Model Variant:
Second generation (GD/GG chassis): RS, TS, Outback Sport, WRX
Production Years Covered:
2002 (second generation, GD platform)
Body Styles:
2.5 RS sedan and 5-door sport wagon, WRX sedan and wagon, Outback Sport wagon
Target Audience:
Compact all-wheel-drive car buyers, AWD enthusiasts, and performance-oriented drivers (WRX)
Segment:
Compact / entry sport sedan and wagon
Key Advantage:
Standard symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive, rare in the compact segment
Engine Layout:
Horizontally opposed (boxer) engine with low center of gravity
Versus Rivals:
Competed with Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and VW Jetta while offering AWD as standard
Drivetrain:
Full-time symmetrical AWD
Performance Variant:
Turbocharged WRX introduced to the US market in 2002
Chassis:
Stiffer GD-generation platform over the prior GC series
Manual Type:
Factory workshop / repair service manual
Coverage Areas:
Engine, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, brakes, electrical, body, HVAC
Delivery Method:
Instant digital download
Viewing Device:
Any computer, tablet, or smartphone with a PDF reader
Printing:
Printable pages for shop or garage use
Engine Mechanical:
Complete disassembly, inspection, and rebuild procedures
Lubrication System:
Oil pump service, specifications, and capacities
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump replacement and testing
Fuel and Emissions:
Fuel delivery, injection, and emission control systems
Ignition System:
Coil-on-plug ignition diagnosis and service
Starting and Charging:
Starter, alternator, and battery testing
Transmission and Transaxle:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul
Clutch:
Clutch removal, inspection, and adjustment
AWD Driveline:
Center differential, viscous coupling, front and rear differentials
Driveshafts and Axles:
CV joint and driveshaft service
Suspension:
Front strut and rear multilink suspension, alignment specifications
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering system service
Brakes:
Disc brakes, parking brake, ABS, and hydraulic system
HVAC:
Heater, ventilation, and air conditioning service
Body and Interior:
Panel removal, trim, glass, seals, and wiper systems
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical schematics and connector locations
Technical Depth:
Step-by-step factory procedures with torque specs, tolerances, and special tool references
Diagnostics:
Fault code tables, symptom charts, and on-board diagnostic procedures
Parts Information:
Part numbers, fastener specifications, and exploded view illustrations
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Naturally Aspirated (2.5 RS, TS, Outback Sport)
Engine Code:
EJ253 SOHC 16-valve boxer-4
Displacement:
2.5 L (2457 cc)
Horsepower:
Approximately 165 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque:
Approximately 166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel System:
Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 9.7:1
Engine Code:
EJ205 DOHC 16-valve turbocharged boxer-4
Displacement:
2.0 L (1994 cc)
Horsepower:
227 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque:
217 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel System:
Multi-port fuel injection with IHI turbocharger and top-mount intercooler
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual (2.5 RS: 5MT; WRX: close-ratio 5MT)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed electronic automatic (4EAT) with shift lock
2.5 TS / Outback Sport:
5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
AWD Type:
Full-time symmetrical all-wheel drive with viscous center differential (manual)
Automatic AWD:
Active torque split via multi-plate transfer clutch (4EAT)
Differential:
Rear viscous limited-slip differential on WRX
Wheelbase:
99.1 in (2,520 mm) sedan; 99.1 in wagon
Length:
Sedan approx. 173.8 in (4,415 mm); wagon approx. 174.4 in (4,430 mm)
Width:
Approx. 68.9 in (1,750 mm)
Height:
Sedan approx. 55.5 in (1,410 mm); wagon approx. 56.9 in (1,445 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2,830-3,100 lb depending on model; WRX approx. 3,100 lb
Front Airbags:
Dual front airbags standard
Side Airbags:
Optional front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
Front pretensioners and force limiters
Structure:
Reinforced passenger compartment with crumple zones
ABS:
4-wheel anti-lock brakes standard
Traction:
Full-time AWD for all-weather traction
Brakes:
4-wheel disc brakes (WRX with larger rotors)
Crash Test Results:
NHTSA and IIHS results from 2002 testing; N/A - consult archived NHTSA/IIHS records for exact scores
Audio System:
AM/FM cassette head unit; upgraded AM/FM/CD on higher trims; up to 6 speakers
Optional Audio:
Premium sound package on WRX models
Convenience and Driver Assistance
Climate Control:
Manual air conditioning; automatic climate control available on WRX
Instrumentation:
WRX-specific gauge cluster with boost-relevant gauges
Keyless Entry:
Remote keyless entry available
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Oil and Filter:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe service: 3,000 miles)
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles; replace as needed, typically every 30,000 miles
Spark Plugs:
Approximately every 30,000 miles (N/A on turbo at extended intervals - follow manual schedule)
Coolant:
Replace at 30,000-mile intervals initially, then per manual
Timing Belt:
Replace approximately every 105,000 miles (interference engine)
Transmission Fluid:
MTF: inspect/replace per schedule; ATF: approx. every 30,000 miles
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 (turbo: per manual, commonly 5W-30 synthetic recommended)
Coolant:
Subaru genuine long-life coolant
Manual Transmission:
Subaru Extra S gear oil (GL-5 75W-90)
ATF:
Subaru ATF HP or equivalent
Known Issues / Common Wear
Head Gaskets:
EJ25 naturally aspirated engines known for external head gasket seepage
Wheel Bearings:
Rear wheel bearings are a known wear item on GD Imprezas
Catalytic Converter:
Oxygen sensor and cat failures reported at higher mileage
Turbo Models:
Oil supply/return line coking on WRX with extended oil intervals
Manufacturer:
Subaru (Fuji Heavy Industries), Japan
Heritage:
Boxer engine plus symmetrical AWD drivetrain dating to the 1970s
Rally Pedigree:
Impreza name made famous by World Rally Championship success
First Generation:
Introduced 1992 (GC chassis); Impreza line expanded with RS and Outback Sport
Second Generation:
2002 model year launched the GD-generation Impreza with rounded 'bugeye' styling
2002 Milestone:
First year the turbocharged WRX was officially sold in North America
Production Location:
Gunma, Japan (Subaru Yajima plant)