Segment:
Compact Car / Sport Compact
Brand Perception:
Known for All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability and rally heritage
Competitors 1997-1998:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort
Drivetrain Offering:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on many models)
Engine Variant Emphasis:
Focus on the 1.8L naturally aspirated engine
For Owners:
Enables DIY maintenance and repair, saving costs and extending vehicle life
Service And Repair:
Comprehensive
Maintenance:
Scheduled and routine maintenance
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures and solutions
Type:
Full Service & Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (Likely PDF, though format not explicitly stated beyond 'manual')
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emission control systems
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission repair and overhaul
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials, axles, driveshafts
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering, alignment
Brakes:
Brake system components, hydraulics, ABS (if equipped)
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, power windows, central locking, battery, charging system
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, interior trim, structural components, corrosion protection
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-I for this era), fault code interpretation
Engine Repair:
Engine rebuild, cylinder head removal/installation, piston and ring replacement
Transmission Service:
Clutch replacement, transmission fluid changes, internal component repair
Brake Service:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper service, brake bleeding
Suspension Repair:
Strut and shock absorber replacement, ball joint service, wheel bearing replacement
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring harness repair, component testing, fuse and relay identification
Body Repair:
Panel replacement, dent repair, door and latch adjustment
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, timing belt inspection/replacement
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls)
Engine Code Common:
EJ18 (SOHC)
Engine Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1781 cc)
Engine Configuration:
Naturally Aspirated, Horizontally-Opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
80.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.5:1 (Typical for EJ18)
Horsepower Est:
112 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque Est:
114 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
ECU Type:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) with OBD-I diagnostics
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent)
Oil Type:
API SG, SH, or SJ rated SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Check owner's manual for specific climate recommendations)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Likely with AWD)
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (Available with AWD)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Viscous Coupling Center Differential
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 (Check manual for exact specification and capacity)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (Check manual for exact specification and capacity)
Wheelbase Sedan:
Approx. 2510 mm (98.8 in)
Wheelbase Wagon:
Approx. 2510 mm (98.8 in)
Track Width Front:
Approx. 1470 mm (57.9 in)
Track Width Rear:
Approx. 1460 mm (57.5 in)
Curb Weight Est:
1200 - 1350 kg (2645 - 2975 lbs) depending on body style and transmission
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
4-star (for driver) and 3-star (for passenger) in earlier tests (check specific model year for exact data)
Braking System:
Front: Ventilated Discs, Rear: Discs or Drums (depending on trim/AWD configuration)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Optional on some models, standard on higher trims)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (Standard)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 3,750 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first, check manual for climate/driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (or as needed based on driving environment)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type, platinum/iridium recommended)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles or 5-7 years (Critical maintenance item for interference engine)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.1 Liters (6.4 US Quarts) (Check manual for exact)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Check manual for specific recommendation)
Head Gaskets:
While less common on the EJ18 than later EJ20/25, head gasket leaks can occur over time, especially with age and thermal cycling.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Cracking of the exhaust manifold is a known issue due to heat cycles and material stress.
Radiator Leaks:
Older plastic-tank radiators can develop leaks at the seam between the plastic and metal core.
Clutch Wear:
Typical wear item, particularly in vehicles driven in hilly or urban environments.
Founder:
Miyoshi Company (founded 1917)
Automotive Entry:
1945 (as Subaru automobile division)
Impreza Launch Year:
1992
First Generation Years:
1992-2000
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan (Main production), Australia, some assembly in other regions
Rally Success:
Significant success in World Rally Championship (WRC) with drivers like Colin McRae and Richard Burns
Car And Driver 10 Best:
Not typically recognized on this specific generation for the 10 Best list, but subsequent WRX models became iconic.
Reliability Consumer Reports:
Mixed to average reliability ratings for this era, with some model years performing better than others. Maintenance is key.
Emissions Compliance:
Designed to meet US EPA and California emissions standards for 1997-1998 model years.
