Segment:
        
        
            Mid-size sedan/wagon, known for AWD standard on most models.
        
     
    
        
            Reputation:
        
        
            Durable, reliable, with strong all-weather capability due to standard AWD.
        
     
    
    
        
            Competitors:
        
        
            Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Taurus, Mazda 626, Nissan Altima.
        
     
    
    
        
            Standard AWD:
        
        
            Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Options:
        
        
            Naturally aspirated and turbocharged Boxer engines.
        
     
    
        
            Body Styles:
        
        
            4-door sedan and 5-door wagon.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Mechanical:
        
        
            Engine removal/installation, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing belt, oil pump, lubrication system.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Fuel And Emissions:
        
        
            Fuel injection system (MPI), fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, evaporative emission control (EVAP), catalytic converter.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Cooling:
        
        
            Radiator, thermostat, water pump, cooling fan, coolant hoses.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Ignition:
        
        
            Ignition timing, spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), ECU control.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Automatic:
        
        
            ATF, transmission removal/installation, valve body, torque converter, clutch packs, seals.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Manual:
        
        
            Clutch system, gearbox removal/installation, gear sets, synchronizers, shifter linkage.
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain AWD:
        
        
            Viscous coupling unit (VCU), transfer case, front and rear differentials, driveshafts, CV joints.
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Hydraulic system, brake fluid, master cylinder, calipers, pads, rotors, ABS system components, parking brake.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front struts, rear shocks, control arms, sway bars, bushings, wheel bearings.
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system, pump, rack and pinion, steering column, alignment specifications.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting, accessories.
        
     
    
        
            Climate Control:
        
        
            HVAC system, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, heater core, blower motor.
        
     
    
        
            Body And Trim:
        
        
            Exterior panels, interior trim, door mechanisms, glass, bumpers, seals.
        
     
    
        
            Safety Systems:
        
        
            Airbag system (SRS), seatbelts, crumple zones.
        
     
    
    
        
            Preventive Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and flushes, tune-ups, belt inspections.
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems.
        
     
    
        
            Component Repair:
        
        
            Detailed step-by-step instructions for disassembling, inspecting, repairing, and reassembling major components.
        
     
    
        
            Wiring Diagrams:
        
        
            Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.
        
     
    
        
            Specifications And Tolerances:
        
        
            Torque specifications, clearances, measurements, and alignment data.
        
     
    
        
            Special Tools:
        
        
            Identification and usage of Subaru-specific or recommended tools for certain procedures.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive coverage suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
        
        
            Likely 4-star (for models with airbags, specific year ratings vary)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
        
        
            Likely 4-star (for models with airbags, specific year ratings vary)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Available (standard on some trims/models)
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Not commonly available on this generation.
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Driver and Passenger airbags available (standard on higher trims).
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            Three-point front and rear seatbelts.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Typically every 3,750 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement:
        
        
            Crucial interval, usually every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or 5-7 years. Check manual for exact recommendation.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Recommended every 30,000 to 50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            API SG or SH rated, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for exact viscosity based on temperature).
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter change.
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            Subaru ATF-HP (or equivalent Dexron III type fluid).
        
     
    
        
            Manual Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            API GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant:
        
        
            Ethylene Glycol-based coolant (e.g., Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent).
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4.
        
     
    
    
        
            Head Gaskets:
        
        
            While less prone than later generations, early EJ25D engines could develop head gasket leaks.
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt:
        
        
            Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage due to interference design. Regular replacement is critical.
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission:
        
        
            Some transmissions might exhibit harsh shifting or delayed engagement with age and mileage.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Components:
        
        
            Worn bushings and struts are common with age and mileage, affecting ride quality and handling.