Vehicle Segment:
Compact Car / Sport Compact
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Ford Focus.
Standard AWD:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on most trims), a defining characteristic and major selling point.
Rally Heritage:
Strong association with World Rally Championship (WRC) success, particularly the WRX and STI variants, influencing the model's sporty image.
Practicality And Performance:
Balancing everyday usability with spirited performance, especially in turbocharged models.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, diagnostics, turbocharged (EJ20, EJ25) and naturally aspirated variants.
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission (5-speed), Automatic transmission (4-speed) service, overhaul, and diagnostics.
Drivetrain Systems:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials (front, center, rear), driveshafts, CV joints.
Suspension Systems:
Front and rear suspension, struts, springs, control arms, sway bars, wheel bearings.
Brake Systems:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system, brake fluid, bleeding procedures, parking brake.
Steering Systems:
Power steering system, steering rack, column, hydraulic pump.
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, central locking, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.
HVAC Systems:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, components, troubleshooting.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, bumpers, interior trim, seats, airbags.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures, component testing.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid change, differential fluid change, timing belt inspection/replacement.
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper replacement, starter motor replacement, alternator replacement, fuel pump replacement.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Step-by-step diagnostic charts for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds).
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications for all major electronic control units (ECUs).
Specifications Detail:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, and electrical values for all components.
Engine Code Na:
EJ253 (2.5L Naturally Aspirated)
Engine Code Turbo:
EJ205 (2.0L Turbocharged - WRX), EJ255 (2.5L Turbocharged - STI, some WRX models)
Displacement Na:
2.5 Liters (2457cc)
Horsepower Na:
Approx. 165-170 hp @ 5600-6000 rpm
Torque Na:
Approx. 166-170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Displacement Turbo:
2.0 Liters (1994cc) or 2.5 Liters (2457cc)
Horsepower Turbo:
Approx. 227-230 hp (EJ205 WRX), 300 hp (EJ257 STI - 2004-2007)
Torque Turbo:
Approx. 236 lb-ft (EJ205 WRX), 300 lb-ft (EJ257 STI)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended for turbo models)
Configuration:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer), 4-cylinder
NHTSA Front Impact:
Good (for the driver and front passenger in 2001-2002 models)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for earlier models)
Traction Control:
Available on some models, often integrated with AWD.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Standard on most trims)
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver and passenger), optional side airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe driving) or 7,500 miles/12 months (normal driving) - refer to manual for specifics based on engine/driving conditions.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended every 105,000 miles or 105 months for EJ253, and 105,000 miles for EJ205/EJ255/EJ257. Crucial to check manual for exact intervals.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 30 months for Subaru Super Coolant.
Engine Oil Specification:
API Service SG, SH, SJ, SL; SAE 5W-30 (check owner's manual for exact viscosity based on temperature).
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent with corrosion inhibitors suitable for aluminum engines.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil API GL-5 75W-90, or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Subaru ATF HP (High Performance) or Dexron III/Mercon compatible.
Differential Fluid:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil API GL-5 75W-90, or equivalent.
Head Gaskets:
While not as prevalent as in earlier generations, some EJ253 engines can still experience head gasket leaks. The EJ205 and EJ255/EJ257 are generally more robust in this regard.
Turbocharger Wear:
Turbochargers in WRX and STI models can be susceptible to wear if not properly maintained (e.g., regular oil changes, allowing turbo to cool down after hard driving).
Clutch Wear:
High-performance clutch in STI models can wear faster under aggressive driving conditions.
Suspension Components:
Bushings and ball joints can wear over time, particularly with spirited driving or on rough roads.
Subaru Heritage:
Subaru, a division of Fuji Heavy Industries, has a long history in aviation engineering and automotive manufacturing, known for its boxer engines and pioneering the use of AWD in passenger cars.
Second Gen Introduction:
The second generation Impreza (GD/GG) debuted in 2000 for the 2001 model year, significantly restyling the vehicle with a more rounded, aerodynamic profile and a widened track.
Model Updates:
Facelifted for the 2004 model year with revised styling (notably the 'bug eye' to 'hawk eye' front end), updated interior features, and suspension refinements.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan (Gunma Plant).
