Segment:
Mid-size Sedan/Wagon
Brand Perception:
All-Wheel Drive capability, reliability, practical, enthusiast appeal
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Mazda 626, Mitsubishi Galant
Differentiating Features:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), horizontally-opposed ('Boxer') engines
Manual Value:
Empowers owners to perform complex repairs and maintenance, saving significant dealership costs.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Ignition System, Turbocharging (if applicable)
Drivetrain:
Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Clutch, Drive Shafts, Axles, Differentials, All-Wheel Drive System (Symmetrical AWD)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Hydraulic, ABS), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Wiper/Washer System, Horn, Power Accessories, Fuse/Relay Locations, Wiring Diagrams
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Interior Trim, Seats, Body Sealing
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (System Components, Refrigerant, Diagnosis)
Safety:
Airbag System (SRS), Seat Belts, Safety Features
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, DTC interpretation (OBDI/OBDII if applicable)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points
Repair:
Component removal/installation, adjustments, overhauls, component-level repair procedures
Overhaul:
Engine overhaul specifications, transmission overhaul procedures
Technical Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic fluid changes to full engine/transmission rebuilds)
Engine Code Gasoline 2.2L:
EJ22
Engine Type 2.2L:
Naturally Aspirated, SOHC, Horizontally-Opposed 4-Cylinder
Displacement 2.2L:
2.2 Liters / 2212 cc
Bore X Stroke 2.2L:
96.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Compression Ratio 2.2L:
9.5:1
Horsepower 2.2L:
135 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2.2L:
140 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (approx.)
Engine Code Turbo 2.5L:
EJ25D (Phase II DOHC)
Engine Type Turbo 2.5L:
Turbocharged, DOHC, Horizontally-Opposed 4-Cylinder
Displacement Turbo 2.5L:
2.5 Liters / 2457 cc
Horsepower Turbo 2.5L:
200 hp @ 5500 rpm (GT trim)
Torque Turbo 2.5L:
220 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (GT trim)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Octane Rating:
87 Octane Minimum (91 Octane Recommended for Turbocharged engines)
Transmission Type Standard Models:
4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Type Sportier Models:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Options:
N/A (typically one manual and one automatic offered per trim)
AWD Integration:
Seamless integration with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Atf:
Dexron II or equivalent (Refer to manual for exact specification)
Manual Transmission Fluid Mtf:
GL-4 Hypoid Gear Oil (75W-90 recommended)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Not explicitly rated for 1997 (earlier models had 3-star ratings)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Not explicitly rated for 1997 (earlier models had 3-star ratings)
ABS:
Standard on most trims, optional on base models.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (SRS)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Player, optional CD player.
Speakers:
Typically 4 or 6 speakers depending on trim.
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Traction Control:
Not typically available on this model year.
Bluetooth:
Not available.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3.75 months (whichever comes first)
Engine 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 45,000 miles or 45 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (NGK platinum or equivalent recommended)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 90,000 miles or 90 months (Critical Item - Interference Engine)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH; SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for temperature ranges)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US Quarts (4.2 Liters) with filter
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (Subaru Genuine is recommended)
Head Gaskets:
While more prevalent in later EJ25D DOHC engines, early EJ22 SOHC engines are generally robust. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures if issues arise.
Oil Leaks:
Potential for valve cover gasket and rear main seal leaks over time.
Cvt Issues:
N/A - CVT transmissions were not offered in the 1997 Legacy.
Susceptibility To Corrosion:
Check for rust on suspension components, subframes, and rocker panels, especially in regions with heavy road salt use.
Subaru Philosophy:
Focus on safety, reliability, and all-wheel-drive technology.
First Generation Start:
1989
Second Generation Introduction:
1995
Second Generation Facelift:
1997 (This model year represents the second facelift of the second generation)
Manufacturing Plant:
Subaru of America, Inc. (USA) and Gunma Manufacturing Plant (Japan)
Production Period:
1995-1999 (Second Generation)
Consumer Reports Rating:
Generally received average to good reliability ratings from Consumer Reports during its production run.
Car And Driver Road Test:
Often praised for its AWD system and comfortable ride, though criticized for powertrain refinement compared to some competitors.
Iso Certification:
Subaru's manufacturing facilities adhered to ISO quality standards during this period.
