Initial Market:
Compact economy car with rally-inspired performance credentials
Target Audience:
Individuals seeking reliable, all-wheel-drive transportation with sporty potential
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer
Unique Selling Proposition:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Body Styles:
Sedan (GC), Coupe (GM - less common in '94 US), Wagon (GF)
Performance Orientation:
Early adoption of turbocharged variants for performance models (e.g., WRX, though less common in base US '94 Impreza)
Engine Mechanical:
Yes (including EJ18, EJ22 variants)
Engine Management:
Yes (ECU, sensors, actuators)
Fuel System:
Yes (injectors, fuel pump, pressure regulator)
Cooling System:
Yes (radiator, thermostat, water pump)
Exhaust System:
Yes (catalytic converter, mufflers, emissions)
Transmission Manual:
Yes (clutch, gears, linkages)
Transmission Automatic:
Yes (torque converter, valve body, solenoids)
Drivetrain AWD:
Yes (center differential, driveshaft, rear differential)
Suspension Front:
Yes (struts, control arms, bushings)
Suspension Rear:
Yes (struts, trailing arms, bushings)
Steering System:
Yes (power steering pump, rack and pinion)
Brake System:
Yes (discs, pads, calipers, ABS diagnostics)
Electrical System Lighting:
Yes (headlights, taillights, interior)
Electrical System Accessories:
Yes (wipers, horn, power windows, locks)
Body Exterior:
Yes (panels, doors, glass, trim)
Body Interior:
Yes (seats, dashboard, trim)
HVAC System:
Yes (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
Routine Maintenance:
Yes (oil changes, filter replacements, inspections)
Major Repairs:
Yes (engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds)
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Yes (fault codes, symptom-based diagnosis)
Component Replacement:
Yes (detailed step-by-step guides)
Specifications Data:
Yes (torque values, clearances, fluid types)
Wiring Diagrams:
Yes (comprehensive electrical schematics)
Special Tools:
Yes (identification of required Subaru-specific tools)
Depth:
Comprehensive Factory Level
Diagnostics Complexity:
Advanced (including electronic diagnostics)
Rebuild Procedures:
Complete (engine, transmission, differentials)
Format Type:
Physical Book
Digitized Quality:
High-Resolution Scans (if digital)
Paper Weight:
Durable, shop-grade paper
Illustration Clarity:
High (diagrams, photos, line drawings)
Binding:
Stitched and Glued (typical for factory manuals)
Durability:
Designed for workshop use
Paper Quality:
Matte finish to reduce glare
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Flat-Four (Boxer)
Bore X Stroke Mm:
92.0 x 80.0
Valvetrain:
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder (EJ22), DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (EJ20 variants)
Horsepower Hp:
110-135 hp (depending on specific US market variant)
Torque Lb-Ft:
120-130 lb-ft (depending on specific US market variant)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Octane Rating:
87 (minimum)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not rated or 3-star (early model, limited testing protocols)
IIHS Side Impact:
Not rated
ABS:
Optional on many trims, standard on some higher trims
AWD:
Standard, provides enhanced traction and stability
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts
Crumple Zones:
Front and rear designed for energy absorption
Oil Change Miles:
3,750 - 7,500 (depending on oil type and driving conditions)
Oil Filter Replacement:
At every oil change
Engine Air Filter Replacement Miles:
15,000 - 30,000
Transmission Fluid Change Miles:
30,000 - 60,000 (depending on usage)
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
30,000 - 60,000 (depending on plug type)
Coolant Flush Miles:
30,000 - 60,000
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 (preferred), 10W-30
Engine Oil Capacity Qt:
4.4 (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Subaru Power Steering Fluid or Dexron II/III ATF
Head Gaskets:
Less common on EJ22 than EJ25, but still a potential failure point over time
Radiator:
Plastic tanks can degrade and leak
Clutch Wear:
Normal wear item, especially in performance-oriented driving
Suspension Bushings:
Can degrade and cause noise or imprecise handling
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets can seep over time
Subaru Identity:
Known for pioneering Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and horizontally-opposed (Boxer) engines
First Generation Debut:
Introduced in 1992 (Japan), 1994 (North America)
Generations Covered By Manual:
First Generation (GC/GF/GM)
Rally Heritage:
Foundation for the legendary Subaru Impreza WRX and WRC cars
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Production Span First Gen:
1992-2000
Car And Driver 10Best:
N/A for the 1994 model year specifically, though later generations earned this
Consumer Reports:
Mixed ratings for reliability in early years, improving over the generation
Epa Fuel Economy Mpg City Est:
22-25 (FWD variants, Manual)
Epa Fuel Economy Mpg Highway Est:
28-32 (FWD variants, Manual)