Generation:
First Generation (GC/GF/GM)
Model Years Covered:
1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Chassis Codes:
GC (Sedan), GF (Wagon), GM (Coupe)
Segment:
Compact Car / Affordable Performance
Key Attributes:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on most trims), sporty handling, rally heritage, robust engineering.
Key Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer, Honda Civic Si, Toyota Corolla (performance variants), Mazda Protegé (performance variants).
Manual Utility:
Indispensable resource for owners and independent repair shops seeking to maintain, diagnose, and repair the Subaru Impreza from 1996-2001 accurately.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine performance, fuel system, emission control systems, exhaust systems, manual transmission, automatic transmission, all-wheel drive system (Symmetrical AWD).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (including ABS), wheel alignment, wheel and tire specifications.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, wiring diagrams, lighting, instruments, gauges, power windows, power locks, audio system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fuses and relays.
Body:
Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, roof, bumpers, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, brake pad replacement, spark plug replacement, timing belt inspection/replacement (where applicable).
Repair:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, HVAC system repair, body panel repair.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, component testing procedures, fuel system pressure testing, ignition system testing.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures for professional technicians.
Engine Code:
EJ22E (Naturally Aspirated), EJ22G (Turbocharged - WRX/STI variants), EJ25D (Naturally Aspirated DOHC), EJ251/EJ253 (Naturally Aspirated DOHC - later years)
Engine Type:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-Cylinder
Displacement Na:
2.2 Liters (2200 cc) or 2.5 Liters (2500 cc)
Horsepower Na:
Approx. 135-142 hp (depending on engine variant and year)
Torque Na:
Approx. 135-145 lb-ft (depending on engine variant and year)
Displacement Turbo:
2.0 Liters (EJ20G - limited markets) or 2.5 Liters (EJ25G - WRX STI)
Horsepower Turbo:
Approx. 200-260 hp (for WRX/STI variants)
Torque Turbo:
Approx. 200-250 lb-ft (for WRX/STI variants)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating may vary based on engine variant, higher octane recommended for turbo models)
Transmission Type Std:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Opt:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Drive System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
AWD System Description:
Viscous coupling center differential for permanent AWD engagement.
Clutch Type:
Dry single-plate (for manual transmission)
Length:
Approx. 173.4 - 175.8 inches (depending on body style)
Width:
Approx. 67.5 inches
Height:
Approx. 55.5 - 57.0 inches (depending on body style)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 99.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 6.1 inches (can vary with suspension)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2700 - 3000 lbs (depending on trim and options)
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
4/5 Stars (driver/passenger) for 1997 model.
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable for some models/years.
ABS:
Available (standard on higher trims and WRX/STI models).
Traction Control:
Less common on early models, may be present on later or higher trims.
Airbags:
Dual front airbags standard on most models. Side airbags were optional or standard on later models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,750 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended every 60,000 - 100,000 miles or 5-7 years for EJ engines. Critical to follow this interval to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
Coolant Flush:
Typically every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 2-4 years.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 API SG or higher (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on climate).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-5 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Subaru ATF-HP or Dexron III equivalent
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant.
Head Gaskets:
Prevalent issue on EJ25D (2.5L DOHC) engines, often leading to coolant leaks and internal engine damage. Later EJ251/EJ253 engines are less prone but still susceptible.
Crankshaft Pulley Slippage:
Can occur on some EJ engines, leading to timing issues.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Can develop over time, especially on higher mileage vehicles.
Catalytic Converter Failure:
Can be an issue, particularly if the engine is consuming oil.
Subaru Rally Success:
The Impreza built its reputation on Subaru's success in the World Rally Championship (WRC), particularly with the WRX and WRX STI variants.
Launch Year:
1993 (Globally), 1996 (North America)
Design Philosophy:
Emphasized all-wheel drive, boxer engine, and agile handling for everyday driving and performance.
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan (Gunma Prefectural Factory)
Car And Driver 10Best:
The Impreza WRX variants were often recognized for their performance value, although not consistently on the 10Best list for this specific generation.
Desempeño Rally:
The Impreza WRX and WRX STI models were dominant in rally racing during this era, earning numerous championships.
Value Proposition:
Offered a compelling blend of all-wheel drive capability, handling prowess, and affordability, especially in performance-oriented WRX trims.
