Segment:
Mid-size family car, known for all-wheel drive capability and practical styling.
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs, enthusiasts, independent repair shops.
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda 626, Nissan Maxima, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina.
Key Differentiators:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) across most trims, horizontally opposed boxer engines, reputation for durability and safety.
AWD System:
Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, enhancing traction and stability in various conditions.
Engine Layout:
Horizontally opposed (Boxer) engine for a lower center of gravity and improved balance.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides cost-effective vehicle maintenance and repair, empowering owners to understand and service their vehicle.
Regions:
Global (primarily North American market focus implied by typical service manual distribution)
Vehicle Types:
Sedan, Wagon, Sport Wagon (GT/LS models)
Estimated Pages:
1500-2500 (typical for a comprehensive workshop manual of this era, exact count not provided in product info)
Type:
Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, based on common sales practices for older manuals)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control systems (ECU, sensors, actuators)
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch system, driveshafts, differentials, AWD system operation and service
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS if applicable), wheel alignment
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting systems, charging system, starting system, battery, instrument cluster, power accessories, HVAC controls, engine control wiring
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, glass replacement, body repair specifications
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt tensioning, air filter replacement, coolant flushing
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, common problems and solutions, electrical circuit testing, symptom-based diagnostics
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuilding, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
Displacement:
2.2 Liters (2212 cc)
Configuration:
Naturally Aspirated, SOHC, 16-valve, Boxer-4
Bore X Stroke:
96.0 mm x 75.0 mm (estimated for EJ22)
Compression Ratio:
9.5:1 (estimated for EJ22)
Horsepower Est:
115 hp @ 5600 rpm (for EJ22)
Torque Est:
133 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (for EJ22)
Engine Code Optional:
EJ22T (Turbocharged)
Displacement Optional:
2.2 Liters (2212 cc)
Configuration Optional:
Turbocharged, SOHC, 16-valve, Boxer-4
Horsepower Optional Est:
180-190 hp (for EJ22T)
Torque Optional Est:
200-210 lb-ft (for EJ22T)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Pump Type:
Electric, in-tank
Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission
AWD Engagement Manual:
Continuous AWD with viscous coupling center differential (for most manuals)
Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
AWD Engagement Automatic:
Active All-Wheel Drive (viscous coupling center differential and electronic transfer clutch) or full-time AWD depending on trim/year.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-5 Gear Oil 75W-90 (typically)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Subaru ATF HP or Dexron II/III compatible (check manual for specific type)
Length Est:
181.5 inches (Sedan), 188.0 inches (Wagon)
Height Est:
55.5 inches (Sedan), 57.5 inches (Wagon)
Wheelbase Est:
101.4 inches
Track Width Front Est:
58.5 inches
Track Width Rear Est:
58.1 inches
Curb Weight Est:
2900-3300 lbs (depending on body style and drivetrain)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:
4000-4300 lbs
Towing Capacity Est:
1000-1500 lbs (typically, check specific model for exact rating)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver Est:
4-star (estimated for this era)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger Est:
4-star (estimated for this era)
IIHS Frontal Offset Est:
Acceptable (estimated for this era)
ABS:
Available on higher trims and optional on some models
Traction Control:
Not commonly available on this generation
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard from late in the generation, passenger airbag optional/late availability.
Seat Belts:
3-point front seat belts, 2-point rear center seat belt (later models may have 3-point rear belts)
Crumple Zones:
Designed with front and rear crumple zones for energy absorption.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo, often with 4 speakers. Optional CD player on later models.
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC system with fan speed and temperature controls. Optional automatic climate control on select trims.
Cruise Control:
Available on most trims
Anti Lock Brakes:
Optional on many models, standard on higher trims like GT
Aux Input:
Not typically factory equipped; aftermarket solutions required.
Bluetooth:
Not available from factory.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (typical for the era, consult manual for exact spec)
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (typically copper plugs for EJ22)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (critical for EJ series engines)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Engine Oil Type Viscosity:
SAE 10W-30 API SG or SH (check manual for specific OEM recommendation)
Engine Oil Capacity Est:
4.2 US quarts (with filter) for EJ22
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, Subaru Blue (check manual for specific type/mix)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (typically)
Head Gaskets:
While not as notorious as later generations, head gasket leaks can occur over time.
Cv Axle Boots:
Wear and tear on CV axle boots is common, leading to joint failure if not addressed.
Exhaust System Corrosion:
Rust and corrosion on the exhaust system, particularly in areas with road salt.
Crankshaft Position Sensor:
Can fail, leading to no-start or stalling issues.
O2 Sensor Failure:
Can impact fuel economy and emissions.
Subaru Legacy Origin:
Subaru, a division of Fuji Heavy Industries, established a reputation for AWD and aviation-inspired engineering.
First Generation Launch:
Launched in 1989 as a replacement for the Subaru Leone.
Model Updates:
Minor styling refreshes and feature updates throughout the generation, including revised grilles, headlights, and interior appointments.
Performance Variants:
Introduction of the Legacy GT and GT-B models with turbocharged engines and sportier suspension, particularly in wagon form.
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan (Gunma Plant)
Production End Year:
1994 (for this generation)
Car And Driver Awards:
Often listed as a 'Best Buys' or editor's choice in its segment for its AWD capability and value.
Consumer Reports Reliability Trend:
Generally good to very good reliability for the era, with specific attention needed for timing belts and CV boots.
Emissions Compliance:
Designed to meet federal and state emissions standards for the respective model years. Manual provides diagnostic procedures for emissions-related faults.