Segment:
Compact/Sport Compact segment.
Reputation:
Known for its symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, sporty handling, and rally heritage (particularly WRX and STI models).
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer, Mazda3, Volkswagen Golf.
AWD Standard:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is a signature feature, standard on most Impreza models.
Engine Layout:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) engine layout providing a lower center of gravity.
Performance Variants:
Includes performance-oriented WRX and STI models with turbocharged engines and enhanced suspension/braking systems.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for Boxer engines (2.5L naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants).
Transmission:
Service and repair for manual (5-speed and 6-speed for STI) and automatic transmissions, including clutch, drivetrain, and AWD system components.
Brakes:
ABS, hydraulic system, caliper, rotor, and parking brake service and repair.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, and strut/shock absorber replacement.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering rack and linkage service.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, ECU diagnosis, lighting, and accessories.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system service, heater core replacement, and climate control unit diagnosis.
Body:
Body panel repair, interior trim removal, door and window mechanisms, glass replacement.
Exhaust:
Catalytic converter, muffler, and exhaust manifold service.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug service.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common problem identification, and solutions.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostic (OBD-II) codes, sensor testing, and electronic system analysis.
Rebuilds:
Engine and transmission component overhaul procedures.
Depth:
Factory-level technical information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Parts List Inclusion:
Includes a comprehensive parts list for identification and ordering.
Diagrams Inclusion:
Extensive use of detailed diagrams, illustrations, and exploded views.
Engine Code:
EJ253 (Naturally Aspirated), EJ255 (WRX Turbo), EJ257 (STI Turbo)
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Horsepower Na:
Approx. 173 hp @ 5600 rpm (EJ253)
Torque Na:
Approx. 166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (EJ253)
Horsepower Wrx:
Approx. 224 hp @ 5600 rpm (EJ255)
Torque Wrx:
Approx. 226 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (EJ255)
Horsepower Sti:
Approx. 300 hp @ 6000 rpm (EJ257)
Torque Sti:
Approx. 350 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (EJ257)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended for turbo models).
Coolant Type:
Subaru Genuine Coolant or equivalent (typically Subaru Blue).
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic recommended (check owner's manual for specific variations).
Manual:
5-speed manual (standard on NA models), 6-speed manual (standard on STI).
Automatic:
4-speed automatic (available on NA models).
AWD System:
Symmetrical AWD with viscous coupling center differential (manual transmission) or electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch (automatic transmission). STI features a Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-5 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 recommended (Subaru Genuine or equivalent).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP (High Performance) or equivalent.
Front Differential Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90.
Rear Differential Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (for most variants); Limited Slip Differential (LSD) fluid required for some performance models.
Length:
Approx. 173.8 - 176.8 inches (depending on sedan/wagon body style).
Width:
Approx. 68.1 - 69.7 inches (depending on trim/variant).
Height:
Approx. 56.1 - 58.1 inches (depending on body style).
Wheelbase:
Approx. 101.4 inches.
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 100 mm.
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 5.7 - 6.1 inches (depending on model).
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2900 - 3300 lbs (depending on powertrain and trim).
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for models tested).
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models tested).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System.
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS).
Stability Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (VDC - Vehicle Dynamics Control).
Airbags:
Front and side airbags, available curtain airbags on some trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point rear seat belts.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Head Unit:
Standard AM/FM/CD player. Higher trims may feature upgraded audio systems (e.g., premium speakers, subwoofer).
Climate Control:
Manual climate control; automatic climate control available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Keyless Entry:
Available keyless entry system.
Audio Input:
Auxiliary audio input jack available on select models/head units.
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe driving) / 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal driving), using synthetic oil.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed (typically every 15,000 - 30,000 miles).
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed (typically every 15,000 - 30,000 miles).
Spark Plugs:
Replace at 60,000 miles (NGK Iridium recommended for best performance).
Timing Belt:
Not applicable to these EJ engines; they use a timing chain. (Correction: EJ engines use a timing belt. Replacement interval typically 105,000 miles or 7 years).
Coolant Flush:
Replace every 30,000 miles or 3 years.
Brake Fluid:
Replace every 30,000 miles or 3 years.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (with filter) for 2.5L engines.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 quarts (with heater).
Head Gaskets:
While less common in the 2.5L than earlier 2.2L engines, head gasket leaks can still occur. The manual will detail inspection and replacement.
Turbo Failure Wrx Sti:
Turbocharger issues can arise from lack of proper warm-up/cool-down or oil starvation. Manual provides diagnostic steps.
Clutch Wear:
Wear items like clutch can fail prematurely with aggressive driving. Manual covers clutch replacement.
Rear Wheel Bearings:
Some models may experience premature rear wheel bearing wear. Manual provides replacement procedure.
Brand Focus:
Subaru is renowned for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Boxer engines, and its strong ties to rallying.
Generation:
Second Generation Subaru Impreza (GD/GG).
Design Updates 2006:
The 2006 model received a significant facelift (often referred to as 'Bugeye' to 'Blobeye' to 'Hawkeye' transition), with refreshed front-end styling, updated interior, and chassis improvements for enhanced handling.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan.
