Segment:
Mid-size sedan/wagon, AWD focus
Brand Image:
Reliability, all-wheel drive capability, practicality, enthusiast appeal
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Mazda 6
Unique Selling Proposition:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Target Audience:
Drivers seeking all-weather capability, comfortable commuting, and a reliable family vehicle
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, emissions control, engine management (ECU)
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission (4EAT, 5EAT), transaxle, differential, driveshafts, CV joints, AWD system
Brakes:
Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), ABS system, parking brake
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering system (power steering), wheel alignment
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, power locks, mirrors, climate control, audio system, dashboard instrumentation, wiring diagrams
Body Chassis:
Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, body sealing, frame
Heating Ventilation Ac:
HVAC system components, controls, refrigerant handling
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, power steering fluid changes, transmission fluid changes
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, starter motor replacement, alternator replacement, fuel pump replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, fluid capacities, wear limits, diagnostic parameters
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for DIY and professional mechanics, detailed diagrams and step-by-step instructions
Engine Type 2.5L:
2.5L Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4 (EJ253)
Displacement 2.5L:
2498 cc
Bore X Stroke 2.5L:
99.5 mm x 80.0 mm
Compression Ratio 2.5L:
9.7:1
Horsepower 2.5L Est:
167 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 2.5L Est:
173 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Type 3.0L:
3.0L Naturally Aspirated Boxer-6 (EZ30D)
Displacement 3.0L:
2999 cc
Horsepower 3.0L Est:
212 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 3.0L Est:
206 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Emissions Control:
Catalytic converter, EGR system, EVAP system
Transmission Type Base:
5-speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic (4EAT)
Transmission Type Optional 6Cyl:
5-speed Automatic (5EAT - less common on MY2002, more prevalent later)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on all trims)
Transfer Case:
Viscous coupling limited-slip center differential
Automatic Modes:
Drive, Low gear selection
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
★★★★ (4-star)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
★★★★ (4-star)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some trims
Airbags Front:
Dual front airbags
Airbags Side:
Available front side-impact airbags on higher trims
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio systems with amplifiers and subwoofers on higher trims.
Climate Control:
Manual climate control standard, optional automatic climate control (dual-zone on some trims).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors are common.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3.75 months (severe duty) / 7,500 miles or 7.5 months (normal duty), consult manual for exact specification
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 15 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 15 months
Spark Plug Replacement 2.5L:
Every 60,000 miles (Platinum or Iridium recommended)
Spark Plug Replacement 3.0L:
Every 60,000 miles (Iridium recommended)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 30 months
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 30,000 miles or 30 months
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 60,000 miles or 60 months
Engine Oil Type 2.5L:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG or higher)
Engine Oil Type 3.0L:
SAE 0W-20 or 5W-30 (API SG or higher)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Subaru ATF HP or Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-5 75W-90 synthetic gear oil
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid
Head Gaskets:
Less prone to the external leaks of earlier Subaru models, but internal oil leaks or coolant leaks can still occur. Head gasket inspection is recommended during major services.
Valve Stem Seals:
Can wear over time, leading to blue smoke on startup, especially on the EJ25 engine.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged or fail over time, affecting performance and emissions.
Automatic Transmission Shift Quality:
Some units may exhibit slightly rough shifting or delayed engagement; regular fluid changes are crucial.
Front Cv Axle Boots:
Can tear, leading to grease loss and premature CV joint failure.
Subaru Core Philosophy:
Emphasis on horizontally-opposed (Boxer) engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Generation Start:
Third Generation (BE/BH chassis) introduced for the 1999 model year
2002 Model Year Updates:
Minor styling tweaks, potential introduction of new features/trims. The 3.0L H6 engine became more widely available in this generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (Gunma Prefecture)
Production Years Third Gen:
1999-2004
