Subaru Legacy (second generation)

Legacy models starting with the lowest price (and least equipped) were the Brighton, L, LS, LSi, GT, Outback, and SUS, depending on year.[1]

The LS (upgraded cloth seats, among other interior and exterior options) and LSi (added leather to the LS options) were only available from 1995 to early 1997 model years. The LSi model in 1996 and 1997 include the more powerful EJ25D and only with an automatic transmission.

In '96 the GT model returned but included the EJ25D engine along with unique interior colors and exterior updates, as well as suspension upgrades.

Limited versions of the GT and Outback were available later in this generation's run.

The North American Legacy Outback wagon was released in July 1994 and FWD was standard for the 1995 model year with AWD optional. In 1995 AWD was so popular that for the 1997 model year, Subaru decided to make AWD standard equipment in all vehicles produced for the North American market from that year to today's current date, excluding the Subaru BRZ. The '96-'99 Outback models all used a version of the EJ25D engine.

All basic trim levels included sedan and wagon versions. For the '96 model year the EJ25D was only available with an automatic transmission.

Subaru still offered a choice between front- and all-wheel-drive for its domestic market vehicles even after 1995.

GT/B-Spec (1993–1996)

Subaru Legacy GT/B-Spec In the UK (Import)

The GT/B-Spec variation was introduced as a wagon-only model in October 1993 as a more sporting version of the Touring Wagon GT (BG5A), and fitted as standard with ABS brakes, Subaru Sports Suspension, and 16x5.5" inch forged BBS cross-spoke alloy wheels. Engine and gearbox specification was the same as the GT, having the 280 ps version of the EJ20H and a choice of either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox. Unlike the GT, the GT/B-Spec did not come with a power-operated driver's seat and optional extras like driver and passenger airbags, cruise control, sunroof, and wood panel trim was not available. The "B" in "GT/B-Spec" Stands for the forged BBS wheels that the car came with, out of the factory.

The GT/B-Spec was discontinued in June 1996 with the introduction of the GT-B (BG5B).[4]

TS type R

TS type R Badge

The TS type R, was a 2.0L naturally aspirated DOHC version of the Subaru flat-four, and had comparable trim to the GT's. B spec TS type R's were also available, with the same body kit, interior, wheels, and Bilstein suspension.

GT-B Limited (1997–1998)

GT-B Limited Twin Turbo

The GT-B Limited edition wagon was offered only for the BG5C revision (MY97), with an altered front bumper featuring additional 7 Inch Diameter spotlights alongside the normal GT-B fog lights. Other differences included a woodgrain MOMO wheel and gear knob, not otherwise available. Mechanically they were identical to standard BG5C GTB's.

The Twin Turbo

Turbocharged versions continued to be available in most international markets. Specialty touring and racing versions were available in Japan, as well as the DOHC 2 liter twin sequential turbocharged (EJ20H & EJ20R) version on both the Legacy sedan and wagon, listed as "Boxer 2-stage Twin Turbo" on the engine cover shroud. This engine was popular with Japanese buyers due to reduced tax liability based on Japanese vehicle size legislation offering performance advantages over larger cars sold there with bigger engines and higher tax assessments. The twin turbo can only be installed on right-hand drive vehicles because the turbo on the left side interferes with both the brake master cylinder and steering linkage, among other things. A minor performance problem with the twin turbo was a "turbo dead zone" before the second turbo would kick in around 4700–5200 rpm. A continuous traction delivery system, called VTD by Subaru, was used with all JDM turbocharged vehicles with automatic transmission. The VTD AWD system is a permanent AWD due to its 36% / 64% split.

The Brighton trim level also carried over from the facelifted first generation version that was priced below the "L" trim option.

The "GT" trim level appeared in 1995 for MY1996. The term "Limited" appeared on the "GT", known as the "GT Limited" for model year 1998. The term "Limited" was used by itself on the Outback for model year 1998.

GT models, first offered as a wagon trim package for the USA version in 1994, became a full-blown upgrade for model year 1996, using the new DOHC 2.5L EJ25D flat-4 engine. GT models continue to the present model, with Limited editions available, offering heated leather or cloth seats and trim and a tinted glass moonroof. Driver and front passenger airbags were added with the redesigned interior. New equipment added to the list of features included RF remote keyless entry, fog lights on the upper trim levels and variable-assist power steering.

First Generation Subaru Outback
Overview
Also called	Legacy Grand Wagon Legacy Lancaster (MY99)
Production	1994–1999
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door station wagon 4-door sedan (USA and Australia)
Powertrain
Engine	2.2L SOHC 135 hp (101 kW) H4 2.5L DOHC 165 hp (123 kW) H4
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,629 mm (103.5 in)
Length	4,719 mm (185.8 in)
Width	1,714 mm (67.5 in) (Int'l) 1,694 mm (66.7 in) (Japan)
Height	1,600.2 mm (63 in)

The Outback concept originated with Subaru of America, which was suffering from slumping sales in the mid-1990s partly due to a lack of an entry in the then-burgeoning sport utility vehicle market. Lacking the finances to design an all-new vehicle, Subaru decided to add body cladding and a suspension lift to their Legacy wagon. Named the Legacy Outback, after the Australian outback, actor Paul Hogan was the spokesman in the North American market, playing off the Australian name of the vehicle and portraying the vehicle as a capable and more efficient alternative to large, truck-based SUVs. Sales exceeded expectations, with Tim Mahoney, Senior Vice President of Subaru of America stating "[the Outback] saved our company."[6]

The Legacy Outback was formally introduced to the North American market at the 1994 New York Auto Show, and was known in Japan starting August 1995 as the Legacy Grand Wagon, and in Australia as the Outback, a trim package with normal ground clearance but an "SUV look" with two-tone paint and fog lights. For the 1994 model year, the Legacy wagon in the North American market was available as the Alpine Sport, Outdoor and Sun Sport, which were Value Option Packages included on the "L" trim level wagon, and graphics denoting the option package installed. In Japan the Legacy wagon was called the Legacy Touring Wagon so the Grand wagon nomenclature was meant to signify a more grand, luxurious approach to equipment offered. The exterior was designed by Olivier Boulay, who was hired by Subaru on a short-term basis.

For the 1995 model year, the first year the Outback was introduced, the Outback was a trim package on the base model Legacy wagon "L", that primarily consisted of the heavy cloth interior, berber carpet floor mats, a luggage rack and fog lights with a standard height suspension. This approach was also used on the smaller Impreza wagon, with the name Outback Sport. When the 1996 model year arrived, it gained more aggressive appearing front bumper covers, with larger rallye inspired driving lamps replacing the previously installed fog lights, taller tires with more aggressive tread, and a 7.8 in (198 mm) ground clearance, with a 7.87 in (200 mm) ground clearance in Japan. The more aggressive appearance was also used on the smaller Outback Sport while omitting the increase in ground clearance from suspension modification. This approach was inspired by the Legacy having been entered into international rallying and long distance racing events, and winning the 1990 Safari Rally in the Group N category. In 1996, the MY1997 Outback received the hood scoop installed in the engine hood (bonnet) without installing an intercooler, commonly used in conjunction with a turbocharger.

The previous generation Legacy wagon had an optional air suspension, which allowed the driver to temporarily increase the vehicle's ground clearance, however the permanent increased ride height used on the Outback proved to be more practical. Subaru sales had been declining up until that point in North American market. With the help of clever marketing, a trim level called the Outback intent on making the Subaru a more capable multi-terrain vehicle offered an affordable and fuel efficient alternative to the popular SUVs that were outselling Subaru's traditional offerings.[6] The Legacy and Outback wagons were built at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive production facility in Lafayette, Indiana that also manufactured the Isuzu Rodeo and the badge engineered Honda Passport, traditional SUVs with transfer case installed four-wheel-drive and an extended ground clearance.

In September 1997, the Japanese Legacy Grand Wagon was renamed Legacy Lancaster though 1998 cars retained the Grand Wagon nameplate along with the new Lancaster plate. Earlier versions of the Outback continued to use the EJ22 four cylinder engine, while later generations introduced the larger EJ25 four cylinder engine, revised with DOHC and more horsepower. The JDM Grand Wagon and Lancaster were only available with the DOHC 2.5-liter flat-4 engine, receiving a 10 hp (7.5 kW) improvement in 1998. Some Japanese-spec Grand Wagons came with digital climate control, plaid seat upholstery, a dual-range manual transmission and a Momo black leather steering wheel. Because the only engine available in Japan was the 2.5-liter engine, and the engines displacement exceeded Japanese regulations for vehicles classified as a "compact", Japanese buyers of the Grand Wagon were liable for taxes charged to larger cars, and was regarded as a luxury vehicle in Japan. The installation of the 2.5 litre engine in Japanese models also obligated Japanese buyers to pay more annual road tax, further enhancing the luxury image.

All trim levels retained the typical AWD layouts seen in previous generation Legacy, depending on transmission choice. Manual transmission models came with a mechanical "Continuous AWD" system which was normally 50/50 front/rear, and relied on limited slip differentials to redirect power front to rear, rear to front, and from one rear wheel to the other (when fitted with a rear limited slip differential). - No USA Legacy models had front or rear limited slip differential from '92-99 - including Outback versions. Automatic transmission models had an electronically controlled AWD system that was 90/10 front/rear and redirected differing amounts of power to the rear wheels continuously. When accelerating or driving uphill, the vehicles weight shifts rearward, reducing front wheel traction, causing the transmission to automatically send torque to the rear wheels to compensate. When braking or driving downhill, the vehicle's weight shifts towards the front, reducing rear wheel traction. The transmission again compensates by sending torque to the front wheels for better steering control and braking performance. If the automatic is placed in Reverse or "1st" gear, the transmission divides the torque 50-50 to both front and rear wheels.

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  1995 Subaru Legacy Outback
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  1998 Subaru Legacy Grandwagon Lancaster Limited
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  Subaru Legacy Outback
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  Legacy SUS Limited
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  Legacy SUS (rear view)

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  1996-1999 Subaru Liberty RX sedan with side turn signal repeater installed behind front wheel
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  Subaru Liberty RX sedan with clear rear turn signal lenses and amber bulbs
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  Subaru Legacy Brighton wagon with amber rear turn signal lenses
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  Subaru Liberty GX station wagon with clear rear turn signal lenses
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  1995 Subaru Legacy GT imported from Japan to the US