Segment:
        
        
            Compact sedan, coupe, and wagon; known for its standard AWD and rally heritage
        
     
    
    
        
            Competitors:
        
        
            Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf
        
     
    
    
        
            Distinguishing Attributes:
        
        
            Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard, Boxer engine, practical interior space, available turbocharged WRX variant
        
     
    
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, Subaru enthusiasts, owners seeking in-depth technical knowledge
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Continents Markets:
        
        
            North America, Europe, Asia, Australia
        
     
    
        
            Trim Levels Covered:
        
        
            All, including base, Outback Sport, WRX (where applicable in region)
        
     
    
    
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
        
     
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
        
            Powertrain:
        
        
            Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, lubrication system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine control system (ECU/ECM), turbocharger system (for WRX)
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Clutch system, manual transmission, automatic transmission, front differential, rear differential, all-wheel-drive system (VTD/DCCD for specific models)
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Steering:
        
        
            Front suspension (struts, control arms, stabilizer bar), rear suspension (multi-link, struts, stabilizer bar), steering system (power steering pump, rack and pinion), wheel alignment
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, parking brake, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake bleeding procedures
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, instrumentation, power accessories, fuse box diagrams, wiring diagrams, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II)
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Air conditioning system, heater system, ventilation, climate control (manual and automatic, if equipped)
        
     
    
        
            Body Interior:
        
        
            Body panels, doors, windows, locks, exterior trim, interior trim, seating, airbags, seat belts, body repair information
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid replacement, transmission fluid change, differential fluid change, belt inspection/replacement, air filter replacement
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures, sensor checks
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Engine assembly/disassembly, transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, radiator replacement, fuel pump replacement
        
     
    
        
            Installation:
        
        
            Component installation procedures, accessory installation guidelines
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive; covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostics and wiring diagrams
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Type:
        
        
            Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4 (EJ22, EJ25)
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            2.2L (2211 cc) and 2.5L (2457 cc)
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            EJ22: 92.0 mm x 83.0 mm; EJ25: 99.5 mm x 80.0 mm
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio:
        
        
            EJ22: 9.5:1; EJ25: 10.0:1 (NA variants)
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower Ej22:
        
        
            135 hp @ 5600 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque Ej22:
        
        
            145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower Ej25 Na:
        
        
            165 hp @ 5600 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque Ej25 Na:
        
        
            166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Engine Type Wrx:
        
        
            Turbocharged Boxer-4 (EJ20G, EJ205)
        
     
    
        
            Displacement Wrx:
        
        
            2.0L (1994 cc)
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower Wrx:
        
        
            215-230 hp @ 5600-6000 rpm (model dependent)
        
     
    
        
            Torque Wrx:
        
        
            200-240 lb-ft @ 4800-5000 rpm (model dependent)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for NA, 91+ for WRX)
        
     
    
    
        
            ECU:
        
        
            Subaru Engine Control Module (ECM)
        
     
    
        
            Ignition System:
        
        
            Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) or Coil-near-Plug (CNP)
        
     
    
    
        
            Oil Capacity:
        
        
            4.5 - 5.0 US quarts (4.3 - 4.7 liters) with filter, depending on engine
        
     
    
        
            Oil Specification:
        
        
            API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 synthetic or semi-synthetic recommended
        
     
    
    
        
            Coolant Capacity:
        
        
            7.0 - 7.5 US quarts (6.6 - 7.1 liters)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Specification:
        
        
            Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent; 50/50 mixture with distilled water
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type AWD:
        
        
            5-speed Manual Transmission (TY754 / TY856)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Type FWD Option:
        
        
            4-speed Automatic Transmission (K4A / KM2)
        
     
    
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Availability:
        
        
            Available on many NA models, generally paired with a viscous coupling center differential for AWD
        
     
    
    
        
            AWD System:
        
        
            Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (full-time) with viscous coupling center differential (standard on most models); Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) on some WRX models
        
     
    
        
        Fluid Specification Manual
    
 
    
        
            Fluid Type Manual:
        
        
            GL-5 Gear Oil (75W-90 recommended)
        
     
    
    
        
            Capacity Manual:
        
        
            Approx. 3.4 US quarts (3.2 liters)
        
     
    
        
        Fluid Specification Automatic
    
 
    
        
            Fluid Type Automatic:
        
        
            Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon
        
     
    
    
        
            Capacity Automatic:
        
        
            Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) for torque converter drain/fill
        
     
    
    
        
            Fluid Type Front Rear:
        
        
            GL-5 Gear Oil (75W-90 recommended)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            Sedan: ~4415 mm (173.8 in); Wagon: ~4350 mm (171.3 in)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            ~1690 mm (66.5 in)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            Sedan: ~1405 mm (55.3 in); Wagon: ~1420 mm (55.9 in)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            ~2510 mm (98.8 in)
        
     
    
        
            Ground Clearance:
        
        
            ~150 mm (5.9 in) for standard models
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight:
        
        
            1250 - 1450 kg (2756 - 3197 lbs), depending on body style and equipment
        
     
    
        
            Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
        
        
            Approx. 1700-1800 kg (3748-3968 lbs)
        
     
    
    
        
            Trunk Volume Sedan:
        
        
            Approx. 0.37 m³ (13.0 cu ft)
        
     
    
        
            Cargo Volume Wagon:
        
        
            Approx. 0.84 m³ (29.7 cu ft) behind rear seats
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Crash Test:
        
        
            4/5 stars (driver/passenger) (when equipped with dual airbags)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Side Impact:
        
        
            Good (when equipped with side airbags, though not common for this year)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Available on most models, standard on WRX and higher trims
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Rarely equipped on NA models, available on select WRX variants
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Driver and front passenger airbags standard on most models
        
     
    
        
            Seat Belts:
        
        
            3-point front and rear seat belts
        
     
    
        
            Child Seat Anchors:
        
        
            LATCH system not standard, ISOFIX anchors may be present in some markets
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Factory AM/FM/Cassette or CD player, 4-6 speaker system (depending on trim).
        
     
    
        
            Navigation:
        
        
            Not available from the factory
        
     
    
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Standard on most models
        
     
    
        
            Climate Control:
        
        
            Manual HVAC system standard; automatic climate control available on higher trims
        
     
    
    
        
            Bluetooth:
        
        
            Not available from the factory
        
     
    
        
            Usb Ports:
        
        
            Not available from the factory
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe duty) or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) / 12 months (normal duty)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Air Filter:
        
        
            Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter:
        
        
            Not typically equipped on this generation
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plugs:
        
        
            Replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for NGK Iridium plugs (OEM) or copper plugs as per manual.
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt:
        
        
            Replace every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 108 months, whichever comes first. Critical component.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Replacement:
        
        
            Flush and replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Replacement:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
        
     
    
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid:
        
        
            ATF Type H or equivalent
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4
        
     
    
    
        
            Head Gaskets:
        
        
            EJ25D engines (early phase) are prone to head gasket failure due to coolant passage design. Check for coolant leaks, milky oil, or white exhaust smoke.
        
     
    
        
            Rear Main Seal:
        
        
            Potential for rear main seal leaks, especially on higher mileage vehicles.
        
     
    
        
            Clutch Wear:
        
        
            Clutch wear is normal, but frequent hard driving or AWD engagement can accelerate wear.
        
     
    
        
            Oil Leaks:
        
        
            Valve cover gasket leaks and front crankshaft seal leaks are common.
        
     
    
        
            Radiator Plastic Tanks:
        
        
            Plastic end tanks on the radiator can become brittle and crack over time, leading to coolant leaks.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Company Origin:
        
        
            Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (now Subaru Corporation), Japan
        
     
    
        
            Motorsport Legacy:
        
        
            Strong rally heritage, with Impreza WRX and WRX STI achieving significant WRC success
        
     
    
    
        
            First Generation Start:
        
        
            1992 (Japan), 1995 (North America)
        
     
    
        
            Second Generation Start:
        
        
            2000
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Locations:
        
        
            Japan (Ota, Gunma Prefecture)
        
     
    
        
            Production Years Specific Model:
        
        
            1997-1998