Market Segment:
Compact car, rally-inspired performance and practicality.
Key Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus.
All Wheel Drive:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system across most trims, a significant differentiator.
Performance Variants:
Introduction of the WRX (World Rally eXperimental) model, offering turbocharged performance and enhanced handling.
Body Styles:
Available in sedan and wagon (Sport Wagon) body styles, offering versatility.
Primary Coverage:
Complete Workshop Service and Repair
Regional Coverage:
Global (excluding specific regional variants not detailed)
Estimated Page Count:
1500-2500+ (depending on specific publication and included supplements)
Manual Type:
Factory Authorized Workshop Manual / Service Manual
Format:
Digital (PDF) / Printable
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel and emissions control, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, starting and charging system, exhaust system.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (5-speed), automatic transmission (4-speed), clutch, driveshafts, differentials, all-wheel drive system.
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (MacPherson strut), rear suspension (multi-link), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering).
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes (ventilated on some performance models), ABS system, parking brake.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, interior and exterior electronics, instrument cluster, battery, alternator, starter, fuses, relays.
Body Chassis:
Body construction, exterior panels, doors, windows, interior trim, climate control system, chassis components.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom analysis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage (OBD-II).
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement.
Adjustments:
Valve lash adjustment (if applicable), clutch adjustment, brake bleeding, wheel alignment procedures.
Wiring Schematics:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all systems, component locations.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full mechanical and electrical system overhauls. Includes torque specifications, diagnostic flowcharts, and precise repair instructions.
Engine Code:
EJ251 (Naturally Aspirated)
Engine Type:
2.5L SOHC Flat-4 (Boxer)
Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Horsepower:
165 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Code Wrx:
EJ205 (Turbocharged)
Engine Type Wrx:
2.0L DOHC Turbocharged Flat-4 (Boxer)
Horsepower Wrx:
227 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque Wrx:
217 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane (165hp), 91 Octane or higher for WRX
Transmission Type Na:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type AWD Na:
4-Speed Automatic with AWD
Transmission Type Wrx:
5-Speed Manual
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential.
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated, single dry plate (manual transmission).
Length Sedan:
4415 mm (173.8 in)
Length Wagon:
4405 mm (173.4 in)
Height Sedan:
1410 mm (55.5 in)
Height Wagon:
1445 mm (56.9 in)
Wheelbase:
2510 mm (98.8 in)
Track Width Front:
1470 mm (57.9 in)
Track Width Rear:
1475 mm (58.1 in)
Curb Weight Manual:
Approx. 1300-1400 kg (2866-3086 lbs)
Curb Weight Auto:
Approx. 1350-1450 kg (2976-3197 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 1800 kg (3968 lbs)
Cargo Volume Sedan:
Approx. 11.4 cu ft
Cargo Volume Wagon:
Approx. 37.5 cu ft (seats up), 65.1 cu ft (seats down)
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
Not specifically rated for these years by NHTSA in available public data.
IIHS Crash Test:
Not specifically rated for these years by IIHS in available public data.
ABS:
Available (standard on some trims, optional on others).
Traction Control:
Not commonly available on 1999-2001 models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners; three-point rear seatbelts.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system not standard on these model years.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD or cassette player with standard speaker configuration.
User Interface:
Basic analog gauges and physical controls for HVAC and audio.
Cruise Control:
Available on most trims.
Aux Input:
Not available on factory head units.
Bluetooth:
Not available on factory head units.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe conditions), 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (NGK Platinum).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles or 7 years. (Crucial for EJ series engines).
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 API Service Category SG or higher (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Coolant:
Subaru Genuine Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (Blue color).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Subaru Genuine ATF HP or equivalent.
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent than in later EJ generations, coolant leaks from head gaskets can occur. Monitor coolant levels.
Timing Belt:
Failure to adhere to timing belt replacement intervals can lead to catastrophic engine damage due to interference design.
Clutch Wear:
Normal wear item, can be accelerated by aggressive driving.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged over time, affecting performance and emissions.
Radiator Leaks:
Plastic end tanks on radiators can degrade and leak with age.
Subaru Philosophy:
Emphasis on All-Wheel Drive, boxer engines, durability, and rally racing heritage.
Generation Transition:
The 1999-2001 models represent the final iteration of the first generation Impreza (GC/GF chassis), known for its more rounded styling.
Second Gen Launch:
The second generation (GD/GG) chassis was introduced for the 2002 model year, marking a significant design and engineering shift.
Manufacturing Location:
Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
Production Period:
1992-2001 (First Generation GC/GF)
