Market Segment:
Compact to mid-size sedan and wagon, known for its all-wheel-drive capabilities and practicality
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda 626, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Altima
Distinguishing Features:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, boxer engine configuration, durable and reliable reputation
Ideal Users:
Subaru Legacy owners and technicians seeking in-depth repair and maintenance guidance, DIY enthusiasts
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, turbocharger (if equipped), lubrication system
Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, front differential, rear differential, driveshafts, CV joints, all-wheel drive system (Subaru's Symmetrical AWD)
Chassis Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson strut), rear suspension (multi-link or independent), steering system, power steering
Brakes:
Front and rear brakes (disc/drum or disc/disc), parking brake, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) if equipped
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, wipers, horn, power windows, power door locks, audio system, HVAC controls, engine control module (ECM), body control module (BCM)
Body Interior:
Exterior body panels, doors, windows, glass, bumpers, interior trim, seats, airbags (if equipped)
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based diagnosis, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair/rebuild, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair
Special Procedures:
Timing belt replacement, head gasket replacement, clutch replacement, turbocharger servicing, AWD system maintenance
Depth:
Expert-level, covering complete overhaul and rebuild procedures, detailed diagnostic trees, and precise technical specifications
Engine Options:
EJ22 (2.2L SOHC), EJ20 (2.0L SOHC/DOHC - Japan/Europe), EJ18 (1.8L SOHC - specific markets)
Ej22 Displacement:
2211 cc (2.2 Liters)
Ej22 Bore X Stroke:
96.9 mm x 75.0 mm
Ej22 Compression Ratio:
9.5:1
Ej22 Horsepower Est:
110-130 hp @ 5200-5500 rpm (varies by market and specific tune)
Ej22 Torque Est:
130-137 lb-ft @ 3200-4000 rpm (varies by market and specific tune)
Engine Layout:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer), SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) or DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Timing Belt:
Belt-driven overhead camshafts. Critical replacement interval for timing belt and tensioner to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
Oil Cooler:
Some turbo models (e.g., Legacy Turbo) may feature an engine oil cooler.
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
AWD System:
Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, integral to both manual and automatic transmissions. Viscous coupling center differential in manual, electronically controlled hydraulic clutch in automatic.
Manual Fluid Spec:
GL-5 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 (check specific manual for exact viscosity and capacity)
Automatic Fluid Spec:
Dexron II/III ATF or equivalent (check specific manual for exact viscosity and capacity)
Body Styles:
4-door Sedan, 5-door Station Wagon (Liberty/Liberty Touring)
Wheelbase Est:
101.4 inches (2575 mm)
Length Est Sedan:
179.9 inches (4570 mm)
Length Est Wagon:
181.7 inches (4615 mm)
Width Est:
67.5 inches (1715 mm)
Height Est Sedan:
54.1 inches (1375 mm)
Height Est Wagon:
55.9 inches (1420 mm)
Curb Weight Est:
2900-3300 lbs (1315-1500 kg) depending on body style and drivetrain
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:
4000-4300 lbs (1814-1950 kg)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 100 mm
Standard Tire Size:
185/70R14, 195/60R15, or 205/60R15 (depending on trim and year)
NHTSA Rating Est:
Good (for its era, specific ratings may vary by test year and body style)
Active Safety Features:
Standard Symmetrical AWD for enhanced traction and stability, optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Passive Safety Features:
Reinforced chassis, front crumple zones, dual front airbags (standard on most models from 1990 onwards), side-impact door beams
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited by modern standards. Primary assistance is the standard AWD system. Cruise control available on higher trims.
Connectivity Options:
No integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Aftermarket solutions are common.
HVAC System:
Manual climate control with A/C and heater. Optional automatic climate control on select higher trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil type)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Recommended every 60,000-100,000 miles or 5-7 years. This is a critical maintenance item.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 24,000-30,000 miles or 24-36 months
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Manual: Every 50,000-100,000 miles. Automatic: Every 30,000-50,000 miles, or as per manual recommendations.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to owner's manual for precise viscosity based on ambient temperature)
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant (Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent), 50/50 mix with distilled water
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid
Common Failures:
Head gasket leaks (particularly on EJ22 engines after high mileage), minor oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets, AC system issues, exhaust system corrosion, potential for tie rod end wear.
Cv Axle Boots:
Ruptured CV axle boots can lead to clicking noises during turns or acceleration, requiring replacement.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged or fail over time, affecting performance and emissions.
Subaru Heritage:
Fuji Heavy Industries (now Subaru Corporation) has a long history of aviation manufacturing, which influenced its early automotive designs. Subaru is renowned for its pioneering work with horizontally-opposed boxer engines and all-wheel-drive systems.
First Generation Launch:
The first-generation Subaru Legacy (second generation globally, but first Legacy sold in North America) was launched in 1989, replacing the Subaru Leone. It was developed to compete in the increasingly competitive mid-size segment.
Generational Differences:
Minor styling updates and feature enhancements occurred throughout this generation, particularly around 1992. Engine options and AWD system variations were common across different markets.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan. Also assembled in other locations for specific markets.
