Market Segment:
Compact to Mid-size Sedan/Wagon, known for AWD capability and rally heritage
Key Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus
Platform Strengths:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on most trims), Boxer engine for low center of gravity, rally-inspired performance
Manual Utility:
Essential for maintaining peak performance, diagnosing issues, and performing repairs on this mechanically complex AWD vehicle.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, ECU, turbocharger (if applicable)
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual and Automatic Transmissions, AWD System (Symmetrical AWD), clutches, drivelines, differentials
Suspension Steering:
Front and Rear Suspension, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Front and Rear Brakes (disc/drum/ABS), brake fluid, hydraulic system, parking brake
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, power locks, HVAC controls, instrument panel, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Body Chassis:
Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, glass, bumpers, frame, exhaust system
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, wiring diagrams, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Component Repair Rebuild:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly instructions for major components (engine, transmission, etc.)
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams for all circuits, connector pinouts, component testing procedures
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners
Depth:
Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Engine Code:
EJ22 (2.2L SOHC Naturally Aspirated)
Engine Displacement:
2212 cc (2.2 Liters)
Engine Configuration:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-Cylinder
Engine Aspirated:
Naturally Aspirated
Horsepower Ej22:
135 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque Ej22:
140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Code Ej25:
EJ25 (2.5L DOHC/SOHC Turbocharged - WRX/GT models)
Horsepower Ej25 Turbo:
Approx. 210-230 hp (WRX) / 200 hp (GT)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended for NA, higher for turbo)
Timing Belt Interval:
60,000 miles / 60 months
Standard Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual
Optional Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Viscous coupling center differential)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5 Gear Oil (Viscosity varies, e.g., 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (1997-1998 models)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (1997-1998 models)
ABS:
Optional on lower trims, standard on higher trims and turbo models
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, driver's pretensioner
Oil Change Interval:
3,750 miles / 3 months (severe duty) or 7,500 miles / 6 months (normal duty), check manual for specifics
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
15,000 - 30,000 miles or annually
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
N/A (not commonly equipped in this era)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (with filter) for EJ22
Engine Oil Type:
10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for temperature specific recommendations)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically blue)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Head Gaskets:
While less common on the EJ22 than later EJ25s, head gasket leaks can occur, especially with overheating. The manual will detail proper torque sequences and procedures for replacement.
Turbo Failure:
On turbo models (WRX), improper oil changes or oil starvation can lead to turbocharger failure. The manual details turbo lubrication and maintenance.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings and ball joints can wear over time, affecting ride and handling. The manual provides specs for checking and replacing these components.
Window Regulators:
Power window regulators can be a point of failure. The manual covers door panel removal and regulator replacement.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets can deteriorate. The manual provides procedures for their replacement.
Subaru Philosophy:
Known for 'confidence in motion', emphasizing safety, reliability, and AWD capability
Impreza Introduction:
First generation launched globally in 1992 (Japan) / 1995 (North America), designed to fill the gap between the Leone and Legacy
Performance Variants:
Introduction of the WRX (World Rally eXperimental) in 1992, which significantly boosted the Impreza's performance image
Production Locations:
Japan (Gunma Plant)
First Gen Years:
1992-2000 (Globally)
