Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV/Crossover
Target Audience:
Active individuals, families, outdoor enthusiasts
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Xterra, Ford Escape
Differentiating Factors:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, boxer engine, excellent ground clearance
Powertrain:
Horizontally-opposed Boxer engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Design:
Practical, wagon-like SUV with good visibility
Durability:
Known for robust mechanicals and AWD system
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners for self-sufficiency in maintenance and repair, saving significant costs.
Engine Mechanical:
Yes (EJ25 SOHC, EJ25 DOHC, EJ25 Turbo DOHC)
Engine Performance:
Yes (fuel injection, ignition, emissions, cooling, lubrication)
Transmission Manual:
Yes (5-speed manual)
Transmission Automatic:
Yes (4-speed automatic, Sportshift)
Drivetrain:
Yes (All-Wheel Drive system, differentials, driveshafts)
Suspension:
Yes (front struts, rear multi-link, control arms, bushings)
Brakes:
Yes (front disc, rear disc, ABS)
Steering:
Yes (power rack and pinion)
Electrical System:
Yes (battery, charging system, starting system)
Lighting:
Yes (headlights, taillights, interior lights)
HVAC:
Yes (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
Body And Interior:
Yes (panels, doors, glass, seats, trim)
Safety Systems:
Yes (airbags, seatbelts)
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Yes (OBD-II codes, fault finding)
Routine Maintenance:
Yes (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks)
Major Repairs:
Yes (engine rebuild, transmission overhaul)
Component Replacement:
Yes (alternator, starter, water pump, belts, hoses)
Electrical Diagnosis:
Yes (wiring diagrams, component testing)
Suspension Repair:
Yes (strut replacement, bearing service)
Brake Service:
Yes (pad and rotor replacement, caliper service)
Bodywork Repair:
Yes (panel alignment, dent repair guidance)
HVAC Service:
Yes (recharge, component replacement)
Troubleshooting Guides:
Yes (step-by-step diagnostics)
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full rebuilds)
Diagnostics:
Advanced (including specific DTCs and testing procedures)
Specifications Data:
Detailed (torque specs, clearances, fluid capacities, resistance values)
Wiring Diagrams:
Yes (comprehensive electrical schematics)
Engine Code 1:
EJ251 (2.5L SOHC)
Engine Code 2:
EJ253 (2.5L SOHC, later models)
Engine Code 3:
EJ255 (2.5L DOHC Turbo, GT/STI variants)
Engine Displacement 1:
2457 cc
Engine Displacement 2:
2457 cc (Turbo)
Horsepower 1:
165 hp @ 5600 rpm (EJ251/253)
Torque 1:
166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (EJ251/253)
Horsepower 2:
227 hp @ 5600 rpm (EJ255 Turbo)
Torque 2:
236 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (EJ255 Turbo)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) / Coil-on-Plug
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (with Sportshift option)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with viscous center differential
Gear Ratios:
Detailed in manual (varies by transmission type)
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto:
Approx. 7.5 US quarts (6.9 Liters)
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
GL-5 75W-90 Gear Oil
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (for 1999-2002 models based on historical data)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (for 1999-2002 models based on historical data)
IIHS Small Overlap Front:
N/A (Test not performed on these model years)
ABS:
Standard (4-wheel ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional (on some models)
Airbags Front:
Standard (driver and passenger)
Airbags Side:
Optional (on some models/trims)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace annually or as needed
Spark Plugs:
Replace at 60,000 miles (NGK Platinum/Iridium)
Timing Belt:
Replace at 105,000 miles or 7 years (critical for interference engines)
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH/SJ Certified, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temp)
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent Ethylene Glycol based coolant (50/50 mix)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron III (or equivalent)
Head Gaskets:
Common failure point on EJ series engines, especially at higher mileage. Manual provides repair procedures.
Timing Belt Tensioner:
Potential for failure; proactive replacement recommended with timing belt service.
Oil Leaks:
Can occur from valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and rear main seals.
Cv Joints:
Wear can occur, especially on lifted or off-road vehicles.
Radiator Leaks:
Plastic end tanks can crack over time.
Manufacturer:
Subaru (part of Fuji Heavy Industries)
Brand Focus:
All-Wheel Drive, boxer engines, practicality, safety
Introduction Year:
1997 (Globally), 1998 (North America)
Generation 1 Start Year:
1997
Generation 1 End Year:
2002
Next Generation Start Year:
2003
Manufacturing Location:
Gunma, Japan
Motor Trend SUV Of The Year:
No (Subaru Outback received this for 1996)
Kbb Best Resale Value:
Forester models often cited for strong resale value
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Mixed to good ratings for this generation, with specific known issues addressed by the manual.
Emissions Standards:
Meets EPA and CARB standards for the specified years