🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Impreza

Model Generations Covered:

First Generation (GC/GF/GM)

Years Covered:

1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

Chassis Codes:

GC (Sedan), GF (Wagon), GM (Coupe)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact/Subcompact Car, Rally-inspired Performance Car

Key Competitors:

Mitsubishi Lancer, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Mazda Protegé

Defining Characteristics:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on most trims), turbocharged 'WRX' variants, practical hatchback and sedan body styles, good value for performance

Target Audience:

Enthusiast owners, independent repair shops, home mechanics seeking detailed technical guidance

📋 Manual Details

Primary Regions Of Coverage:

North America, Europe, Australia (based on typical factory manual distribution)

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (Likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanicals, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions, engine control (ECU/ECM), turbocharging (where applicable)

Drivetrain Systems:

Manual transmission, automatic transmission, all-wheel drive (AWD) system, differentials (front, rear, center), driveshafts, CV joints

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (multi-link), steering system (power steering, steering column, linkage), wheel alignment specifications

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes (or drums on some base models), anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake hydraulic system, parking brake

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, body control modules, instrument cluster

HVAC System:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system components and diagnosis

Body Chassis:

Body panels, doors, windows, glass, interior trim, exterior trim, frame/unibody construction, corrosion protection

Wheel Tire Specifications:

Wheel sizes (e.g., 15-inch, 16-inch), tire sizes (e.g., 185/70R14, 195/60R15, 205/50R16), bolt pattern (5x100mm), offset specifications.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug service, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid service, differential fluid service, belt replacement

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meaning, on-board diagnostics (OBD-II) procedures

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild, alternator replacement, starter replacement, body panel repair

Component Overhaul:

Detailed instructions for disassembling, inspecting, repairing, and reassembling major components (engine, transmission, differentials)

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems

Emissions System Service:

Diagnosis and repair of emissions control systems, catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, EVAP system.

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostic procedures, including specific test procedures and expected readings

Specification Detail:

Detailed torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, and dimensional data

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Details:

Searchable text, printable pages, hyperlinked sections (typical for good quality PDFs)

Digital Quality:

High-resolution scans or native digital format ensuring clarity of text and diagrams

Binding Type For Digital:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type For Digital:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Common:

EJ22, EJ25 (SOHC and DOHC variants)

2.2L Engine Specs:

2.2L (2211 cc) Naturally Aspirated, SOHC, Boxer-4 (EJ22)

2.5L N/A Engine Specs:

2.5L (2457 cc) Naturally Aspirated, SOHC, Boxer-4 (EJ25D)

2.5L Turbo Engine Specs:

2.5L (2457 cc) Turbocharged, DOHC, Boxer-4 (EJ255 for WRX STI variants of later models, but some early turbocharged variants exist)

2.2L Horsepower:

Approx. 135 hp @ 5600 rpm

2.2L Torque:

Approx. 140 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

2.5L N/A Horsepower:

Approx. 165 hp @ 5600 rpm

2.5L N/A Torque:

Approx. 162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

2.5L Turbo Horsepower:

Approx. 215-227 hp (WRX models)

2.5L Turbo Torque:

Approx. 240-270 lb-ft (WRX models)

Fuel Delivery Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type Required:

Unleaded gasoline, Octane rating recommendation (e.g., 87 AKI for NA, 91+ AKI for Turbo)

ECU Type:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) / Engine Control Module (ECM) with Immobilizer system on some models

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission with Electronic Control

AWD System:

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with viscous coupling center differential (manual) or electronically controlled transfer clutch (automatic)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 75W-90 (API GL-5) - Check manual for specific Subaru specs and capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF HP or equivalent DEXRON III / MERCON compatible fluid - Check manual for specific Subaru specs and capacities

Front Rear Differential Fluid:

Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 75W-90 (API GL-5) - Check manual for specific Subaru specs and capacities

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2515 mm (99.0 in)

Length:

Approx. 4340 mm (170.9 in) for Sedan, 4350 mm (171.3 in) for Wagon

Width:

Approx. 1730 mm (68.1 in)

Height:

Approx. 1400 mm (55.1 in) for Sedan, 1440 mm (56.7 in) for Wagon

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 1200 - 1350 kg (2650 - 3000 lbs) depending on trim and configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model, consult manual

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Varies by model year and specific tests conducted. Generally competitive for its era.

Active Safety Features:

All-Wheel Drive (standard), optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Passive Safety Features:

Front airbags, side-impact door beams, crumple zones, three-point seatbelts, height-adjustable seatbelt anchors

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system not present in this generation; relies on seatbelt installation for child restraints.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM/CD player, optional cassette tape, rudimentary climate controls. Speaker systems varied by trim.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited to ABS on some models. No advanced electronic driver aids like traction control or stability control were standard or widely available.

Connectivity Options:

No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports. Auxiliary input jacks may have been available on higher trims or aftermarket units.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Consult the owner's manual for precise recommendations.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for EJ engines. Recommended replacement every 90,000 - 105,000 miles or 7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage due to interference design.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Typically every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on climate), API SG or higher. Check manual for exact viscosity and API classification.

Engine Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant (often Subaru's specific blue coolant or equivalent). Do not mix coolant types.

Common Ej Engine Issues:

Head gasket leaks (especially on EJ25D), oil leaks, piston slap on cold starts, potential ringland failure on high-performance turbo models if not maintained properly.

Common Suspension Issues:

Worn front strut mounts, rear trailing arm bushings, control arm bushings leading to alignment issues and poor handling.

Common Electrical Issues:

Window motor failures, door lock actuator issues, intermittent electrical gremlins due to aging wiring or grounds.

Common Transmission Issues:

Wear in manual clutch components, automatic transmission torque converter shudder on higher mileage vehicles.

Oil Filter Part Number Example:

Subaru Genuine 15208AA031, Wix 57035, Fram PH7317 (Verify compatibility with specific engine)

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), has a long history of producing reliable vehicles with a focus on all-wheel-drive technology and horizontally-opposed 'boxer' engines.

Gc Gf Gm Generation Overview:

The first generation Impreza (GC/GF/GM) was introduced globally in 1992 and sold in North America from 1995. It established Subaru's reputation in the compact segment, especially with its rally-bred performance variants like the WRX and WRX STI (though WRX STI was not officially sold in North America until 2004).

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary production in Gunma, Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Rally Heritage Acclaim:

The Impreza platform, particularly the WRX variant, gained significant acclaim through its success in the World Rally Championship (WRC), enhancing its sporty image.

Car And Driver Awards:

Car and Driver often included performance variants of the Impreza in their '10Best' lists during this era.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Consumer Reports ratings varied by model year and engine, with some praise for AWD capability and overall value, but sometimes noting average reliability in certain areas.