Segment:
Compact Car, known for its rally heritage and all-wheel-drive (AWD) capabilities in many trims.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra.
AWD Availability:
Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system was a major selling point, often standard or available across various trims.
Performance Variants:
Introduction of the iconic WRX (World Rally eXperimental) model during this generation, bringing turbocharged performance and rally-inspired styling.
Body Styles:
Available as a 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, and 5-door wagon/hatchback.
Engine:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul procedures for all engine variants, including timing belt replacement, cylinder head service, piston/ring replacement, lubrication system, cooling system.
Transmission:
Service and repair of both manual (5-speed) and automatic (4-speed) transmissions, including clutch service, gearbox overhaul, torque converter replacement, and transmission control systems.
Drivetrain:
Front and rear differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, propeller shafts, and transfer case (if applicable for AWD systems).
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, springs, bushings, control arms, anti-roll bars, and alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering rack, tie rods, and steering column.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum or disc/disc depending on trim), ABS diagnosis and repair, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, calipers, and parking brake.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, battery, charging system (alternator, starter), ignition system, lighting system, power windows, door locks, and instrument cluster diagnostics.
Body And Frame:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass replacement, interior trim, and structural components.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, blower motor, heater core, and A/C compressor service.
Emissions Control:
Diagnosis and repair of emissions-related components, including catalytic converter, O2 sensors, EGR valve, and evaporative emission control system.
Preventive Maintenance:
Detailed schedules and procedures for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, and belt inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, including symptom-based troubleshooting charts and fault code interpretation (OBD-II).
Repair And Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical specifications (resistance, voltage), and diagnostic parameters.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for certain repair procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance and basic repairs to complex engine, transmission, and electrical system overhauls. Suitable for both professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
PDF Quality:
High-resolution scans or digital creation, ensuring readability of text, diagrams, and images. Searchable text is highly probable.
Printability:
Designed to be printable, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual for offline use.
Binding For Print:
N/A (Digital PDF format, but if printed, typically a comb or spiral binding for lay-flat use).
Paper Type For Print:
N/A (Digital PDF format, but original manuals used durable, often glossy paper).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (consult manual for specifics).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical: Approximately every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km) or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH certified. Viscosity commonly 5W-30 or 10W-30. Consult manual for precise recommendations based on temperature.
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
Subaru ATF HP or equivalent Dexron-III compatible fluid.
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, commonly SAE 75W-90.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Head Gaskets:
Common issue, especially on EJ25D (DOHC) engines, leading to coolant leaks or internal oil/coolant mixing. Manual covers diagnosis and replacement.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket and front/rear main seal leaks can occur with age and mileage.
Catalytic Converter Failure:
Can occur due to engine misfires or rich fuel conditions.
Automatic Transmission Issues:
Some models may experience delayed engagement or rough shifting, particularly with higher mileage.
Subaru Brand:
Known for its engineering prowess, particularly its boxer engines and all-wheel-drive systems, rooted in aircraft manufacturing.
First Generation Launch:
The Impreza was introduced globally in 1992, with the GC/GF/GM generation covering 1993-2001 model years internationally and overlapping with the specified 1996-2001 range in North America.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary manufacturing in Japan (Gunma Plant).
Key Milestones:
Introduction of WRX model to North America in 2002 (for the next generation, but roots were in this era), development of the EJ25 engine for increased power.
