๐ท๏ธ Basic Information
Model Variant:
Impreza L, Outback Sport, 2.5 RS (second-generation GC/GF chassis)
Production Years Covered:
1999-2000 model years
Body Styles:
2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, 4-door wagon
Target Audience:
Compact car buyers seeking all-wheel-drive traction, plus enthusiasts drawn to the 2.5 RS performance variant
Competitive Advantage:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive at a price point where most rivals offered front-wheel drive only
Key Features:
Horizontally opposed boxer engine, low center of gravity, fully independent suspension, rugged rally-derived chassis
Segment:
Compact / entry-level sedan and wagon
Rivals:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Mazda Protege
Coverage Areas:
Complete vehicle: engine, transmission, driveline, suspension, brakes, steering, body, electrical, HVAC
Manual Type:
Factory workshop / repair manual (service manual)
Delivery:
Instant digital download
Engine:
EJ18 and EJ22 SOHC engines, EJ25 DOHC on 2.5 RS: removal, overhaul, timing, cooling, lubrication
Fuel and Emissions:
MPFI fuel injection, sensors, evaporative emissions, on-board diagnostics (OBD-II)
Transmission:
5-speed manual and 4EAT automatic: disassembly, geartrain, clutch, CV joints
Driveline:
Symmetrical AWD system, center differential, viscous coupling, front and rear differentials
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link, alignment specifications
Brakes:
Disc/drum systems, ABS, master cylinder, booster, pad and rotor service
Steering:
Rack and pinion, power steering system
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, starting and charging systems, lighting, gauges, body electrical
HVAC:
Heater core, air conditioning system, blower and controls
Body:
Panel replacement, bumpers, doors, glass, interior trim, wipers and washers
Diagnostic Procedures:
Fault code retrieval and troubleshooting charts for engine, transmission, ABS, and SRS
Scheduled Maintenance:
Complete service interval procedures and specifications
Torque Specifications:
Fastener torque values throughout all chapters
Special Tools:
Listed where factory tools are required
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete circuit diagrams for all systems
Depth Level:
Professional technician level; also usable by experienced DIY owners
Step Detail:
Exploded views, step-by-step disassembly/reassembly, inspection and measurement limits
Specifications Tables:
Included in every service chapter
Parts Lists:
Component part numbers and names where given in the factory manual
Torque Data:
Fastener specifications provided per procedure
๐ Manual Specifications
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android โ any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A โ digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A โ digital download, no physical paper
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine:
2.2L EJ22 SOHC horizontally opposed 4-cylinder (L and Outback Sport)
Optional Engine:
2.5L EJ25 DOHC horizontally opposed 4-cylinder (2.5 RS)
Valvetrain:
SOHC 16-valve (EJ22); DOHC 16-valve (EJ25)
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 9.5:1 (EJ22); 10.0:1 (EJ25)
Cooling:
Liquid-cooled with radiator and electric fan
EJ22 Output:
Approximately 115 hp
EJ25 Output:
Approximately 165 hp
Fuel System:
Multi-point sequential fuel injection (MPFI)
Fuel Requirement:
Regular unleaded, 87 octane minimum
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 13.7 gallons (52 L)
Emissions Certification:
OBD-II compliant
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual with full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Optional Transmission:
4-speed electronic automatic (4EAT) with AWD
Clutch:
Single dry-plate, hydraulically actuated (manual)
Differential Features:
Viscous-type center differential; limited-slip rear differential on select 2.5 RS models
Final Drive:
Per model, specified in manual driveline chapter
Transmission Fluid:
Manual gear oil GL-5; automatic Dexron-type ATF per manual specification
Wheelbase:
Approximately 99.2 in (2,520 mm)
Length:
Approximately 172-174 in depending on body style
Width:
Approximately 66.5 in (1,690 mm)
Height:
Approximately 55-56 in depending on body style
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2,690-2,890 lb depending on model and transmission
GVWR:
N/A - see manual specification chapter for exact rating
Airbags:
Dual front airbags (driver and front passenger)
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point emergency locking retractor seatbelts with height-adjustable shoulder anchors
ABS:
4-wheel anti-lock braking system (optional on many trims)
Child Restraint:
Rear seat child restraint anchors/tether provisions
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A - era-era IIHS/NHTSA data not listed in this manual
Traction Aid:
Full-time AWD as standard, a major active-safety advantage in its class
Audio System:
AM/FM cassette head unit with optional CD player; 4 speakers typical
Air Conditioning:
Optional manual climate control
Power Accessories:
Optional power windows, door locks, and mirrors
Cruise Control:
Available on upper trims
Driver Assistance:
None - pre-modern ADAS era; no electronic driver-assistance systems fitted
Instrumentation:
Analog gauge cluster with odometer and warning indicators
Oil and Filter:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (severe duty); manual lists normal/severe schedules
Air Filter:
Inspect regularly; replace per interval schedule
Spark Plugs:
Replace per scheduled interval (30,000 miles typical)
Coolant:
Replace at scheduled long-life interval, then every 2-3 years
Timing Belt:
EJ25 2.5 RS: replace at approximately 105,000-mile interval
Fluid Inspections:
Brake, transmission, and differential fluid checks at every service
Engine Oil:
API SJ or better; viscosity per temperature chart (5W-30 typical)
Coolant:
Subaru genuine long-life coolant
Manual Trans / Diff Oil:
GL-5 gear oil, viscosity per manual
Automatic Trans Fluid:
ATF per 4EAT specification in manual
Common Wear Items:
Front strut mounts, CV boots, wheel bearings, exhaust components
Known Concern:
EJ25 head gasket service is a documented item on this generation - covered in engine chapter
Rust Areas:
Rear wheel arches and underbody seams in salt-belt vehicles
Manufacturer:
Subaru (Fuji Heavy Industries, Japan)
Brand Heritage:
Subaru pioneered mass-production all-wheel-drive passenger cars and boxer engines from the 1970s onward
Model Evolution:
Impreza introduced in 1992 as replacement for the Leone/DL/GL; second generation (this manual's GC chassis) launched 1993; 1999-2000 represent late first-generation years with the 2.5 RS leading the lineup
Production Location:
Gunma, Japan
Motorsport Link:
Subaru's WRC rally success with the Impreza directly shaped the 2.5 RS's market appeal
๐ Awards & Recognition
Rally Pedigree:
Subaru Impreza WRC cars won multiple World Rally Championship manufacturers' titles in the late 1990s
2.5 RS:
Regarded as an affordable AWD performance icon of its era among enthusiasts
Consumer Recognition:
Consistently praised in its class for standard all-wheel drive and durability
Formal Awards:
N/A - no formal awards listed for this specific model era