Segment:
Compact/Small Family Car
Target Audience:
Individuals seeking an affordable, reliable, and capable AWD vehicle, often appealing to enthusiasts due to its rally heritage.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer.
Standard AWD:
Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, offering superior traction and handling in various conditions.
Engine Options:
Horizontally opposed ('boxer') engines known for their low center of gravity and smooth operation.
Body Styles:
Available as a 4-door Sedan and a 5-door Wagon (often referred to as the 'Outback Sport' in higher trims).
Rally Heritage:
Strong ties to World Rally Championship (WRC) success, influencing performance and enthusiast appeal.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed information on all engine components, including disassembly, assembly, and specifications for EJ20 and EJ25 series engines (e.g., EJ201, EJ202, EJ251, EJ253).
Engine Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, ignition system, fuel injection system (MPI), starting and charging systems, sensors and actuators, ECU diagnosis and component locations.
Transmission:
Coverage for both manual (5-speed) and automatic (4-speed) transmissions, including removal, installation, overhaul, clutch system, torque converter, and shift control.
Drivetrain:
Front and rear differentials, driveshafts, axles, constant velocity (CV) joints, and Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system operation and maintenance.
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension systems (MacPherson struts, multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, power steering system, steering rack, and alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), ABS system, hydraulic circuits, brake calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinder, brake fluid specifications, and bleeding procedures.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass, weatherstripping, chassis structure, and corrosion protection.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components, refrigerant handling, compressor, evaporator, condenser, blower motor, and control systems.
Electrical Accessories:
Lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, audio system, and fuse/relay box locations.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant checks and changes, brake fluid flush, differential fluid changes, transmission fluid changes.
Engine Repair:
Head gasket replacement, piston ring replacement, valve adjustments, timing belt/chain replacement, oil pump service, fuel injector testing and replacement.
Transmission Service:
Clutch replacement, transmission fluid and filter replacement (for automatic), manual transmission gear replacement, seal replacement.
Brake Service:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper rebuilding, brake line replacement, ABS sensor diagnostics and replacement, brake system bleeding.
Suspension Steering Repair:
Replacement of struts, shocks, ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, power steering pump and rack replacement.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting electrical issues using wiring diagrams, testing sensors and actuators, diagnosing ECU faults, repairing wiring harness issues.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common symptoms like starting problems, engine misfires, poor performance, braking issues, and electrical malfunctions.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Comprehensive diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for identifying and resolving issues across all major vehicle systems.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners and components during assembly and disassembly.
Clearances And Tolerances:
Precise specifications for engine clearances, bearing tolerances, and other critical measurements required for proper engine function and longevity.
Wiring Diagrams:
High-quality, detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, color-coded for ease of identification.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for any special tools or equipment required for specific repair or maintenance procedures.
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic (with electronic control)
AWD System:
Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is standard on all models, integrated with both transmission types. Manual transmission utilizes a viscous coupling center differential, while automatic uses an electronically controlled transfer clutch.
Clutch Type:
Dry single-plate clutch (for manual transmission)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (e.g., Subaru Genuine Gear Oil or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (e.g., Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent)
Length Sedan:
Approx. 175.8 inches (4465 mm)
Length Wagon:
Approx. 177.0 inches (4495 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.9 inches (1725 mm)
Height Sedan:
Approx. 56.1 inches (1425 mm)
Height Wagon:
Approx. 54.5 inches (1385 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.0 inches (2640 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 6.1 inches (155 mm)
Curb Weight Manual:
Approx. 2800-3000 lbs (1270-1360 kg), varies by trim and body style
Curb Weight Automatic:
Approx. 2900-3100 lbs (1315-1405 kg), varies by trim and body style
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 4000 lbs (1815 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (2002 model year specific ratings may vary)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (2002 model year specific ratings may vary)
IIHS Front Offset:
Good (for models tested, check specific trim)
ABS:
Standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional on some trims, or integrated with AWD system.
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags on higher trims
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, driver's seatbelt pretensioner
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3.75 months (severe use), or 7,500 miles or 7.5 months (normal use), using synthetic oil.
Engine Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles or 15 months.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles or 15 months (if equipped).
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles (use iridium type plugs for longest life).
Coolant Flush:
Replace coolant every 30,000 miles or 30 months.
Timing Belt:
Replace every 105,000 miles or 105 months (crucial for interference engines like the EJ251).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter for EJ251/EJ201.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 synthetic recommended. Check manual for specific viscosity requirements based on ambient temperature.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent P-HOAT coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Head Gasket Leaks:
The EJ251 SOHC engine (and some DOHC variants) is known for potential head gasket failures, often due to coolant leaks or internal porosity. This is a common repair addressed in the manual.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Leaking rear main crankshaft seal can occur over time.
Wheel Bearing Wear:
Front wheel bearings can wear prematurely, leading to noise.
Catalytic Converter Issues:
Catalytic converters can fail due to engine issues or age.