Segment:
Mid-size Sedan/Wagon, known for All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability and practicality
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Mazda6, Ford Fusion
Distinguishing Features:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on most trims, Boxer engine, reputation for reliability and safety
Audience:
Owners seeking detailed repair and maintenance information for DIY or professional use, mechanics, workshops
Engine:
Complete diagnostics, overhaul, tuning, component testing, fuel delivery, ignition, exhaust, emissions control
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission repair, overhaul, diagnostics, fluid specifications, clutch, driveline components
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, EBD, brake pads, rotors, calipers, lines, bleeding procedures
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, subframes
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, tie rods, rack and pinion, alignment
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, lighting system, starting and charging system, battery, instrumentation, power windows, door locks, body control modules
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling, component replacement
Body:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk, glass replacement, chassis and frame
Emissions:
Emission control systems, OBD-II diagnostics, catalytic converter, EGR, EVAP
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting charts, electrical diagnostics
Repair:
Component removal and installation, rebuild procedures for major assemblies, panel beating, welding (where applicable)
Diagnostics:
ECU scanning, sensor testing, actuator testing, circuit analysis
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics
Engine Code And Type:
2.5L EJ253 (Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4), 3.0L EZ30D (Naturally Aspirated Boxer-6, likely on higher trims like 3.0R)
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc) for EJ253; 3.0 Liters (2999 cc) for EZ30D
Horsepower Ej253:
Approximately 173 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque Ej253:
Approximately 166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower Ez30D:
Approximately 245 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque Ez30D:
Approximately 219 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Injection:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Compression Ratio Ej253:
10.0:1
Bore Stroke Ej253:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Engine Orientation:
Horizontally-Opposed (Boxer)
Transmission Type Base:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Sportshift)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with viscous coupling center differential (manual) or electronically controlled multi-plate clutch AWD system (automatic)
Gear Ratios Manual Ej253:
Specific ratios available in manual, typically around 3.454 (1st), 1.833 (2nd), 1.258 (3rd), 0.972 (4th), 0.756 (5th) with a final drive of 4.111
Transmission Fluid Type:
Refer to manual for specific GL-5 rated gear oil for manual, and ATF SP-III or equivalent for automatic. Check for specific Subaru fluid part numbers.
Length:
Approximately 187.2 inches (4755 mm)
Width:
Approximately 70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Height:
Approximately 57.1 inches (1450 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 105.1 inches (2670 mm)
Curb Weight Approx:
3300-3600 lbs (1497-1633 kg) depending on trim and drivetrain
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Refer to vehicle's compliance plate
Towing Capacity:
Typically not recommended or very limited for Subaru sedans; check specific owner's manual
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5 Stars (2009 Model Year)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for most configurations)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Vsc:
Standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) / Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD audio system. Higher trims may offer premium audio, subwoofer, and auxiliary input or satellite radio.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system available on some trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry and ignition.
Bluetooth:
Not standard on all trims; may be part of an optional package or aftermarket addition.
Auxiliary Input:
Standard on most models for audio connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months under severe driving conditions, 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months under normal conditions (verify with manual).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months (severe) / 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months (normal).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs (check manual for specific type and interval).
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (EJ253 and EZ30D engines use a timing chain, not a belt).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30, API SN or better (check manual for specific viscosity and API rating, especially for synthetic requirements).
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent, ethylene glycol-based, phosphate-free. Mix 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru recommends specific power steering fluid; consult manual for part number and type (often a Dexron II/III compatible fluid, but specific Subaru fluid is best).
Head Gaskets:
While less common on EJ253 than earlier EJ engines, Subaru head gasket issues can occur. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.
Oil Consumption:
Some EJ series engines can experience higher than normal oil consumption; the manual will cover diagnosis.
Automatic Transmission Hard Shifts:
Some owners report occasional hard shifts; the manual covers transmission control module (TCM) diagnostics and solenoid testing.
Subaru Philosophy:
Focus on AWD, Boxer engines, safety, and reliability for active lifestyles
Generation Fifth:
This is the fifth generation (BP/BL) Subaru Legacy, introduced for the 2005 model year, with a facelift in 2008.
Manufacturing Location:
Main production in Gunma, Japan
IIHS Awards:
Consistent Top Safety Pick awards from IIHS for this generation highlight its strong safety performance.
Kesq Consumer Satisfaction:
Subaru generally ranks well in consumer satisfaction surveys for reliability and performance, often placing high in J.D. Power studies.
Fuel Economy Estimate 2.5I AWD Auto:
EPA Estimated: 19 MPG City / 26 MPG Highway (actual mileage may vary).
Fuel Economy Estimate 3.0R AWD Auto:
EPA Estimated: 17 MPG City / 24 MPG Highway (actual mileage may vary).