Segment:
Mid-size sedan/wagon, often positioned as a more engaging and durable alternative to mainstream sedans.
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda6, Ford Fusion
Differentiators:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer engine layout, reputation for reliability and longevity.
Benefit:
Empowers owners and technicians with factory-level knowledge for accurate diagnosis and repair.
Engine:
2.5L DOHC (EJ253), 3.0L DOHC (EZ30D), 2.5L DOHC Turbo (EJ255)
Transmission:
5-Speed Manual, 5-Speed Automatic (with manual mode)
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system components
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, Rear multi-link independent suspension
Brakes:
Front and Rear disc brakes, ABS, Brake assist
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering system
Electrical:
Full vehicle wiring diagrams, ECUs, lighting, accessories
HVAC:
Climate control system, A/C, heating
Body:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, component testing
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Replacement:
Component replacement procedures with torque specifications
Calibration:
Sensor calibration, alignment procedures
Level:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, component-level repair, full rebuilds
2.5L Na (Ej253):
2.5 Liter Naturally Aspirated DOHC Flat-4, 175 hp @ 6000 rpm, 169 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
3.0L Na (Ez30D):
3.0 Liter Naturally Aspirated DOHC Flat-6, 245 hp @ 6600 rpm, 217 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
2.5L Turbo (Ej255):
2.5 Liter DOHC Turbocharged Flat-4 (GT/GT spec.B trims), 250 hp @ 5200 rpm, 250 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1 (EJ253), 10.7:1 (EZ30D), 8.4:1 (EJ255)
Induction:
Sequential multi-port fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm (EJ253), 81.0 mm x 91.2 mm (EZ30D), 99.5 mm x 79.0 mm (EJ255)
Engine Code Decoder:
Manual provides detailed breakdown of engine codes and their specific variations.
Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (e.g., TY756)
Optional Transmission:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., 5EAT)
AWD Integration:
Viscous coupling center differential (manual), electronically controlled active AWD with multi-plate transfer clutch (automatic).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Extra MT Gear Oil (or equivalent API GL-5, SAE 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent DEXRON-III compatible)
Length:
Sedan: ~190.4 in, Wagon: ~188.8 in
Height:
Sedan: ~57.9 in, Wagon: ~58.5 in
Cargo Volume:
Sedan: ~14.7 cu ft, Wagon: ~30.8 cu ft (seats up)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3200-3500 lbs depending on configuration.
Towing Capacity:
Not typically specified or recommended for towing.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5 Stars (2008 Model)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (2008 Model)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (VDC - Vehicle Dynamics Control)
Airbags:
Front, front side, and side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
Pretensioner and force-limiter front seatbelts
Head Unit:
Available touch-screen navigation systems, CD player with MP3 capability, auxiliary input.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Keyless Entry:
Available keyless entry and push-button start
Bluetooth:
Available Bluetooth hands-free connectivity
ECU Diagrams:
Extensive ECU pinout diagrams and logic charts for diagnostic purposes.
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles or 3.75 months (severe conditions), or 7,500 miles or 7.5 months (normal conditions).
Spark Plugs:
Every 100,000 miles (iridium type)
Timing Belt:
90,000 miles or 7 years (for EJ engines, if applicable/not interference with chain)
Engine Oil:
SAE 0W-20 or 5W-30 (API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 or higher)
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant (or equivalent P-HOAT blue coolant)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent than earlier generations, some EJ253 engines can still experience head gasket leaks. Manual details inspection and replacement procedures.
Catalytic Converter:
Premature failure can occur, particularly on turbocharged models. Manual covers diagnosis and replacement.
Automatic Transmission Failure:
Some early 5EAT transmissions experienced issues; manual provides diagnostic steps.
Maintenance Schedule Detail
Comprehensive Schedule:
The manual provides detailed schedules for every 5,000, 15,000, 30,000, 60,000, and 100,000 miles, covering all major systems.
