Segment:
Compact car, known for its rally heritage and symmetrical all-wheel-drive system.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra during its era.
Drivetrain:
Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, standard on most models, enhancing traction and handling.
Engine Type:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) engines, offering a lower center of gravity for improved stability and handling.
Rally Heritage:
Strong association with World Rally Championship (WRC) success, influencing its sporty image and performance characteristics.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, emissions control.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, drive shafts, differentials, AWD system (Full-Time Symmetrical AWD).
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (struts, control arms), rear suspension (struts, trailing arms), power steering system, steering column.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes (on most models), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) if equipped, brake system components, parking brake.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting systems, ignition switch, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, dashboard instrumentation, power accessories.
Body Chassis:
Body structure, exterior panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, body hardware.
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance checks, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid top-offs, spark plug replacement, timing belt inspection/replacement.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if applicable.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic parameters.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics.
File Format Type:
Likely PDF; digital format ensures searchability and easy navigation.
Searchability:
High (if PDF with OCR text layer), allowing users to quickly find specific information.
Illustration Quality:
Typically includes diagrams, schematics, and photographic illustrations for clarity.
Binding Type:
If printed, likely spiral-bound or perfect-bound for durability and ease of use on a workbench.
Paper Type:
If printed, usually on durable, semi-gloss paper to withstand workshop conditions.
Engine Codes Common:
EJ18, EJ20, EJ22
Ej18 Displacement:
1.8 liters (1781 cc)
Ej18 Horsepower:
~110-115 hp @ 5600 rpm
Ej18 Torque:
~110-115 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Ej22 Displacement:
2.2 liters (2212 cc)
Ej22 Horsepower:
~130-135 hp @ 5600 rpm
Ej22 Torque:
~140-145 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine Layout:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer), naturally aspirated, SOHC or DOHC cylinder heads depending on variant.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), multi-point.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, typically 87 octane or higher.
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Recommended every 60,000 - 100,000 miles or 4-7 years, a critical maintenance item.
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission.
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission.
AWD System:
Full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 is commonly recommended. Check manual for specific Subaru specification (e.g., Subaru Extra-S).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II-E or Dexron III automatic transmission fluid. Consult manual for exact Subaru specification.
Wheelbase:
Approximately 97.2 inches (2469 mm) for sedan and wagon.
Length:
Sedan: ~170.1 inches (4320 mm), Wagon: ~170.5 inches (4331 mm).
Width:
Approximately 66.7 inches (1694 mm).
Height:
Sedan: ~55.5 inches (1410 mm), Wagon: ~57.3 inches (1455 mm).
Curb Weight:
Ranges from approximately 2600 - 2900 lbs (1180 - 1315 kg) depending on body style and drivetrain.
NHTSA Ratings:
Information for this era is less standardized; likely received average ratings for its time. No specific data readily available for this model year without referring to archived reports.
Active Safety:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for enhanced traction and stability, optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).
Passive Safety:
Crumple zones, reinforced safety cage, airbags (driver and passenger often standard or optional), seat belts.
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player or CD player (optional on later models). Speaker configurations vary by trim level.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited by era; primarily focused on active safety features like AWD and ABS. No advanced electronic driver-assistance systems (ADAS) were available.
Connectivity:
No Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Auxiliary inputs for audio devices may have been present on some later models or aftermarket additions.
All Wheel Drive System:
The Symmetrical AWD is a key technological feature, providing superior traction and handling in various weather conditions, a hallmark of Subaru vehicles.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for precise intervals.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 depending on ambient temperature. Check manual for exact Subaru recommendation.
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. Subaru's blue coolant is specific; use equivalent or Subaru genuine coolant. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Check manual for precise specification.
Head Gasket Leaks:
While more prevalent in later EJ engine generations (especially EJ25), early EJ engines (like EJ18, EJ20, EJ22) can also develop head gasket leaks. Regular coolant checks are important.
Timing Belt Wear:
Due to the interference nature of Subaru engines, timely timing belt replacement is crucial to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and front/rear main seals can be common sources of oil leaks over time.
Cv Axle Boots:
Torn CV axle boots are a common issue that can lead to premature CV joint failure, especially in AWD vehicles that see varied driving conditions.
Subaru Brand:
Subaru, part of the Fuji Heavy Industries conglomerate, has a history of producing aircraft and later automobiles, known for its distinctive boxer engines and AWD systems.
Impreza Introduction:
The Impreza was introduced globally in 1992 as a replacement for the Subaru Leone. It quickly established itself in the compact car segment.
First Generation:
This 1992-1995 period represents the first generation (GC for sedan, GF for wagon) of the Impreza.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Japan.
Performance Variants:
This generation also saw the introduction of performance-oriented models like the WRX (World Rally eXperimental), though these are less common in North American markets for these specific years compared to later generations.
Rally Success:
While specific awards for the 1992-1995 road cars are scarce, the Impreza platform gained significant recognition through its rallying success in WRC, contributing to its desirability.
Consumer Reports Historical:
Early Impreza models generally received good marks for handling and AWD capability, with some noted concerns regarding interior noise and specific mechanical components as the vehicles aged.
