🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Impreza

Year:

1999

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car / Rally-inspired Sedan and Wagon

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Subaru owners seeking in-depth technical knowledge.

Key Competitors 1999:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda Protege, Mitsubishi Lancer, Ford Focus.

Distinguishing Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system (on most models), horizontally-opposed boxer engines, rally heritage.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides authoritative, manufacturer-specific repair procedures and specifications, crucial for accurate and efficient servicing of the 1999 Subaru Impreza.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Service Repair and Maintenance

Engine Coverage:

EJ22E, EJ25D, EJ251 (Naturally Aspirated and Turbocharged Variants)

Transmission Coverage:

5-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Automatic

Chassis Coverage:

Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Body, Exterior, Interior

Electrical Coverage:

Wiring Diagrams, ECU, Lighting, Audio, Power Accessories

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, emissions control

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive, All-wheel drive (Symmetrical AWD) system, differentials, driveshafts

Suspension:

Front MacPherson strut, Rear multi-link independent suspension

Steering:

Power-assisted rack and pinion

Brakes:

Front ventilated discs, Rear solid discs (or drums on some base models), ABS diagnostics

Body And Interior:

Body structure, exterior panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, climate control

Electrical And Electronics:

ECM/PCM operation, sensors, actuators, lighting systems, starter, charging system, power windows, locks, airbags

Maintenance Tasks:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and flushes, tune-ups, belt replacements, spark plug service

Diagnostic Procedures:

OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, component testing

Repair Operations:

Engine overhaul, head gasket replacement, clutch replacement, brake caliper service, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque specifications, clearances, measurements for engine, transmission, suspension, brakes

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic approaches to diagnosing common and uncommon problems

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including in-depth electrical system diagnostics and troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Searchable text, allowing quick access to specific information

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

EJ22E

Engine Type 1:

2.2L SOHC Flat-4 (Boxer)

Horsepower 1:

135 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque 1:

135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code:

EJ25D

Engine Type:

2.5L SOHC Flat-4 (Boxer)

Horsepower:

165 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque:

162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code:

EJ251

Engine Type:

2.5L DOHC Flat-4 (Boxer)

Horsepower:

165 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque:

162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code:

EJ205 (Turbocharged)

Engine Type:

2.0L DOHC Turbocharged Flat-4 (Boxer)

Horsepower:

215 hp @ 5600 rpm (WRX)

Torque:

213 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (WRX)

Compression Ratio Ej22E:

9.5:1

Compression Ratio Ej25D:

9.5:1

Compression Ratio Ej251:

9.7:1

Compression Ratio Ej205:

8.5:1

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type Recommended:

87 Octane Unleaded (89 Octane for EJ205 Turbo)

Emission Control:

California Emission Standards, Federal Emission Standards. Includes EGR, O2 sensors, catalytic converter.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (TY752VB, TY754)

Transmission Type Optional:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)

AWD System Manual:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous center differential (open front/rear differentials)

AWD System Automatic:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential and electronic control (active AWD)

Gear Ratios Manual:

Varies by model/trim, detailed in manual (e.g., 3.167:1 first gear)

Gear Ratios Automatic:

Varies by model/trim, detailed in manual

Clutch Type:

Dry single plate (Manual Transmission)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (Subaru Extra-S or equivalent recommended)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Subaru ATF-HP or Dexron III equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4340 mm (170.9 in) Sedan, 4405 mm (173.4 in) Wagon

Width:

Approx. 1690 mm (66.5 in)

Height:

Approx. 1400 mm (55.1 in) Sedan, 1420 mm (55.9 in) Wagon

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2505 mm (98.6 in)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 150 mm (5.9 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1250-1350 kg (2755-2976 lbs) depending on configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not explicitly specified, but typically around 1800-1900 kg

Cargo Volume Sedan:

Approx. 0.36 m³ (12.7 cu ft)

Cargo Volume Wagon:

Approx. 0.78 m³ (27.6 cu ft) with rear seats up

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4 Stars (1999 Model Year)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4 Stars (1999 Model Year)

ABS:

Available on higher trims, standard on some models

Traction Control:

Not typically available for this model year

Airbags Front:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system not standard on 1999 models; ISOFIX points may exist in some markets.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette player and CD player (optional). Speaker configurations vary by trim level.

Display Technology:

Basic analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature. Minimal digital displays.

Cruise Control:

Standard on many higher trim levels, optional on others.

Anti Lock Braking System:

Available on select models, providing enhanced braking control.

Connectivity Features:

No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity. Aftermarket upgrades are common.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specifics).

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

With every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or 12-24 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 30,000 - 60,000 miles for copper plugs, 60,000 - 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs (check specific plug type).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 2-4 years.

Timing Belt Replacement:

90,000 - 105,000 miles or 7-10 years (critical for interference engines like EJ series).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (viscosity depends on ambient temperature, refer to manual).

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with demineralized water (50/50 mix).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Head Gaskets:

The EJ series engines (particularly EJ25D and EJ251) are known for potential head gasket failures, often manifesting as coolant leaks or internal coolant passages. The manual provides detailed procedures for diagnosis and replacement.

Crankshaft Position Sensor:

Failure can lead to stalling or no-start conditions. Diagnosis involves checking sensor output and wiring.

Cv Axles:

Wear and tear on front CV axle boots can lead to lubrication loss and joint failure, especially in AWD models subjected to spirited driving or off-road use.

Oxygen Sensors:

Aging O2 sensors can lead to poor fuel economy and increased emissions. The manual details testing procedures.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Condition:

Regular fluid and filter changes for the 4EAT are crucial for longevity, as degradation can lead to shifting issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Heritage:

Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd. (now Subaru Corporation) has a long history in aviation and engineering, translating into robust and reliable vehicles with a focus on AWD technology.

Gc Gd Generation:

The 1999 Impreza belongs to the first generation (GC/GF/GM chassis), produced from 1992 to 2000. This generation established the Impreza's identity as a versatile compact car with rally-bred performance potential.

Facelift Impact:

The 1999 model year represents a facelift for the first generation, featuring revised exterior styling (distinctive 'bug eye' headlights were introduced on later models). This facelift refined the aerodynamics and aesthetics.

Production Years:

1992-2000 (First Generation)

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Japan (Gunma Plant)

Notable Variants:

GT, WRX, WRX STI (though WRX/STI variants were more prominent in JDM and European markets for this specific year, with US market receiving naturally aspirated models primarily).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

While specific 1999 Impreza models weren't consistently on Car and Driver's 10 Best list, the Subaru Impreza (particularly WRX variants in later years) gained significant recognition for its performance and AWD capabilities.

IIHS Ratings:

Refer to specific crash test data for 1999 models; generally performed adequately for the era.

Certification:

Factory Service Manuals are the ultimate certification of technical accuracy for vehicle repair.