Model Years Covered:
1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Chassis Codes:
GC8 (Coupe/Sedan), GF8 (Wagon), GM2/GM6 (Outback Sport/GTS)
Segment:
Compact/Small Family Car, known for rally heritage and AWD capability.
Key Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus
Performance Focus:
The Impreza of this era is renowned for its available turbocharged engines (WRX variants) and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, offering excellent traction and handling.
Rally Heritage:
Strong association with World Rally Championship (WRC) success, influencing its performance image.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, emission control, exhaust system
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmissions: removal, installation, overhaul, and diagnostics
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials, driveshafts, CV joints
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shock absorbers, struts, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, disc and drum brake components, parking brake
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories, instrument cluster, ECU troubleshooting
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, sunroof, interior trim, bumpers, paint and corrosion
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, body repair
Adjustments:
Wheel alignment, handbrake adjustment, clutch adjustment
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, electrical resistance values
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls; detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
Engine Code Ej22:
EJ22E (2.2L SOHC Boxer)
Engine Code Ej25:
EJ25D (2.5L DOHC NA - early phase, head gasket issues common), EJ253 (2.5L SOHC NA - later phase)
Engine Code Ej20Turbo:
EJ20G/EJ20K/EJ205 (2.0L/2.5L Turbocharged - WRX models)
Hp Ej22:
135 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque Ej22:
133 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Hp Ej25D:
165 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque Ej25D:
162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Hp Ej20Turbo:
217-250 hp (varies by specific WRX model and year)
Torque Ej20Turbo:
217-270 lb-ft (varies by specific WRX model and year)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane for NA, 91+ octane for Turbocharged)
ECU Type:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) with OBD-II diagnostics
Transmission Type Na:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with viscous coupling center differential (manual) or electronically controlled clutch pack (automatic).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (verify specific subaru specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent (verify specific subaru specification)
Differential Fluid Front:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90
Differential Fluid Rear:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (for open differential models), check for LSD fluid if applicable.
Length Coupe:
Approx. 4340 mm (170.9 in)
Length Sedan:
Approx. 4350 mm (171.3 in)
Length Wagon:
Approx. 4405 mm (173.4 in)
Width:
Approx. 1690-1700 mm (66.5-66.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1400-1450 mm (55.1-57.1 in)
Curb Weight Na:
Approx. 1200-1300 kg (2645-2866 lbs)
Curb Weight Turbo:
Approx. 1350-1450 kg (2976-3197 lbs)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2510 mm (98.8 in)
Wheelbase:
NA (Typically 15" or 16" wheels)
Tire Sizes Common:
195/60R15, 205/50R16, 205/55R15 (varies by trim and year)
NHTSA Front Driver:
4-star (1998 model year)
NHTSA Front Passenger:
4-star (1998 model year)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on most models, standard on higher trims and WRX.
AWD:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) provides enhanced stability and traction.
Airbags:
Dual front airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts, pretensioners for front occupants.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe conditions) / 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal conditions) - refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving environment.
Spark Plug Replacement Na:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles or 5-7 years (critical for interference engines like EJ25D; consult manual for exact interval and procedure).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.7 quarts (4.4 liters) with filter for EJ22/EJ25.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
10W-30 or 5W-30 (verify for climate and specific engine).
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based, Subaru Blue color).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Ej25D Head Gaskets:
Early EJ25D engines (pre-1999) are prone to head gasket failure due to a less robust design. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets can seep or leak over time. The manual covers their replacement.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings, ball joints, and struts may require periodic inspection and replacement due to age and mileage.
Turbo Failure Wrx:
WRX models with high mileage or improper maintenance may experience turbocharger wear or failure. The manual provides diagnostic and overhaul procedures.
Subaru Focus:
Subaru has a long history of producing reliable vehicles with a focus on practicality, safety, and often, unique engineering like the boxer engine and AWD systems.
First Generation:
The GC/GF/GM generation of the Impreza debuted globally in 1992, with significant updates and facelifts occurring throughout its lifecycle. The 1996-2001 models represent the latter half of this generation, including the introduction and popularization of the WRX performance variants.
Facelifts:
Received a significant facelift in 1999, updating the headlights, grille, front bumper, and interior trim.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (primarily Gunma Prefecture)
Key Variants:
GT/Sport Wagon, RS (performance trim), Outback Sport (raised suspension, body cladding), WRX (turbocharged, performance focus), WRX STI (high-performance variant).
