Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Viscous coupling center differential on manual, electronically controlled clutch pack on automatic).
Fluid Specifications Automatic
Atf Type:
Subaru ATF-HP (Highly recommended by manufacturer)
Fluid Specifications Manual
Gear Oil Type:
75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (API GL-5)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length In:
187.8 in
Width In:
70.1 in
Height In:
63.6 in (with roof rails)
Wheelbase In:
104.3 in
Ground Clearance In:
8.0 in
Cargo
Cargo Volume Cu Ft:
34.5 cu ft (behind rear seats)
Cargo Volume Max Cu Ft:
67.2 cu ft (with rear seats folded)
Weights
Curb Weight Lbs:
3300 - 3500 lbs (approx., depending on trim and transmission)
Towing Capacity Lbs:
2000 lbs (with proper trailer brake controller)
Wheels Tires
Wheel Size:
16 inch or 17 inch alloy wheels
Bolt Pattern:
5 x 100mm
Tire Size Std:
225/60R16 (for 16" wheels)
Tire Size Opt:
225/55R17 (for 17" wheels)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Passenger:
5 Stars
IIHS Side Impact:
Good
IIHS Rear Impact:
Good
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available (may be standard on some trims)
Electronic Stability Control:
Available (VDC - Vehicle Dynamics Control)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags, available side-curtain airbags and front-seat mounted side airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts in all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio with subwoofer, optional in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Climate Control:
Manual climate control standard, optional automatic climate control.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Optional on premium audio systems.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months for severe driving, 7,500 miles or 12 months for normal driving (check manual for specific details).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles or 105 months. Crucial service for EJ engines.
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Recommended every 30,000 miles or 30 months.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Recommended every 30,000 miles or 30 months.
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 30,000 miles or 30 months.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG, SH, or SF)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Known Issues
Head Gasket Leaks:
While less prevalent than on earlier EJ25s, head gasket leaks (coolant into oil or combustion chambers) can still occur and are a known potential issue. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Oil leaks from the rear main seal are another potential issue that the manual covers in detail for diagnosis and repair.
Evaporative Emissions System:
Faulty purge solenoid or vent valve can lead to EVAP system codes (e.g., P0442, P0455).
Automatic Transmission Hard Shifting:
While generally robust, some reports of delayed or hard shifting can occur, often related to fluid condition or solenoid issues.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Subaru Heritage:
Subaru (Fuji Heavy Industries) has a long history of engineering durable and capable vehicles, particularly known for its adoption of the boxer engine and all-wheel drive in its passenger cars.
Model Evolution
Legacy Outback Generation:
This is the second generation of the Outback, originally introduced as a trim level of the Legacy station wagon (1995) and later spun off into its own model. This specific generation (2000-2004) represented a refinement and expansion of the Outback concept.
Production
Production Plant:
Gunma Seisakusho, Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Odi:
Car and Driver often ranked the Legacy Outback favorably for its blend of practicality, capability, and comfortable ride.
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Consistently received good ratings from the IIHS for its safety performance.
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