Positioning:
Mid-size sedan and wagon known for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system and boxer engines, appealing to those seeking practicality and capability in various weather conditions.
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Mazda MX-6
AWD:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on most trims, enhancing traction and stability.
Engine Type:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) engines providing a low center of gravity.
Body Styles:
Offered in sedan and wagon (often called 'Sport Wagon') body styles.
Coverage:
Complete Factory Service Repair Manual
Pages:
Extensive (Estimated 1000+ pages for complete factory set)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (Likely PDF, searchable text)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel delivery, ignition system, lubrication, cooling, emissions control, engine diagnostics (OBD-I)
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission (5-speed), Automatic transmission (4-speed), clutch system, driveshafts, differentials
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front/rear), steering system, braking system (ABS included), wheel alignment
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, instruments, power accessories, starter, charging system, body electrical components
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, HVAC system, body diagnostics
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, spark plug replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common problems and their solutions, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, detailed diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4 (Horizontally Opposed)
Displacement:
2.2 Liters (2212 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
96.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 16 Valves (2 per cylinder)
Horsepower:
135 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
140 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Optional Engine:
EJ25D (2.5L DOHC Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4)
Optional Engine Hp:
165 hp @ 5600 rpm
Optional Engine Torque:
166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
AWD Type:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Variable center differential with viscous coupling on manual, electronically controlled on automatic)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil (Approx. 2.4 quarts)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon (Approx. 3.2 quarts for initial fill)
Wheelbase:
104.3 inches (2649 mm)
Length:
184.1 inches (4676 mm) (Sedan)
Width:
67.9 inches (1725 mm)
Height:
55.7 inches (1415 mm) (Sedan)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 6.1 inches (155 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3000-3300 lbs (1360-1500 kg) depending on trim and drivetrain
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, consult manual
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 13.0 cubic feet (Sedan)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
4-star (driver and passenger - 1996 model year testing)
IIHS Front Offset:
Good (for models equipped with airbags)
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on select trims.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard on most trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, driver's seat pretensioner.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo with optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim. Manual covers radio removal and installation.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most higher trims. Manual details operation and troubleshooting.
Diagnostics:
OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics, First Generation) system for engine fault codes. Manual provides code retrieval and interpretation procedures.
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe service), 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal service).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically 30,000 miles).
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000 miles (copper plugs) or 60,000 miles (platinum plugs, if applicable).
Timing Belt:
Replace every 60,000 miles or 4 years (critical for EJ25D, check manual for EJ22E specifics).
Engine Oil:
API Service SG, SH, or SJ certified. SAE 5W-30 recommended for most climates. Capacity: 4.5 quarts (with filter).
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Capacity: Approx. 7.1 quarts.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent in the 2.2L, the 2.5L EJ25D engine is known for potential head gasket failures, particularly around the 100,000-mile mark. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.
Oil Leaks:
Common areas include valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and front/rear main seals. The manual provides torque specs and seal installation guides.
Ac Compressor Clutch:
The AC compressor clutch can sometimes fail or require adjustment. Manual covers AC system diagnostics.
Subaru Legacy:
The Legacy has been Subaru's flagship model since its introduction in 1989, representing the brand's push into larger, more comfortable vehicles while retaining its signature AWD and boxer engine technology.
Second Generation:
The 1996 model year marks the second generation (BD/BG) of the Subaru Legacy, introduced for the 1995 model year. This generation featured a more rounded and aerodynamic design compared to its predecessor.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (Various Subaru plants)
Automotive Journalism:
While specific awards for the 1996 model year are less documented than later generations, the Subaru Legacy consistently received praise from automotive journalists for its AWD system, refined ride, and practical utility, especially in wagon form.
Consumer Reports:
Past models often ranked well for reliability and owner satisfaction within their segments, particularly for AWD capability.
