I am looking for a vehicle with a 4-cyl engine and a
5-speed tranny. My main criterion is ease of service,
meaning easily accessible engine bay for spark plugs, fuel
filter, timing belts, misc. sensor replacements.

I am interested in 1996-1997 models, not older than 10 years.

Thus far I have narrowed down my choices to Subaru Legacy
or Impreza with 2.2L/MTX and also Honda Civic.

The Subaru has a conventionally-mounted engine, not
transversally mounted like in almost all FWD cars. It
seems more or less accessible. I don't really care for AWD though.

Civic has a smaller 4-cyl engine which seems even more
accessible for routine maintenance.

I know early 90's Volvos are fairly easy to service, but is
anything that's 10 years old still easy to service, or
are they all FWD now and you have to take remove lots of
parts to get to what you want, as is often the case nowadays?

Any other choices for the shade-tree mechanic?