Segment:
Compact Car (C-segment)
Key Selling Points:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, rally-bred heritage, practicality, affordability.
Primary Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Volkswagen Golf.
Drivetrain:
Subaru's renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system as standard on most trims.
Engine Type:
Horizontally opposed (Boxer) engine, known for its low center of gravity.
Body Styles:
Offered as a 4-door sedan and a 5-door wagon.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical (assembly, disassembly, inspection), lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, intake and exhaust systems, ignition system, emission control systems.
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission (clutch, gearbox, driveshafts), Automatic transmission (torque converter, planetary gear sets, valve body, solenoids).
Drivetrain Systems:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, viscous coupling, center differential, rear differential.
Suspension Systems:
Front suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms, stabilizers), Rear suspension (multi-link, trailing arms, shock absorbers, springs), wheel alignment specifications.
Brake Systems:
Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes (or drum brakes on some lower trims), ABS system (sensors, control module), parking brake.
Steering Systems:
Power steering system (pump, rack and pinion, fluid), steering column, universal joints.
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), horn, wipers, power windows, mirrors, central locking.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, seats, dashboard, HVAC system (climate control), sound insulation.
Diagnostic And Troubleshooting:
OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, component testing.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire rotation, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes.
Component Repair And Rebuild:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuilding, alternator and starter motor replacement, suspension component replacement.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Wiring harness repair, diagnosing electrical faults, component testing using multimeters and oscilloscopes.
Bodywork And Cosmetic Repairs:
Dent removal, panel replacement, bumper repair, rust treatment, interior trim repair.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation.
Diagnostic Depth:
Advanced diagnostics, including electrical schematics, component specifications, and troubleshooting trees.
Repair Complexity:
Covers everything from basic DIY maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds.
Specification Detail:
Includes torque specifications, clearances, timing settings, and electrical resistance values.
Engine Code:
EJ20 (Various configurations)
Engine Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1994 cc)
Engine Configuration:
Naturally Aspirated Flat-4 (Boxer)
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.1:1 (Typical)
Valve Train:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 16 valves
Horsepower Peak:
Approx. 142 hp @ 6000 rpm (for naturally aspirated models)
Torque Peak:
Approx. 135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (for naturally aspirated models)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane Rating:
87 Octane (Check Owner's Manual for specific requirements)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 103.0 inches (2616 mm)
Length:
Approx. 174.6 inches (4435 mm) (Sedan), Approx. 175.0 inches (4445 mm) (Wagon)
Width:
Approx. 68.5 inches (1740 mm)
Height:
Approx. 56.1 inches (1425 mm) (Sedan), Approx. 57.1 inches (1450 mm) (Wagon)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2900-3100 lbs (1315-1406 kg), varies by trim and transmission
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model and configuration.
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-Star (Driver), 4-Star (Passenger) for 2000 model year (likely)
NHTSA Side Impact:
4-Star (Front), 4-Star (Rear) for 2000 model year (likely)
IIHS Front Offset:
Good (Likely for 2000 model year, based on generation trends)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Standard on most trims)
Traction Control:
Not commonly available on base 2000 models, may be present on higher trims or optional.
Airbags:
Dual front airbags (driver and passenger)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners, force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) may not be standard on all models/positions, check manual for specifics.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (under severe driving conditions); Every 7,500 miles or 12 months (under normal driving conditions). Consult the manual for specific definition of 'severe'.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (NGK Platinum or Iridium recommended)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial! Typically 90,000-105,000 miles or 7-10 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage. The manual will detail the procedure and associated components like tensioners and idler pulleys.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (API SG, SH, SJ, or ILSAC GF-2 rated). Check manual for exact viscosity and rating for climate.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.7 US quarts (4.4 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Mix 50/50 with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid)
Differential Fluid Front:
API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
Differential Fluid Rear:
API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or ATF Dexron II/III
Head Gaskets:
While not as prevalent as in some older Subaru generations, head gasket leaks can still occur. The manual will provide inspection and replacement procedures.
Exhaust Leaks:
Cracked exhaust manifolds or leaky donut gaskets are not uncommon.
Clutch Wear:
Standard wear item, especially in manual transmission vehicles used in stop-and-go traffic.
Oxygen Sensors:
Oxygen sensors can fail over time, leading to poor fuel economy and check engine lights. The manual will cover testing and replacement.