🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Impreza

Year:

1996-2001

Generation:

First Generation (GC/GF/GM chassis)

Chassis Codes:

GC (2-door coupe), GF (4-door sedan), GM (Wagon/Outback Sport)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1996-2001 Subaru Impreza represented Subaru's entry into the compact performance sedan and wagon market, competing with vehicles like the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (though not all variants were directly comparable in performance on USDM models) and the Honda Civic Si.

Competition:

Competed against models like the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Nissan Sentra SE-R, and Honda Civic Si. The Impreza distinguished itself with its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system on many trims, offering superior traction and handling.

Distinguishing Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (on most models), boxer engine layout, rally-inspired design, available turbocharged WRX models (outside North America, but relevant to the platform's heritage).

Value Proposition:

This manual is essential for owners and technicians looking to perform maintenance, repairs, and diagnostics on this generation of Subaru Impreza. It provides factory-accurate procedures and specifications, crucial for preserving vehicle integrity and performance.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

All mechanical systems, electrical systems, body and chassis, maintenance, diagnostics, troubleshooting, and repair procedures for all 1996-2001 Subaru Impreza models.

Pages:

Estimated 2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual (Factory Service Manual)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF), Printable

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing belt, lubrication system, cooling system.

Engine Management:

Fuel injection system (MPI), ignition system, engine control module (ECM), emissions control systems (EVAP, EGR).

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission (5-speed), clutch system, gear shift mechanism, removal and installation.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission (4-speed), torque converter, valve body, removal and installation.

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, front and rear differentials, drive shafts, CV joints, hub bearings.

Suspension:

Front struts, rear struts, control arms, bushings, anti-roll bars, coil springs.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering rack, tie rod ends.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system (if equipped), brake lines, master cylinder, brake calipers, parking brake.

Electrical Engine:

Starter motor, alternator, battery, ignition coil, spark plug wires, sensor wiring.

Electrical Body:

Lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power locks, mirrors, wiper system, horn, power antenna.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control unit, refrigerant system.

Bodywork:

Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, bumpers, doors, hood, trunk/tailgate, glass replacement.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), spark plug replacement, belt replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle components, torque specifications, alignment procedures.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostic procedures, sensor testing, component testing using multimeters and oscilloscopes.

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF, offering searchability and bookmarking features.

Printability:

Designed for printing, with clear illustrations and legible text.

Binding:

N/A (for digital format); if printed, likely spiral-bound or professionally bound for ease of use in a workshop.

Paper Quality:

N/A (for digital format); original factory manuals often used durable paper stock for workshop environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code And Type:

EJ22 (2.2L SOHC), EJ25D (2.5L DOHC - early models), EJ251/EJ253 (2.5L SOHC - later models). Naturally Aspirated boxer engines.

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 135-142 hp for non-turbocharged models, up to 210 hp for WRX variants (North American models typically did not receive the WRX or STI until later generations, but the platform existed globally).

Torque Range:

Approximately 140-145 lb-ft for non-turbocharged models.

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Bore X Stroke:

EJ22: 96.9 mm x 75.0 mm; EJ25D: 99.5 mm x 79.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

EJ22: 9.5:1; EJ25D: 10.0:1

Firing Order:

1-3-2-4

Valve Actuation:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) on EJ22 and later EJ25 variants, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) on EJ25D.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

AWD System Type:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent (Dexron II/III compatible).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 99.9 inches (2535 mm)

Length:

Approximately 170.0 - 172.4 inches (4318 - 4379 mm) depending on body style.

Width:

Approximately 66.7 inches (1694 mm)

Height:

Approximately 54.5 - 55.1 inches (1384 - 1400 mm) depending on body style.

Curb Weight:

Approximately 2700 - 3000 lbs (1225 - 1360 kg) depending on trim and drivetrain.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4-star rating (driver), 4-star rating (passenger) for models with driver-side airbag.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on many trims.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard on most models from 1997 onwards. Passenger airbag optional or standard on later models.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed radio/cassette player, with optional CD player. Basic analog controls.

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trims and as an option.

Auxiliary Input:

Not present in factory systems; aftermarket solutions required.

Immobilizer:

Typically not equipped with a factory immobilizer system in this generation for North American markets.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for specific recommendations.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) or 5-7 years. Critical for EJ engines to prevent catastrophic failure.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, viscosity SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for ambient temperature suitability).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change for 2.2L/2.5L engines.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically blue or green Subaru Super Coolant.

Head Gaskets:

Common issue, particularly on EJ25D DOHC engines. Look for coolant leaks, oil-coolant mixing, and white smoke from exhaust. Manual provides procedures for diagnosis and replacement.

Timing Belt Tensioner:

Tensioner failure can lead to premature belt failure. Manual details replacement procedures and the importance of using quality replacement parts.

Oil Leaks:

Leaking valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and front/rear main seals are common due to age and mileage. Manual details gasket replacement.

Cv Axle Boots:

Torn CV axle boots can lead to loss of grease and CV joint damage, especially with AWD systems. Manual covers inspection and replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Heritage:

Subaru, part of the Fuji Heavy Industries group, has a long history of producing reliable vehicles, particularly known for their boxer engines and All-Wheel Drive systems, stemming from their aerospace engineering roots.

First Generation Launch:

The first generation Impreza (GC/GF/GM) was launched in 1992 in Japan and 1995 in North America, replacing the Subaru Leone. It was available as a 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, and 5-door wagon.

Performance Variants:

This generation saw the introduction of performance variants like the WRX and WRX STI globally, which gained a significant following in motorsport (World Rally Championship) and enthusiast communities. North American models primarily received naturally aspirated engines, with the turbocharged WRX arriving later.

Production Years:

1992-2001 (Globally); 1995-2001 (North America).

Manufacturing Plants:

Primary manufacturing in Gunma, Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorsport Heritage:

The Impreza platform is renowned for its success in the World Rally Championship (WRC), with Colin McRae and Richard Burns winning championships for Subaru in the late 1990s and early 2000s, significantly boosting the model's reputation for performance and durability.

Consumer Reports History:

Consumer Reports ratings for this generation were mixed, often citing reliability concerns primarily related to the EJ25D engine head gaskets, while praising its AWD capabilities and handling.