Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size Sedan/Wagon
Brand Philosophy:
Subaru is known for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, horizontally opposed 'Boxer' engines, and a focus on safety and reliability.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda6, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion
Drivetrain Standard:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Engine Type Standard:
Horizontally-opposed 'Boxer' engine
Body Styles:
4-door Sedan, 5-door Wagon (Outback Sport also based on Legacy platform)
Engine:
2.5L Naturally Aspirated EJ253, 2.5L Turbocharged EJ255 (GT trims), 3.0L Naturally Aspirated EZ30D
Transmission:
5-speed Manual (TY757), 4-speed Automatic (430), 5-speed Automatic (5EAT)
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials, axles, driveshafts
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link, springs, dampers, control arms, sway bars
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS, EBD, brake hydraulics, parking brake
Steering:
Power assisted rack and pinion steering system, hydraulic pump, steering column
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starter, ignition system, lighting, power windows, mirrors, door locks, HVAC controls, instrument cluster, wiring diagrams
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel lines, EVAP system
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust pipes, oxygen sensors
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant hoses, thermostat, water pump, cooling fans
Climate Control:
HVAC system, A/C compressor, refrigerant lines, evaporator, heater core, controls
Body:
Body panel removal/installation, doors, hood, trunk, glass, seals, interior trim
Restraints:
Airbag system, seat belts, SRS module
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common symptoms, fault codes, electrical issues, engine performance problems
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake component replacement, suspension repair, electrical component repair, body panel repair
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission disassembly and reassembly
Calibration Adjustment:
Wheel alignment specifications, idle speed adjustments, steering angle sensor calibration
Diagnostic Procedures:
Comprehensive diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, DTC interpretation
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including component locations and wire colors
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all fasteners, crucial for engine, drivetrain, and suspension components
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for Subaru-specific or recommended tools for various repair procedures
Engine Displacement Na:
2.5 Liters (2498 cc)
Engine Configuration Na:
Naturally Aspirated, SOHC or DOHC (depending on specific variant within 2.5L)
Engine Horsepower Na:
Approx. 170-175 hp @ 5600-6000 rpm (varies slightly by year/model)
Engine Torque Na:
Approx. 166-170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (varies slightly by year/model)
Engine Displacement Turbo:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Engine Configuration Turbo:
Turbocharged, DOHC, intercooled
Engine Horsepower Turbo:
Approx. 243-250 hp @ 5200-5600 rpm
Engine Torque Turbo:
Approx. 247-250 lb-ft @ 2000-5000 rpm
Engine Displacement H6:
3.0 Liters (2999 cc)
Engine Configuration H6:
Naturally Aspirated, SOHC
Engine Horsepower H6:
Approx. 245 hp @ 6600 rpm
Engine Torque H6:
Approx. 215 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended for NA, 91+ for Turbo)
Emission Control:
Catalytic Converters, Oxygen Sensors, EGR (on some models)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual
Transmission Code Manual:
TY757
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic (430)
Transmission Type Optional 2:
5-speed Automatic (5EAT - Subaru's electronically controlled automatic transmission)
Drivetrain System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) - standard on all trims
AWD Type Manual:
Viscous coupling center differential with mechanical limited-slip rear differential
AWD Type Auto:
Electronically controlled multi-plate clutch center differential with variable torque distribution
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (or as specified in manual)
Automatic Transmission Fluid 4Spd:
ATF-HP (or equivalent Dexron/Mercon compatible, check manual for exact spec)
Automatic Transmission Fluid 5Eat:
ATF-HP (Subaru's proprietary fluid)
Length Sedan:
Approx. 187.8 inches
Length Wagon:
Approx. 190.4 inches
Width:
Approx. 69.1 inches
Height Sedan:
Approx. 57.5 inches
Height Wagon:
Approx. 59.3 inches
Wheelbase:
Approx. 105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 5.7 inches (standard models)
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 3200 lbs (varies by engine and trim)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Check specific model documentation (typically around 4500-4700 lbs)
Trunk Volume Sedan:
Approx. 14.7 cu ft
Cargo Volume Wagon Seats Up:
Approx. 38.7 cu ft
Cargo Volume Wagon Seats Down:
Approx. 71.7 cu ft
Wheel Size Standard:
16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels (depending on trim)
Tire Size Standard:
205/55R16, 215/45R17, 215/40R18 (depending on trim)
NHTSA Frontal Driver 2008:
5 Stars
NHTSA Frontal Passenger 2008:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Driver 2008:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Passenger 2008:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Rear 2008:
5 Stars
NHTSA Rollover 2008:
4 Stars (Rollover resistance rating)
IIHS Front Crashworthiness 2008:
Good
IIHS Side Impact 2008:
Good
IIHS Rear Crash Protection 2008:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)
Airbags Front:
Front dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Front side-impact airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Side-curtain airbags (front and rear)
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters, rear 3-point seatbelts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary input. Optional premium audio systems with subwoofer and navigation were available.
Navigation:
Optional GPS navigation system, typically integrated into the dashboard display.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry system. Optional proximity key with push-button start on higher trims.
Bluetooth:
Available Bluetooth hands-free connectivity on select trims or as an accessory.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors are standard.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe conditions), or 7,500 miles/6 months (normal conditions) - consult manual for specifics.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect/replace every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement Na:
Iridium spark plugs: Approx. 60,000 miles. Copper/Platinum: Approx. 30,000 miles (check specific engine variant).
Coolant Replacement:
Initial at 105,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles thereafter (Subaru Super Coolant)
Timing Belt Or Chain:
EJ253/EJ255 engines use a timing belt. Replace every 105,000 miles or 105 months. EZ30D uses a timing chain.
Engine Oil Type:
5W-30 or 0W-20 (check manual for exact engine requirement, API SN or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.8-5.1 quarts (with filter, depending on engine)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II or III (check manual)
Differential Fluid Front Rear:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (or as specified in manual)
Head Gaskets:
While less common on EJ253 than older generations, some EJ255 engines can experience head gasket issues. The EZ30D is generally robust.
Catalytic Converter:
Can fail due to age or engine issues; replacement is costly.
Wheel Bearings:
Can wear prematurely, especially with AWD and potential exposure to road salt/grime.
Suspension Components:
Sway bar links, bushings, and ball joints can wear over time, leading to clunks or poor handling.
Automatic Transmission Shifting:
Some 5EAT transmissions can develop shifting issues; regular fluid changes are critical.