Segment:
        
        
            Compact Performance Sedan/Wagon
        
     
    
        
            Usp:
        
        
            All-wheel drive, turbocharged performance, rally heritage
        
     
    
    
        
            Competitors:
        
        
            Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ford Focus RS (later models), Volkswagen Golf GTI (later models)
        
     
    
    
        
            Performance Engine:
        
        
            Iconic EJ20 turbocharged boxer engine
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system
        
     
    
        
            Handling:
        
        
            Renowned for its sharp handling and rally-bred chassis dynamics
        
     
    
        
            Dccd:
        
        
            Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD) available on some variants for adjustable torque split
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, turbocharger system
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Manual transmission (Type RA, DCCD variations), clutch system, driveline, transfer case
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Hydraulic system, ABS, front and rear brake components, parking brake
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system, steering column, wheel alignment
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front and rear suspension components, struts, springs, sway bars
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, wiring diagrams, ECU, sensors
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, components, and diagnostics
        
     
    
        
            Body:
        
        
            Exterior panels, doors, glass, interior trim, bumpers, body sealing
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, timing belt replacement (if applicable to specific EJ20 variant), brake fluid flush
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper servicing, turbocharger replacement, electrical component repair
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-I/OBD-II depending on market), symptom-based diagnostics
        
     
    
        
            Specifications:
        
        
            Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full engine and drivetrain rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Type:
        
        
            Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder, turbocharged, intercooled
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            2.0 Liters (1994 cc)
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            92.0 mm x 75.0 mm
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio:
        
        
            8.0:1 or 8.5:1 (variant dependent)
        
     
    
        
            Redline:
        
        
            Approx. 7500 RPM
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower Usdm:
        
        
            215-227 hp @ 6000 RPM (1999-2000 US Market)
        
     
    
        
            Torque Usdm:
        
        
            210-215 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM (1999-2000 US Market)
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower Jdm:
        
        
            250-280 PS (184-206 kW) for various JDM models (e.g., Type RA, STi)
        
     
    
        
            Turbocharger:
        
        
            Mitsubishi TD04-13T or similar (variant dependent)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded premium gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
        
     
    
        
            Ignition System:
        
        
            Electronic ignition with distributor (early models) or Coil-on-Plug (later within generation)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            5-speed manual transmission
        
     
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            4-speed automatic transmission (less common on WRX models)
        
     
    
    
        
            Dccd:
        
        
            Driver Controlled Centre Differential (available on certain trims, e.g., STi)
        
     
    
        
            AWD System:
        
        
            Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling front differential and limited-slip rear differential (or DCCD)
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (or equivalent API GL-5, 75W-90)
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual Transmission Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 3.7 liters (3.9 US quarts)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Crash:
        
        
            Not extensively tested under modern standards; likely average for its era.
        
     
    
        
            IIHS:
        
        
            Similar to NHTSA, limited specific data for this era.
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Anti-lock Braking System (standard on WRX models)
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Not typically standard on these early WRX models.
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Driver and passenger front airbags
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            Three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners
        
     
    
        
            Chassis Structure:
        
        
            Reinforced safety cell and crumple zones characteristic of Subaru design
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Factory fitted AM/FM/Cassette or CD player (often with 4 speakers)
        
     
    
        
            Display:
        
        
            Analog gauges, basic digital clock
        
     
    
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Available on most models
        
     
    
    
        
            Auxiliary Input:
        
        
            Not standard; aftermarket solutions common
        
     
    
    
        
            ECU:
        
        
            Engine Control Unit (ECU) with diagnostic port (OBD-I or OBD-II depending on market/spec)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (severe use recommended for performance driving)
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type)
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement:
        
        
            Every 60,000-100,000 miles or 7-10 years (crucial for EJ engines)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-4 years
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            5W-30 or 10W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic (check owner's manual for specific viscosity recommendations)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Head Gaskets:
        
        
            While less prevalent on the EJ20G than later EJ25s, early signs of coolant leaks or milky oil should be investigated. The manual will detail inspection procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Turbo Failures:
        
        
            Can occur due to oil starvation or contamination; regular oil changes are critical. Manual provides turbo removal and inspection procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Clutch Wear:
        
        
            Performance driving can accelerate clutch wear; the manual covers clutch inspection and replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Bushings:
        
        
            Wear can lead to imprecise handling; manual details replacement procedures for various bushings.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Rally Success:
        
        
            Directly derived from Subaru's multiple World Rally Championship (WRC) wins, cementing its performance credentials.
        
     
    
        
            Performance Car Of The Year:
        
        
            Often lauded by automotive publications for its blend of performance, handling, and AWD capability in its segment.
        
     
    
    
        
            User Reviews Era:
        
        
            Praised for its raw driving experience, acceleration, and grip, but criticized for interior refinement compared to some rivals.