🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Impreza

Year:

2008

Market Segment:

Compact Car

Generation Code:

GE/GH/GR/GV

Generation Years:

2007-2011

Chassis Codes:

GE (Hatchback), GH (Sedan), GR (Hatchback WRX/STI), GV (Sedan WRX/STI)

👋 Introduction

Segment Positioning:

The 2008 Subaru Impreza competed in the compact car segment, often distinguished by its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and sporty variants (WRX, STI).

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer.

AWD Advantage:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive offered superior traction and handling in various weather conditions compared to many front-wheel-drive competitors.

Performance Variants:

The inclusion of WRX and STI models provided high-performance options targeting enthusiasts, a niche not typically occupied by mainstream compacts.

Service Parity:

This manual is the factory-authorized service information provided to Subaru dealerships and independent repair shops, ensuring accuracy and completeness for all maintenance and repair tasks.

📋 Manual Details

All Models Covered:

Yes

All Engines Covered:

Yes

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (Likely 1000+ pages based on typical Subaru service manuals)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF) - Searchable, Printable

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine ( EJ253, EJ20 N/A, EJ255 Turbocharged, EJ257 Turbocharged), Transmission (Manual, Automatic), Drivetrain (AWD System)

Chassis:

Suspension, Steering, Brakes (ABS, EBD)

Body And Interior:

Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Trim, HVAC, SRS Airbags

Electrical:

Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, ECU, Immobilizer, Power Accessories

Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Belt Inspections

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Charts, DTC Code Explanations, Diagnostic Procedures for all Systems

Repair:

Engine Component Replacement (Head Gaskets, Pistons, Rods), Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement

Assembly Disassembly:

Complete Step-by-Step Guides for Major Components

Depth:

Comprehensive (Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)

Diagnostics Level:

Advanced (Includes wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, and electronic system diagnostics)

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable (allows quick access to specific information)

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or sections

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

EJ253

Configuration:

2.5L Flat-4 (Boxer)

Horsepower Hp:

170 hp @ 5,800 rpm (approx.)

Torque Lb Ft:

170 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm (approx.)

Engine Code:

EJ255

Configuration:

2.5L Turbocharged Flat-4 (Boxer)

Horsepower Hp:

224 hp @ 5,200 rpm (approx.)

Torque Lb Ft:

226 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (approx.)

Engine Code:

EJ257

Configuration:

2.5L Turbocharged Flat-4 (Boxer)

Horsepower Hp:

305 hp @ 6,000 rpm (approx.)

Torque Lb Ft:

290 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (approx.)

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 16 Valves

Induction:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) / Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) with Turbocharger for WRX/STI

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane recommended for WRX/STI)

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Base:

5-Speed Manual

Transmission Type Optional:

4-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain Type:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Sti Dccd:

Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD) on STI models

Manual Transmission Fluid:

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

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF-HP (Highly Performance) or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Length In:

179.5

Width In:

68.5

Height In:

57.7

Length In:

173.8

Width In:

69.1

Height In:

57.1

Wheelbase In:

103.0

Curb Weight Lb Min:

3,030 (approx.)

Curb Weight Lb Max:

3,375 (approx. STI)

Cargo Volume Sedan Cu Ft:

11.6

Cargo Volume Hatchback Cu Ft:

19.6 (seats up), 44.4 (seats down)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Driver:

5 Stars

NHTSA Front Crash Passenger:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Crash Front Seat:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Crash Rear Seat:

5 Stars

IIHS Front Overlap Best:

Good

IIHS Side Impact Best:

Good

Brake System:

Power-assisted ventilated front discs, solid rear discs; ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Traction Control:

Standard on most models, enhanced by AWD

Stability Control:

Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) standard on most models

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point ELR front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard CD player with AM/FM radio, optional satellite radio compatibility, MP3 playback, auxiliary audio input. Higher trims may feature enhanced speaker systems.

Navigation System:

Optional factory-installed GPS navigation system available on higher trim levels.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity available on certain trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Miles:

Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe driving) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal driving), using Subaru's recommended schedule. Consult manual for specific oil type.

Oil Type Recommended:

5W-30 Synthetic (API SG or higher) for naturally aspirated; 5W-30 Synthetic (API SJ or higher) for turbocharged models. Refer to manual for exact specification and viscosity.

Oil Filter Part Number Example:

Subaru 15208AA031 (or equivalent)

Engine Air Filter Replacement Interval Miles:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months. Inspect more frequently under dusty conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval Miles:

105,000 miles (for Iridium tip plugs if equipped)

Coolant Flush Interval Miles:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months

Manual Transmission Fluid Change Interval Miles:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months (for severe use) / 60,000 miles or 48 months (for normal use)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Change Interval Miles:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months (for severe use) / 60,000 miles or 48 months (for normal use)

Head Gaskets:

While Subaru addressed early head gasket issues in prior generations, some 2008 models may still be susceptible. The manual will detail proper inspection and replacement procedures, including torque sequences and sealant application.

Clutch Wear:

Manual transmission clutches can experience wear, particularly in aggressive driving conditions. The manual provides specifications for clutch inspection and replacement.

Turbocharger Maintenance Wrx Sti:

Turbocharged models require diligent oil maintenance to prevent premature wear. The manual covers turbocharger diagnostics and component replacement.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Subaru Genuine ATF or Dexron II/III equivalent

Differential Fluid Front Rear:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90

Standard Tire Size:

Varies by trim, commonly 205/55R16 or 215/45R17

Bolt Pattern:

5x100mm

Center Bore:

56.1mm

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru History:

Subaru, part of Fuji Heavy Industries, has a long history of producing vehicles known for their durability, reliability, and unique engineering, particularly their horizontally-opposed ('boxer') engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems.

Impreza Lineage:

The Impreza was introduced globally in 1992 as a compact car, quickly gaining a reputation for its rallying success and the availability of AWD. The 2008 model represents the third generation, marking a significant design shift towards a more mature and globally appealing aesthetic, moving away from the rally-focused, aggressive styling of some predecessors. This generation also introduced the hatchback body style in many markets.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary production for the 2008 model year typically occurred in Japan (Gunma Prefecture) and also in Taiwan and Malaysia for those respective markets.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick Award:

The 2008 Impreza received the IIHS Top Safety Pick award, reflecting its strong performance in crash tests.

Model Perception:

Often praised for its AWD capabilities, handling dynamics (especially WRX/STI), and practicality in a compact segment.