Segment:
Compact Sport Sedan/Wagon (Performance Variant)
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, performance drivers, owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs
Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru WRX (non-STi variants), Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus RS
Performance Focus:
Rally-inspired performance, turbocharged engine, advanced AWD system
Handling:
Renowned for its sharp handling and driver feedback
All Wheel Drive:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) for variable torque distribution
Engine:
EJ257 (2.5L Turbocharged Boxer), EJ255 (2.5L Turbocharged Boxer - potential regional variations)
Transmission:
6-speed Manual (TY856)
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (Symmetrical AWD with DCCD - Driver Controlled Center Differential)
Suspension:
Front: MacPherson Strut with Lower Control Arm, Rear: Multi-Link
Brakes:
Front: Brembo 4-piston calipers, Rear: Brembo 2-piston calipers (ventilated discs front and rear)
Steering:
Power Assisted Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, ECU functions, sensors, actuators, lighting, comfort systems
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, structural components, interior trim, glass, doors, aerodynamics
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system
Fuel System:
Fuel injection, fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulation
Cooling System:
Radiator, fans, thermostat, coolant passages
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust manifold
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, electrical gremlins
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal, bodywork repairs
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, sensor testing, actuator testing, ECU diagnostics
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Torqu Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners
Alignment:
Wheel alignment procedures and specifications
Electrical Diagnostics:
Step-by-step testing of circuits, components, and wiring harnesses
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance and minor repairs to major overhauls and diagnostics
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced: Includes detailed troubleshooting flowcharts, wiring diagrams, and component testing procedures
Rebuild Procedures:
Complete: Detailed instructions for engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds
Digital Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Resolution:
High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual
Binding:
Not applicable for downloadable format; if printed, typically comb-bound or perfect-bound
Paper:
Not applicable for downloadable format; if printed, typically on durable, high-quality paper
Text Search:
Searchable PDF text for quick access to specific information
Engine Type:
Horizontally-Opposed (Boxer) Turbocharged DOHC 16-valve
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Horsepower:
300-320 hp @ 6400 rpm (varies by region and specific tune)
Torque:
290-300 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (varies by region and specific tune)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI), Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition (Distributorless Ignition System - DIS)
Turbo Model:
IHI VF39 (common, may vary)
Intercooler Type:
Top-mounted Air-to-Air Intercooler
Length:
Approx. 174.5 inches (4430 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Height:
Approx. 57.7 inches (1465 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.0 inches (2642 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3300-3400 lbs (1497-1542 kg) depending on body style (sedan/wagon)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Specified by manufacturer, typically around 4300 lbs
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 11.3 cu ft (Sedan), 19.6 cu ft (Wagon rear seats up)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-star (for applicable models/years)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for applicable models/years)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (VDC - Vehicle Dynamics Control)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (standard on many trims)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Head Unit:
Aftermarket or factory radio with CD player, AM/FM tuner. Higher trims may feature 6-disc CD changer.
Speakers:
Typically 6-speaker system, some models may have premium audio option.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Keyless Entry:
Optional keyless entry system
Usb Aux:
Not standard; requires aftermarket integration.
Gauge Cluster:
Sport-oriented with prominent tachometer and speedometer, multi-function display.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,750 miles or 6 months, or 7,500 miles/12 months under severe driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles or annually
Spark Plugs:
Replace at 60,000 miles (Iridium type)
Timing Belt:
Not applicable; uses a timing chain
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SN or ILSAC GF-5 compliant), Capacity: 4.8 US quarts (4.5 L) with filter
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity: Approx. 7.9 US quarts (7.5 L)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (low viscosity recommended for ABS systems)
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or equivalent DEXRON III
Ring Land Failure:
Susceptible to ring land failure if improperly tuned or subjected to detonation; requires careful engine management.
Clutch Wear:
High-performance clutch can wear faster with aggressive driving.
Oil Consumption:
Some EJ25 engines can exhibit higher-than-average oil consumption.
Dccd Actuator:
The DCCD actuator can occasionally fail, leading to AWD system issues.
Turbo Failure:
Turbocharger (IHI VF39) can be prone to failure if oil starvation or overheating occurs.
Rally Roots:
Subaru's long and successful history in the World Rally Championship (WRC)
Third Generation Gda Ggb:
This model represents the GDB/GGB chassis, which debuted in 2002 and received a facelift for the 2006 model year.
Facelift 2006:
Key changes included updated styling (front bumper, headlights, grille), revised interior, and mechanical refinements.
Manufacturing Plant:
Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
Car And Driver 10Best:
Subaru Impreza WRX/STi models frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best lists in this era for their performance and value.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
While not winning the overall award, the Impreza line was a strong contender in its class.
Performance Reviews:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its handling, acceleration, and all-weather capability.
Emissions Standards:
Meets US EPA and CARB emissions standards for the respective model years.