Segment:
Mid-size Sedan/Wagon
Target Audience:
Families, AWD enthusiasts, individuals seeking reliable and practical transportation
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Mazda 626
Distinguishing Factors:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Subaru's boxer engine configuration, strong safety reputation
Body Styles:
4-Door Sedan, 5-Door Wagon (Outback Sport/GT)
Drivetrain Availability:
Standard All-Wheel Drive across all trims
Powertrain Philosophy:
Reliable, naturally aspirated boxer engines with focus on durability and AWD capability
Engine:
2.2L EJ22E, 2.5L EJ25D (SOHC), 2.5L EJ251 (SOHC - later models)
Engine Management:
ECU diagnosis, sensor testing, fuel injection system, ignition system
Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (4EAT), 5-speed Manual
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, viscous coupling center differential, rear differential
Suspension:
Front McPherson strut, rear multi-link independent suspension
Steering:
Power assisted rack and pinion
Brakes:
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs (standard); optional rear discs with ABS
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, starter system, charging system, lighting, accessories, body control modules
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Body:
Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, sunroof
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, component testing procedures
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal, electrical component repair
Installation:
Component installation and removal, timing belt replacement, radiator replacement
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, resistance values
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls
Diagnostic Tools:
Procedures for using OBD-II scanners, multimeters, and specialized Subaru diagnostic tools
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.2 Liters
Engine 1 Configuration:
2.2L SOHC EJ22E Flat-4 (Boxer)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
135 hp @ 5800 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
139 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine 2 Displacement:
2.5 Liters
Engine 2 Configuration:
2.5L DOHC EJ25D Flat-4 (Boxer)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
165 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 3 Code:
EJ251 (late models)
Engine 3 Displacement:
2.5 Liters
Engine 3 Configuration:
2.5L SOHC EJ251 Flat-4 (Boxer)
Engine 3 Horsepower:
165 hp @ 5600 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Redline:
Approx. 6500 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Octane Rating:
91 AKI (87 octane acceptable for EJ22E/EJ251, 91 recommended for EJ25D)
Cooling Type:
Liquid-cooled
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol based antifreeze
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with individual coil packs or single ignition coil with distributor for some early EJ25D models
Transmission Type Std:
4-speed Automatic (4EAT) with electronically controlled All-Wheel Drive
Transmission Type Opt:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Automatic AWD Mode:
Driver-selectable modes (Power, Economy, Lock) on some 4EAT models
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF HP or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon (check owner's manual for specific application)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil
Automatic Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 3.8 Quarts (8.0 Liters) for complete refill
Manual Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 2.4 Quarts (2.3 Liters)
Wheelbase:
104.3 inches (2649 mm)
Length Sedan:
187.0 inches (4750 mm)
Length Wagon:
185.6 inches (4714 mm)
Width:
69.7 inches (1770 mm)
Height Sedan:
55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Height Wagon:
57.7 inches (1465 mm)
Curb Weight Min:
3185 lbs (1445 kg) - 2.2L Manual Sedan
Curb Weight Max:
3450 lbs (1565 kg) - 2.5L Automatic Wagon
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Varies by trim and configuration (refer to vehicle data plate)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x100mm
Standard Tire Size Sedan:
P205/55R16
Standard Tire Size Wagon:
P205/55R16 or P215/55R16 (Outback Sport)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (may vary slightly by model year)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good (may vary by test year)
ABS:
Standard on most trims, optional on some base models
Traction Control:
Not typically available on this generation
All Wheel Drive:
Standard Symmetrical AWD system
Airbags Front:
Dual front airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags on some trims
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, driver's pretensioner
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) not standard on this generation
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3.75 months (severe conditions) or 7,500 miles or 7.5 months (normal conditions)
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles or 105 months (critical maintenance item for EJ25D, less critical but recommended for EJ22E)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 30 months
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 30,000 miles or 30 months
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 60,000 miles or 60 months
Engine Oil Type:
5W-30 (API SG or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter for EJ22E/EJ251, 4.7 Quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter for EJ25D
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF Dexron II or III
Head Gaskets:
The EJ25D (DOHC 2.5L) engine is prone to head gasket failure. The manual provides diagnostic procedures and replacement instructions.
Automatic Transmission Issues:
Some 4EAT transmissions can develop issues with solenoids or torque converter clutch (TCC) engagement. The manual covers diagnostic codes and repair procedures.
Cvt Transmissions:
N/A (CVT not offered on this model)
Suspension Components:
Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings is common with age; the manual details inspection and replacement.
Exhaust System:
Rusting of exhaust components, particularly catalytic converters and mufflers, is common in corrosive climates.
Subaru History:
Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries) has a long history in aircraft manufacturing and automotive production, known for its unique boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems.
Third Generation:
The 2000 model year is part of the third generation (1999-2004) Subaru Legacy, characterized by a significant redesign with a more modern exterior and interior.
Outback Variant:
The Outback Sport variant, a lifted wagon with rugged styling, was also part of this generation and is often covered within Legacy service information.
Production Years:
1999-2004 (Third Generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan (Gunma Plant)
Sales Performance:
Solid sales in North America, bolstered by Subaru's reputation for AWD and reliability, though generally outsold by segment leaders like Camry and Accord.
Consumer Reports:
Often rated well for reliability and safety by Consumer Reports for its segment, particularly the AWD system.
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
While specific 'Top Safety Pick' designations were less common in this era, the Legacy generally performed well in crash tests.
Epa Fuel Economy City:
Approx. 20-22 MPG (Varies by engine and transmission)
Epa Fuel Economy Highway:
Approx. 26-29 MPG (Varies by engine and transmission)