Generation:
First Generation (GC/GF/GM)
Chassis Codes:
GC (Sedan), GF (Wagon), GM (Coupe)
Engine Codes Covered:
EJ15, EJ16, EJ18, EJ20, EJ22, EJ25 (Naturally Aspirated & Turbocharged Variants)
Transmission Codes Covered:
TY75 (Manual), TZ1 (Automatic)
Segment:
Compact Car (and performance variants)
Niche:
Known for its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system and rally-bred performance variants (WRX/STI).
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda Protege, Mitsubishi Lancer, Ford Escort, Nissan Sentra.
Standard AWD:
Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, a significant differentiator in its class.
Engine Options:
Robust Boxer engine architecture, offering a lower center of gravity for improved handling.
Performance Variants:
Introduction of the WRX and STI models during this generation, establishing the Impreza as a performance icon.
Diy Support:
Empowers owners to perform their own maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and fostering a deeper understanding of their vehicle.
Troubleshooting Aid:
Provides essential diagnostic information and repair procedures for mechanics and enthusiasts alike.
Years Covered:
1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Regions Covered:
Global Market Variants (North America, Europe, Japan, Australia)
Trim Levels Covered:
LX, L, LS, Outback Sport, RS, WRX, STI (where applicable to model years)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Digital Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (all variants), fuel system (injection, pumps, injectors), ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine management (ECU diagnostics, sensors, actuators), turbocharger systems (where applicable).
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (clutch, gears, linkages, drivelines), automatic transmission (torque converter, valve body, planetary gears, control systems), all-wheel-drive (AWD) system operation and servicing (center differential, viscous coupling).
Chassis Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension (struts, springs, control arms, bushings), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering pump, lines, column), wheel alignment specifications.
Braking System:
Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum, calipers, rotors, pads, lines, master cylinder, ABS components and troubleshooting).
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting system (headlamps, taillamps, interior), instrument panel gauges and indicators, power windows, locks, mirrors, wiper systems, horn, ECU and sensor wiring diagrams, fuses and relays.
Body Exterior Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim removal, seating, HVAC system components (blower motor, evaporator, heater core, refrigerant handling), body sealing and weatherstripping.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush and refill, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid changes, differential fluid changes.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation (OBD-I/OBD-II where applicable), wiring diagram interpretation for electrical troubleshooting.
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul and rebuild procedures, transmission removal and disassembly, cylinder head removal and installation, clutch replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, exhaust system repair.
Specialty Procedures:
Turbocharger removal/installation and maintenance, AWD system bleeding and adjustment, ABS system bleeding, airbag system safety precautions, catalytic converter replacement, fuel injector cleaning and replacement.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring schematics.
Engine Type:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder
Displacement Common:
2.2L (EJ22), 2.5L (EJ25)
Displacement Performance:
2.0L Turbocharged (EJ20 - WRX/STI), 2.5L Turbocharged (EJ25 - WRX STI late models)
Horsepower Range:
100-137 hp (Naturally Aspirated), 210-230 hp (Turbocharged WRX), 250-300 hp (STI)
Torque Range:
110-140 lb-ft (Naturally Aspirated), 220-240 lb-ft (Turbocharged WRX), 250-300 lb-ft (STI)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane for NA, 91+ octane for Turbocharged)
ECU Type:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) with sensor inputs (MAP, MAF, O2, Knock, Crank/Cam Position)
Type Na Models:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Type Performance Models:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (WRX), 6-Speed Manual Transmission (STI early production)
Type Na Models:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential (manual) or electronically controlled clutch pack (automatic).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (Subaru Extra-S or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent
Clutch Type:
Dry single-plate, diaphragm spring
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
N/A specific ratings for this generation, but designed to meet US federal safety standards.
IIHS Crash Test Results:
N/A specific ratings for this generation, but generally performed acceptably for its class.
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on select trims and model years.
AWD:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive enhances traction and stability.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 - 7,500 miles (6,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) depending on spark plug type (copper, platinum, iridium).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical: Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. Manual details the procedure.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40, API SG or SH certified (refer to manual for specific engine variant recommendations).
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent (pre-mixed 50/50 with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Head Gaskets:
Later EJ25 engines in this generation are prone to head gasket failure due to coolant leaks. Manual provides detailed replacement procedures.
Clutch Wear:
Can experience clutch wear, especially in performance driving. Manual details clutch inspection and replacement.
AWD Couplings:
Viscous center differential couplings can degrade over time. Manual assists in diagnosing AWD system issues.
Turbo Wear:
Turbocharged models (WRX/STI) require diligent maintenance; turbocharger seals and bearings can wear. Manual covers turbo diagnostics and rebuild/replacement.
Subaru History:
Founded in 1953, Subaru is known for its horizontally-opposed engines and standard All-Wheel Drive systems.
First Generation Launch:
The Subaru Impreza was first introduced in 1992 in Japan, and launched globally shortly after. This manual covers the initial generation (GC/GF/GM).
Performance Lineage:
The Impreza became synonymous with rallying, particularly with the introduction of the WRX (World Rally eXperimental) in 1992, which heavily influenced the production models.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan.
Generation Timeline:
1993-2001 represents the entire first generation of the Subaru Impreza.
