Segment:
Mid-size Sedan/Wagon
Usp:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard on most trims, boxer engine, safety.
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda6, Nissan Altima.
Engine Layout:
Horizontally opposed (Boxer) engines.
Drivetrain:
Standard Symmetrical AWD (except for specific front-wheel drive variants in some markets).
Safety Focus:
Subaru's reputation for safety, often equipped with advanced safety features for its time.
Engine:
Full diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for all engine variants.
Transmission:
Detailed procedures for automatic and manual transmissions, including torque converter and clutch service.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system diagnosis and repair, including differentials and driveshafts.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension component diagnosis, replacement, and alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, EBD, brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper service, and bleeding procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering column and linkage service.
Electrical:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component locations, troubleshooting guides for lighting, power accessories, sensors, and ECUs.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system service, climate control operation, blower motor, and refrigerant handling.
Body:
Panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, and exterior components.
Emissions:
Emission control systems, catalytic converters, EVAP, and OBD-II diagnostics.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures such as oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, and fluid level checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common and complex issues.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all vehicle components.
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures with component specifications.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and component-level diagnostic procedures.
Replacement:
Instructions for replacing common wear items and major components.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Diagrams:
Includes detailed diagrams, illustrations, and exploded views.
Specifications:
Provides all necessary torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, and fluid capacities.
Engine Type 2.5I:
2.5L Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4
Displacement 2.5I:
2457 cc (2.5 Liters)
Bore X Stroke 2.5I:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Compression Ratio 2.5I:
10.2:1
Horsepower 2.5I:
170 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque 2.5I:
170 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine Type 3.0R:
3.0L Naturally Aspirated Boxer-6
Displacement 3.0R:
2999 cc (3.0 Liters)
Horsepower 3.0R:
245 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque 3.0R:
215 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Engine Code 2.5Gt:
EJ255 (Turbocharged)
Engine Type 2.5Gt:
2.5L Turbocharged Boxer-4
Horsepower 2.5Gt:
265 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 2.5Gt:
290 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane recommended for NA, 91 Octane recommended for GT/3.0R)
Induction:
Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (SMPI)
Ignition:
Electronic Ignition System with Coil-On-Plug (COP)
Transmission Type Base:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Auto:
5-Speed Automatic (with paddle shifters on some trims/models)
Transmission Type Auto Gt:
5-Speed Automatic (Sportshift)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
AWD Types:
Manual: Variable Torque Distribution AWD (VTD-AWD). Automatic: Active AWD (electronically controlled).
NHTSA Front Crash Test Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Crash Test Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Crash Test Front Seat Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Crash Test Rear Seat Passenger:
5-Star
IIHS Front Overlap Crash Test:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Crash Test:
Good
IIHS Rear Impact Crash Test:
Good
IIHS Roof Strength Test:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Vsc:
Standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear).
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
Head Unit:
Optional premium audio system with CD player, MP3 capability, and auxiliary input. Some models feature navigation systems.
Speakers:
Available 6 or 10 speaker systems.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Keyless Entry:
Available keyless entry system.
All Weather Features:
Available heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer.
Bluetooth:
Available Bluetooth hands-free connectivity on higher trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe conditions), 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal conditions) - consult manual for specifics.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (or every 30,000 miles).
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plugs:
Replace at 60,000 miles for standard models, consult manual for specific type.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on usage (severe vs. normal).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Inspect at 30,000 miles, replace every 60,000 miles.
Coolant:
Replace every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Engine Oil Type Na:
SAE 5W-30, API SN or newer, ILSAC GF-5 or newer.
Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter.
Engine Oil Type Turbo Gt:
SAE 5W-30, API SN or newer, ILSAC GF-5 or newer (high-performance specific).
Engine Oil Capacity 3.0L:
5.8 US quarts (5.5 Liters) with filter.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Subaru ATF-HP (or equivalent DEXRON-III/MERCON compatible fluid if explicitly stated for service replacement).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Subaru Gear Oil API GL-5 SAE 75W-90.
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent OAT coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Head Gaskets:
While later generations are more prone, some earlier EJ25 engines in this period may still see head gasket issues, though less frequently than previous generations.
Oil Consumption:
Some EJ25 engines can exhibit increased oil consumption, particularly if not maintained meticulously. Turbocharged engines may require more frequent checks.
Catalytic Converter:
Premature failure can occur if engine issues like oil burning or misfires are present.
Suspension Components:
Wear on bushings and ball joints is common with age and mileage.
Manufacturer:
Subaru Corporation (Japan)
Specialization:
Known for horizontally opposed ('boxer') engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
Previous Generation:
Fourth Generation (2004-2007)
Design Philosophy:
The fifth generation represented a significant redesign, moving to a larger platform and updated styling.
Platform:
New Subaru Global Platform development had not yet occurred; this generation used its own specific platform.
Manufacturing Plant:
Gunma Manufacturing Plant, Japan
Production Years For Generation:
2007-2014 (Global)