Segment:
Mid-size Sedan/Wagon
Usp:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard, Boxer Engine, strong reputation for safety and durability
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Mazda6
Powertrain Offering:
Standard Symmetrical AWD across most trims
Safety Focus:
High safety ratings, available advanced safety features
Practicality:
Spacious interior, available wagon body style offers increased utility
Engine Systems:
Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Engine Control System (ECU/ECM)
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual Transmission (MT), Automatic Transmission (AT), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System, Differentials, Driveshafts, Axles
Suspension Steering:
Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering System, Power Steering
Braking System:
Front Brakes, Rear Brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Brake Booster, Parking Brake
Electrical Systems:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Gauges, Instrumentation, Body Electrical, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Chassis Control Module (CCM)
Body Chassis:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Chassis Structure, Frame
HVAC System:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) Controls and Components
Safety Features:
Airbag System, Seatbelts
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush, Belt Inspection/Replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting Charts, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Interpretation, Symptom-based Diagnostics
Repair Procedures:
Component Removal and Installation, Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair
Adjustment Calibration:
Alignment Specifications, Clutch Adjustment, Parking Brake Adjustment
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive Electrical Schematics for all Systems
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic fluid checks to complete engine/transmission rebuilds)
Engine Type 1:
2.5L Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4
Cylinders Pistons 1:
4 Cylinders, Horizontally Opposed (Boxer)
Valvetrain 1:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 16 Valves
Bore X Stroke 1:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
9.5:1
Fuel Induction 1:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Horsepower 1:
175 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 1:
169 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine Type 2:
3.0L Naturally Aspirated Boxer-6 (Optional on GT/GT Limited trims)
Cylinders Pistons 2:
6 Cylinders, Horizontally Opposed (Boxer)
Valvetrain 2:
DOHC, 24 Valves
Bore X Stroke 2:
89.2 mm x 79.0 mm
Compression Ratio 2:
10.7:1
Fuel Induction 2:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (S-MPI)
Horsepower 2:
250 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque 2:
217 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Fuel Type Recommendation:
87 Octane Regular Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane recommended for GT models with 3.0L engine)
Standard Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (MT)
Optional Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (AT) with Sportshift (Paddle Shifters on GT models)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Active Torque Split AWD on MT, Variable Torque Distribution AWD on AT)
Differential Type:
Front: Open; Rear: Optional Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) on some performance trims, Open on standard trims
Mt Fluid Type:
Subaru Extra-S (75W-90 GL-5) or equivalent
At Fluid Type:
Subaru ATF-HP (High Performance) or equivalent
Length:
Sedan: 187.4 in (4760 mm), Wagon: 188.2 in (4780 mm)
Height:
Sedan: 56.1 in (1425 mm), Wagon: 59.1 in (1500 mm)
Wheelbase:
105.1 in (2670 mm)
Ground Clearance:
5.7 in (145 mm)
Curb Weight Sedan 2.5I Mt:
3320 lbs (1506 kg)
Curb Weight Wagon 2.5I At:
3520 lbs (1597 kg)
Curb Weight Gt Sedan 3.0 At:
3650 lbs (1656 kg)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x100
Wheel Size Standard:
16-inch alloy
Wheel Size Optional:
17-inch alloy (GT, Outback Sport)
Tire Size Standard:
205/55R16
Tire Size Optional:
215/45R17
Cargo Volume Sedan:
14.7 cu ft (416 L)
Cargo Volume Wagon:
30.0 cu ft (850 L) with rear seats up, 65.1 cu ft (1844 L) with rear seats folded
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
4 Stars
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
4 Stars
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Crash Test:
Good
Standard Active Safety:
ABS, EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), Brake Assist
Optional Active Safety:
Traction Control System (TCS), Vehicle Stability Control (VDC)
Standard Passive Safety:
Front Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags (optional/standard depending on trim), Front Seatbelt Pretensioners
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player with 4 or 6 speakers. Optional premium audio system with subwoofer available on higher trims.
Navigation System:
Optional factory-installed GPS Navigation system available on select trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Climate Control:
Manual air conditioning standard, optional automatic climate control.
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary input jack for external audio devices on some models/trims.
Usb Port:
N/A (No factory USB ports on this generation)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3.75 months (severe driving) or 7,500 miles or 7.5 months (normal driving) with synthetic oil. Check manual for specific recommendations.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed based on conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement Ej253:
Every 60,000 miles (Iridium type)
Spark Plug Replacement Ez30D:
Every 100,000 miles (Iridium type)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 3 years.
Transmission Fluid Change At:
Every 30,000 miles or 3 years for normal use, 15,000 miles or 1.5 years for severe use.
Transmission Fluid Change Mt:
Every 45,000 miles or 4.5 years.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 3 years.
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (All 2005 Legacy models use timing chains)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter (using SAE 5W-30 synthetic)
Engine Oil Capacity 3.0L:
5.5 US quarts (5.2 L) with filter (using SAE 5W-30 synthetic)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru PSF orDexron III ATF
Common Issues Engine 2.5I:
Head gasket leaks (less common than earlier generations but still possible), oil consumption, catalytic converter failure.
Common Issues Engine 3.0I:
Oil leaks from valve covers, occasional oil pressure sensor issues.
Common Issues Transmission:
Automatic transmission torque converter shudder (on older ATs, less prevalent here but worth noting), clutch wear on manuals.
Common Issues Suspension:
Worn sway bar bushings, rear differential mounts can crack.
Common Issues Electrical:
ABS sensor failures, window regulator issues, climate control module failures.
Subaru Heritage:
Founded in 1953 as Fuji Heavy Industries, known for pioneering Subaru boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems, particularly in rally racing and inclement weather regions.
Legacy Introduction:
The Subaru Legacy was introduced in 1989 as a replacement for the Subaru Leone, offering a more refined and powerful alternative with standard AWD.
Fifth Generation:
The 2005 model year represents the introduction of the fourth generation (BP/BL) Subaru Legacy, a complete redesign.
Key Changes 2005:
All-new chassis, significantly updated styling, introduction of the 3.0L H6 EZ30D engine for GT models, refined interior, improved safety features.
Production Plant:
Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA) in Lafayette, Indiana, USA and Gunma Plant, Japan.
Fourth Generation Years:
2005-2009