Segment:
Mid-size Sedan/Wagon, known for All-Wheel Drive and Boxer Engines
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Mazda6
Platform:
Subaru's third generation platform for Legacy (BP/BL)
Powertrain Emphasis:
Symmetrical AWD standard across most trims, Boxer engine layout
Owner Benefit:
Enables DIY maintenance and repair, significantly reducing dealership service costs.
Engine:
2.5L Naturally Aspirated EJ253, 2.5L Turbocharged EJ255 (GT/GT spec.B), 3.0L Naturally Aspirated EZ30D (3.0R)
Transmission:
5-Speed Manual (TY757), 4-Speed Automatic (43072 / 4EAT)
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System, Differentials (Front, Center, Rear)
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Multi-Link Independent Suspension, AWD Components
Brakes:
Front Ventilated Disc, Rear Solid Disc (Standard), Front Ventilated Disc, Rear Ventilated Disc (GT/3.0R), ABS System, Brake Control Module
Steering:
Power Assisted Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Fuses, Relays, Lighting, Power Windows, Mirrors, Locks, Audio System, HVAC Controls, ECM/BCM Diagnosis
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Interior Trim, Seats, Upholstery
HVAC:
Air Conditioning System, Heater Core, Blower Motor, Climate Controls, Refrigerant Handling
Safety Systems:
Airbag System, Seatbelt Pre-tensioners, SRS Module Diagnosis
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replenishments, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), Wiring Harness Testing
Repair Overhaul:
Engine Reassembly, Transmission Overhaul, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension Component Rebuilding, AC System Repair
Installation:
Component Installation and Removal (Engine, Transmission, Suspension, Brakes, Body Panels, Interior Components)
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Alignment Data, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Specifications
Depth:
Factory Level Detail, Suitable for Professional Technicians and Advanced DIYers
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on Subaru Select Monitor (SSM) and general OBD-II scan tools
Troubleshooting Methodology:
Systematic approach to diagnosing faults with flowcharts and symptom-based guides
Engine Displacement Na:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Engine Configuration Na:
Naturally Aspirated, Boxer-4 (Horizontally Opposed)
Performance Na:
Approx. 173 hp @ 5600 rpm, 166 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm (Varies slightly by year/spec)
Fuel System Na:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Displacement Turbo:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Engine Configuration Turbo:
Turbocharged, Boxer-4 (Horizontally Opposed)
Performance Turbo:
Approx. 210 hp @ 5600 rpm, 235 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (GT), 250 hp / 250 lb-ft (GT spec.B)
Fuel System Turbo:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Turbocharger
Engine Displacement V6:
3.0 Liters (2999 cc)
Engine Configuration V6:
Naturally Aspirated, Boxer-6 (Horizontally Opposed)
Performance V6:
Approx. 243 hp @ 6600 rpm, 219 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Fuel System V6:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Timing Drive:
Timing Belt (EJ engines), Timing Chain (EZ30D)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.0-7.5 Liters (Check specific engine variant)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5-5.5 Liters (Check specific engine variant)
Recommended Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (Check Owner's Manual for exact specification, API SN or higher recommended)
Type:
5-Speed Manual (TY757 Series)
Type:
4-Speed Automatic (4EAT - 43072 Series)
AWD System:
Viscous coupling center differential (Manual), Electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch (Automatic)
Gear Ratios Manual:
Refer to manual for specific ratios per gear
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
Subaru ATF-HP (Genuine Subaru or equivalent DEXRON-III/MERCON compatible)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto:
Approx. 3.7 Liters (Drain and Fill)
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
Subaru Manual Transmission Fluid (Genuine Subaru or equivalent GL-5 75W-90)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Manual:
Approx. 2.5 Liters
Length Sedan:
Approx. 4745 mm (186.8 in)
Width Sedan:
Approx. 1730 mm (68.1 in)
Height Sedan:
Approx. 1425 mm (56.1 in)
Wheelbase Sedan:
Approx. 2700 mm (106.3 in)
Length Wagon:
Approx. 4755 mm (187.2 in)
Width Wagon:
Approx. 1730 mm (68.1 in)
Height Wagon:
Approx. 1490 mm (58.7 in)
Wheelbase Wagon:
Approx. 2700 mm (106.3 in)
Curb Weight Sedan Na:
Approx. 1450-1550 kg (3200-3420 lbs)
Curb Weight Sedan Gt:
Approx. 1530-1630 kg (3370-3590 lbs)
Curb Weight Wagon Na:
Approx. 1470-1570 kg (3240-3460 lbs)
Curb Weight Wagon Gt:
Approx. 1550-1650 kg (3420-3640 lbs)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x100mm
Tire Size Base:
205/55R16
Tire Size Gt:
215/45R17 or 215/45R18
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (2004 models)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (2004 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
Good (2004 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
Good (2004 models)
IIHS Front Offset Score:
Good (2005 models)
IIHS Side Impact Score:
Good (2005 models)
Traction Control:
Standard on most trims
Stability Control:
Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) available on higher trims
ABS:
Standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System
Airbags:
Front Dual-Stage Airbags, Front Side-Impact Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags (available/standard on some trims)
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point Pretensioner Seatbelts, Rear 3-point Seatbelts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (severe) or 7,500 miles (normal) for synthetic oil. Consult manual for specifics.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter:
Every 15,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement Ej253:
105,000 miles (Iridium Plugs)
Spark Plug Replacement Ej255:
105,000 miles (Iridium Plugs)
Spark Plug Replacement Ez30D:
105,000 miles (Iridium Plugs)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable (EJ engines use timing chains, EZ30D uses timing chain). Verify based on specific engine. Some older Subaru models used belts, but this generation primarily uses chains.
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent P-OAT ethylene glycol based.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or equivalent DEXRON-III/MERCON ATF.
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent than earlier EJ engines, some reports of head gasket leaks can occur, especially on higher mileage naturally aspirated models. Turbocharged models are generally more robust.
Catalytic Converter:
Premature failure on some models, often related to oil consumption or misfires. Covered under extended warranty for certain years/VINs.
Automatic Transmission:
Some reports of delayed shifting or transmission issues, especially if maintenance intervals are not adhered to. Fluid changes are critical.
Suspension Components:
Wear on bushings and ball joints can occur over time, particularly in areas with rough road conditions.
Cvt Transmission:
Not applicable to this manual's model years; CVT transmissions were introduced in later Legacy generations.
Manufacturer Origin:
Japan
Core Philosophy:
Emphasis on All-Wheel Drive, Boxer engines, and safety.
Generation:
Fourth Generation Subaru Legacy (BP/BL)
Design Language:
Significant redesign from previous generation, more aerodynamic and contemporary styling.
Key Updates 2004 2005:
Introduction of the new generation, with updated styling, chassis, and powertrain options.
Manufacturing Plant:
Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA), Lafayette, Indiana, USA and Gunma Plant, Japan
Production Years Generation:
2003-2009