Segment:
Compact car (C-segment)
Usp:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on most trims), rally heritage, horizontally-opposed boxer engines.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda Protege, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra.
Performance Variants:
GT, WRX (in some markets), RS (some trims).
Body Styles:
2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback/wagon (referred to as 'Sport Wagon').
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, lubrication system, cooling system, automatic transmission, manual transmission, drivetrain components (CVT optional).
Chassis:
Suspension (front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link/strut), steering system (rack and pinion, power assist), braking system (front disc, rear disc/drum, ABS), wheels and tires.
Body:
Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, seats, glass, doors, locks, hinges, fuel filler, body sealing.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, instrument cluster, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), audio system, battery, charging system, starting system, engine control module (ECM) / powertrain control module (PCM), sensors, actuators.
Emission Control:
Emission control systems, catalytic converter, EVAP system, EGR system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to emissions.
Climate Control:
Air conditioning system (operation, components, servicing), heating system, ventilation.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid level checks and changes, filter replacements, tune-up procedures, lubrication.
Repair:
Component removal and installation, disassembly and reassembly of major assemblies (engine, transmission, suspension components, brakes), body panel repairs.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common symptoms and their causes, electrical system diagnostics, emission control system troubleshooting.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures for powertrain, chassis, and electrical systems, including On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-I/OBD-II) interpretation for the period.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Binding Type:
Professional perfect binding or comb binding (common for factory manuals)
Paper Type:
Durable, high-quality paper suitable for workshop environments.
Print Quality:
High-resolution printing ensuring clarity of diagrams, schematics, and text.
Content Scope:
Factory original service manual, designed for dealership technicians. Covers all models and variations for the specified year.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated, Horizontally-Opposed (Boxer) 4-Cylinder
Displacement Liters:
2.2 L
Engine Code Typical:
EJ22
Bore X Stroke Mm:
96.9 x 75.0
Horsepower Ps Approx:
135-142 PS (depending on trim/market)
Torque Nm Approx:
191-195 Nm
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 16 valves
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
91-92 AKI
Turbocharged Variants:
Yes (e.g., GT, WRX models often featured turbocharging, typically with EJ20G or EJ25D/EJ251 variants).
NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:
4-star (1997 model year specific results vary slightly by source)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:
4-star (1997 model year specific results vary slightly by source)
ABS:
Optional on some trims, standard on performance variants and higher trims.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear 3-point seatbelts, driver's pretensioner.
Head Unit:
Aftermarket head units were common replacements. Factory units typically included AM/FM radio with cassette player.
Speaker System:
Typically 4-6 speaker system depending on trim level.
Traction Control:
Not commonly available on base models; may be present on higher performance trims or as part of advanced AWD systems.
Cruise Control:
Optional or standard on higher trims.
Aux Input:
Not standard. Requires aftermarket adapter or head unit replacement.
Oil Change Miles:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe driving conditions).
Oil Change Miles Normal:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement Miles:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
Every 60,000 miles (copper-core plugs).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30, 10W-30, or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for specific recommendations based on temperature).
Engine Oil Capacity Liters:
Approx. 4.2 L (with filter change)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with silicate)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (for 5MT)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or Dexron III (check manual for exact specification)
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (front and rear differentials)
Head Gaskets:
While the EJ22 is generally robust, later EJ25 engines are known for head gasket failures. Regular inspection of coolant and oil is advised.
Wheel Bearings:
Can be prone to wear, especially on AWD models, leading to humming or grinding noises.
Radiator Corrosion:
Older radiators can develop corrosion and leaks. Regular coolant flushes are important.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear in suspension bushings can lead to clunks and poor handling.
Founding:
Founded in 1953 as Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
Automotive Focus:
Known for its boxer engines and all-wheel-drive systems.
Facelift Year For Gen 1:
1997 (significant cosmetic and chassis updates, introduction of updated engines and AWD systems).
Manufacturing Plant:
Gunma Manufacturing Plant, Ota, Gunma, Japan
