Positioning:
Compact SUV with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard, positioned as a practical and versatile vehicle for active lifestyles and all-weather capability.
Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra
All Wheel Drive:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, a core Subaru differentiator.
Safety:
Reputation for safety, often rated highly in crash tests.
Utility:
Crossover utility vehicle (CUV) styling offering a blend of car-like ride and SUV practicality.
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain, Fuel System, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System, Wheel Alignment
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC Controls, Audio System, SRS (Airbag) System, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Power Accessories
Body:
Body Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Roof
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom analysis, component testing
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair
Installation:
Component replacement, accessory installation (where applicable)
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 16 Valves
Horsepower:
165 hp @ 5,600 RPM
Torque:
166 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Port Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Minimum)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG, SH, SJ or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US Quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent; 50/50 mix with distilled water
Type:
4-Speed Automatic (4EAT)
AWD System:
Variable Transfer Clutch (VTC) system for automatic AWD engagement (4EAT) or viscous coupling center differential (5MT)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent (check dipstick for exact type if replaced)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil
Length:
179.7 inches (4565 mm)
Width:
67.9 inches (1725 mm)
Height:
63.4 inches (1610 mm)
Wheelbase:
103.0 inches (2616 mm)
Ground Clearance:
7.5 inches (191 mm)
Curb Weight:
3290 - 3390 lbs (1492 - 1538 kg) (approx.)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
4590 lbs (2082 kg) (approx.)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
30.0 cu ft (approx.)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
64.6 cu ft (approx.)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Dual front airbags, optional side airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners with load limiters for front seats
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM/CD player, optional cassette player, 4 or 6 speaker systems.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems depending on trim level.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
All Wheel Drive:
Integral to the vehicle's driving dynamics and capability.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Optional remote keyless entry system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first (severe use); 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months (normal use)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years, whichever comes first. Crucial for EJ series engines.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III compatible ATF
Coolant Capacity:
7.6 US Quarts (7.2 Liters) (approx.)
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent than in earlier EJ engines, head gasket leaks can still occur. The manual details inspection and replacement procedures.
Catalytic Converter:
Can sometimes fail due to age or engine issues, leading to reduced performance. Manual provides diagnostic procedures.
Automatic Transmission:
Some instances of early wear or failure on higher mileage units, especially if fluid changes were neglected. Manual covers diagnostics and overhaul.
Heritage:
Subaru Corporation, a Japanese automaker known for its horizontally-opposed ('boxer') engines and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
Generation:
First Generation (SF Chassis, 1997-2002)
Design Philosophy:
Combines the practicality of a station wagon with the capability of an SUV, built on a reinforced Impreza platform.
Manufacturing Location:
Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
Consumer Reports Rating:
Consistently rated well for reliability and safety by consumer organizations.
Car And Driver Recognition:
Often appeared on Car and Driver's Ten Best lists in earlier iterations for its segment.
Federal Safety Certifications:
Complies with all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for 2001.
