Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size crossover SUV / Station Wagon
Target Audience:
Families, outdoor enthusiasts, those seeking all-wheel drive capability and practicality
Key Competitors:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra
Unique Selling Proposition:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, robust engineering, practical cargo space, elevated ride height (Outback)
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables owners and technicians to perform all necessary maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs to factory specifications, saving time and money.
Engine Coverage:
2.5L DOHC EJ254 Naturally Aspirated and Turbocharged
Transmission Coverage:
4-speed Automatic (4EAT) and 5-speed Manual
Drivetrain Coverage:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
Body And Chassis Coverage:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, chassis components, suspension, steering, braking system
Electrical System Coverage:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, power accessories, instrument cluster, ECU, sensors
Heating Ventilation And Air Conditioning Coverage:
HVAC system components, controls, refrigerant system
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 1500-2000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing belt/chain, lubrication system, cooling system
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, engine diagnostics, torque specifications
Transmission Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission (4EAT) overhaul, manual transmission overhaul, differential service, driveshaft, CV joints
Braking System:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system, parking brake
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, springs, control arms, power steering system, steering rack
Body Interior:
Door mechanisms, window regulators, seating systems, dashboard removal, sound insulation
Electrical Controls:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Transmission Control Module (TCM), Body Control Module (BCM), multiplex communication systems
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seatbelt pretensioners
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement, differential fluid changes, timing belt inspection/replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine component rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, power steering pump replacement, radiator replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
OBD-II diagnostics, troubleshooting symptom charts, component testing, circuit testing
Installation Procedures:
Component installation guidelines, torque sequences for critical fasteners
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level repair information for technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with associated symptoms and repair procedures
Electrical Diagrams:
Complete wiring harnesses for all vehicle systems, including power distribution, grounds, and signal paths
Special Tools:
Identification of Subaru-specific special tools required for certain procedures
Engine Type:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer), 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Horsepower Naturally Aspirated:
165 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque Naturally Aspirated:
166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Horsepower Turbocharged (Gt/Gt-B Models):
220 hp @ 5,600 rpm (estimated for Japanese market GT/GT-B)
Torque Turbocharged (Gt/Gt-B Models):
251 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm (estimated for Japanese market GT/GT-B)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
105,000 miles or 105 months, whichever comes first
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual
Transmission Type:
4-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic (4EAT)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential
Automatic Transmission Modes:
Power, Econ (Economy)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (Subaru Extra Gear Oil recommended)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP (High Performance) or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON compatible fluid
Wheelbase:
2649 mm (104.3 inches)
Length:
4770 mm (187.8 inches) (Outback)
Width:
1765 mm (69.5 inches)
Height:
1570 mm (61.8 inches) (Legacy Sedan/Wagon), 1670 mm (65.7 inches) (Outback)
Ground Clearance:
195 mm (7.7 inches) (Outback)
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approximately 36.0 cu ft (Outback Wagon)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1450-1550 kg (3197-3417 lbs) depending on trim and transmission
Wheel Size:
16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels
Tire Size:
205/55R16 or 215/55R17 (Outback)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
★★★★★ (5-star)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
★★★★★ (5-star)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
★★★★☆ (4-star)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
★★★★☆ (4-star)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available (on some models/trims)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side-impact airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point front and rear seat belts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 30 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 15 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles (Iridium plugs)
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 30 months
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30, API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 certified
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.7 US quarts (4.4 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant
Coolant Capacity:
7.0 US quarts (6.6 liters)
Head Gaskets:
While less prone than earlier EJ series engines, head gasket leaks can still occur, particularly external oil leaks around the block. Internal coolant leaks are also possible.
Oil Leaks:
Leaking valve cover gaskets, camshaft seals, and front crankshaft seal are common as the vehicle ages.
Automatic Transmission:
Some 4EAT transmissions can experience delayed engagement or slipping if not properly maintained. Regular fluid changes are crucial.
Suspension Components:
Worn struts, ball joints, and bushings can lead to noise and poor handling, especially on higher-mileage vehicles or those used off-road.
Subaru Philosophy:
Known for its commitment to safety, durability, and symmetrical all-wheel-drive technology.
Generation:
Second Generation (BD/BG/BK chassis), facelift for 2000-2004 models
Outback Introduction:
The Outback nameplate was introduced in 1995 as a more rugged, lifted version of the Legacy wagon, establishing Subaru's niche in the crossover segment.
Manufacturing Location:
Gunma Plant, Japan
Car And Driver Best 10:
Subaru Legacy models have frequently been named to Car and Driver's 10Best list in various years, highlighting its quality and value.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Generally rated average to above average by Consumer Reports for this generation.
Emisiones Certification:
Meets EPA and California (CARB) emissions standards for its model year.