Segment:
Mid-size Sedan/Wagon
Usp:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer engine, reputation for durability
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Mazda Millenia
Powertrain:
Horizontally opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder engines with AWD
Body Styles:
Sedan and Wagon (Outback Sport designation for higher ground clearance versions)
Engine:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, tuning, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic: overhaul, diagnosis, fluid service, shift control, clutch (manual)
Drivetrain:
Front and Rear Differentials, Driveshafts, CV Joints, AWD System operation and servicing
Brakes:
Front/Rear Disc Brakes, ABS System (if equipped), hydraulic system, parking brake, component replacement
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link: diagnosis, component replacement, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power Rack and Pinion, diagnosis, fluid service, component replacement
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Fuse/Relay locations, ECU, Sensors, Alternator, Starter, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Windows/Locks
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Interior Trim, Seats, Body Sealing
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning system diagnosis and service
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-up procedures
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, DTC code interpretation (OBD-I)
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul instructions
Replacement:
Component replacement procedures (e.g., water pump, alternator, fuel pump, brake pads)
Adjustment:
Valve adjustment, ignition timing adjustment, parking brake adjustment
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, diagnostic parameters
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine rebuilds and electrical system diagnostics.
Engine 1 Type:
2.2L Naturally Aspirated SOHC Boxer 4-Cylinder
Engine 1 Displacement:
2211 cc
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
96.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
9.5:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
135 hp @ 5600 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
140 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine 2 Type:
2.5L Naturally Aspirated DOHC Boxer 4-Cylinder
Engine 2 Displacement:
2457 cc
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
9.5:1
Engine 2 Horsepower:
165 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane minimum recommended, 89 Octane for EJ25D often preferred)
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug or coil-pack setup
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Oil Type:
API Service SG, SH, or SJ, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific climate recommendations)
Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change
Transmission 1:
5-Speed Manual (Model: TY754)
Transmission 2:
4-Speed Automatic (Model: 4EAT - Electronic Automatic Transmission)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential (active on demand for manual, permanent with electronically controlled clutch pack for automatic)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (Subaru Extra-S or equivalent recommended)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP or Dexron-III equivalent
Rear Differential Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4-star (1995 model year)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4-star (1995 model year)
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (4-wheel disc brakes standard on most models, rear drum on some base wagons)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, driver's seatbelt pretensioner
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced chassis structure for improved rollover resistance
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Not typically equipped on this generation
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months (Critical on EJ25D - interference engine)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF Dexron-III or Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid
Ej25D Headgaskets:
Premature head gasket failure is a common issue, especially with the EJ25D engine due to the DOHC design and coolant passage layout. The manual will detail replacement procedures.
Automatic Transmission Slippage:
The 4EAT transmission can sometimes experience slippage or delayed engagement; proper fluid maintenance and diagnosis are key.
Radiator Leaks:
Older radiators can develop leaks, particularly at the plastic end tanks.
Crankshaft Position Sensor Failures:
Can lead to stalling or no-start conditions.
Cv Joint Boots Wear:
Due to AWD components, CV boots are critical and can wear out, leading to joint damage if not replaced promptly.
Subaru History:
Founded in 1953, Subaru (part of Subaru Corporation, formerly Fuji Heavy Industries) is known for its pioneering work in aviation and its distinctive horizontally opposed 'Boxer' engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems.
Legacy First Gen Start:
1989 (Japan), 1990 (North America)
Legacy Second Gen Start:
1993 (Japan), 1995 (North America - this generation)
Generation Designation:
Second Generation (BD/BG platform)
Key Changes For 1995:
Introduction of the larger 2.5L EJ25D engine, revised styling (new front fascia, headlights, grille, bumpers), improved interior features, updated AWD system for automatic transmissions.
Manufacturing Location:
Ota, Gunma, Japan