Segment:
Compact Car, Rally-Inspired Performance Sedan/Wagon
Key Differentiators:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer Engine, Performance Variants (WRX)
Competitors 2003:
Honda Civic Si, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (WRX competitor), Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus
Handling Dynamics:
Renowned for its sporty handling and road-holding capabilities, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Powertrain Layout:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive offer a low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution.
Performance Variants:
Availability of the iconic WRX model with turbocharged power and enhanced performance features.
Engine Mechanical:
Full Engine Overhaul, Component Testing, Timing
Engine Management:
ECU Diagnosis, Sensor Testing, Fuel Injection, Ignition System
Transmission Manual:
Disassembly, Assembly, Clutch Service, Gearbox Overhaul
Transmission Automatic:
Service Procedures, Fluid Flushing, Valve Body Diagnosis
Drivetrain AWD:
All-Wheel Drive System Service, Center Differential, Rear Differential
Suspension:
Front and Rear Suspension Components, Alignment Specifications, Struts, Bushings
Brakes:
Hydraulic System, ABS, Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement, Bleeding Procedures
Steering:
Power Steering System, Steering Column, Tie Rods
Electrical System:
Wiring Diagrams, Component Location, Fuse/Relay Identification
Body And Interior:
Body Panel Removal, Interior Trim, Seat Removal, Glass Replacement
HVAC:
Climate Control System Diagnosis and Repair
Comfort Convenience:
Power Windows, Door Locks, Remote Keyless Entry
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed Service Intervals and Procedures
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Flowcharts, Symptom-Based Diagnosis
Repair And Replacement:
Step-by-Step Repair Guides for All Major Components
Diagnostics:
OBD-II Diagnostics, DTC Code Explanations
Torque Specifications:
Precise Torque Values for Critical Fasteners
Special Tools:
Identification and Usage of Subaru Specific Tools
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds)
Audience:
Primarily Professional Technicians, but accessible to advanced DIYers
Engine Code Na:
EJ253 (2.5L SOHC)
Engine Code Turbo:
EJ205 (2.0L DOHC Turbocharged - WRX)
Na Horsepower:
165 hp @ 5600 rpm (EJ253)
Na Torque:
166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (EJ253)
Turbo Horsepower:
227 hp @ 5600 rpm (EJ205 - WRX)
Turbo Torque:
242 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (EJ205 - WRX)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane Recommended for WRX)
Bore X Stroke Ej253:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Bore X Stroke Ej205:
92.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Compression Ratio Ej253:
9.7:1
Compression Ratio Ej205:
8.0:1
Transmission Type Na:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Wrx:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Na:
4-Speed Automatic
AWD System:
Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Viscous Center Coupling
Automatic AWD System:
Active Torque Split AWD (ATSAWD) on Automatic Transmission Models
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (Subaru Extra-S or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon (Subaru ATF-HP recommended)
Rear Differential Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 90 (or Subaru Extra-S)
Length:
Approx. 173.8 inches (Sedan), 175.7 inches (Wagon)
Width:
Approx. 68.1 inches
Height:
Approx. 56.1 inches (Sedan), 58.5 inches (Wagon)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 103.0 inches
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 6.1 inches (Standard), 7.1 inches (WRX)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3000 - 3300 lbs (depending on trim/drivetrain)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4200 - 4400 lbs
Cargo Volume Sedan:
Approx. 11.7 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Wagon:
Approx. 29.6 cubic feet (rear seats up)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (2003 Model Year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (2003 Model Year)
IIHS Front Offset Driver:
Acceptable (2003 Model Year)
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on some base trims.
Traction Control:
Available on certain models, particularly those with automatic transmissions.
Airbags Front:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional Front Side Airbags on higher trims.
Seatbelts:
3-Point Height-Adjustable Front Seatbelts with Pretensioners
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio system (e.g., Clarion).
Display:
Basic LCD screen for clock and radio information. No integrated navigation.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
All Wheel Drive:
The cornerstone technology providing enhanced traction and stability.
Bluetooth:
Not factory-equipped. Aftermarket integration is common.
Usb:
Not factory-equipped. Aftermarket integration is common.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe conditions) or 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal conditions).
Engine Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type, iridium recommended for longevity).
Timing Belt:
Replace every 90,000-105,000 miles or 7 years (critical maintenance item for interference engines).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter (EJ253), 4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter (EJ205)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, ILSAC GF-2, SAE 5W-30 recommended. Consider 10W-30 for warmer climates. (Check owner's manual for specific recommendations).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol-based coolant, Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Head Gaskets:
Subaru EJ engines of this era are known for potential head gasket leaks, particularly on naturally aspirated models. Early detection and repair are crucial.
Wrx Ring Land Failure:
High-performance WRX models can be susceptible to ring land failure under extreme stress or improper tuning.
Clutch Wear:
Manual transmission clutches can wear prematurely with aggressive driving.
Intercooler Spray Failure Wrx:
Water spray system for the intercooler on some WRX models can malfunction.
Oil Consumption:
Some EJ engines can exhibit increased oil consumption as they age.
Subaru Founding:
Founded in 1953 in Japan, known for its early focus on aircraft manufacturing and later its unique automotive technologies.
First Generation Impreza:
Introduced in 1992 as a successor to the Leone.
Second Generation Impreza:
The 2003 model year marked the introduction of the second generation (GD/GG chassis).
Design Language Gc8 To Gdgg:
Transition from the rounded GC8 chassis to the more angular and 'bug-eyed' (initially) GD/GG chassis, which was later facelifted.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (Gunma Prefecture)
Production Years Gdgg:
2000-2007 (Globally, with facelifts in 2002 and 2005)
Car And Driver 10Best:
The WRX variant was frequently recognized by automotive publications for its performance and value.
Rally Heritage:
Success in the World Rally Championship (WRC) contributed significantly to the Impreza's performance image.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varied by year and model; head gasket issues impacted reliability scores for some years.