Segment:
Compact Sports Sedan / Performance Hatchback
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers, rally-inspired performance car buyers, DIY mechanics and professional technicians specializing in performance vehicles.
Key Competitors 2007:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Honda Civic Si, Volkswagen GTI, Mazdaspeed3
Performance Identity:
Known for its turbocharged Boxer engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, and rally-bred heritage, offering exceptional grip and performance.
Handling:
Renowned for its sharp handling and driver engagement, making it a popular choice for track days and spirited driving.
For Owner:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, understand their vehicle's systems, and save on labor costs.
For Technician:
Provides essential technical data, diagnostic procedures, and repair specifications for efficient and accurate servicing.
Engine:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul of the EJ255 2.5L turbocharged flat-four engine, including timing belt service, turbocharger systems, fuel injection, ignition, and emissions control.
Transmission:
Coverage for the 5-speed manual transmission, including clutch replacement, gearbox overhaul, and drivetrain components (driveshafts, differentials).
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system repair, including rotor and pad replacement, caliper service, hydraulic system bleeding, ABS diagnostics, and parking brake adjustments.
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension component diagnosis and replacement (struts, springs, control arms, sway bars), power steering system service, and wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, fuse and relay layouts, starter and charging system service, lighting systems, power accessories, instrument cluster diagnostics, and ECU troubleshooting.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, door and window mechanisms, interior trim removal and installation, bumper repair, and chassis component inspection.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid level checks, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, and general inspection procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common engine, transmission, electrical, and chassis issues.
Repair And Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for major component repairs, including engine teardown and reassembly, transmission rebuilds, brake system overhauls, and suspension component replacements.
Diagnostics:
Procedures for using diagnostic tools, reading trouble codes (OBD-II), interpreting sensor data, and diagnosing electronic control unit (ECU) related problems.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, and detailed electrical system troubleshooting.
Engine Type:
2.5L DOHC turbocharged and intercooled Boxer 4-cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Horsepower Peak:
224 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)
Torque Peak:
226 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential electronic fuel injection (SEFI) with top-feed injectors
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Ignition System:
Distributorless ignition system (DLI) with coil-on-plug ignition coils.
Turbocharger Model:
IHI VF48 (typical)
Intercooler Type:
Top-mounted air-to-air intercooler.
Type:
5-speed manual transmission
Type:
None offered for WRX models of this year.
Drive Type:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with viscous coupling center differential.
First Gear:
3.167:1 (typical)
Second Gear:
2.000:1 (typical)
Third Gear:
1.370:1 (typical)
Fourth Gear:
1.000:1 (typical)
Fifth Gear:
0.745:1 (typical)
Reverse Gear:
3.000:1 (typical)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (or equivalent API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 synthetic)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Driver:
Good
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Passenger:
Good
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS).
Stability Control:
Not standard on all 2007 WRX models; typically introduced in later generations.
Airbags:
Standard front dual-stage airbags for driver and front passenger. Optional side-impact airbags might be available on certain trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, three-point rear seat belts.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seats.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player with 4 or 6 speakers. Some models might offer premium audio upgrades. Aux input was not standard and often an aftermarket addition.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on some higher trims, typically a cassette-based or CD-based system.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Keyless Entry:
Standard or optional keyless entry and remote keyless entry.
Bluetooth:
Not standard. Requires aftermarket installation or specific dealer-installed accessory.
Usb Port:
Not standard. Requires aftermarket installation.
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe driving conditions may require more frequent changes), or 7,500 miles/12 months (normal conditions), always consult the manual for exact intervals based on usage.
Engine Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles (typically iridium type).
Timing Belt:
Replace every 105,000 miles or 7 years, whichever comes first. Crucial for EJ series engines.
Coolant Flush:
Initial replacement at 105,000 miles or 5 years, then every 60,000 miles or 4 years thereafter.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 synthetic (API SG, SH, or SJ).
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.0 US quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent P-HOAT coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon ATF.
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some EJ255 engines can exhibit higher than average oil consumption, especially when driven hard. Regular checks are vital.
Headgasket Failures:
While not as prevalent as in earlier naturally aspirated Subarus, head gasket leaks can still occur. The EJ255 is generally more robust but requires proper maintenance.
Clutch Wear:
Due to the performance nature, clutch wear can be accelerated with aggressive driving. Clutch pedal engagement and slipping are indicators.
Turbocharger Failures:
Premature turbo failure can occur due to oil starvation or contamination. Regular oil changes and allowing the turbo to cool down are recommended.
Catalytic Converter Clogging:
Can occur with prolonged oil consumption or rich fuel mixtures, leading to loss of power.
Motorsport Influence:
Subaru's extensive history and success in World Rally Championship (WRC) heavily influenced the Impreza WRX's development, translating to its performance-oriented features.
Generation:
Third Generation (GE/GH/GR/GV) - The 2007 model year is part of the second generation (GD/GG), specifically the 'Bugeye' to 'Blobeye' to 'Hawkeye' evolution. The 2007 model is often referred to as the 'Hawkeye' WRX, part of the GD chassis facelift.
Body Styles:
Available as a 4-door sedan and a 5-door hatchback (Impreza WRX wagon).
Manufacturing Location:
Ota, Gunma, Japan
Production Years:
The second generation GD/GG Impreza ran from 2000-2007. The WRX variant specifically evolved through facelifts within this period.
Automotive Press Reviews:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its performance, AWD grip, and rally-inspired driving dynamics. Often cited as a benchmark for affordable performance cars.
Car And Driver 10Best:
The Impreza WRX (or its WRX STI sibling) has been a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best list in various years, highlighting its performance and value.
Emissions Compliance:
Compliant with EPA and California ARB emissions standards for the 2007 model year. The manual details procedures for emissions system diagnostics and repairs.