Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size sedan/wagon, known for AWD capability and reliability
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Mitsubishi Galant
Standard AWD:
Subaru's hallmark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provided exceptional traction and stability.
Engine Options:
Reliable horizontally-opposed 'Boxer' engines known for their low center of gravity.
Body Styles:
Available as a 4-door sedan and a 5-door wagon (Outback model).
Reliability:
Generally considered a reliable vehicle with proper maintenance.
Engine:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul for EJ22E, EJ25D, and EJ22T engines
Transmission:
Manual (M/T) and Automatic (A/T) transmission repair, overhaul, and fluid service
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system maintenance and repair, including differentials and driveshafts
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension diagnosis, component replacement, and alignment procedures
Brakes:
Brake system service, including disc and drum brake overhaul, hydraulic system bleeding, and ABS troubleshooting
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering column and linkage servicing
Electrical:
Complete electrical system schematics, wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnosis of charging, starting, lighting, and accessory systems
Body And Interior:
Body panel repair, interior trim removal and installation, glass replacement, HVAC system diagnosis and repair
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, and cooling fan servicing
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter replacement, and fuel system pressure testing
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, and pipe replacement
Climate Control:
HVAC system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis and repair, seat belt servicing
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for common and uncommon issues across all major systems
Engine Repair:
Engine rebuild procedures, cylinder head service, piston and ring replacement, crankshaft and bearing service
Transmission Overhaul:
Complete disassembly and reassembly instructions for both manual and automatic transmissions
Brake Replacement:
Pads, rotors, calipers, and brake line replacement procedures
Electrical Diagnostics:
Component testing using multimeters and oscilloscopes, wiring harness repair
Body Repair:
Dent removal, panel straightening, rust repair, welding procedures
Interior Restoration:
Dashboard removal, seat repair, carpet replacement
Cooling System Flushing:
Procedures for draining, flushing, and refilling the cooling system
Timing Belt Replacement:
Detailed steps for timing belt and tensioner replacement, crucial for EJ series engines
Clutch Replacement:
Step-by-step guide for manual transmission clutch assembly replacement
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications and procedures for front and rear wheel alignment
Depth Level:
Expert level, covering complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, and electrical troubleshooting
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on specific diagnostic codes (OBD-I/OBD-II for applicable systems) and required tools
Torque Specifications:
Comprehensive list of all critical torque specifications for engine, chassis, and driveline components
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of Subaru-specific or recommended special tools for certain procedures
Engine Type 1:
2.2L SOHC 16-valve Flat-4 (Boxer)
Horsepower 1:
135 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 1:
140 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Bore X Stroke 1:
96.9 mm x 75.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
9.5:1
Fuel Delivery 1:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Type 2:
2.5L DOHC 16-valve Flat-4 (Boxer)
Horsepower 2:
165 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2:
162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Bore X Stroke 2:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Compression Ratio 2:
9.7:1
Fuel Delivery 2:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Code 3:
EJ22T (GT Turbo)
Engine Type 3:
2.2L SOHC 16-valve Turbocharged Flat-4 (Boxer)
Horsepower 3:
190 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 3:
200 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Boost Pressure 3:
Approx. 7.0 psi
0-60 Mph Ej22:
Approx. 9.5 - 10.5 seconds
0-60 Mph Ej25:
Approx. 8.0 - 9.0 seconds
0-60 Mph Ej22T:
Approx. 7.0 - 8.0 seconds
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
15.9 US gallons
Fuel Economy Ej22:
Est. 20 MPG city / 26 MPG highway
Fuel Economy Ej25:
Est. 19 MPG city / 25 MPG highway
Transmission Type Ej22 Ej25:
5-speed Manual Transmission (M/T)
Transmission Type Ej22T:
5-speed Manual Transmission (M/T) standard on GT models
Transmission Type Ej22 Ej25:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (A/T)
Transmission Type Ej22T:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (A/T) optional on GT models
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential (M/T) or electronically controlled multi-plate clutch (A/T)
Clutch Type Mt:
Dry single plate, hydraulically actuated
Atf Specification Auto:
Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent
Gear Ratios Mt:
Refer to manual for specific ratios per model/trim.
Gear Ratios At:
Refer to manual for specific ratios per model/trim.
NHTSA Driver Side Frontal:
4-star (1996 model year, though ratings may vary)
NHTSA Passenger Side Frontal:
4-star (1996 model year, though ratings may vary)
Anti Lock Brakes:
Optional ABS on many models
Traction Control:
Not typically available on this generation
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts
Crumple Zones:
Designed with front and rear crumple zones
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe service) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal service)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to owner's manual for specific conditions)
Oil Filter Part Number:
Subaru: 15208AA031 or equivalent (e.g., Wix 51516, Fram PH8300)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles or 5-7 years (crucial interval for EJ engines)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years (severe service) / 60,000 miles or 4 years (normal service)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Manual:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000 miles (platinum-tipped)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Subaru Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or Dexron II/III compatible fluid
Head Gasket Leaks:
While not as prevalent as later generations, some EJ25D engines can be prone to head gasket leaks due to coolant flow design. Early detection and proper sealant are key.
Automatic Transmission Issues:
Older automatic transmissions may exhibit delayed shifting or slipping if not properly maintained; regular fluid changes are critical.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings and ball joints can wear over time, leading to clunking noises and poor handling.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Subaru exhaust manifolds, particularly the cast iron ones, can be prone to cracking due to heat cycles, leading to exhaust leaks.
Idle Control Valve Issues:
The Idle Air Control (IAC) valve can become dirty or faulty, leading to rough idling or stalling.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Rear main crankshaft seal leaks can occur, often requiring transmission removal to replace.
Subaru Specialty:
Subaru Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer, has a long history of producing vehicles with horizontally-opposed engines and all-wheel drive.
Legacy Introduction:
The Subaru Legacy was introduced globally in 1989 as a replacement for the Subaru Leone.
Second Generation:
The 1996 model year represents the second generation (BD/BG/BK) of the Subaru Legacy, which was produced from 1993 to 1999.
Outback Variant:
The Outback variant, a lifted and more rugged version of the Legacy wagon, was introduced in 1995 and gained popularity for its off-road capabilities.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (Subaru's main manufacturing facilities)
Production Years Gen2:
1993-1999