenders), interior trim, glass, mirrors, seals, body hardware, corrosion protection

Maintenance:

Oil change intervals, filter replacements, fluid level checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/rotor inspection and replacement, tire rotation

Repair:

Engine overhaul (rebuild specifications, torque values, gasket replacement), transmission rebuild, clutch replacement, brake caliper/master cylinder replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair and replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting flowcharts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, procedures for checking sensor data (OBD-II), pinpoint tests for electrical circuits, common fault diagnosis

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed wiring diagrams and component specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Typically yes (depending on PDF source quality), allowing for quick keyword searches.

Resolution:

High resolution (intended for digital viewing and printing).

Scalability:

Scalable for digital viewing on various devices.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Na:

EJ253

Engine Type Na:

2.5L SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) Flat-4 (Boxer)

Displacement Na:

2498 cc

Bore X Stroke Na:

99.5 mm x 80.0 mm

Compression Ratio Na:

9.7:1

Horsepower Na:

165 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Na:

166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code Turbo:

EJ254

Engine Type Turbo:

2.5L DOHC (Double Overhead Cam) Turbocharged Flat-4 (Boxer)

Horsepower Turbo:

210 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Turbo:

230 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Engine Code H6:

EZ30D

Engine Type H6:

3.0L DOHC Flat-6 (Boxer)

Horsepower H6:

208 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque H6:

217 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Octane Rating Na:

87-89 AKI (Recommended: 87)

Octane Rating Turbo H6:

91 AKI (Premium Unleaded Recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual (TZ1A3ZD1A, TZ1A3ZD2A, etc.)

Type:

4-speed Automatic (4EAT) with Sportshift (GT models may have different internal ratios)

AWD Coupling:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system integrated with transmission.

Manual Gear Ratios Example:

1st: 3.454, 2nd: 1.750, 3rd: 1.137, 4th: 0.916, 5th: 0.731, Reverse: 3.166 (Ratios vary by specific model/engine)

Automatic Gear Ratios Example:

1st: 2.787, 2nd: 1.545, 3rd: 1.000, 4th: 0.742, Reverse: 2.400 (Ratios vary by specific model/engine)

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan:

4765 mm (187.6 inches)

Length Wagon:

4785 mm (188.4 inches)

Width:

1730 mm (68.1 inches)

Height Sedan:

1435 mm (56.5 inches)

Height Wagon:

1485 mm (58.5 inches)

Wheelbase:

2670 mm (105.1 inches)

Front Track:

1490 mm (58.7 inches)

Rear Track:

1490 mm (58.7 inches)

Curb Weight Est Min:

1440 kg (3175 lbs) (Varies by trim and drivetrain)

Curb Weight Est Max:

1580 kg (3483 lbs) (Varies by trim and drivetrain)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

1950-2050 kg (4300-4520 lbs) (Approximate, varies by model)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver 2002:

5-Star

NHTSA Frontal Passenger 2002:

5-Star

IIHS Front Crash Rating 2002:

Good

ABS:

Standard (4-wheel anti-lock braking system)

Traction Control:

Available on some models (VDC - Vehicle Dynamics Control)

All Wheel Drive:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

Airbags:

Front airbags (driver and passenger), available side-impact airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners and load limiters for front seats

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced roof structure

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio system with amplifier and subwoofer, available cassette player.

Climate Control:

Manual climate control, optional automatic climate control.

Cruise Control:

Standard

Instrumentation:

Analog gauges with tachometer, speedometer, fuel, and temperature. Check engine light, ABS warning light, SRS airbag warning light.

Connectivity Options:

Limited by era; primarily focused on audio input (CD/cassette). No Bluetooth or USB standard.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first (under severe driving conditions), or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months (under normal driving conditions). Consult manual for specifics.

Engine Oil Filter Interval:

Replace at every oil change.

Air Filter Interval:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Replace typically every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Spark Plug Interval:

Inspect at 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard platinum plugs. Iridium plugs may have longer life.

Timing Belt Interval:

Crucial: Check for interference engine design. Typically recommended replacement at 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years, whichever comes first. The EJ253 and EJ254 are interference engines.

Engine Oil Type Na:

API SG or SH, ILSAC GF-2 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for climate-specific viscosity)

Engine Oil Type Turbo H6:

API SJ or SL, ILSAC GF-3 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check owner's manual for climate-specific viscosity)

Engine Oil Capacity 4Cyl:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter

Engine Oil Capacity H6:

5.8 US quarts (5.5 liters) with filter

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with silicate inhibitors.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (e.g., Subaru Extra-S or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Subaru ATF HP (Highly Recommended) or Dexron III compatible fluid (consult manual for exact specification).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or ATF Dexron III

Head Gaskets:

While less prevalent than in earlier generations, EJ25 engines can still be susceptible to head gasket failure, especially with neglect or overheating. Early detection is key.

Automatic Transmission Issues:

Some reports of hesitation or slipping in older 4EAT transmissions, often related to fluid degradation or valve body issues. Regular fluid changes are critical.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets can degrade over time, leading to leaks.

Suspension Wear:

Control arm bushings and sway bar links can wear out, leading to clunking noises and poor handling.

Turbocharger Failure Gt Models:

Turbocharger can fail if oil supply is restricted or if the engine is overheated. Proper maintenance and warm-up/cool-down procedures are important.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru History:

Subaru Corporation (formerly Subaru-Isuzu) is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for its pioneering use of all-wheel drive and boxer engines.

Legacy Gen 3:

This 2002 model is part of the third generation (2000-2004) of the Subaru Legacy, which saw a significant redesign from its predecessor.

Third Gen Updates:

Larger chassis, improved safety, availability of the H6 engine option, and refined AWD systems.

Production Location:

Japan (Gunma Plant)

Production Years:

2000-2004 (Third Generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

The 2002 Legacy received 'Good' ratings in IIHS frontal crash tests, indicating good structural integrity and occupant protection.

Automotive Journal Reviews:

Generally praised for its AWD system, comfortable ride, and practical wagon variant. Criticism often focused on interior materials and engine refinement compared to some rivals.