Segment:
Performance Compact Sedan/Wagon
Reputation:
Iconic rally-bred performance car, known for all-wheel drive and turbocharged power
Key Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ford Focus RS, Volkswagen Golf GTI
Performance Focus:
Engineered for performance driving, rallying heritage
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD)
Engine Type:
Turbocharged Boxer engine
Transmission:
Standard 6-speed manual transmission
Primary Coverage:
Mechanical, Electrical, Body, Maintenance, Diagnostics
Secondary Coverage:
Troubleshooting, Wiring Diagrams, Specifications
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, lubrication system, cooling system, timing system
Engine Performance:
Turbocharger system, intercooler, fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control
Transmission:
6-speed manual transmission (TY856WB1AA), clutch system, drivetrain (front/rear differentials, DCCD)
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, ABS, parking brake
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, accessories, body electrical control units
Body:
Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, glass, HVAC system
Chassis Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, connector pinouts, fuse and relay locations
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points
Repair:
Component disassembly and reassembly, component testing and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom analysis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Adjustments:
Alignment, clutch, brake adjustments
Installation:
Major component replacement procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers basic to advanced repairs and diagnostics
Diagnostic Tools:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, including use of Subaru Select Monitor (SSM) if applicable
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual
Transmission Model:
TY856WB1AA
Optional Transmission:
N/A (STI models exclusively manual)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD)
Dccd Modes:
Manual and Automatic modes for center differential lockup
Rear Differential:
Viscous-coupling Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD)
Length:
173.4 inches (4404 mm)
Width:
69.7 inches (1770 mm)
Height:
57.7 inches (1465 mm)
Wheelbase:
103.1 inches (2619 mm)
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches (140 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3285 lbs (1490 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4355 lbs (1975 kg)
Trunk Capacity:
11.3 cu ft (320 liters) (Sedan), Varies by model (Wagon)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not rated or Not Applicable for this specific variant/year in all testing categories
IIHS Front Impact:
Good (for similar Impreza models of the era)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard
Electronic Stability Control:
Not standard on all 2006 WRX STI models, but available or standard on later GD generations.
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners
Crumple Zones:
Front and rear crumple zones for energy absorption
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe use), 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal use)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (if applicable, check for interference engine design)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (check manual for exact spec, e.g., API SM or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free antifreeze
Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-4 or GL-5 Gear Oil (e.g., Subaru Extra-S or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 3.3 US quarts (3.1 liters)
Differential Fluid Type:
GL-5 Gear Oil (Front and Rear)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid
Engine Knock:
Potential for detonation/knocking if not properly maintained or if using low-octane fuel.
Ringland Failure:
Can occur in EJ257 engines under high stress or with improper tuning/maintenance.
Clutch Wear:
High-performance clutch can wear faster with aggressive driving.
Head Gasket Leaks:
While less common on EJ257 than earlier EJ series, it's a known Subaru issue to monitor.
Car And Driver 10Best:
Subaru Impreza WRX (non-STI) often featured on Car and Driver's 10Best lists for its class and performance
Rally Championships:
WRX STI platform achieved significant success in WRC, reinforcing its performance credentials.
Performance Reviews:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its handling, acceleration, and AWD capability.
