Segment:
Compact Car / Sport Compact
Usp:
Standard All-Wheel Drive, sporty handling, practical hatchback/sedan options, WRX/STI performance variants
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Volkswagen Golf/Jetta, Mitsubishi Lancer
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) standard across most trims
Body Styles:
4-door Sedan, 5-door Hatchback
Performance Variants:
WRX, WRX STI
Continents:
Global (North America, Europe, Asia, Australia)
Regions:
All markets served by Subaru
Total Pages:
Hundreds (exact count varies by factory publication, typically 1000+ for complete sets)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, turbocharging (where applicable)
Transmission:
Manual Transmission (MT), Automatic Transmission (AT), Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) (model dependent)
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials, driveshafts, axles
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system, wheels and tires
Electrical:
Body electrical, engine electrical, lighting, instruments, audio system, power accessories, multiplex communication systems (CAN bus)
Body:
Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, HVAC system, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting charts
Repair:
Component removal, installation, adjustment, overhaul, and replacement
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic codes, sensor testing, actuator testing, scan tool procedures
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, measurements, tolerances
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics)
Engine Code:
EJ253 (Naturally Aspirated), EJ255 (WRX), EJ257 (STI)
Engine Type:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-Cylinder
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Horsepower Na:
Approx. 170 hp @ 5600 rpm (EJ253)
Torque Na:
Approx. 170 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (EJ253)
Horsepower Wrx:
Approx. 265 hp @ 6000 rpm (EJ255)
Torque Wrx:
Approx. 244 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm (EJ255)
Horsepower Sti:
Approx. 305 hp @ 6000 rpm (EJ257)
Torque Sti:
Approx. 290 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (EJ257)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, premium unleaded required for WRX/STI
Emissions:
EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 / CARB LEV II
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
Transmission Type:
CVT (certain markets and trims, less common for this model year)
AWD System Mt:
Viscous coupling center differential (VCD) with mechanical front/rear LSD (MT) or VCD with electronically controlled hydraulic AWD coupling (AT)
AWD System Sti:
Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) with mechanical front/rear LSDs
Length Sedan:
4580 mm (180.3 in)
Length Hatchback:
4415 mm (173.8 in)
Height Sedan:
1465 mm (57.7 in)
Height Hatchback:
1475 mm (58.1 in)
Wheelbase:
2620 mm (103.2 in)
Ground Clearance:
140 mm (5.5 in) (standard), 145 mm (5.7 in) (WRX), 135 mm (5.3 in) (STI)
Cargo Volume Sedan:
Approx. 13.1 cu ft
Cargo Volume Hatchback:
Approx. 19.1 cu ft (seats up)
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 1440 kg (3175 lbs)
Curb Weight Max:
Approx. 1530 kg (3373 lbs)
NHTSA Front Crash:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger)
NHTSA Side Crash:
5-Star (Front and Rear Passengers)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ebd:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Vsc:
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with 4 or 6 speakers. Optional premium audio systems available with subwoofer.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Bluetooth:
Available Bluetooth hands-free connectivity on select trims/packages.
Usb:
Optional USB audio input port available.
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe duty) or 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal duty)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
105,000 miles (iridium tipped)
Timing Belt Replacement:
105,000 miles (Not applicable for EJ253/EJ255/EJ257 which use timing chains)
Engine Oil Viscosity:
0W-20 or 5W-30 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter (EJ253/EJ255), 5.1 US quarts (4.8 L) with filter (EJ257)
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant
Transmission Fluid Mt:
Subaru Extra-S Manual Transmission Fluid or equivalent API GL-5
Transmission Fluid At:
Subaru ATF HP (High Performance)
Differential Fluid Front:
Subaru Gear Oil API GL-5
Differential Fluid Rear:
Subaru Gear Oil API GL-5
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Head Gaskets:
While EJ253 engines are less prone than earlier EJ25s, head gasket leaks can still occur. EJ255/EJ257 are generally more robust but require proper maintenance.
Clutch Wear:
Normal wear and tear for manual transmissions, especially with spirited driving. WRX/STI clutches are designed for performance but have finite life.
Oil Consumption:
Some EJ series engines can exhibit higher oil consumption. Regular checks are advised.
Catalytic Converter Failure:
Can occur due to engine misfires or oil contamination, especially in higher mileage vehicles.
Brand Focus:
Subaru is renowned for its engineering, particularly its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and horizontally opposed Boxer engines.
Third Generation:
The 2009 Impreza marks the beginning of the third generation (GE/GH/GR/GV), introduced globally in 2007/2008. It represented a significant redesign with a new chassis and styling, including the introduction of a highly popular 5-door hatchback variant.
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan (Gunma Plant)
Production Period:
2007-2011 (Third Generation)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Often received Top Safety Pick awards from the IIHS for its safety performance.
Kelley Blue Book:
Praised by automotive reviewers for its AWD capability, handling, and value, especially WRX/STI variants.
Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports typically rates the Impreza's reliability as average to above average, with high marks for performance and handling.