🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy

Year:

2004-2005

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size sedan/wagon, known for all-wheel-drive capability and reliability

Competitors 2004-2005:

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion

All Wheel Drive:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (except for specific base models or transmissions in some markets).

Engine Options:

Two primary engine options: naturally aspirated 2.5L Boxer-4 and turbocharged 2.5L Boxer-4 (GT models).

Value Proposition:

Inexpensive way to maintain and repair the vehicle, extending its lifespan and performance.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

2.5L H4 (Naturally Aspirated and Turbocharged)

Transmission Coverage:

4-speed Automatic, 5-speed Manual

Body Styles Covered:

Sedan, Wagon

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic and manual), drivetrain (AWD components)

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, ABS), wheels and tires

Electrical:

Body electrical systems, lighting, instrumentation, comfort and convenience, audio systems, wiring diagrams

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical schematics interpretation

Depth:

Comprehensive: from basic fluid checks to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution, fully searchable text and images

Printable:

Yes, printable pages

Binding:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Na:

EJ253 (2.5L SOHC NA)

Engine Code Turbo:

EJ255 (2.5L DOHC Turbocharged - GT models)

Horsepower Na:

Approximately 165-170 hp @ 5600-6000 rpm

Torque Na:

Approximately 166-170 lb-ft @ 3600-4000 rpm

Horsepower Turbo:

Approximately 210-225 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Turbo:

Approximately 236-250 lb-ft @ 3600-4000 rpm

Injection Type:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended for NA, 91 octane recommended for Turbocharged)

ECU Type:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) with OBD-II diagnostics

🔧 Transmission

Automatic Transmission:

4EAT (4-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission with AWD) - Standard on many models

Manual Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission - Optional on some models, standard on GT models with manual transmission.

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system integrated with transmission, varying in configuration between manual and automatic transmissions.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent approved fluid)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (Subaru Genuine Gear Oil recommended)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

187.4 inches

Width:

68.1 inches

Height:

57.7 inches

Length:

190.4 inches

Width:

68.1 inches

Height:

57.7 inches

Curb Weight Start:

3200 lbs

Curb Weight End:

3500 lbs (depending on trim and drivetrain)

Wheelbase:

104.1 inches

Front Track:

59.1 inches

Rear Track:

58.7 inches

🛡️ Safety Features

Driver Front Impact:

5 Stars

Passenger Front Impact:

5 Stars

Driver Side Impact:

5 Stars

Passenger Side Impact:

5 Stars

Rear Passenger Side Impact:

5 Stars

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models

Airbags Front:

Front advanced airbags

Airbags Side:

Available front side-impact airbags, available front and rear side-curtain airbags (on select models/trims)

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts for all seating positions, pretensioners and load limiters for front seats

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with CD player. Higher trims may feature premium audio systems.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system on some higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control

Auxiliary Input:

Typically no standard auxiliary input; aftermarket solutions available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe conditions) / 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal conditions) with synthetic oil. Check manual for specific recommendation.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement Na:

Approx. 60,000 miles (Iridium spark plugs)

Spark Plug Replacement Turbo:

Approx. 30,000 miles (Platinum spark plugs)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5-4.8 quarts (with filter, 2.5L)

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SM or higher)

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (or equivalent HOAT-compliant coolant)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Head Gaskets:

While less prevalent than in earlier generations, some EJ25 engines can still be susceptible to head gasket leaks, particularly if overheated or poorly maintained. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.

Turbocharger Issues Gt:

Turbocharged models (GT) may experience turbo wear or oil seal failures if oil changes are neglected or if the turbo is subjected to extreme heat cycles. Manual covers turbo diagnosis and repair.

Automatic Transmission Behavior:

Some users report occasional hesitant shifting; manual provides diagnostic steps for transmission control module (TCM) and hydraulic system issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Philosophy:

Known for its engineering prowess, particularly its horizontally opposed ('Boxer') engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems.

Legacy Generation 2004-2005:

Fourth Generation (BP/BL chassis), introduced for the 2005 model year, with the 2004 model often considered the end of the third generation (BE/BH chassis) or an overlap depending on market introduction timing. This manual primarily covers the transition and the start of the fourth generation.

Manufacturing Plant:

Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (USA) and Gunma Plant (Japan)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Iiihs Top Safety Pick:

The Subaru Legacy often received high safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA during this period, contributing to its reputation for safety.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Consumer Reports generally rated Subaru models, including the Legacy, as having average to above-average reliability, though specific model years and components could vary.