Market Segment:
Compact/Subcompact Sedan and Wagon, known for its AWD capabilities and rally heritage.
Key Competitors Era:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer, Ford Escort, Nissan Sentra.
Distinctive Features:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on most models), horizontally opposed Boxer engine, durable construction, affordable performance.
Primary Coverage:
Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 1500-2500 (typical for FSM of this era)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM)
Format:
PDF (Digital Download)
Operating Systems:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, drivetrain (FWD/AWD).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS if equipped), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, ECUs, wiring harnesses, troubleshooting.
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid level checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation, electrical troubleshooting guides.
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed repair and overhaul procedures for major components like engine, transmission, differentials, suspension, brakes, steering.
Specifications Procedures:
Torque specifications, alignment specifications, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, testing procedures.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagrams and schematics.
Manual Purpose:
Designed for certified technicians and experienced DIY mechanics, providing in-depth information for all repair and maintenance tasks.
Searchability:
Likely searchable text within the PDF, common for scanned FSMs.
Print Quality:
Digital (Printable). Quality depends on the original scan, but typically clear enough for professional use.
Binding Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Paper Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Engine Code Variants:
EJ18 (1.8L), EJ20 (2.0L, including turbocharged variants in performance models like GT/GTS/WRX STi for specific markets)
1.8L Naturally Aspirated Hp:
~110-115 HP @ 5600-6000 RPM
1.8L Naturally Aspirated Torque:
~115-120 lb-ft @ 4000-4400 RPM
2.0L Turbocharged Ej20G Hp:
~217-250 HP (depending on specific market and trim, e.g., WRX, STi)
2.0L Turbocharged Ej20G Torque:
~200-240 lb-ft (depending on specific market and trim)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Layout:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer)
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor-type ignition (depending on engine variant)
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual
Optional Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard on most models, Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) on select base models.
AWD System Type:
Viscous coupling center differential (VC) or Active Torque Split AWD (ATS) for automatics.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2530 mm (99.6 in)
Length:
Approx. 4350 mm (171.3 in) (Sedan), 4390 mm (172.8 in) (Wagon)
Width:
Approx. 1690 mm (66.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1400 mm (55.1 in) (Sedan), 1470 mm (57.9 in) (Wagon)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1180-1400 kg (2600-3100 lbs) depending on configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 1700-1900 kg (3750-4200 lbs).
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Not rated or Poor for this era (typical for many vehicles of the time).
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Not rated or Poor for this era.
Anti Lock Braking System:
Optional on some trims, standard on higher performance models.
Airbags:
Driver's airbag typically standard, passenger airbag optional or unavailable depending on market and trim.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants, 3-point rear seat belts.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system not standard, likely relies on seat belt installation.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player available on some higher trims.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, and engine temperature. Warning lights for various systems.
Cruise Control:
Optional on many trims, standard on higher-end models.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era, no Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Auxiliary input for cassette adapters may be present.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial: Recommended every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km) or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) depending on plug type (copper, platinum).
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or SG rated, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended. Check manual for specific ambient temperature ranges.
Coolant Type:
Subaru recommends a 50/50 mix of distilled water and Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. Avoid mixing coolant types.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Subaru ATF HP or equivalent Dexron II/III type fluid.
Differential Fluid Front Rear:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
Head Gaskets:
While more prevalent in later EJ25 engines, early EJ18/EJ20 engines can also develop head gasket leaks. Monitor for coolant loss and milky oil.
Oil Leaks:
Common leak points include valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and front/rear main seals.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged over time, especially if the engine has been burning oil. Leads to reduced power and poor fuel economy.
Clutch Wear:
Clutches on manual transmissions can wear out with age and driving style.
Oxygen Sensors:
Oxygen sensors can fail, leading to check engine lights and poor fuel efficiency.
Subaru Motorsports Legacy:
Subaru has a strong rally heritage, particularly with the Impreza WRX and WRX STi, dating back to this generation's racing success.
First Generation Gc8 Gf8:
This period (1993-1996) marks the first generation of the Subaru Impreza, codenamed GC8 for sedans and GF8 for wagons.
Styling Updates:
Minor styling updates occurred during this generation, with facelifted versions typically appearing around 1995/1996.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan.
Car And Driver 10Best:
The Subaru Impreza (particularly the WRX variants for later years) has been a frequent recipient of '10Best' lists, recognizing its performance and value.
IIHS Crash Test Ratings:
Vehicle safety ratings from this era, especially from IIHS, are not directly comparable to modern standards. Expect Good or Acceptable ratings in tests available at the time.
