Segment:
Mid-size Sedan/Wagon, known for AWD capabilities and practicality.
Competitors 2000:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Taurus, Mazda 626.
AWD Standard:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive was standard on most Legacy models, a key differentiator.
Engine Options:
Offered with naturally aspirated and turbocharged Boxer engines.
Audience:
Primarily professional technicians, but also suitable for experienced DIY mechanics seeking in-depth repair information.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for all engine variants including EJ251, EJ253 (SOHC) and EJ20 (DOHC Turbo).
Transmission:
In-depth coverage of both 4-speed automatic (4EAT) and 5-speed manual transmissions, including troubleshooting, repair, and overhaul.
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, including viscous coupling, differentials, drive shafts, and CV joints.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, including disc brake components, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and hydraulic circuits.
Suspension:
Front strut suspension, rear multi-link suspension, alignment procedures, and component replacement.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion assembly, and related components.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component testing, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system, ignition system, and lighting.
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass, doors, hinges, and structural components.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, repair, and refrigerant handling.
Emissions:
Emission control systems, diagnosis of OBD-II codes, and component testing related to emissions.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission, brake), filter replacements, spark plug service, belt replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault code interpretation, and symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all mechanical and electrical components, including engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and body.
Disassembly And Assembly:
Detailed instructions for disassembling and reassembling major vehicle systems and components.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of Subaru-specific special tools required for certain procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine Code 1:
EJ251 (2.5L SOHC Naturally Aspirated)
Engine Code 2:
EJ253 (2.5L SOHC Naturally Aspirated - Evolution of EJ251)
Engine Code 3:
EJ20G / EJ205 (2.0L DOHC Turbocharged - GT/GT-B models)
Horsepower Ej251 Ej253:
Approx. 165-170 HP @ 5600-6000 RPM
Torque Ej251 Ej253:
Approx. 162-166 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM
Horsepower Ej205:
Approx. 208 HP @ 5600 RPM (GT/GT-B models)
Torque Ej205:
Approx. 217 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM (GT/GT-B models)
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Requirement:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for N/A, 91+ for Turbo)
Length Sedan:
Approx. 4630 mm (182.3 in)
Length Wagon:
Approx. 4660 mm (183.5 in)
Width:
Approx. 1735 mm (68.3 in)
Height:
Approx. 1435 mm (Sedan) / 1485 mm (Wagon)
Curb Weight Est:
Approx. 1350-1550 kg (2976-3417 lbs) depending on engine and transmission.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:
Approx. 1800-1950 kg (3968-4300 lbs)
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approx. 0.93 m³ (32.8 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Seats Down:
Approx. 1.79 m³ (63.2 cu ft)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (4,800 - 8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (dependent on driving conditions).
Service Intervals Coolant
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Service Intervals Transmission Auto
Automatic Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), inspect regularly.
Service Intervals Transmission Manual
Manual Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km).
Service Intervals Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard spark plugs, potentially shorter for performance variants or iridium plugs.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 API SJ or higher (check owner's manual for specific viscosity).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter for 2.5L engines.
Fluid Specifications Coolant
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Fluid Specifications Transmission Auto
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent DEXRON II/III compatible fluid.
Fluid Specifications Transmission Manual
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
Subaru EXTRA-S Gear Oil (75W-90) or equivalent API GL-5 gear oil.
Head Gaskets:
While not as prevalent as in later generations, some EJ series engines can develop coolant leaks from head gaskets, particularly if overheated or improperly serviced.
Exhaust Leaks:
Cracked exhaust manifolds or leaks at exhaust pipe connections can occur due to heat cycles and vibration.
Cv Boots:
Torn front and rear CV joint boots can lead to grease loss and eventual joint failure, especially common with AWD systems.
Automatic Transmission Slippage:
Older 4EAT transmissions can sometimes develop issues with slippage or harsh shifting if fluid is not maintained or if the valve body has issues.
Subaru Specialty:
Subaru's long-standing reputation for building reliable vehicles with standard All-Wheel Drive, originating from its aircraft manufacturing roots.
Fourth Generation:
The 2000 model year marks the final year of the fourth generation (BD/BG/BK), introduced in 1993, known for its distinctive 'coupe-like' sedan profile and available turbo models (GT/GT-B).
Assembly Location:
Subaru factories in Japan (e.g., Gunma Prefectural Assembly Plant).
Generation Years:
1993-1999 (often referred to as the 1994-1999 model years for the North American market, with 2000 being a carryover year for this generation before the fifth generation arrived in 2000).