Segment:
Compact/Small Family Car (C-Segment)
Key Selling Points:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on most trims), Boxer engine, rally heritage, practicality, durability.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda Protege, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra.
Vehicle Philosophy:
Subaru's reputation for all-weather capability and robust engineering.
Powertrain:
Engine (all variants), Transmission (manual & automatic), Drivetrain (AWD system), Exhaust, Cooling, Fuel System.
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS & non-ABS), Wheels & Tires.
Electrical:
Full electrical system diagrams, lighting, charging system, starting system, ignition system, ECU/ECM, body electronics, instrumentation.
Body:
Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, climate control, safety systems (airbags).
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups), inspections, lubrication points.
Repair:
Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, diagnostic and repair of common faults.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation and resolution (where applicable for the era).
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values, diagnostic parameters.
Depth:
Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced diagnostics and system component testing.
Configuration:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder
Displacement:
2.2 Liters (2212 cc)
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 16 valves (4 per cylinder)
Horsepower Peak:
110 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque Peak:
137 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Injection:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Multi-point
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Emission Control:
Catalytic converter, EGR system.
Optional Engine:
EJ25D (2.5L SOHC Boxer, 165 hp, found in RS and Outback Sport models)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (AT)
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard on most trims. Front-wheel drive (FWD) may be available on base models in some markets.
AWD System:
Viscous coupling limited-slip center differential (manual transmission), Active All-Wheel Drive with electronically controlled multi-plate clutch (automatic transmission).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil. Capacity: Approx. 2.1 L
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF (Dexron II/III compatible). Capacity: Approx. 3.8 L (drain and fill)
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 gear oil. Capacity: Front Diff 0.8L, Rear Diff 0.9L.
Wheelbase:
2505 mm (98.6 in)
Length:
4340 mm (170.9 in)
Height:
1400 mm (55.1 in) (Sedan) / 1445 mm (56.9 in) (Wagon)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1250-1350 kg (2755-2976 lbs), varies by model and trim.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 1800 kg (3968 lbs).
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 370 L (13.1 cu ft) (Sedan)
Standard Wheel Size:
15-inch alloy or steel wheels
Standard Tire Size:
195/60R15
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for comparable models of the era, specific 1997 Impreza ratings may vary)
ABS:
Available on higher trims, standard on some AWD models.
AWD System:
Contributes to enhanced traction and stability.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH/ISOFIX not standard in this era; uses seatbelt anchorage.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configuration.
Climate Control:
Manual climate control with A/C.
Cruise Control:
Available on most models.
Phone Integration:
No factory integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard spark plugs.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years. CRITICAL for EJ engines to prevent catastrophic failure.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40. Capacity: 4.4 L (with filter).
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based). Capacity: Approx. 7.0 L.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Head Gaskets:
While less common on the EJ22 compared to the EJ25D, head gasket leaks are a known potential issue in Subaru Boxer engines due to design and material evolution over time. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.
O2 Sensors:
Premature failure of oxygen sensors can affect fuel economy and emissions. The manual covers testing and replacement.
Cv Joints:
Wear in CV joint boots can lead to failure, particularly with the AWD system. Manual covers inspection and replacement.
Clutch Wear:
Normal wear item, especially for vehicles driven spiritedly. Manual provides replacement procedures.
Subaru Identity:
Known for its unique Boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems, pioneered in rally racing.
Generation:
First Generation Subaru Impreza (GC/GF chassis)
Introduction Year:
1992 (Japan), 1995 (North America)
Facelifts:
The 1997 model year represents a minor refresh for the first generation, with updated styling cues.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (Ota, Gunma Prefecture)
Production Years For Generation:
1992-2000
