Segment:
Compact/Small Family Car, Rally Sport Heritage
Key Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3
Drivetrain Advantage:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) across most trims
Performance Variants:
Availability of turbocharged WRX and STI models
Design Philosophy:
Practicality, safety, and performance, with rally-inspired DNA
Engine Management:
ECU, sensors, actuators, fuel injection, ignition timing
Powertrain Control:
Engine, transmission, AWD system integration
Chassis Systems:
Suspension, steering, brakes (including ABS), wheel bearings
Body Electrical:
Lighting, wipers, power accessories, central locking, alarm system
Interior Systems:
Climate control, airbags, seat belts, instrument cluster, audio systems
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks/changes
Component Diagnostics:
Step-by-step troubleshooting for all major systems
Component Removal And Installation:
Detailed instructions for disassembling and reassembling all parts
Rebuilding Procedures:
Engine, transmission, and differential rebuilding guides
Alignment And Balancing:
Wheel alignment specifications and procedures
Air Conditioning Service:
Refrigerant handling, leak detection, component replacement
Diagnostic Trouble Codes:
Definition and troubleshooting steps for OBD-II codes
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds)
Diagnostics Level:
Advanced electronic diagnostics, including sensor data analysis
Repair Complexity:
Suitable for both novice DIYers and experienced technicians
Engine Code Na:
EJ251 (2.5L Naturally Aspirated)
Engine Displacement Na:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Engine Configuration Na:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder
Bore X Stroke Na:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Compression Ratio Na:
9.7:1
Horsepower Na:
165 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)
Torque Na:
166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Engine Code Wrx:
EJ255 (2.5L Turbocharged)
Horsepower Wrx:
227 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)
Torque Wrx:
235 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (approx.)
Engine Code Sti:
EJ257 (2.5L Turbocharged - DOHC)
Horsepower Sti:
300 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque Sti:
300 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane (NA), 91+ Octane (Turbocharged WRX/STI)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent
Length:
173.4 - 174.6 inches (depending on model)
Height:
56.1 inches (Sedan) / 55.1 inches (Wagon)
Ground Clearance:
5.7 - 6.1 inches (depending on model)
Curb Weight Na:
~2900 - 3100 lbs (depending on body style/transmission)
Curb Weight Wrx:
~3100 - 3200 lbs
Curb Weight Sti:
~3200 - 3300 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended/Specified
Trunk Volume Sedan:
~11.4 cu ft
Cargo Volume Wagon:
~29.8 cu ft (behind rear seats)
NHTSA Front Driver:
Good (2004 Model Year)
NHTSA Front Passenger:
Good (2004 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Driver:
Good (2004 Model Year - with side airbags)
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger:
Good (2004 Model Year - with side airbags)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (without side airbags) / Good (with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard on all trims
Traction Control:
Available on some trims
Electronic Stability Control:
Not widely available on this generation
Airbags Front:
Standard Dual Front SRS Airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional Front Side-Impact Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player with optional CD changer. Basic speaker setup.
Navigation:
Not available on most trims. Aftermarket solutions were common.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Keyless Entry:
Available on higher trims
Auxiliary Input:
Typically not standard. Requires aftermarket modification.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe conditions) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal conditions), check manual for specifics.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (Iridium plugs)
Timing Belt Replacement:
105,000 miles or 105 months (critical for EJ engines)
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 (API SJ or higher, ILSAC GF-3)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Subaru ATF-HP or Dexron III compatible
Differential Fluid Front:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil
Differential Fluid Rear:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Head Gaskets:
Common on EJ25 engines, particularly earlier models. Manual provides repair procedures.
Clutch Wear:
Can be accelerated with aggressive driving, especially on WRX/STI models.
Turbo Failure:
Potential on WRX/STI if maintenance intervals are neglected or oil starvation occurs.
Rust:
Can affect wheel wells, rocker panels, and rear quarter panels in rust-belt regions.
Subaru Focus:
All-Wheel Drive and Boxer engines since its inception
Rally Dominance:
Strong association with World Rally Championship (WRC) success
Generation Introduction:
Second Generation (2002-2007)
Design Change:
Significant styling update from the first generation, moving away from classic rally car proportions.
Engine Development:
Introduction of the EJ255 and EJ257 turbocharged engines for WRX/STI models.
Manufacturing Plant:
Gunma Manufacturing Plant, Japan
Production Years:
2002-2007