Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Brand Philosophy:
Emphasis on Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, boxer engines, and utility
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra
Unique Selling Proposition:
Standard Symmetrical AWD and Subaru's boxer engine architecture, offering superior traction and a low center of gravity.
Driver Train:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Engine Layout:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) Engine
Body Style:
Station Wagon / Compact SUV blend
Utility:
Practical cargo space, elevated ground clearance for its class.
Vehicle Variants:
All trim levels and engine options for the specified years
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital File (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine control system (ECU), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, turbocharger system (if applicable)
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, front and rear differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, manual and automatic transmissions
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Vehicle electrical system, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument panel, infotainment system, wiring diagrams
Body:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, body electrical components
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Component removal, installation, adjustment, and repair for all major vehicle systems
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, diagnostic values
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical system wiring schematics for all circuits
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds; detailed diagnostics and component-level repair
Engine Code Usdm:
EJ25 SOHC/DOHC
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Flat-Four (Boxer)
Bore X Stroke Mm:
99.5 x 79.0
Compression Ratio:
9.7:1 (SOHC), 10.0:1 (DOHC)
Horsepower Ps Rpm:
165 PS @ 5,700 rpm (DOHC, estimate)
Horsepower Hp Rpm:
162 HP @ 5,700 rpm (DOHC, estimate)
Torque Lb Ft Rpm:
170 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (DOHC, estimate)
Engine Management:
Subaru Select Monitor (SSM) diagnostic system compatibility
0 60 Mph Seconds:
Approx. 9.0-10.0 seconds (depending on transmission and trim)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Octane Rating:
87 octane (minimum, 91 octane recommended for optimal performance)
Turbo Engine Code:
EJ255 (GT/GT-B models, not common in USDM base models)
Turbo Horsepower:
Approx. 210-220 HP
Turbo Torque:
Approx. 240-250 lb-ft
Transmission Type Usdm:
4-speed Automatic (4EAT)
Transmission Type Alternative:
5-speed Manual
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Viscous Coupling Limited Slip Center Differential
Automatic Transmission Modes:
Sportshift (manual selection of gears)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF (Dexron III compatible, consult manual for exact spec)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil
Approach Angle Degrees:
Approx. 30
Departure Angle Degrees:
Approx. 30
Cargo Volume Liters:
Approx. 700-800 (with rear seats up)
Curb Weight Kg:
Approx. 1400-1500 (depending on trim and transmission)
Towing Capacity Kg:
Approx. 1000-1300 (check local regulations and manual for exact rating)
Wheel Size Standard:
15-inch or 16-inch alloy wheels
Tire Size Standard:
215/60R16 (common on higher trims)
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for 1999 MY)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags, if available)
ABS:
Standard on most trims
AWD:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Airbags Driver:
Standard driver airbag
Airbags Passenger:
Standard passenger airbag
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Head Unit Type:
Factory AM/FM/CD player (optional premium audio system available)
Speaker Configuration:
Typically 4 or 6 speakers
Traction Control:
Limited systems, primarily focused on the AWD drivetrain.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Aux Input:
Not typically factory equipped; aftermarket head units or adapters may be required.
System Type:
Manual or automatic climate control (depending on trim)
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 miles (severe) or 7,500 miles (normal) with synthetic oil. Refer to manual for specific driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or as needed based on inspection
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or annually
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (platinum tipped)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years (using Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 30,000 miles (severe) or 60,000 miles (normal), consult manual for details.
Timing Belt Replacement:
90,000 to 105,000 miles or 7-10 years (critical replacement interval for interference engines)
Engine Oil Type:
5W-30 or 10W-30 (synthetic recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or equivalent ATF Dexron II/III
Head Gaskets:
Premature head gasket failure is a common concern on EJ-series Subaru engines, particularly on earlier models. Symptoms include coolant leaks, white smoke, or coolant in oil.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket leaks are also frequently reported.
Automatic Transmission:
Some 4EAT transmissions can develop issues with solenoids or clutch packs with high mileage.
Wheel Bearings:
Front wheel bearings can be prone to wear and noise.
Radiator Fans:
Electric radiator fan motors can fail.
Founded:
1917 (as Subaru Corporation, formerly Nakajima Aircraft Company)
Key Technologies:
Boxer engines, Symmetrical AWD
Debut:
1995 (Japan), 1997 (North America)
First Generation Sf:
1997-2002, introduced the concept of a Subaru SUV/crossover.
Facelift Sf:
2000 (minor styling updates, interior revisions, and powertrain enhancements)
Manufacturing Location:
Gunma Plant, Japan
Production Years:
1997-2002 (SF generation)