🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Impreza

Model Generation:

Second Generation (GD/GG)

Model Years Covered:

1999-2000

Chassis Codes:

GD (Sedan), GG (Wagon)

Engine Codes Covered:

EJ201, EJ202, EJ22E, EJ251, EJ253

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact/Small Family Car (Sedan and Wagon). Known for its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, rally heritage, and practical utility.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda Protege, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra.

Distinguishing Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) across most trims, Boxer engine layout, excellent handling and grip in adverse weather, practical wagon variant.

Target User:

Professional technicians, experienced DIY enthusiasts, and Subaru owners seeking in-depth knowledge for maintenance and repair.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

North American Market Specification Models

Trim Levels Covered:

All USDM and CNDM trim levels (e.g., Outback Sport, RS, WRX - though WRX specifics may be limited to base models of this era).

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF/eBook)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, emission control systems, manual transmission, automatic transmission, all-wheel drive system (symmetrical AWD).

Chassis:

Suspension (front MacPherson strut, rear strut), steering system, brake system (ABS, front disc, rear drum/disc variants).

Body And Electrical:

Body exterior, interior trim, HVAC, body control modules, lighting, power accessories, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, fuse locations.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission, differential), filter replacement, spark plug service, belt inspection/replacement.

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds, clutch replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack repair, minor body panel repair.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, HVAC problems. OBD-II diagnostic procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers from basic fluid checks and adjustments to complete engine and transmission teardowns and rebuilds. Includes torque specifications, component tolerances, and detailed diagnostic flowcharts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

Searchable PDF with hyperlinked table of contents for efficient navigation. Optimized for printing specific sections.

Print Quality Recommendation:

High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of diagrams, illustrations, and text for professional workshop use.

Binding Type Physical:

Perfect bound or saddle-stitched (for physical versions), designed for lay-flat use in a workshop environment.

Paper Type Physical:

Heavyweight, durable paper stock resistant to grease and workshop grime.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type Common:

Naturally Aspirated Boxer (Flat-four)

Displacement Common:

2.5 Liters (2457 cc)

Engine Codes Available:

EJ251 (most common), EJ253 (California emissions), EJ22E (2.2L variant).

Horsepower 2.5L:

Approx. 165 hp @ 5600 rpm (EJ251/EJ253)

Torque 2.5L:

Approx. 166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (EJ251/EJ253)

Compression Ratio 2.5L:

9.7:1

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type Recommendation:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum (higher recommended for optimal performance).

Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual

Optional Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic (with locking torque converter)

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Active All-Wheel Drive for automatic, viscous coupling center differential for manual).

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

Subaru Extra-S Genuine Gear Oil or equivalent API GL-5 SAE 75W-90.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Subaru ATF-HP Genuine Transmission Fluid or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid.

Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 2.4 liters (2.5 US quarts)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 3.0 liters (3.2 US quarts) for drain and refill.

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan:

Approx. 4410 mm (173.6 inches)

Width Sedan:

Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 inches)

Height Sedan:

Approx. 1430 mm (56.3 inches)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2510 mm (98.8 inches)

Track Width Front:

Approx. 1455 mm (57.3 inches)

Track Width Rear:

Approx. 1450 mm (57.1 inches)

Curb Weight Sedan Manual:

Approx. 1350 kg (2976 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by configuration, typically around 1800 kg (3968 lbs)

Towing Capacity:

Not officially specified for US market models, typically limited.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4 Stars (for 2000 model year, may vary slightly for 1999)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4 Stars (for 2000 model year, may vary slightly for 1999)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for 2000 model year, likely similar for 1999)

ABS:

Available (standard on some trims, optional on others)

Traction Control:

Not typically available on this generation.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seatbelts, driver's pretensioner.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system not standard, ISOFIX anchors may be present.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM/CD player with optional premium sound system. Cassette player also common.

Display System:

Basic digital clock and odometer display. No integrated navigation or color screens.

Cruise Control:

Available on most models.

Phone Integration:

No factory Bluetooth or smartphone integration. Aftermarket solutions are common.

Headlights:

Halogen multi-reflector headlights. Manual covers bulb replacement and alignment.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 3.75 months for severe driving, 7,500 miles or 7.5 months for normal driving (consult manual for definitive intervals based on conditions).

Engine Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 30 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 60,000 miles (copper plugs) or 100,000 miles (platinum/iridium plugs).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Approx. 105,000 miles or 105 months (critical for EJ engines).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 API SJ or ILSAC GF-2 certified synthetic or conventional oil.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter.

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Head Gaskets:

While not as prevalent as on later EJ25 engines, head gasket leaks can occur. The manual provides procedures for inspection and replacement.

Catalytic Converter:

Can become clogged over time, affecting performance. Manual details diagnostic procedures.

Suspension Wear:

Strut mounts and bushings can wear, leading to noise and handling degradation. Manual details replacement procedures.

Oil Consumption:

Some EJ25 engines may exhibit higher than normal oil consumption. Manual provides checks for PCV system and piston ring issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru History:

Founded in 1953 as Fuji Heavy Industries, Subaru is known for its pioneering use of All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and horizontally opposed (Boxer) engines, originating from aircraft engineering.

Impreza First Generation:

Launched in 1992, established the Impreza nameplate and its rally heritage.

Impreza Second Generation Launch:

Introduced in late 1999 for the 2000 model year. Featured a significantly revised platform and styling, with the iconic WRX variant becoming more prominent globally (though US market WRX availability for these specific years was limited or non-existent).

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Gunma Prefecture, Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Five Best:

The Impreza WRX (though not widely available in the US for these years) was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' list in later generations due to its performance credentials.

Rally Heritage:

The Impreza platform is intrinsically linked to Subaru's extensive success in the World Rally Championship (WRC), solidifying its performance image.