Segment:
Mid-size Sedan/Wagon, known for its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system.
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima, Ford Taurus, Mitsubishi Galant.
Distinguishing Features:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, boxer engine layout, strong safety reputation for its era, practical wagon variants.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, timing belt, lubrication, cooling system, fuel injection (MPI)
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control unit (ECU), sensors, wiring diagrams
Transmission:
Manual (5-speed), Automatic (4-speed), clutch, torque converter, driveline, AWD system
Brakes:
Disc brakes (front/rear), drum brakes (rear), ABS (where equipped), parking brake, hydraulic system
Suspension Steering:
Front struts, rear struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings, power steering system, wheel alignment
Electrical Chassis:
Lighting system, wipers, horn, power windows, power locks, interior lighting, exterior lighting, fuses, relays
Body Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seating, HVAC system
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:
AC system, heater core, blower motor, controls, refrigerant handling
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
OBD-I codes (where applicable), symptom-based troubleshooting, diagnostic flowcharts
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, ignition wires, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, drive belts, timing belt replacement
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, strut replacement, radiator replacement, fuel pump replacement
Installation:
Accessory installation, component replacement procedures
Adjustment:
Parking brake adjustment, clutch adjustment, idle speed adjustment
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics.
Engine Configuration:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder
Displacement Liters:
1.8L, 2.0L, 2.2L, 2.7L (Australia)
Horsepower Range:
90 hp to 130 hp (naturally aspirated), up to 190 hp (turbocharged GT models)
Torque Range:
140 Nm to 200 Nm (naturally aspirated), up to 260 Nm (turbocharged GT models)
Injection Type:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Turbocharged Engines:
Yes (GT, GT-B models)
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Standard on most models)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, available with lock-up torque converter.
Manual Transmission Features:
Lightweight design, durable construction.
Crash Test Era:
Limited standardized testing compared to modern vehicles, but known for robust construction.
ABS:
Optional on some models, standard on higher trims later in the generation.
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard on later models, passenger airbag optional.
Body Construction:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts.
Oil Change Interval Miles:
5,000 - 7,500 miles (or 6-12 months)
Timing Belt Interval Miles:
60,000 - 100,000 miles (crucial to follow due to interference engine design)
Coolant Flush Interval Miles:
30,000 - 60,000 miles
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for specific climate/engine)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0-4.5 liters (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based, long-life coolant (e.g., Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 Gear Oil
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III / Mercon or equivalent
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Timing Belt:
Premature wear/failure if maintenance intervals are not followed. Critical for interference engines.
Head Gaskets:
Less common on this generation compared to later EJ engines, but potential for leaks with high mileage.
Suspension Components:
Wear on bushings, ball joints, and strut mounts due to age and mileage.
Rust:
Common in rust-belt regions, particularly on rocker panels, wheel arches, and rear quarter panels.
Cooling System:
Radiator leaks, hose degradation, water pump failure.
Oxygen Sensors:
Can fail with age, affecting fuel economy and emissions.
Founding Principle:
Specialty manufacturer focused on AWD technology and unique engineering (e.g., boxer engines).
Predecessor:
Subaru RX/Loyale (variations of the older Leone platform).
Generation Key Changes:
Significant redesign from the Leone, introduction of the EJ engine family, improved aerodynamics, more modern interior.
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan (Gunma Plant)
Production Years Generation:
1989-1994
