Production Years Covered:
1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
Chassis Codes:
GC (2-door coupe), GF (wagon), GM (saloon)
Engine Codes:
EJ15, EJ16, EJ18, EJ20, EJ22
Differentiation:
Known for its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, offering enhanced traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Boxer engine layout contributes to a lower center of gravity.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra.
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard on most models.
Engine Layout:
Horizontally opposed (Boxer) engine.
Performance Variants:
Availability of turbocharged WRX models (though less common in early Impreza generations, performance aspirations were present).
Primary Coverage:
Full Factory Service and Repair
Specific Models:
All Subaru Impreza models produced between 1993-1998
Estimated Page Count:
Over 2500 pages (typical for full factory manuals of this era)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual (WSRM)
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, printable)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (including disassembly/assembly), fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, lubrication, cooling, engine management systems (ECU), manual transmissions, automatic transmissions, differentials, driveshafts, CV joints.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering (power and manual), braking systems (ABS, disc/drum configurations), wheels and tires, chassis frame, body structure.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), instrumentation, power windows, door locks, mirrors, wipers and washers, audio systems, HVAC controls, battery, charging system, starter.
Body And Trim:
Exterior body panels, doors, hoods, trunk/tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, seats, airbags (if equipped), glass replacement, weatherstripping.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt tensioning, tire rotation and balancing.
Repair And Diagnostics:
Component removal and installation, engine troubleshooting (no-start, misfire, overheating), transmission diagnosis, brake system bleeding and repair, electrical fault finding, suspension component replacement, steering alignment procedures.
Special Procedures:
Timing belt replacement (critical for EJ engines), fuel system cleaning and diagnostics, emissions control system testing, torque specifications for critical fasteners, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and troubleshooting.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance and fluid checks to full engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and body repair.
Detail Level:
Factory-level detail with step-by-step instructions, diagrams, exploded views, specifications, torque values, and diagnostic flowcharts.
Engine Family:
Subaru EJ Series Boxer Engine
Common Displacements:
1.5L (EJ15), 1.6L (EJ16), 1.8L (EJ18), 2.0L (EJ20 - naturally aspirated and turbocharged), 2.2L (EJ22).
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 90 hp (EJ15) to 170 hp (EJ20 Naturally Aspirated) and up to 210+ hp for early turbocharged variants.
Torque Range:
Approximately 85 lb-ft to 150 lb-ft, varying by engine displacement and tuning.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts) - 16 valves typical for most EJ engines.
Timing Belt:
Timing Belt Driven (crucial maintenance item; failure can cause catastrophic engine damage).
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
AWD Integration:
Electronically controlled AWD system (active or viscous coupling center differential depending on transmission and model).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5, viscosity typically 75W-90 or 80W-90. Consult specific manual for exact recommendation.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II/III or equivalent. Consult specific manual for exact recommendation.
Length Approx:
4350 mm - 4400 mm (varies by body style)
Width Approx:
1690 mm - 1700 mm
Height Approx:
1400 mm - 1450 mm (sedan), 1440 mm - 1490 mm (wagon)
Curb Weight Approx:
1150 kg - 1350 kg (depending on engine, transmission, and body style)
Wheelbase Approx:
2520 mm
Track Width Approx:
1470 mm (front), 1460 mm (rear)
Crash Test Performance:
Generally performed acceptably for its era, but specific ratings from NHTSA or IIHS for the 1993-1998 models may vary. Often rated good in frontal impacts, but side impact performance could be less robust than modern vehicles.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option or standard on higher trims/later years.
AWD Stability:
Standard All-Wheel Drive system contributes significantly to vehicle stability and control in various driving conditions.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags typically standard on later models or higher trims. Side airbags were rare for this generation.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, three-point rear seatbelts.
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, and engine temperature. Warning lights for various system diagnostics.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System available on many trims, offering improved braking control.
AWD:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides enhanced traction and handling, a defining technological feature.
Early Features:
Limited to basic audio and climate controls. No integrated Bluetooth, USB ports, or navigation systems were available from the factory for this generation.
Oil Change:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type). Consult manual for exact interval.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial: Often recommended at 60,000 to 100,000 miles or 5-7 years due to the risk of catastrophic engine damage if it fails. This is a major service item.
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Every 60,000 miles. Automatic: Every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on use.
Engine Oil Type:
Typically 5W-30 or 10W-30, API SG/SH rated. Check manual for specific viscosity and API rating based on engine and climate.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or a compatible long-life ethylene glycol-based coolant. Never use tap water. Requires a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Head Gaskets:
While more prevalent in later EJ engine generations, early EJ series engines can experience head gasket leaks, particularly if overheated or not maintained properly. The manual will cover inspection and replacement procedures.
Timing Belt Wear:
Age and mileage are critical factors for timing belt integrity. Regular inspection and adherence to replacement intervals are paramount.
Cv Joint Boots:
Torn CV joint boots can lead to grease loss and premature joint failure. Inspection of these rubber boots is part of routine maintenance.
Rust And Corrosion:
As with many vehicles of this era, underbody rust and corrosion, particularly in areas with harsh winters, can be an issue. The manual may cover body panel repairs.
Subaru Identity:
Subaru is renowned for its engineering prowess, particularly its pioneering work with horizontally opposed ('boxer') engines and its consistent offering of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across its model lineup.
Impreza Introduction:
The Subaru Impreza was first introduced globally in 1992 as a replacement for the Subaru Leone. This first generation (chassis codes GC/GF/GM) ran from 1992 to 2000, with the 1993-1998 model years representing the core of this initial design.
Motorsport Legacy:
The first-generation Impreza quickly established a formidable reputation in motorsport, particularly in the World Rally Championship (WRC), piloted by legends like Colin McRae. This cemented the Impreza's image as a capable and performance-oriented vehicle.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan, with some assembly occurring in other global locations.
Key Variants In Period:
Various trim levels including GX, GL, Outback Sport (wagon with increased ground clearance), and the performance-oriented WRX and WRX STI variants, although WRX/STI were more prominent in later years of this generation.
Performance Heritage:
The Impreza's association with rally racing, particularly the WRC victories, bestowed significant prestige and performance credibility upon the model, influencing its market perception.
AWD Reputation:
Consistently recognized for its capable standard AWD system, offering superior traction and handling, especially in inclement weather, which was a key selling point and differentiator.
Manual Accuracy:
Certified as the official factory service manual, ensuring accuracy and completeness for all repair and maintenance procedures.
