Segment:
Performance Compact Sedan/Wagon
Niche:
Rally-bred performance, all-wheel-drive capability
Key Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ford Focus RS (later models), Volkswagen Golf GTI
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Engine:
EJ207 turbocharged Boxer engine
Transmission:
6-speed manual transmission
Suspension:
Performance-tuned suspension with DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential)
Brakes:
Brembo performance brake system
Aero:
Aggressive aerodynamic enhancements including rear wing
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, timing belt, pistons, crankshaft, cylinder heads, valve train
Engine Performance:
Turbocharger system, fuel injection, ignition system, ECU diagnostics, emissions controls
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (6-speed), clutch, drivetrain components, differentials (front, rear, center DCCD)
Suspension Steering:
MacPherson struts, multi-link rear, springs, dampers, steering rack, power steering system
Brakes:
Front Brembo 4-piston calipers, rear 2-piston calipers, ABS, EBD, brake fluid specifications
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, power windows, central locking
Bodywork Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, chassis structure, door mechanisms, exterior trim, interior trim
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, climate control
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, timing belt replacement intervals
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Fault code interpretation (OBD-II), diagnostic procedures for common issues, wiring harness testing
Repair Rebuild:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul
Component Replacement:
Turbocharger replacement, clutch replacement, clutch slave cylinder replacement, fuel pump replacement
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications and procedures for wheel alignment
Airbag System:
Information on airbag system safety and component replacement
Depth:
Factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures
Diagnostics:
Detailed troubleshooting trees and symptom-based diagnostics
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities
Diagrams:
Exploded views, wiring diagrams, system schematics
Configuration:
2.0L Boxer-4 (H4)
Aspiration:
Twin-Scroll Turbocharged
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 16 valves
Horsepower:
268 hp @ 6000 rpm (JDM spec)
Torque:
258 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (JDM spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (premium recommended)
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition with knock sensor
Capacity:
Approx. 6.0 Liters
Type:
Forced lubrication, wet sump
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Liters (w/ filter)
Type:
Hydraulic engine mounts
Gear Ratios:
1st: 3.636, 2nd: 2.053, 3rd: 1.545, 4th: 1.137, 5th: 0.942, 6th: 0.777, Reverse: 3.545
Type:
N/A (STI was exclusively manual)
Dccd:
Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) with auto/manual modes
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil API GL-5 75W-90 or equivalent
Type:
Hydraulically operated, single dry plate clutch
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (Driver/Passenger - US models)
NHTSA Side Impact:
4/4 Stars (Front/Rear - US models)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution
AWD:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with DCCD
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Chassis:
Reinforced chassis structure
Head Unit:
Factory-installed AM/FM/CD player (typically basic)
Speakers:
Standard speaker configuration (4-6 speakers)
Stability Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Cruise Control:
Standard Cruise Control
Auxiliary Input:
Rarely standard, often requires aftermarket modification
Gauges:
Tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, coolant temperature, boost gauge (integrated)
Type:
Manual climate control with A/C
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (severe service requires more frequent changes)
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (iridium type)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 90,000-105,000 miles or 7 years (critical replacement)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check manual for specific recommendations)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron II/III compatible fluid
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free ethylene glycol based coolant
Engine:
Ring land failure (particularly on modified engines), head gasket leaks, turbocharger wear
Drivetrain:
Clutch wear, synchro issues in manual transmission (less common but possible), DCCD unit failure
Suspension:
Worn bushings, premature strut failure
Electrical:
Faulty window regulators, SRS system warning lights
Brand:
Subaru, known for its Boxer engines and All-Wheel Drive systems
Motorsport:
Strong rally racing heritage, directly influencing the STI models
Generation:
Second Generation Subaru Impreza (GD/GG chassis)
Sti Introduction:
STI variant introduced to homologate for WRC and offer enhanced performance
Sub Models 2004:
STI, WRX
Facelift:
This 2004 model year often refers to the pre-facelift 'Bugeye' or early 'Blobeye' versions depending on market
Production Years:
2000-2007 (GD/GG chassis)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan