Segment:
Mid-size sedan and wagon/crossover.
Target Audience:
Families and individuals seeking reliable, all-weather capable vehicles with a focus on safety and practicality.
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu (sedan); Toyota Camry/Solara wagon variants, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Nissan Xterra (Outback).
Subaru Strengths:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, horizontally opposed 'Boxer' engines, reputation for safety and durability, practical wagon/crossover body styles (Outback).
Model Differentiation:
The Outback variant offers increased ground clearance, more rugged styling, and often enhanced AWD tuning compared to the standard Legacy sedan and wagon.
Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive coverage for 2000-2003 Subaru Legacy and Outback models.
Specific Topics Interior:
Seats, seatbelts, climate control systems (manual and automatic), audio system operation and features, instrument cluster, dashboard controls, lighting, power accessories, storage compartments, interior trim.
Specific Topics Engine Drivetrain:
Fuel system operation, engine maintenance procedures, automatic transmission operation and maintenance, manual transmission operation and maintenance, driving techniques, towing guidelines, exhaust system basics, cooling system.
Specific Topics Safety Security:
Airbag system operation and precautions, seatbelt usage and adjustment, child safety seat installation and LATCH system, keyless entry system operation, anti-theft/security system features and operation.
Specific Topics Maintenance Troubleshooting:
Fuse box locations and fuse identification, fluid checks and top-off procedures (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure and care, basic maintenance tasks, common warning lights and their meaning, troubleshooting minor issues.
Specific Topics Specifications:
Vehicle dimensions, fluid capacities, recommended tire sizes and pressures, wheel bolt patterns, basic performance specifications.
Estimated Page Count:
~400-500 pages (typical for this era's owner manuals)
Format:
PDF (Digital Download)
Engine Systems:
Engine operation, fuel, ignition, lubrication, cooling, emissions control basics.
Drivetrain Systems:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system operation, automatic transmission (4-speed), manual transmission (5-speed), differential operation.
Chassis Systems:
Braking system (ABS operation), steering system, suspension system (including Outback's raised suspension).
Electrical Systems:
Lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrumentation, power outlets, audio system, wipers, horns, basic electrical component locations (fuses, relays).
Safety Systems:
Airbags (SRS), seatbelts (pretensioners), child restraint systems (ISOFIX/LATCH), ABS.
General Operation:
Starting the engine, shifting gears, parking, using the climate control, operating the audio system, adjusting seats and mirrors.
Maintenance Procedures:
Checking and topping off fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, washer fluid), checking tire pressure, replacing wiper blades, replacing headlight/taillight bulbs, replacing fuses, cleaning the vehicle.
Troubleshooting Guidance:
Interpreting dashboard warning lights, basic steps for common issues (e.g., flat tire, dead battery), recommended actions for unusual noises or performance.
Towing Procedures:
Recommended towing capacities, guidelines for towing a trailer, towing the vehicle itself (e.g., with a tow truck).
Depth:
Focuses on owner-level understanding and basic maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures, component removal/installation, or advanced repair instructions typically found in a Service Manual.
Legacy Gt Outback Engine:
2.5L EJ25 SOHC or DOHC Flat-4 (Boxer)
Legacy Outback Engine Base:
2.5L EJ25 SOHC Flat-4 (Boxer)
Legacy Gt Engine Optional:
2.5L EJ25 DOHC Turbocharged Flat-4 (Boxer)
2.5L Sohc Na Horsepower:
~165 hp @ 5600 rpm
2.5L Sohc Na Torque:
~166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
2.5L DOHc Turbocharged Horsepower:
~167 hp @ 5200 rpm (GT trims)
2.5L DOHc Turbocharged Torque:
~200 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm (GT trims)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Injection Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter (for 2.5L)
Transmission Type Legacy Outback:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)
Transmission Type Legacy Gt:
5-speed Manual Transmission (TY754) or 4-speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)
Transmission Type Optional:
5-speed Manual Transmission (available on some Legacy and Outback trims)
AWD System:
Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Active AWD for automatics, Full-Time AWD for manuals).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP (or equivalentDexron III/Mercon compatible fluid for earlier models, consult manual for exact spec).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil.
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
5 Stars (for driver and passenger, model dependent)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags, check specific model year).
Active Safety Systems:
Standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Passive Safety Features:
Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS), available front side-impact airbags, front and rear crumple zones, body-structure integrity.
Child Restraint Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seats, Upper tether anchors.
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM/CD or Cassette/CD players. Basic analog controls for volume, tuning, and climate.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited by modern standards. Primarily ABS and AWD. Cruise control is standard on most trims.
Connectivity Options:
Basic power outlets (cigarette lighter style) for accessory charging. No integrated Bluetooth or USB ports.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe driving) or 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal driving), using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil. Consult manual for exact recommendations.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or around 30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000 - 100,000 miles depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum/iridium).
Engine Coolant:
Subaru Genuine Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with de-ionized water, typically a 50/50 mix.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid.
Head Gasket Leaks:
While less common on the 2.5L SOHC compared to earlier DOHC EJ25s, head gasket leaks can still occur. The manual will guide on monitoring coolant levels.
Automatic Transmission Issues:
Some reports of wear or failure in older 4EAT transmissions; regular fluid changes are crucial.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings and struts can wear over time, especially on Outback models which are driven more aggressively or off-road.
Subaru Aawd Pioneer:
Subaru has a long-standing reputation for its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, dating back to the 1970s.
Legacy Generation:
This manual covers the second generation (second phase facelift) of the Subaru Legacy (chassis codes BD/BG/BK).
Outback Introduction:
The Outback model was introduced as a more rugged, lifted version of the Legacy wagon, effectively creating the 'crossover' segment.
Production Years:
Second generation Legacy (BD/BG/BK): 1993-1999. This manual covers the later facelift years of this generation, and the early years of the third generation (chassis BH/BE) for Outback, as the years overlap.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan.
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Many Subaru models of this era were recognized by the IIHS for their safety performance, often receiving 'Good' ratings in crash tests.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Subaru vehicles of this period generally had good, though sometimes average, reliability ratings from publications like Consumer Reports. The manual helps owners maintain this.
