Positioning:
The Subaru Legacy of this era solidified its reputation as a capable and reliable all-wheel-drive vehicle, appealing to those seeking performance, safety, and utility, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Competitors:
Ford Taurus, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Mitsubishi Galant, Mazda 626.
Differentiators:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD), horizontally opposed 'Boxer' engines offering a low center of gravity, often sporty handling for its class.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners and independent mechanics with the detailed knowledge to perform accurate diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs, reducing reliance on dealership service and extending vehicle lifespan.
Years Covered:
1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Body Styles Covered:
Sedan, Wagon (Outback models included)
Regions Covered:
North America (primarily), international variations may exist
Estimated Total Pages:
Approx. 3000-4000+ (across all included manuals)
Type:
Workshop Service Manuals (WSM)
Content Focus:
Diagnosis, Repair, Maintenance, Specifications
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine control systems (ECU), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials, driveshafts, axle shafts
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (4EAT, 5EAT), Manual Transmission (5MT)
Chassis:
Suspension (front struts, rear multi-link), steering system, brake system (ABS included)
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, power windows, power locks, audio systems, instrument cluster, climate control
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, HVAC, collision repair basics
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, timing belt inspection/replacement
Repair:
Engine component replacement (heads, block, pistons), transmission overhaul, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, specific system diagnostics
Specifications:
Torque specifications for fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, measurement data
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic fluid services to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics.
Engine Code Ej22:
2.2L (2212cc) SOHC EJ22
Engine Code Ej25 DOHc:
2.5L (2457cc) DOHC EJ25D (Phase I)
Engine Code Ej25 Sohc:
2.5L (2457cc) SOHC EJ251/EJ253 (Phase II - later models)
Engine Code Ej20 Turbo:
2.0L (1994cc) DOHC EJ20 Turbo (GT/GT-B variants, less common in North America)
Ej22 Horsepower:
135 hp @ 5600 rpm
Ej22 Torque:
140 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Ej25D Horsepower:
165 hp @ 6000 rpm
Ej25D Torque:
162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Ej251 Horsepower:
165 hp @ 5600 rpm (Phase II)
Ej251 Torque:
166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (Phase II)
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
ECU Type:
Subaru Engine Control Unit (ECU)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
60,000 miles or 60 months (recommended)
Manual Transmission Gearcount:
5-speed manual
Automatic Transmission Gearcount:
4-speed automatic (4EAT), 5-speed automatic (5EAT - later models)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) with viscous coupling center differential
Fluid Specification Automatic
Atf Type:
Dexron III or equivalent (check specific vehicle)
Capacity Quarts:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (dry fill)
Fluid Specification Manual
Mtf Type:
GL-5 Gear Oil 75W-90 (check specific vehicle)
Capacity Quarts:
Approx. 2.5 quarts
Length Inches:
187.4 - 190.9 (depending on body style/year)
Height Inches:
54.5 - 56.7 (depending on body style/year)
Curb Weight Lbs:
Approx. 3000 - 3400 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gvw Lbs:
Approx. 4300 - 4500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Cargo Volume Cubic Feet Wagon:
Approx. 37.7 cu ft (behind rear seats)
Standard Wheel Size:
15-inch or 16-inch alloy wheels
Standard Tire Size:
205/55R16, 205/60R15 (various sizes depending on trim/year)
NHTSA Driver Side Impact Rating:
4-star (for comparable years/models, check specific year ratings)
NHTSA Passenger Side Impact Rating:
4-star (for comparable years/models, check specific year ratings)
All Wheel Drive:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available/standard on higher trims
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Front three-point seatbelts with pretensioners, rear three-point seatbelts
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD/Cassette systems, often with optional premium sound. Aftermarket head unit upgrades are common.
HVAC Type:
Manual or optional automatic climate control systems.
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional cruise control
Keyless Entry:
Available on higher trim levels
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe conditions) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal conditions) - refer to manual for exact guidance.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles, or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-20,000 miles (if equipped).
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free coolant
Coolant Capacity Quarts:
Approx. 6.5 - 7.5 quarts
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Subaru ATF HP or Dexron III/Mercon
Head Gaskets:
While less common on the EJ22, the EJ25D engines (especially early ones) are known for potential head gasket failures due to coolant leaks. Later EJ251/EJ253 are improved but can still develop issues.
Automatic Transmission:
Some 4EAT transmissions can experience delayed engagement or shifting issues, often related to valve body wear or solenoid problems.
Timing Belt:
Failure to replace the timing belt at recommended intervals can lead to catastrophic engine damage (interference engine).
Oxygen Sensors:
Can become fouled or fail over time, affecting fuel economy and emissions.
Subaru Philosophy:
Subaru has a long history of producing vehicles with excellent traction and handling, particularly known for its AWD systems and horizontally opposed engines.
Third Gen Introduction:
The third generation (BD/BG/BK) was introduced for the 1995 model year, marking a significant redesign with improved styling and chassis.
Outback Introduction:
The Outback variant, a more ruggedized version of the Legacy wagon with increased ground clearance and body cladding, was introduced in 1995.
Manufacturing Location:
Gunma Plant, Japan
