🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Impreza

Model Generation:

First Generation (GC/GF/GM)

Model Years Covered:

1997, 1998

Chassis Codes:

GC (2-door coupe), GF (4-door sedan), GM (station wagon)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact car, known for rally heritage and All-Wheel Drive capability

Key Selling Points:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on most US models), robust Boxer engines, nimble handling, practical hatchback and sedan/wagon configurations

Competitors 1997-1998:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda Protege, Mitsubishi Mirage, Nissan Sentra

Performance Variants:

Base (RS, LS), Outback Sport (raised suspension, unique styling), WRX (turbocharged, performance-oriented - predominantly international market, but important to Impreza history)

Drivetrain Emphasis:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides exceptional traction and stability in various conditions

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

Page Count:

Extensive (typically 1000+ pages for full factory documentation)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

EJ22, EJ25 (including SOHC and DOHC variants), turbocharger systems (for WRX models, though potentially not extensively detailed for US market in base manual)

Transmission:

Manual (5-speed), Automatic (4-speed), all-wheel-drive (AWD) system specifics

Brakes:

Front disc, Rear disc (vented for some models), ABS system diagnostics and repair

Suspension:

MacPherson strut front, Multi-link rear, component replacement, alignment specifications

Steering:

Power-assisted rack and pinion, hydraulic system service

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnostic procedures, fuse box layouts, charging system, ignition system

Body:

Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, glass replacement, chassis specifications

HVAC:

Air conditioning system service, heater core replacement, blower motor diagnostics

Fuel:

Fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, lines, emission control systems

Cooling:

Radiator, hoses, thermostat, water pump, coolant specifications

Exhaust:

Catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipe replacement

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting flowcharts, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-I/OBD-II code interpretation (depending on specific model year features)

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal, electrical component repair

Adjustment:

Valve clearance adjustment, parking brake adjustment, clutch adjustment

Installation:

Component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, clutch assembly), sensor replacement

Depth:

Comprehensive (covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, detailed electrical schematics, and body repair procedures)

Special Tools:

Identification of necessary Subaru special tools for specific procedures

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners and components

Clearances:

Precise specifications for bearing clearances, piston ring gaps, valve lash, etc.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Full text searchable for quick information retrieval

Printability:

Printable for use in workshop environments

Resolution:

High resolution for clear diagrams and text

Diagrams:

Detailed exploded views, wiring diagrams, and schematic illustrations

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Usdm Base:

EJ22E

Engine Type Usdm Base:

2.2L SOHC 16-valve Boxer-4

Engine Code Usdm Optional:

EJ25D (early models), EJ251 (later in generation, less common for '97/'98)

Engine Type Usdm Optional:

2.5L DOHC 16-valve Boxer-4 (EJ25D, known for head gasket issues in early iterations)

Engine Displacement Metric:

2212 cc (EJ22E), 2457 cc (EJ25D)

Horsepower Ej22E:

110 hp @ 5000 rpm (approx.)

Torque Ej22E:

130 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)

Horsepower Ej25D:

165 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)

Torque Ej25D:

162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-point injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended)

Emission Controls:

Catalytic converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Drivetrain:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Standard on most US models)

Clutch Type:

Dry single plate (Manual)

Fluid Type Manual:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil

Fluid Type Automatic:

Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent (check specific owner's manual for exact spec)

Differential Type:

Front: Open, Rear: Open (some higher performance models may have limited-slip differentials, check specific trim)

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan:

Approx. 175.8 inches (4465 mm)

Width Sedan:

Approx. 67.5 inches (1715 mm)

Height Sedan:

Approx. 55.1 inches (1400 mm)

Wheelbase Sedan:

Approx. 100.4 inches (2550 mm)

Cargo Volume Sedan:

Approx. 11.4 cu ft (323 L)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 2700-2850 lbs (1225-1293 kg)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approx. 2800-2950 lbs (1270-1338 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model and configuration, consult specific vehicle documentation

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver Rollover:

4/5 Stars (for sedan models)

NHTSA Front Passenger Rollover:

4/5 Stars (for sedan models)

ABS:

Standard on most higher trim levels and optional on others

AWD Stability:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive contributes to active safety through enhanced traction

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners (front)

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system not standard on this generation; typically relies on seatbelt installation for child seats

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim.

Dashboard Controls:

Basic climate controls, analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and engine temperature. No digital displays or touchscreens.

ABS Availability:

Anti-lock Braking System was optional or standard depending on trim level for these years.

Traction Control:

Traction control systems were not commonly available on this generation Impreza in the US market. The AWD system provided the primary traction advantage.

Connectivity Features:

No Bluetooth, USB, or other modern connectivity features. Relies on aftermarket solutions for audio streaming or hands-free calling.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe driving) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal driving). Consult specific manual for details.

Engine Oil Filter:

Replace at every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Platinum-tipped spark plugs typically last 60,000 miles. Check specific plug type for interval.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Timing Belt Replacement:

This generation uses a timing *belt*. Replacement is critical, typically around 90,000-100,000 miles. Failure can cause severe engine damage. The manual will detail the procedure.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.2 US quarts (4.0 L) with filter for EJ22E; 4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) for EJ25D. Check manual for exact capacity.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

10W-30 or 5W-30 synthetic recommended, depending on climate. Consult manual.

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent (blue colored, P-AT based) - 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific recommendation)

Ej25D Head Gaskets:

The DOHC EJ25 engine (EJ25D) in early models is known for susceptible head gasket failures, often due to the original multi-layer steel (MLS) design. The manual will provide procedures for replacement, and this is a common repair for owners.

Automatic Transmission Life:

Some automatic transmissions may experience premature wear if not serviced regularly, especially under heavy use. Regular fluid changes are crucial.

Radiator Leaks:

Aging radiators can develop leaks, particularly at the plastic end tanks.

Cv Axle Boots:

Torn CV axle boots are a common wear item, leading to joint damage if not addressed promptly.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Identity:

Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), is renowned for its horizontally opposed Boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems, stemming from its aerospace engineering roots.

First Generation Launch:

The first-generation Impreza (GC/GF/GM) was introduced globally in late 1992 and for the US market in 1995, replacing the Subaru Legacy compact sedan. It established Subaru's presence in the compact segment.

Rally Motorsport:

This generation, particularly the WRX and STI variants (though less common in the US for '97/'98), gained significant recognition through its success in the World Rally Championship (WRC), solidifying the Impreza's performance image.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan at Subaru's Gunma Plant.

Production Period:

First generation: 1992-2000 (with facelifts and minor updates throughout)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ralle Championship Legacy:

While specific awards for the '97/'98 production models are scarce, the Impreza's chassis and powertrain platform were foundational to Subaru's extensive WRC success from the mid-1990s onwards, earning it a strong performance reputation.

Car And Driver 10Best Mention:

Though not a frequent '10Best' winner in this early iteration compared to later generations, the Impreza's AWD and handling were often praised by automotive journalists for its segment.