🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Impreza

Year:

2002

Trim Levels Covered:

TS, RS, WRX

Body Styles Covered:

Sedan, Wagon (implied by Outback designation)

Chassis Code Series:

GD/GG

Engine Codes Primary:

EJ253 (2.5L H4), EJ205 (2.0L H4 Turbo)

Engine Codes Performance:

EJ207 (2.0L H4 STI Turbo - presumed for 'STI' variant)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact car, known for its all-wheel-drive capabilities and sporty variants (WRX).

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, and professional technicians servicing Subaru Impreza vehicles.

Key Competitors:

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Honda Civic Si, Mazda3, Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Subaru Strengths:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, turbocharged boxer engines (WRX/STI), rally heritage.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides the detailed, factory-level information required for accurate diagnosis and repair, essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of these vehicles.

📋 Manual Details

Overall Scope:

Complete official service and repair coverage for all factory-specified maintenance, diagnostics, and repair procedures.

Included Models:

Subaru Impreza TS, RS, WRX, and Outback (2002 model year).

Engine Variants:

2.5L H4 (Naturally Aspirated), 2.0L H4 Turbo (WRX), 2.0L H4 STI Turbo (WRX STI).

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2500 pages (typical for comprehensive official service manuals of this era).

Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (assembly, disassembly, inspection), lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, exhaust, ignition, engine management (ECU, sensors, actuators), turbocharger systems (WRX/STI), emissions control.

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual transmission (clutch, gearbox, differential), automatic transmission (torque converter, planetary gears, valve body), all-wheel drive system (center differential, viscous coupling, rear differential), driveshafts, CV joints.

Chassis Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension (struts, springs, control arms, bushings), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering pump, steering column), wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake, brake fluid specifications, master cylinder, brake calipers, rotors, pads, lines, bleeding procedures.

Electrical Electronics:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), ignition system, power windows, locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, instrument cluster, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams.

Body Interior:

Body construction, panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seats, HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system, body sealing.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, tire rotation, brake inspection.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault code interpretation, wiring harness testing.

Repair Overhaul:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul, including engine rebuild, transmission repair, suspension component replacement, brake system service.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for Subaru-specific and essential general automotive tools required for complex procedures.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, component tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and body repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if produced from OCR'd scans or original digital files, enabling quick information retrieval.

Printable:

Yes, PDF format allows for printing of specific sections or the entire document.

Quality:

Variable based on the source scan, but typically aims for clear text and legible diagrams/illustrations.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

2.5L H4:

Naturally aspirated, SOHC or DOHC depending on exact trim/market. Output typically around 165-170 hp. Engine code likely EJ253.

2.0L H4 Turbo Wrx:

Turbocharged, DOHC. Produces approximately 227 hp and 217 lb-ft of torque. Engine code EJ205. Features intercooler, electronic fuel injection.

2.0L H4 Sti:

Upgraded turbocharged, DOHC. Higher output than standard WRX, likely around 260+ hp. Engine code EJ207. Features larger turbo, improved intercooler, stronger internals, DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential) on some variants.

Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for all variants. Multi-point injection (MPI) is standard.

Fuel Requirement:

Unleaded gasoline. 91 octane or higher recommended for turbocharged models (WRX/STI).

Type:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug or coil packs.

Type:

Pressurized liquid cooling system with thermostatically controlled fan.

Type:

Wet sump lubrication system with oil pump and filter.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual transmission (STI variants often featured a 6-speed manual).

Type:

4-speed automatic transmission (available on non-WRX models).

AWD System:

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with a viscous coupling center differential for most manual transmissions. Automatic transmissions often use an Active Torque Split AWD system with a hydraulic clutch pack.

Manual Wrx:

Specific gear ratios for WRX are detailed in the manual, optimized for performance.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

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

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF-HP (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 173.4 inches (Sedan), 177.0 inches (Wagon).

Width:

Approx. 66.7 inches.

Height:

Approx. 55.9 inches (Sedan), 58.0 inches (Wagon).

Wheelbase:

Approx. 99.4 inches.

Curb Weight Approx:

2800-3100 lbs (depending on trim and transmission).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Available in manual, typically around 4000-4200 lbs.

Cargo Volume Sedan:

Approx. 11.6 cu ft.

Cargo Volume Wagon:

Approx. 30.3 cu ft (rear seats up), 63.1 cu ft (rear seats folded).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-star rating for driver and front passenger (for 2002 model year in US testing).

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good rating (for 2002 model year in US testing).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most models, with 4-wheel disc brakes.

AWD:

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides enhanced traction and stability.

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags. Side curtain airbags or side torso airbags may be optional on some trims.

Seatbelts:

3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point rear seatbelts.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-equipped with CD player, AM/FM radio. Premium audio systems were optional on higher trims.

Navigation:

Factory navigation systems were not common in this era of Impreza, typically aftermarket solutions were used.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Traction Control:

Optional or standard on select models, often integrated with AWD system.

Bluetooth:

Not typically available from the factory for this model year. Aftermarket integration is common.

Usb Ports:

Not available from the factory. Aftermarket solutions required.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,750 miles or 3 months, or 7,500 miles/6 months with synthetic oil, subject to driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type (copper, platinum, iridium).

Coolant Flush:

First flush at 30,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Timing Belt Replacement:

For EJ253 (non-interference), interval is longer. For EJ205/EJ207 (interference), typically 105,000 miles or 7 years. Crucial for engine survival; consult manual for exact spec and related components (tensioner, idlers, water pump).

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 synthetic recommended. Capacity approx. 4.5 quarts (2.5L), 4.7 quarts (2.0L Turbo).

Coolant:

Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant. Capacity approx. 6.8 quarts.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Head Gaskets:

While less prevalent on the 2.5L SOHC EJ253 in this generation compared to earlier DOHC EJ25D, head gasket leaks can still occur. Interference with the EJ205/EJ207 is rare but can be catastrophic if the timing belt breaks.

Turbocharger Wear:

On WRX/STI models, turbocharger longevity depends heavily on maintenance. Oil starvation or overheating can lead to premature failure. Proper warm-up and cool-down procedures are critical.

Clutch Wear:

The clutch in manual transmission models, especially WRX/STI variants driven hard, can wear out prematurely. Dual-mass flywheel issues may also arise.

Suspension Bushings:

Rubber suspension bushings can degrade over time, leading to noise, vagueness, and alignment issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru History:

Fuji Heavy Industries, later Subaru Corporation, has a long history in aviation and automotive manufacturing, with a focus on horizontally opposed ('boxer') engines and all-wheel-drive technology.

First Generation Gc Gf Gg:

The first generation Impreza (GC/GF/GG chassis) debuted in 1992, with the second generation (GD/GG chassis) launching for the 2002 model year in most markets. The 2002 model represents the start of the 'bug-eye' or 'hawkeye' generation.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in Japan.

Model Year Run:

2002 Impreza is part of the second generation, which ran from 2002-2007 (with facelifts). The 'bug-eye' styling was specific to 2002-2003.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Alist:

The WRX variant, in particular, has frequently appeared on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists in subsequent years for its performance and value, though the 2002 model's inclusion on specific year-end lists is less documented than later generations.

Rally Heritage:

Subaru Impreza's strong performance in the World Rally Championship (WRC) significantly boosted its reputation and desirability, particularly the WRX and STI models.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports ratings for this specific model year may vary, often citing average to above-average reliability, with some specific areas of concern detailed in their reviews.