Segment:
Compact/Small Family Car
Brand Philosophy:
Subaru's reputation for All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and boxer engines, offering a unique blend of practicality and capability.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra.
Competitive Advantage:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across most trims, robust chassis, and a sporty driving character for its class.
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard on most models, distinguishing it from front-wheel drive competitors.
Engine Layout:
Horizontally opposed 'boxer' engine, contributing to a lower center of gravity and improved handling.
Body Styles:
Available as a 4-door sedan (GC) and a 5-door wagon (GF).
Performance Variants:
Introduction of performance-oriented models like the WRX (World Rally eXperimental) in some markets, though less prominent in North America for this generation.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing belt/chain, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel delivery system (carburetor/injection).
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, fuel injection control, ECU diagnostics, sensor operations.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (removal, disassembly, assembly, clutch, gearbox), automatic transmission (removal, disassembly, assembly, hydraulic control, torque converter).
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system (center differential, rear differential), front and rear driveshafts, CV joints.
Suspension:
Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings), rear suspension (multi-link, struts, bushings), alignment specifications.
Steering:
Steering gear, power steering system (pump, rack, lines), steering column, wheel alignment.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (discs, calipers, pads, master cylinder), ABS system diagnostics and repair, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, power windows, central locking, audio system, instrument cluster, fuses and relays.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass replacement, structural components, corrosion protection.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (AC) system (compressor, refrigerant, evaporator, heater core).
Basic Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, tire rotation.
Intermediate Repair:
Brake pad replacement, CV axle replacement, radiator replacement, starter replacement, alternator replacement, battery service.
Advanced Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, differential repair, suspension component replacement, fuel injector cleaning/replacement, head gasket replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems, symptom-based troubleshooting charts.
Diagnostics:
OBD-I code reading and interpretation (where applicable), basic electrical testing with multimeter, diagnostic connector locations.
Level Of Detail:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Illustrations:
Detailed diagrams, exploded views, and some photographic illustrations for clarity.
Specifications:
Torque values, clearance specifications, fluid types and capacities, timing marks, diagnostic parameters.
NHTSA Crash Test Results:
Specific ratings for 1992-1995 models are often limited or unavailable in consistent format. Generally considered decent for its era, but lacking modern safety structures.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some trims.
AWD:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides enhanced traction and stability in various weather conditions.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard on most later models within this range. Passenger airbag generally not available.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts.
Child Seat Anchors:
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system not standard on this generation.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions recommend 3,000 miles or 3 months.
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
At every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) with standard platinum plugs. Check manual for specific type.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years, whichever comes first. Critical interval to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.2 Liters) with filter for EJ22.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 recommended for most temperatures.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Head Gasket Leaks:
While not as prevalent as later Subaru models, early EJ series engines can be susceptible to head gasket leaks, particularly external ones. Internal leaks are less common but possible.
Timing Belt Wear:
Failure to adhere to the timing belt replacement interval can lead to belt breakage and severe engine damage (interference engine).
Cv Joint Boots:
Wear and tear on CV joint boots can lead to grease expulsion and eventual CV joint failure, particularly due to the AWD system's constant operation.
Radiator Corrosion:
Older radiators can develop corrosion and leaks, especially if coolant maintenance is neglected.
Ac Compressor Failures:
Age-related failures of the AC compressor and associated seals can occur.
Founder:
Mataichiro Matsumoto founded Fuji Heavy Industries, which later became Subaru.
Logo Meaning:
The Subaru logo represents the Pleiades star cluster (Subaru is the Japanese name for the cluster), reflecting the company's founding by several smaller companies.
First Generation Launch:
The Subaru Impreza was introduced globally in late 1992 for the 1993 model year.
Platform:
Based on the Subaru Leone platform, marking an evolution in styling and engineering.
Performance Focus:
The Impreza quickly gained a reputation in motorsport, particularly in the World Rally Championship (WRC), with the introduction of the WRX model.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Gunma Prefecture, Japan.
Production Span:
1992-2000 (First Generation GC/GF/GM)