🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Impreza

Model Generations Covered:

Second Generation (GD/GG)

Covered Model Years:

1999, 2000

Chassis Codes:

GF8 (Wagon), GC8 (Sedan)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact car, hatchback, sedan, sporty variants.

Brand Philosophy:

Subaru's reputation for AWD, durability, and rally heritage.

Key Competitors Era:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer, Mazda Protege, Ford Focus.

Differentiators:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, boxer engine configuration, rally-inspired performance variants (e.g., WRX, although WRX might be covered separately or in specific sections).

Manual User Base:

Professional automotive technicians, Subaru dealership service departments, experienced DIY mechanics, and dedicated Subaru enthusiasts.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Regions Covered:

Global

Specific Markets Addressed:

North America, Europe, Japan

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2000+ (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF (likely, common for digital reproductions)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine teardown, assembly, component testing, overhaul procedures for all applicable engines.

Engine Management:

ECU diagnostics, sensor testing, fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control systems.

Transmission Manual:

Operation, diagnosis, removal, disassembly, repair, and installation of manual transmissions.

Transmission Automatic:

Operation, diagnosis, removal, disassembly, repair, and installation of automatic transmissions (if applicable to specific models covered).

Drivetrain AWD:

Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system: operation, diagnosis, front/rear differentials, viscous coupling, center differential (if applicable).

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, geometry, alignment, troubleshooting, component replacement.

Brakes:

Brake system operation, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), disc brake components, hydraulic system, bleeding procedures, parking brake.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, column, diagnosis, and repair.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, component testing, lighting, charging system, starting system, battery, fuses, relays.

Climate Control:

HVAC system operation, diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement.

Body And Trim:

Exterior panels, interior trim, door mechanisms, glass replacement, body repair guidelines.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system diagnosis and service precautions, seat belts.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed maintenance schedules and procedures for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, etc.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for various systems.

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for replacing virtually every component on the vehicle.

Overhaul Rebuild:

Detailed procedures for complete engine and transmission overhauls.

Diagnostics:

Advanced diagnostic techniques, including OBD-II code interpretation and component-level testing.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive, system-specific wiring schematics for accurate electrical troubleshooting.

Depth Level:

Factory-level detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

Diagnostic Tools:

References to specific diagnostic tools and equipment used by Subaru technicians.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable (standard for good quality PDFs)

Print Readability:

High resolution for clear diagrams and text when printed.

Physical Binding:

N/A (Assuming digital format, but would be spiral-bound or perfect-bound if physical)

Physical Paper:

N/A (Assuming digital format, but would be high-quality paper for physical manuals)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Common:

EJ20, EJ22, EJ25 (various naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions)

Engine Configuration:

Horizontally-opposed (Boxer), naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants.

Engine Displacement Common Na:

2.0L (1994cc), 2.2L (2212cc), 2.5L (2457cc)

Engine Displacement Common Turbo:

2.0L (EJ205), 2.5L (EJ255/EJ257 - primarily for WRX/STI variants, check manual for specific coverage)

Horsepower Range Na:

Approximately 125-165 HP (depending on specific engine and market)

Horsepower Range Turbo:

Approximately 220-250 HP (for WRX variants, consult specific engine section for exact figures)

Torque Range Na:

Approximately 130-170 lb-ft

Torque Range Turbo:

Approximately 235-250 lb-ft (for WRX variants)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI), Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type Recommendation:

Unleaded gasoline, premium unleaded recommended for turbocharged models.

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug or coil-pack ignition.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (with or without AWD control)

AWD Integration:

Integrated with Subaru's Symmetrical AWD system, including viscous coupling center differential (manual) or electronically controlled center differential (automatic).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-5 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 (check manual for specific Subaru part numbers and viscosity under different temperature conditions).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF-HP (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon if specified and compatible, though HP is preferred for Subaru specific transmissions).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2515 mm (99.0 in)

Length:

Sedan: Approx. 4340-4415 mm (170.9-173.8 in), Wagon: Approx. 4350-4420 mm (171.3-174.0 in)

Width:

Approx. 1690-1715 mm (66.5-67.5 in)

Height:

Approx. 1400-1445 mm (55.1-56.9 in)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 1200-1400 kg (2645-3086 lbs), varies significantly by trim and drivetrain.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to VIN plate or manual for specific GVWR.

Towing Capacity:

Generally not recommended or very limited, consult manual for specifications.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

Refer to NHTSA records for specific year/model. Typically 4-star for driver, 5-star for passenger in some configurations.

IIHS Crash Test Ratings:

Refer to IIHS records for specific year/model. Often rated 'Good' or 'Acceptable' in various categories for its era.

Active Safety Systems:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Traction Control System (TCS - optional on some models/trims).

Passive Safety Features:

Driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags (optional on some models), front and rear crumple zones, reinforced passenger cabin.

Seat Belt Pretensioners:

Standard for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM/CD player or cassette player, optional premium audio systems might be available. Features are primitive by modern standards.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited to ABS and optional Traction Control System. No advanced electronic driver aids (e.g., adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist) were available.

Connectivity Options:

No Bluetooth or USB connectivity typically. May have an auxiliary input for aftermarket audio devices.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,750 - 5,000 miles (6,000 - 8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for exact recommendations based on driving conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies by spark plug type (copper, platinum, iridium), typically 30,000 - 60,000 miles.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for EJ engines: typically every 90,000 - 105,000 miles (144,000 - 168,000 km) or 7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity based on ambient temperature).

Coolant Specification:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Head Gaskets:

While more prevalent in later EJ series engines (especially naturally aspirated EJ25s), head gasket leaks can occur. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.

Turbocharger Wear:

For turbocharged models, regular oil changes and proper warm-up/cool-down procedures are critical to prolong turbocharger life. The manual provides specific maintenance recommendations.

Clutch Wear:

As with any performance-oriented manual transmission vehicle, clutch life can vary greatly with driving style. The manual covers clutch inspection and replacement.

Suspension Bushings:

Wear on suspension bushings can lead to noise and compromised handling; the manual details component inspection and replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Origins:

Founded in 1953, originally Fuji Heavy Industries. Known for aviation-derived technologies and boxer engines.

Impreza Introduction:

First generation launched in 1992. The 1999-2000 models represent the latter part of the first generation (GF/GC chassis) and the transition towards the second generation (GD/GG).

Performance Variants:

The Impreza line is famous for its performance-oriented WRX (World Rally eXperimental) and STI (Subaru Tecnica International) models, which heavily influenced the brand's image.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary assembly in Japan (Gunma Plant).

Key Facelifts Generations:

The 1999-2000 models were part of the 'Type R' or 'GF8/GC8' generation. A significant facelift occurred for the 2001 model year introducing the 'Bug Eye' styling (second generation).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Awards:

Subaru Impreza (including WRX variants) has often been featured on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists, recognized for its performance and value, particularly in later generations. Specific awards for the '99-'00 models would be for the first generation's execution.

Motor Trend Awards:

Similar to Car and Driver, MotorTrend has recognized Impreza variants for their sporting credentials and AWD capabilities.

Sport Compact Awards:

Consistently ranked highly among sport compact vehicles of its era, especially turbocharged variants.