Segment:
Compact/Small Family Car, known for its rally heritage and all-wheel-drive capability.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, and professional technicians seeking in-depth repair information.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer, Ford Focus.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced handling, grip (especially with AWD), and often turbocharged performance variants (WRX).
AWD System:
Subarusymmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a defining characteristic, enhancing traction and stability.
Performance Variants:
Availability of the performance-oriented WRX and STI models, offering significant engine upgrades and sportier tuning.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair procedures, specifications, and component overviews for all engine variants.
Transmission:
Coverage for both manual and automatic transmissions, including overhaul, diagnostics, and fluid service.
Drivetrain:
Includes Subarusymmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials, axles, and driveshafts.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including struts, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications, and service.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS components, brake caliper service, rotor replacement, fluid specifications, and bleeding procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, pump, linkage, and column service.
Electrical:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component testing, charging system, ignition system, starting system, and ECU diagnostics.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater, blower motor, climate controls, and refrigerant service.
Body And Chassis:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, sunroof, structural components, and collision repair information.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, lines, tank, and evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system.
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, hoses, and coolant specifications.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed maintenance schedules for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and other routine services.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, and fault code explanations.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for all major systems.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic information, sensor testing, actuator testing, and ECU relearn procedures.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for critical fasteners across all vehicle systems.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs and diagnostics.
Depth:
Complete overhaul and rebuilding procedures for major components like engines and transmissions.
Diagnostics Level:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including oscilloscopes and logic analyzers for electrical system troubleshooting.
Engine Code Base:
EJ251 (2.5L Naturally Aspirated)
Displacement Na:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Configuration Na:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder
Horsepower Na:
Approx. 165-170 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque Na:
Approx. 166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Code Wrx:
EJ205 (2.0L Turbocharged)
Displacement Wrx:
2.0 Liters (1994 cc)
Configuration Wrx:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder, turbocharged
Horsepower Wrx:
Approx. 227 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque Wrx:
Approx. 217 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug (COP) for WRX models.
Manual Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission (TY754/TY755 series)
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (4EAT)
AWD Coupling:
Viscous coupling center differential for AWD models.
Differentials:
Open front and rear differentials (or Limited Slip Differential (LSD) on some performance variants).
Manual Trans Fluid:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (or equivalent API GL-5, SAE 75W-90)
Automatic Trans Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon)
Length:
Approx. 173.7 inches (4410 mm)
Width:
Approx. 66.7 inches (1695 mm)
Height:
Approx. 56.1 inches (1425 mm) for Sedan / 57.1 inches (1450 mm) for Wagon
Wheelbase:
Approx. 99.9 inches (2535 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3000-3200 lbs (1360-1450 kg), varies by trim and drivetrain.
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Approx. 4200-4400 lbs (1905-2000 kg), varies by trim.
Cargo Volume Sedan:
Approx. 12.1 cu ft (343 L)
Cargo Volume Wagon:
Approx. 30.0 cu ft (850 L) with rear seats up
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
4 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
4 Stars
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags on select trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seat belts.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Engine Coolant Change:
Initial change at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30, API SL or higher.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter for 2.5L NA; 4.7 US quarts (4.4 L) with filter for 2.0L Turbo.
Coolant Spec:
Subaru Super Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Head Gaskets:
While less common on the EJ251 than previous generations, head gasket leaks can still occur, especially with aftermarket modifications or poor maintenance.
Wrx Ring Lands:
WRX models with the EJ205 engine can be susceptible to ring land failure under high boost or aggressive tuning due to weaker piston design.
Clutch Wear:
Manual transmission clutches can wear out faster than average with aggressive driving or frequent towing.
Cv Axle Boots:
Cracked or torn CV axle boots can lead to premature failure of the CV joints, particularly in areas with poor road conditions or salt.
Subaru Heritage:
Subaru's history is rooted in aircraft manufacturing, leading to their distinctive horizontally-opposed engine and Symmetrical AWD systems, emphasizing durability and capability.
Impreza Genesis:
The Subaru Impreza was first introduced in 1992 as a replacement for the Subaru Leone.
Generation 2 Introduction:
The second generation (GD chassis) debuted for the 2002 model year, featuring a completely redesigned chassis and body style, often referred to as the 'bug eye' for its distinctive headlights on early models.
Wrx Performance Heritage:
The Impreza WRX (World Rally eXperimental) variants have a strong motorsport pedigree, particularly in the World Rally Championship (WRC), influencing the design and engineering of production models.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Gunma, Japan.
Production Years 2Nd Gen:
2002-2007