Segment:
Compact/Small Family Car (often with performance variants)
Key Selling Points:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, rally-bred heritage (especially WRX models), reliability, practical design.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf.
AWD:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across most trims, enhancing traction and handling.
Performance Variants:
Introduction of the WRX model for this generation, featuring turbocharged engines and performance-oriented chassis.
Body Styles:
Available as a 4-door Sedan and a 5-door Wagon.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for all 2002 Impreza engine variants, including timing belt, cooling system, lubrication, and fuel injection.
Transmission:
Complete coverage for both manual (5-speed, 6-speed for WRX) and automatic transmissions, including clutch, torque converter, gear sets, hydraulics, and servicing.
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, including center differential, viscous coupling, front and rear differentials, axles, and driveshafts.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, including struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, springs, wheel bearings, and alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), including ABS, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, calipers, pads, rotors, and bleeding procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system, including pump, rack and pinion, hoses, fluid, and troubleshooting.
Electrical:
Comprehensive electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, component locations, fuses, relays, starting system, charging system, lighting, instruments, and accessories.
Body:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, glass, bumpers, and structural repairs.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, including refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, and climate control operation.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seatbelts, and any related safety component diagnostics and servicing.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, brake fluid changes, coolant flushes.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon problems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and step-by-step diagnostic procedures.
Repair:
Detailed instructions for component removal, installation, repair, and rebuilding for all major vehicle systems.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for critical fasteners, engine clearances, diagnostic parameters, and alignment angles.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive and system-specific wiring diagrams for all electrical components.
Depth:
Factory-level technical detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics. Covers everything from basic checks to full engine and transmission overhauls.
Engine Code Na:
EJ253 (2.5L SOHC Non-Turbo)
Displacement Na:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Configuration Na:
Horizontally-Opposed (Boxer) 4-Cylinder, SOHC
Horsepower Na:
Approx. 165-170 hp @ 5600-6000 rpm
Torque Na:
Approx. 170-173 lb-ft @ 3600-4000 rpm
Engine Code Wrx:
EJ205 (2.0L DOHC Turbocharged)
Displacement Wrx:
2.0 Liters (1994 cc)
Configuration Wrx:
Horizontally-Opposed (Boxer) 4-Cylinder, DOHC, Turbocharged
Horsepower Wrx:
Approx. 227 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque Wrx:
Approx. 217 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for NA, 91 octane minimum for WRX)
ECM:
Engine Control Module (ECM) with diagnostic capabilities.
Length Sedan:
Approx. 4,485 mm (176.6 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,700 mm (66.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,430 mm (56.3 in) for Sedan, 1,455 mm (57.3 in) for Wagon
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,510 mm (98.8 in)
Curb Weight Na:
Approx. 1,300-1,350 kg (2,866-2,976 lbs)
Curb Weight Wrx:
Approx. 1,370 kg (3,020 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Varies by trim and configuration.
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
Good (for vehicles tested)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
Good (for vehicles tested)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable (for vehicles tested)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System standard on most trims, optional on some.
AWD:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides enhanced stability and traction.
Traction Control:
Optional on some models.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger. Optional side airbags on some models.
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts.
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe driving) / 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal driving), depending on driving conditions and oil type. Consult manual for specifics.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Typically every 105,000 miles or 7 years for the EJ253 engine. WRX EJ205 may have slightly different intervals, consult manual.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 miles for iridium plugs (if fitted), or 30,000 miles for standard platinum plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30, API SG/SH/SJ or ILSAC GF-2/GF-3 certified. Synthetic recommended.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.4-4.5 US quarts (4.2-4.3 liters) with filter change for 2.5L; 4.3 US quarts (4.1 liters) for 2.0L Turbo.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent P-HOAT (Phosphate Organic Acid Technology) coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent than on some earlier EJ engines, head gasket leaks can still occur, particularly on the EJ253 (2.5L NA) variant. The EJ205 turbo engine is generally more robust in this regard.
Turbo Charger Wear:
On WRX models, turbocharger wear or failure can occur if maintenance is neglected or if subjected to aggressive use without proper cool-down periods.
Catalytic Converter:
Potential for catalytic converter failure due to age or engine issues.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear on suspension bushings (e.g., control arm bushings) leading to noise or alignment issues.
Subaru Identity:
Subaru has a long history of producing horizontally-opposed engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems, often associated with durability and off-road prowess (though Impreza is primarily a road car).
Generation Introduction:
The second generation Impreza (GD/GG) debuted in late 2000 for the 2001 model year in Japan and arrived in North America for the 2002 model year. It featured a significant redesign.
Design Changes:
The 'bug-eye' headlights were a distinctive, though controversial, styling element of the early second-generation models (up to 2002). Later models received updated styling ('hawk-eye' in 2004, 'dog-eye' in 2006).
Performance Development:
The 2002 model year marked the first introduction of the WRX (World Rally eXperimental) performance variant to the North American market, based on the rally car's success.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured at Subaru's plants in Japan (e.g., Gunma).
Production Years For Model:
2002-2007 (for the second generation as a whole, the 2002 model is the initial release of this generation).