🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Impreza

Year:

2008

Body Style:

Sedan / Hatchback

Generation Code:

GE/GH/GR/GV

Generation Years:

2007-2011

Platform Code:

Subaru Global Platform (precursor)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car / Sport Compact

Niche:

Affordable AWD capability, rally-inspired performance (WRX/STI models)

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Volkswagen GTI

Differentiating Factors:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, boxer engine layout, rally heritage

Notable Features:

Available turbocharged engines, robust AWD system, sporty handling characteristics, practical hatchback option

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, professional technicians, Subaru enthusiasts

📋 Manual Details

Primary Regions Covered:

Global (with specific notes for North America where applicable)

Trim Levels Covered:

2.5i, Outback Sport, WRX, WRX STI (all trims and variations)

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete diagnosis, repair, overhaul for EJ253 (NA) and EJ255/EJ257 (Turbocharged) engines

Transmission:

Manual (TY75 series) and Automatic (4EAT/5EAT) transmission service, repair, and overhaul

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials (front, center, rear), driveshafts, axles

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, steering system, wheel alignment

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS, brake calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake service

Electrical:

Full wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnostics for all electrical systems including ECU, sensors, actuators

Body:

Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, exterior components, collision repair guidelines

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service and repair

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, lines, emissions control systems (EVAP)

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications

Exhaust System:

Catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust manifold service

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance procedures, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, common fault finding, symptom-based troubleshooting

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems

Overhaul:

Detailed procedures for engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor data interpretation, live data analysis

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic fluid changes to full engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics)

Detail Level:

Includes torque specifications, clearances, diagnostic flowcharts, wiring diagrams, exploded views

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes

Printable:

Yes (high-resolution pages)

Quality:

High resolution, clear diagrams and text

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Na:

EJ253

Engine Type Na:

2.5L SOHC Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4

Displacement Na:

2457 cc (149.9 cu in)

Horsepower Na:

170 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Na:

170 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Compression Ratio Na:

9.7:1

Bore X Stroke Na:

99.5 mm x 79.0 mm

Engine Code Turbo:

EJ255 / EJ257

Engine Type Turbo:

2.5L DOHC Turbocharged Boxer-4

Displacement Turbo:

2457 cc (149.9 cu in)

Horsepower Wrx:

224 hp @ 5200 rpm (USDM WRX)

Torque Wrx:

226 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (USDM WRX)

Horsepower Sti:

305 hp @ 6000 rpm (USDM WRX STI)

Torque Sti:

290 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (USDM WRX STI)

Compression Ratio Turbo:

8.4:1 (EJ255), 8.2:1 (EJ257)

Bore X Stroke Turbo:

99.5 mm x 79.0 mm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (91 octane recommended for turbo models)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Ignition System:

Electronic Ignition, Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug

ECU Type:

Subaru Engine Control Unit (ECU)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Na:

5-speed Manual (TY75 series)

Transmission Type Turbo:

6-speed Manual (TY85 series - WRX STI), 5-speed Manual (TY75 series - WRX)

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic (4EAT) for 2.5i/Outback Sport, 5-speed Automatic (5EAT) for WRX (certain markets/trims)

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Varies between manual and automatic transmissions)

Center Differential Manual:

Viscous coupling center differential (open front/rear)

Center Differential Auto:

Electronically controlled transfer clutch (ECT) AWD

Sti Center Differential:

Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) with auto mode

Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:

API GL-4 (75W-90 or 75W-140 recommended, refer to manual for exact specs)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:

Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent)

Front Differential Fluid Spec:

API GL-5 (75W-90 or 80W-90)

Rear Differential Fluid Spec:

API GL-5 (75W-90 or 80W-90)

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan:

4,415 mm (173.8 in)

Length Hatchback:

4,430 mm (174.4 in)

Width:

1,740 mm (68.5 in)

Height Sedan:

1,415 mm (55.7 in)

Height Hatchback:

1,445 mm (56.9 in)

Wheelbase:

2,620 mm (103.2 in)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 150 mm (5.9 in) (Standard), 185 mm (7.3 in) (Outback Sport)

Front Headroom:

Approx. 960-970 mm (37.8-38.2 in)

Front Legroom:

Approx. 1060 mm (41.7 in)

Rear Headroom:

Approx. 930-940 mm (36.6-37.0 in)

Rear Legroom:

Approx. 850 mm (33.5 in)

Cargo Volume Hatchback:

Approx. 320 L (11.3 cu ft) (seats up)

Cargo Volume Hatchback Seats Down:

Approx. 670 L (23.7 cu ft) (seats down)

Cargo Volume Sedan:

Approx. 380 L (13.4 cu ft)

Curb Weight Na:

Approx. 1,350 - 1,450 kg (2,976 - 3,197 lbs)

Curb Weight Wrx:

Approx. 1,470 kg (3,241 lbs)

Curb Weight Sti:

Approx. 1,505 kg (3,318 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model and options (refer to vehicle VIN plate)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x100 mm

Wheel Size:

16-inch (2.5i/Outback Sport), 17-inch (WRX), 18-inch (WRX STI)

Tire Size Na:

205/55R16

Tire Size Wrx:

225/45R17

Tire Size Sti:

245/40R18

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star Driver, 4-Star Passenger

NHTSA Side Impact:

5-Star Driver, 5-Star Rear Passenger

IIHS Front Crashworthiness:

Good

IIHS Side Impact:

Good

IIHS Rear Impact Head Restraints:

Good

Traction Control:

Standard (VDC - Vehicle Dynamics Control)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Brake Assist:

Standard

Airbags Front:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Airbags Side:

Front side-impact airbags

Airbags Curtain:

Front and rear side-curtain airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player with 4-speaker or optional 6-speaker system. Available navigation system on higher trims.

Display:

Optional 6.5-inch touchscreen display for navigation models.

Connectivity:

Auxiliary audio input jack standard. Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming available on some trims or as an accessory.

Cruise Control:

Standard

All Wheel Drive:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (key technology differentiator)

Vehicle Dynamics Control:

Standard Electronic Stability and Traction Control system

Instrument Cluster:

Analog gauges with multi-function display for trip computer, fuel economy, AWD system status.

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Engine Start:

Key ignition

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (severe service) or 7,500 miles (normal service), or 6 months. Always check oil level.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000 miles or 12 months.

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 60,000 miles (Iridium type).

Coolant Flush:

Initial replacement at 105,000 miles or 7 years, then every 52,500 miles or 4 years thereafter.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Inspect periodically. Replace as needed, typically around 60,000-100,000 miles, or sooner for hard use.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Inspect periodically. Replace approximately every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on driving conditions.

Timing Belt Or Chain:

EJ253 is a timing belt engine. Replace every 105,000 miles or 7 years. WRX/STI EJ255/EJ257 are timing chain engines (generally maintenance-free for timing components, but check tensioners/guides if noise present).

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter (EJ253/EJ255), 5.1 US quarts (4.8 liters) with filter (EJ257)

Engine Oil Viscosity:

5W-30 (recommended for most conditions), 10W-30 or 10W-40 for higher ambient temperatures. Refer to manual for precise recommendations.

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF Dexron III or Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid

Head Gaskets:

While less prevalent than on earlier EJ engines, some EJ253 engines can experience coolant leaks from the head gaskets. The EJ255/EJ257 are generally more robust in this regard, but still a potential point of failure.

Clutch Wear:

Manual transmissions, especially in WRX models driven hard, can experience premature clutch wear.

Turbocharger Issues Wrx Sti:

Oil starvation or contamination can lead to turbocharger failure in WRX and STI models. Regular oil changes and proper warm-up/cool-down are crucial.

Catalytic Converter Failure:

Older vehicles may experience catalytic converter failure due to age or engine issues.

Suspension Components:

Sway bar links and bushings can wear over time, leading to clunks or poor handling.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Subaru is known for its horizontally opposed (boxer) engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, often associated with rally racing and outdoor lifestyles.

Impreza Lineage:

The Impreza was introduced in 1992 as a successor to the Subaru Leone. It quickly gained popularity for its affordable AWD and sporty variants like the WRX.

Third Generation Introduction:

The third generation (GE/GH/GR/GV) debuted for the 2008 model year, featuring a significant redesign with a more conventional look and a move away from the initial coupe body style for most markets, though the hatchback became a prominent option.

Powertrain Changes For 2008:

The naturally aspirated models received the EJ253 SOHC engine, while the WRX adopted the EJ255, and the WRX STI continued with the higher-performance EJ257. The chassis was also updated.

Manufacturing Locations:

Japan (Gunma Plant)

Production Span:

2007-2011

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Awarded IIHS Top Safety Pick for multiple model years, including 2008, due to strong crash test performance.

자동차 Journalism Awards:

WRX and STI models are consistently lauded by automotive journalists for their performance, handling, and value in the sport compact segment.

Kl Auto Index:

Subaru Impreza has ranked well in various consumer satisfaction and dependability studies in different markets.

Emissions Standards:

Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for its respective model year.