Segment:
Compact Car / Affordable Sport Compact
Reputation:
Known for its All-Wheel Drive system, rally heritage, and practical yet engaging driving experience.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Mitsubishi Lancer.
AWD Standard:
Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a defining feature, offering enhanced traction and stability.
Engine Options:
Typically features boxer engines known for their low center of gravity.
Body Styles:
Available as Sedan and Hatchback variants for the 2009 model year.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, diagnostics, maintenance, and repair of all engine variants (e.g., EJ253, EJ255).
Engine Management System:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emission controls, sensor diagnostics, ECM/PCM information.
Transmission Manual:
Maintenance, repair, overhaul, and troubleshooting for all manual transmission types.
Transmission Automatic:
Maintenance, repair, overhaul, and troubleshooting for all automatic transmission types, including CVT if applicable to 2009 models.
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system components, differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, and related maintenance.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, components (struts, shocks, control arms, springs), alignment, and diagnostics.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion, and associated components.
Brakes:
Brake system diagnostics, hydraulic components, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake pad/rotor replacement, bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
12V battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, lighting, accessories.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass, doors, bumpers, structural components.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnostics and repair, refrigerant handling, component replacement.
Restraints:
Airbag system, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) components, diagnostics, and safety precautions.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), guided troubleshooting procedures.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic fault finding based on symptoms and diagnostic codes.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Testing circuits, diagnosing electrical faults using wiring diagrams and multimeters.
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications and procedures for checking and adjusting wheel alignment.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring schematics.
Engine Code Common:
EJ253 (2.5L Naturally Aspirated)
Displacement Na:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Configuration Na:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer), 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16 Valves
Horsepower Na:
Approx. 170 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque Na:
Approx. 170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Code Turbo:
EJ255 (2.5L Turbocharged - WRX models)
Displacement Turbo:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Configuration Turbo:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer), 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16 Valves, Turbocharged
Horsepower Turbo:
Approx. 265 hp @ 5200 rpm (WRX)
Torque Turbo:
Approx. 244 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm (WRX)
Induction:
Sequential multi-port fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum for NA, 91 octane premium recommended/required for WRX.
Manual Transmission:
5-speed manual (common on most trims).
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed automatic (common on non-turbo models).
AWD System Type:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Viscous Center Differential (Manual) or Electronically Controlled Transfer Clutch (Automatic).
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios will be detailed in the manual for each transmission type.
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
Subaru ATF HP or equivalent (check manual for specific part number and capacity).
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
Subaru Manual Transmission Fluid or GL-5 gear oil (check manual for specific viscosity and capacity).
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
5 Stars (for 2009 model year, specific results vary by test)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
5 Stars (for 2009 model year, specific results vary by test)
IIHS Front Crash:
Good (for 2009 model year, specific results vary by test)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for 2009 model year, specific results vary by test)
Traction Control:
Standard on most models.
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard on most models (Vehicle Dynamics Control - VDC).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System.
Airbags:
Frontal, front side-impact, and side curtain airbags (standard or optional depending on trim).
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters, 3-point rear seatbelts.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months, or 7,500 miles/12 months under severe conditions (refer to owner's manual for specifics).
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (or every 30,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 miles (iridium type).
Timing Belt Replacement:
If applicable (e.g., some engine variants), typically around 105,000 miles or 105 months. Check specific engine for interference or non-interference design.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 0W-20 (recommended for most 2009 Impreza models, verify with manual for specific engine).
Coolant Spec:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free long-life coolant.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent in later generations compared to earlier EJ engines, head gasket leaks are still a potential concern to monitor, especially on the 2.5L naturally aspirated engines.
Catalytic Converter Failure:
Some reports of catalytic converter issues or check engine lights related to emissions components.
Clutch Wear:
Manual transmission clutch wear can be accelerated with aggressive driving.
Suspension Noise:
Squeaks or rattles from suspension components can occur with age and mileage.