Segment:
Mid-size Crossover/Station Wagon
Key Selling Point:
Standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and rugged styling
Competitors:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra
Standard AWD:
Subaru's signature symmetrical AWD system
Ground Clearance:
Higher than typical sedans, enhancing off-road capability
Utility:
Versatile cargo space, roof rails for added carrying capacity
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic & manual), drivetrain (AWD)
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (front & rear discs, ABS), wheels, tires
Electrical:
Charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instruments, HVAC controls, audio system, body electrical (power windows, locks, mirrors), wiring diagrams
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, safety systems (airbags), glass, doors, hood, tailgate
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake, transmission, differential), filter replacements, inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, common issue diagnosis
Repair:
Component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major systems
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic codes, scan tool usage, sensor testing, actuator testing
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Configuration:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2498cc)
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Cam), 16 valves
Horsepower:
165 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular (87 Octane)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant
Recommended Viscosity:
5W-30
Oil Capacity With Filter:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters)
Model:
4-speed Automatic (4EAT)
Fluid Type:
Subaru ATF-HP (or equivalent Dexron-III/Mercon compatible)
Fluid Capacity:
3.6 US quarts (3.4 Liters) for drain/refill
Fluid Type:
GL-5 Hypoid Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90
Fluid Capacity:
2.1 US quarts (2.0 Liters)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
4/5 Stars (2002 Model Year)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
4/5 Stars (2002 Model Year)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Standard front airbags, optional side airbags (package dependent)
Seatbelts:
Front pretensioner seatbelts with load limiters
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional premium sound system
Display:
Basic digital clock and radio display
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Automatic Climate Control:
Optional on higher trim levels
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard; aftermarket solutions may exist
Bluetooth:
Not available from factory
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3.75 months (severe use); 7,500 miles or 7.5 months (normal use)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 15 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (use NGK PFR6G or equivalent)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles or 105 months (crucial for EJ253 engine)
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru Genuine ATF or Dexron II/III equivalent
Differential Fluid Front:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90
Differential Fluid Rear:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90
Head Gaskets:
Susceptible to coolant leaks (especially on earlier EJ25 engines, less common on EJ253 but still a consideration)
Timing Belt Tensioner:
Can fail, leading to belt skipping or breakage; recommended replacement with belt
Catalytic Converter:
Can degrade over time, affecting emissions and performance
Oxygen Sensors:
Can fail, causing check engine lights and poor fuel economy
Founding:
1953 (as Fuji Heavy Industries, automotive division)
Specialty:
Pioneering AWD technology in passenger vehicles
First Generation:
1995 (based on Subaru Legacy sedan)
Second Generation:
1999-2004 (BG/BH chassis for Outback variants)
Assembly Location:
Gunma Plant, Japan
