All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, front and rear differentials, drive shafts, CV joints.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, bushings, sway bars.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake hydraulics, parking brake.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering rack.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, body control modules, fuses and relays.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, climate control, refrigerant system.
Integrated with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system (Active AWD for automatic, viscous coupling for manual).
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto:
Approx. 3.5 - 4.0 quarts (dry fill)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil
Transmission Fluid Capacity Manual:
Approx. 2.0 quarts
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
187.4 inches
Width:
69.1 inches
Height:
61.2 inches
Wheelbase:
104.0 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.7 inches
Interior
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 100.6 cubic feet
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 37.7 cubic feet
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 72.4 cubic feet
Weights
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 3375 lbs (Manual Transmission)
Curb Weight Max:
Approx. 3485 lbs (Automatic Transmission)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4675 lbs
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Test Driver:
Four Stars
NHTSA Front Crash Test Passenger:
Four Stars
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for models equipped with side airbags, though side airbags were not standard on all trims).
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models/trims.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger; optional side-impact airbags for front occupants on some trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants, three-point seatbelts for rear occupants.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced chassis and roof structure designed to resist rollover deformation.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player and/or cassette tape player. Optional premium audio systems may be available.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems depending on trim level.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Standard ABS is the primary driver assistance feature.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically equipped with factory auxiliary or USB inputs; aftermarket solutions are common.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe driving) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal driving), whichever comes first (Consult manual for specifics).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (if equipped).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (standard copper plugs) or 60,000-100,000 miles (iridium/platinum plugs, if applicable to specific engine variants/upgrades).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical: 105,000 miles or 7 years (whichever comes first). Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 (Synthetic or Conventional)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.8 US quarts (with filter) for 2.5L engine.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Mix 50/50 with deionized water.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 US quarts
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Head Gaskets:
The EJ25D engine is particularly known for premature head gasket failure. Early detection and replacement are crucial.
Oil Leaks:
Common oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets and oil pan gasket can occur with age and mileage.
Cv Boots:
Front and rear CV joint boots are prone to cracking and tearing, leading to loss of grease and eventual CV joint failure.
Suspension Components:
Wear and tear on bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends is common due to the vehicle's utility and age.
Exhaust System:
Corrosion and failure of exhaust components (muffler, catalytic converter) can occur due to environmental factors and age.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Subaru Identity:
Subaru is known for its commitment to All-Wheel Drive, boxer engines, and a focus on safety and durability.
Model Evolution
Legacy Origin:
The Subaru Legacy was introduced in 1989 as a replacement for the Leone. The Outback variant emerged as a distinct model in the mid-1990s, based on the Legacy wagon but with raised suspension and SUV-like styling cues.
Second Gen Legacy:
The 2001 model year represents the second generation of the Subaru Legacy (BD/BG/BK chassis codes), which ran from 1993 to 1999. The Outback was a popular variant within this generation.
Production
Manufacturing Plant:
Gunma Manufacturing Plant, Japan
Production Period:
1993-1999 (for the second generation Legacy platform on which the 2001 Outback is based, though model years often overlap with the next generation launch in some markets).
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Generally received average to above-average reliability ratings from Consumer Reports for its era, with some noted exceptions (e.g., head gaskets).
Car And Driver Awards:
While the Outback itself might not have specific annual awards, the Legacy line often appeared on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists in earlier generations.