🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Impreza

Model Generation:

First Generation (GC/GF/GM)

Model Years Covered:

1992, 1993, 1994, 1995

Chassis Codes:

GC (Sedan), GF (Wagon), GM (Coupe - introduced later)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Car / Small Family Car

Brand Perception:

Subaru Impreza is known for its rally heritage, standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability (on most trims), and durable engineering, appealing to enthusiasts and those seeking all-weather traction.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra, Mazda Protege.

Standard AWD:

Most Impreza models from this era featured Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard, a significant differentiator in its segment.

Engine Options:

Offered with reliable naturally aspirated boxer (flat) engines, known for their low center of gravity and smooth operation.

Durability Reputation:

The Impreza of this generation built a reputation for mechanical robustness and longevity when properly maintained.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

Estimated Page Count:

Over 1500 pages (typical for full workshop manuals of this era)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of all engine components, including block, heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing belt, and oil pump. Covers specific engine variants.

Engine Performance Tuning:

Information on engine specifications, performance data, and diagnostic procedures for identifying performance issues. May include basic tuning guidelines.

Fuel System:

Components such as fuel injectors, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, and evaporative emission control (EVAP) system. Includes diagnostic procedures and specifications.

Ignition System:

Spark plugs, ignition coils, ignition control module (ICM), distributor (if applicable), and related wiring. Troubleshooting ignition misfires and timing.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant reservoir, and fan operation. Diagnosis of overheating and coolant leaks.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, and oxygen sensors (O2 sensors). Repair and replacement procedures.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch operation, gearbox disassembly/assembly, gear shift linkage, and internal components. Fluid specifications and change intervals.

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, valve body, internal transmission components, transmission control unit (TCU), and planetary gear sets. Fluid specifications and diagnostic procedures.

Drivetrain AWD:

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, including center differential, viscous coupling unit (VCU), front and rear differentials, driveshafts, and CV joints. Maintenance and repair of AWD components.

Suspension System:

Front and rear suspension components including struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, ball joints, sway bars, and wheel bearings. Alignment specifications.

Steering System:

Steering rack, power steering pump, steering column, and linkages. Fluid types, bleeding procedures, and common wear items.

Brake System:

Front and rear brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake lines, master cylinder, and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components if equipped. Bleeding procedures and specifications.

Electrical System Charging:

Alternator, voltage regulator, battery, and related wiring. Testing and troubleshooting charging system faults.

Electrical System Starting:

Starter motor, starter solenoid, and ignition switch. Diagnosis of starting system problems.

Lighting System:

Headlights, taillights, interior lights, fog lights, and related switches and relays. Bulb types and replacement procedures.

Instrumentation Gauges:

Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, warning lights, and related sensors. Troubleshooting gauge malfunctions.

Body Interior:

Door panels, dashboard, seating, trim pieces, and seatbelts. Removal and installation procedures for interior components.

Body Exterior:

Body panels, bumpers, doors, hood, trunk, fenders, glass, and seals. Repair and adjustment procedures.

HVAC System:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system components including compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, and climate controls. Refrigerant types and charging procedures.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (if equipped), seatbelt pre-tensioners, and ABS system diagnostics. Safety component inspection and replacement guidelines.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, and tire rotations. Detailed instructions for each task.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex vehicle problems, often presented in a flow-chart format or symptom-based guide.

Component Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for the removal, repair, reassembly, and installation of virtually every mechanical and electrical component.

Engine Rebuild:

Complete guides for engine disassembly, inspection of critical wear surfaces, machining specifications, and reassembly of engine short-blocks and long-blocks.

Transmission Overhaul:

Detailed instructions for the complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of both manual and automatic transmissions.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams, component location charts, connector pin-outs, and testing procedures for electrical circuits and modules.

Body Repair:

Procedures for dent repair, panel replacement, welding, and alignment of body panels. May include information on frame straightening.

HVAC Service:

Refrigerant handling, leak detection, component replacement (compressor, evaporator, condenser), and flushing procedures for the AC system.

Brake Bleeding:

Proper procedures for bleeding hydraulic brake systems, including ABS-equipped vehicles.

Wheel Alignment:

Specifications for camber, caster, toe, and thrust angles for front and rear wheels, along with procedures for adjustment.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostic procedures, including interpretation of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if the vehicle is OBD-II compliant or uses earlier diagnostic systems.

Technical Specifications:

Comprehensive specifications for all major components, including torque values, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, pressures, and electrical resistance/voltage values.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed and organized wiring schematics for all electrical systems, crucial for troubleshooting electrical faults.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of any specialized tools required for specific repairs or adjustments.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing quick access to information.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams, ensuring clarity for visual instructions.

Digital Format:

N/A (Digital Download)

Digital Format:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Common:

EJ18, EJ20, EJ22

Engine Type:

Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-Cylinder

Displacement Common:

1.8L (1781 cc), 2.0L (1994 cc), 2.2L (2212 cc)

Valvetrain:

SOHC or DOHC, 16 valves (depending on engine variant)

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 100 HP to 140 HP (depending on engine and market)

Torque Range:

Approximately 110 lb-ft to 130 lb-ft (depending on engine and market)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating as per owner's manual/manual)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

AWD System:

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with viscous coupling center differential (Active AWD on some automatic transmissions).

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

2-Door Coupe (later), 4-Door Sedan, 5-Door Wagon

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 2500 - 3000 lbs (depending on body style and equipment)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test History:

Safety ratings from this era can vary. Consult specific government databases (e.g., NHTSA in the US) for available data for these model years.

ABS Availability:

Optional on some trims, standard on higher performance or luxury variants.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag was standard on most models. Passenger airbag availability varied by trim and region.

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts. Some models may have pre-tensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player on higher trims or as an upgrade. Speaker configurations vary by trim level.

ABS:

Available as an option, particularly on higher trims, enhancing braking control during emergency stops.

Connectivity Features:

Minimal by modern standards. Primarily focused on standard automotive functions rather than advanced digital connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Consult manual for exact recommendation.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical maintenance item. Usually recommended every 60,000-100,000 miles or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. Manual will specify interval and procedure.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Typically every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type:

10W-30 or 5W-30 synthetic or conventional oil (check manual for exact viscosity and API service rating).

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity typically 75W-90 or 80W-90. Check manual for exact specification.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Subaru ATF (Dexron III compatible or specified Subaru fluid). Check manual for exact type and capacity.

Power Steering Fluid:

Subaru power steering fluid or Dexron III ATF. Check manual.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Head Gaskets:

While not as prevalent as in later generations, early EJ engines can be susceptible to head gasket leaks. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.

Clutch Wear:

Normal wear item, particularly with manual transmissions. Manual covers clutch inspection and replacement.

Suspension Bushings:

Rubber bushings in control arms and sway bars can degrade over time, leading to noise and poor handling. Manual details replacement.

Radiator And Hoses:

Aging rubber components can fail. The manual provides part numbers and replacement guidance.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Identity:

Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), is renowned for its expertise in All-Wheel Drive technology and its distinctive horizontally opposed 'Boxer' engines.

Impreza Introduction:

The Impreza was introduced globally in 1992 as a successor to the Subaru Leone, aiming to compete in the growing compact car segment with an emphasis on performance and all-weather capability.

First Generation Era:

The first generation (GC/GF/GM) ran from 1992 to 2000, with this manual covering the initial 1992-1995 phase. This period established the Impreza's identity.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan, with some assembly in other regions for specific markets.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Performance Awards:

The Impreza WRX (though not explicitly mentioned for these base models, it's part of the lineage) and rally heritage have garnered significant recognition in motorsport, which indirectly benefits the model's reputation for engineering.