Segment:
Compact Car / Small Family Car
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, fleet owners, previous Subaru owners
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda Protegé, Nissan Sentra, Mitsubishi Lancer
Vehicle Selling Points:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on most trims), robust engine options, rally heritage, practical interior, durable build
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for maintaining and repairing the first generation Subaru Impreza, enabling cost savings and extended vehicle life.
Engine:
All engine variants (Naturally Aspirated and Turbocharged) including EA82, EJ15, EJ16, EJ18, EJ20 (Naturally Aspirated and Turbocharged - EJ20G, EJ20K), EJ22
Transmission:
Manual Transmissions (5-speed), Automatic Transmissions (4-speed)
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials, driveshafts, CV joints
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, Rear multi-link suspension, anti-roll bars, bushings
Brakes:
Front ventilated discs, Rear solid discs (or drums on some base models), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake
Steering:
Power assisted rack and pinion
Fuel System:
Fuel injection (MPI), fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, lines
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant, thermostat, water pump, hoses
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, ignition system, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system components and service
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, glass, seats, trim, dashboard
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting for engine, transmission, electrical, and other systems
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, electrical component repair, body panel repair
Diagnostics:
OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics) procedures, error code retrieval and interpretation
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine timing procedures, diagnostic parameters
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical system diagnostics and bodywork
Engine Code Popular Na:
EJ16, EJ18, EJ22
Engine Code Popular Turbo:
EJ20G (WRX/STI variants)
Ej16 Displacement:
1.6 Liters (1597 cc)
Ej18 Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1781 cc)
Ej22 Displacement:
2.2 Liters (2212 cc)
Ej20G Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1994 cc) Turbocharged
Ej22 Horsepower:
Approx. 135 hp @ 5600 rpm
Ej22 Torque:
Approx. 140 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Ej20G Horsepower:
Approx. 205-237 hp (depending on specific WRX/STI variant and market)
Ej20G Torque:
Approx. 190-244 lb-ft (depending on specific WRX/STI variant and market)
Injection Type:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane for NA, 91+ octane recommended for Turbo)
Cylinder Configuration:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer)
Timing Drive:
Timing Belt (requiring replacement at specified intervals)
Length:
Approx. 4330-4340 mm (170.5-170.9 in) - Sedan / Wagon variations
Width:
Approx. 1690-1705 mm (66.5-67.1 in)
Height:
Approx. 1405-1455 mm (55.3-57.3 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2520 mm (99.2 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1200-1450 kg (2645-3197 lbs) - depending on trim and drivetrain
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, consult specific vehicle sticker
NHTSA Ratings:
Not widely tested by NHTSA during this era for comprehensive scores as we see today. However, known for robust chassis construction.
ABS:
Available on higher trims or as an option (4-wheel ABS)
AWD:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive contributes to enhanced traction and stability
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags standard on most models
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts
Child Anchors:
LATCH system not standard, manual installation for child seats recommended
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months (whichever comes first) under normal driving conditions. Severe driving may require shorter intervals.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended replacement every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years. Critical on EJ engines.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard spark plugs, or 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs if equipped.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Engine Oil Capacity Ej22:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for specific climate recommendations)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or a quality ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Do not mix colors.
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent than on later EJ25 engines, early EJ series engines can still experience head gasket leaks, especially if overheated. The manual provides diagnostic and repair procedures.
Timing Belt Tensioner:
Potential failure of the hydraulic timing belt tensioner on some EJ engines. The manual details inspection and replacement.
Oil Leaks:
Common areas for oil leaks include valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and front crankshaft seals. Manual covers seal replacement.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corroded grounds, aging wiring harnesses, and failing sensors can cause intermittent electrical issues. The detailed wiring diagrams in the manual are crucial.
Subaru Legacy:
The Impreza was introduced as Subaru's compact offering, building on the AWD reputation established by the Subaru Leone and later the Subaru Legacy.
First Generation Launch:
Introduced in 1992, replacing the Subaru Justy in some markets and establishing a new model line.
Body Styles:
Offered as a 2-door Coupe, 4-door Sedan, and a 5-door Station Wagon (often referred to as the 'Sport Wagon').
Performance Variants:
Introduction of the WRX (World Rally Cross) model in 1992, setting the stage for its legendary motorsport status.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan (Gunma Prefecture)
