Segment:
Compact Performance Sedan/Hatchback
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers, rally enthusiasts, performance car owners, DIY mechanics
Key Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Mazdaspeed3
Drivetrain Layout:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on all trims)
Performance Focus:
WRX and STI trims offer turbocharged performance and enhanced handling
Rally Heritage:
Direct lineage from Subaru's WRC success
Engine Mechanical:
Yes (EJ20, EJ25, EJ257, EJ255 variants, including turbocharger systems)
Engine Management:
Yes (ECU, sensors, actuators, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control)
Transmission Manual:
Yes (5-speed and 6-speed DCCD options)
Transmission Automatic:
Yes (4-speed automatic for non-turbo models, AWD systems)
Drivetrain:
Yes (All-Wheel Drive system, differentials, driveshafts, hubs)
Suspension:
Yes (Front MacPherson strut, Rear multi-link, STI specific tuning)
Steering:
Yes (Power steering system, steering column)
Brakes:
Yes (ABS, EBD, ventilated discs, STI Brembo calipers)
Electrical System:
Yes (Battery, alternator, starter, lighting, power accessories, wiring diagrams)
HVAC:
Yes (Air conditioning, heating, ventilation)
Body And Trim:
Yes (Body panels, interior components, glass, seals)
Chassis And Frame:
Yes (Frame construction, unibody specifications)
Scheduled Maintenance:
Yes (Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid flushes, belt inspections)
Troubleshooting:
Yes (Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based diagnosis)
Engine Repair:
Yes (Head gasket replacement, piston/ring service, valve adjustments, turbo rebuild)
Transmission Repair:
Yes (Clutch replacement, gearbox overhaul, AWD system service)
Brake Service:
Yes (Pad/rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, bleeding procedures)
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Yes (Strut replacement, control arm bushing, power steering pump)
Electrical Diagnostics:
Yes (Component testing, wiring harness repair, ECU flashing)
Bodywork And Collision Repair:
Yes (Panel replacement, alignment, sealing)
HVAC System Repair:
Yes (Compressor, evaporator, heater core replacement)
Wiring Diagrams:
Yes (Comprehensive and color-coded)
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics)
Impreza Sedan Length:
4415 mm (173.8 in)
Impreza Hatchback Length:
4405 mm (173.4 in)
Height:
1415 mm (55.7 in) for Sedans / 1430 mm (56.3 in) for Hatchbacks
Wheelbase:
2620 mm (103.2 in)
Ground Clearance:
135 mm (5.3 in) for standard models / 145 mm (5.7 in) for STI
Curb Weight Min:
1370 kg (3020 lbs) for 2.5i manual sedan
Curb Weight Max:
1505 kg (3318 lbs) for WRX STI hatchback
Sedan Trunk Volume:
Approx. 390 L (13.8 cu ft)
Hatchback Cargo Volume:
Approx. 320 L (11.3 cu ft) behind rear seats, expandable
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star (for both driver and passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Ebd:
Standard (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
Traction Control:
Standard (VDC - Vehicle Dynamics Control on some trims)
Airbags Front:
Standard (Driver and Passenger SRS)
Airbags Side:
Optional (Front Side-Impact Airbags, Curtain Airbags)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear with pretensioners
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system
Head Unit:
Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio system (e.g., McIntosh on some STI trims)
Display:
Basic LCD screen for clock/audio information. No central touchscreen infotainment.
All Wheel Drive:
Core technological feature providing enhanced traction and stability.
Auxiliary Input:
Standard on most models for audio playback.
Bluetooth:
Not available from factory; aftermarket solutions common.
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles (severe) or 7,500 miles (normal) with synthetic oil, or every 6 months.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace annually or every 15,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles (iridium type).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable, uses a timing chain.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SG or higher)
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant (or equivalent silicate-free OAT coolant, typically blue)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (75W-90 GL-5) or equivalent
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Subaru ATF-HP
Differential Fluid Front Rear:
Subaru 75W-90 GL-5
Head Gaskets:
Prevalent issue in EJ25 engines, particularly non-turbo. Turbocharged engines (EJ255/EJ257) are less prone but not immune. Manual addresses proper sealant and torque procedures for replacement.
Oil Consumption:
Some EJ25 engines can consume oil, especially turbocharged variants under hard use. Manual provides diagnostic steps.
Subaru Clutch Wear:
Clutches on WRX/STI can wear faster under aggressive driving. Manual covers clutch replacement procedures.
Catalytic Converter Failure:
Can occur due to engine issues (e.g., oil burning). Manual details exhaust system diagnostics.
Door Seal Deterioration:
Common on older Subarus, leading to water ingress. Manual covers bodywork and sealing procedures.
Subaru Motorsport:
Long-standing success in rally racing (WRC, Group N)
AWD Legacy:
Pioneer in mass-produced All-Wheel Drive vehicles
Third Generation:
This generation (GD/GG) marked a significant styling evolution, moving to a more rounded and modern design compared to the previous GC/GF generation.
Sti Introduction:
The STI variant was officially introduced to North America in 2004, with the 2006-2007 models representing a significant update, including the EJ257 engine and DCCD transmission.
Manufacturing Location:
Gunma Plant, Japan
Production Years:
2000-2007 (GD/GG generation)