🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy

Year:

1999

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Subaru Legacy (1999) was positioned as a mid-size sedan and wagon known for its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, offering a blend of practicality, all-weather capability, and a comfortable ride, distinguishing it from front-wheel-drive competitors in its segment.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against vehicles like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Mitsubishi Galant. Its primary differentiator was the standard AWD, appealing to buyers in regions with inclement weather or those seeking enhanced traction and stability.

Key Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, horizontally opposed ('Boxer') engines for a lower center of gravity, comfortable ride quality, practical wagon variant, reliable powertrain options.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Full vehicle service and repair

Page Count:

Extensive (exact number not specified, but described as in-depth)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Manual (WSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical, engine control systems (ECU), fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic and manual), drivetrain (all-wheel drive system), suspension, steering, brakes (ABS, standard), body electrical systems, HVAC, chassis, interior components, exterior components, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting.

Electrical Systems Coverage:

Detailed wiring diagrams for engine control, lighting, accessories, climate control, power windows/locks, anti-lock braking system (ABS), and instrument cluster. Includes troubleshooting flowcharts for electrical faults.

Drivetrain AWD Coverage:

Detailed information on the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, including viscous coupling unit, center differential, and front/rear differential service and repair.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, scheduled services, diagnostic troubleshooting, repair procedures, component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, specifications, wiring diagrams, component testing, torque specifications, fluid capacities and types, replacement part recommendations.

Diagnostic Procedures:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-I and early OBD-II system information if applicable), scan tool usage, fault code interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing, and circuit testing.

Brake System Repair:

Procedures for brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper servicing, brake line bleeding, ABS component diagnosis and replacement.

HVAC Repair:

Refrigerant system service, blower motor replacement, evaporator and condenser service, heater core replacement, climate control module diagnosis.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics. Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and bodywork.

Engine Overhaul Depth:

Complete engine rebuild procedures, including cylinder head removal/installation, piston/ring replacement, crankshaft/bearing service, valve guide/seat service, and timing component replacement.

Suspension Steering Depth:

Diagnosis and repair of struts, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, power steering pump and rack, wheel bearings.

Body And Trim Depth:

Procedures for interior trim panel removal/installation, exterior body panel repair and replacement, door and window mechanisms, bumper service.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High resolution, designed for clear printing of text and diagrams.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

2.5L DOHC EJ25D Boxer-4

Horsepower 1999 Ej25D:

165 hp @ 5,500 rpm (approx.)

Torque 1999 Ej25D:

170 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (approx.)

Fuel System:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Bore X Stroke:

99.5 mm x 79.0 mm (approx.)

Compression Ratio:

9.0:1 (approx.)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic

Drivetrain Features:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on most trims)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent (check specific manual for exact spec)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

GL-5 Gear Oil, 75W-90 (check specific manual for exact spec)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

104.0 inches (2641 mm)

Length:

185.0 inches (4699 mm)

Width:

67.5 inches (1715 mm)

Height:

56.7 inches (1440 mm) Sedan / 59.1 inches (1501 mm) Wagon

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,100 - 3,300 lbs (1406 - 1497 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not readily available, consult manual

Cargo Volume Sedan:

Not readily available, consult manual

Cargo Volume Wagon:

Approx. 37.7 cu ft (seats up) / 72.4 cu ft (seats folded)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver Rating 1999:

4/5 Stars (for vehicles equipped with airbags)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger Rating 1999:

4/5 Stars (for vehicles equipped with airbags)

Active Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Passive Features:

Driver and front passenger airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, side-impact door beams.

Brake System Front:

Ventilated Discs

Brake System Rear:

Solid Discs

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM stereo with CD or Cassette player, optional premium audio systems available.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by modern standards. Primarily focused on active safety through AWD and ABS (optional).

Connectivity Options:

No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity. Basic analog systems.

Climate Control System:

Manual or Automatic Climate Control (optional, depending on trim level).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (traditional interval, consult manual for synthetic oil)

Timing Belt Replacement Interval:

60,000 miles or 5 years (critical maintenance item for EJ25D engine, failure can cause catastrophic damage)

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

60,000 miles (for platinum or iridium plugs, consult manual for specific type)

Engine Oil Type:

5W-30 or 10W-30 (API SG or higher, check manual for precise spec and viscosity based on temperature)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter (approx.)

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 7.0 US quarts (6.6 liters) (check manual for exact capacity with engine type)

Known Issues:

Head gasket leaks (common on EJ engines, especially the EJ25D), timing belt failure if not replaced at recommended intervals, potential for oil consumption, front CV joint wear, suspension component wear (bushings, ball joints).

Tire Pressure Front Rear:

30-32 PSI (check door jamb sticker for specific values)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 100 mm

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), has a long history of engineering reliable vehicles, particularly known for its pioneering use of the AWD system and its horizontally opposed 'Boxer' engine technology, originating from aircraft engine design.

Model Evolution 1999:

The 1999 Subaru Legacy represents the second generation (BD/BG/BK chassis) which ran from 1994-1999. This generation saw significant styling updates, improved chassis dynamics, and refined engines compared to its predecessor. The 1999 model year often featured minor equipment and styling tweaks.

Production Location:

Japan (main production), North America (assembly for North American market)

Production Years Second Gen:

1994-1999

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions 1999:

While specific awards for the 1999 model year are not widely documented, the Subaru Legacy line generally received positive reviews for its all-weather capability and reliability from automotive publications during its production run.

Ratings Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports typically rated Subaru vehicles well for reliability, though specific year-by-year ratings varied. The 1999 Legacy was generally considered a solid, dependable vehicle, with noted concerns about head gaskets.

Certifications:

N/A (Vehicle specific certifications usually refer to safety ratings)