Market Segment:
Compact/Sport Compact segment, known for rally heritage and AWD capability
Key Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Honda Civic Si, Mazda3, Volkswagen GTI
Brand Strengths:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on most trims), boxer engine layout, rally-bred performance (WRX/STI variants)
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with comprehensive repair and maintenance knowledge, reducing reliance on expensive dealership services.
Engine Coverage:
2.5L EJ253 SOHC, 2.5L EJ255 DOHC Turbocharged (WRX), 2.5L EJ257 DOHC Turbocharged (STI)
Drivetrain Coverage:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with front and rear differentials, viscous coupling center differential
Body Styles Covered:
Sedan, Wagon/Hatchback, WRX, WRX STI
Trim Levels Covered:
All available trim levels for respective model years
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Manual Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system
Engine Management:
Fuel system (injection, pump, injectors), ignition system, emissions control, ECU diagnostics, sensors, actuators
Transmission:
Manual Transmission (5-speed and 6-speed for STI), Automatic Transmission (4-speed), clutch system, transfer case, differentials
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension (struts, control arms, bushings), power steering system, steering column, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, brake discs, pads, calipers, parking brake, brake lines
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), body control modules, fuses, relays
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components, operation, and diagnosis
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, seating, dashboard, trim, exterior trim, seals
Chassis And Frame:
Frame structure, subframes, exhaust system, fuel tank and lines
Preventive Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation and resolution, on-board diagnostics (OBD-II)
Repair Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment for all covered systems
Engine Rebuilds:
Complete engine overhaul procedures, including torque specifications and clearances
Transmission Overhauls:
Detailed rebuild procedures for both manual and automatic transmissions
Electrical Diagnostics And Repair:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, circuit tracing, repair of electrical faults
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repairs and diagnostics
Diagnostic Tools And Techniques:
Information on utilizing diagnostic scanners and specific testing equipment
Naturally Aspirated Engine 1:
2.5L (2457cc) EJ253 SOHC 16-valve Flat-4 Boxer
Naturally Aspirated Engine 1 Power:
165 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)
Naturally Aspirated Engine 1 Torque:
166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Turbocharged Engine 1:
2.5L (2457cc) EJ255 DOHC 16-valve Turbocharged Flat-4 Boxer (WRX)
Turbocharged Engine 1 Power:
227 hp @ 5400 rpm (approx.)
Turbocharged Engine 1 Torque:
235 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (approx.)
Turbocharged Engine 2 Sti:
2.5L (2457cc) EJ257 DOHC 16-valve Turbocharged Flat-4 Boxer (STI)
Turbocharged Engine 2 Sti Power:
300 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Turbocharged Engine 2 Sti Torque:
350 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 octane for NA, 91+ octane for WRX/STI
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
5-Star (2005-2007 models, subject to specific configurations)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Good (various model years, refer to IIHS for specifics)
Active Safety:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), Traction Control (VDC - Vehicle Dynamics Control on select trims)
Passive Safety:
Front airbags, side-curtain airbags (optional/standard on certain trims), front seatbelt pretensioners, crumple zones
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3.75 months (severe conditions) / 7,500 miles or 7.5 months (normal conditions), consult owner's manual for specific model.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Approx. 60,000 - 100,000 miles depending on spark plug type (iridium recommended).
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
105,000 miles or 105 months for EJ253 (SOHC) engines. EJ255/EJ257 (DOHC Turbo) engines use timing chains, consult manual for service. **Crucial for longevity.**
Engine Oil Type Capacity:
5W-30 synthetic oil, approx. 4.8 quarts (4.6L) for 2.5L NA, 5.0 quarts (4.7L) for 2.5L Turbo. Always verify with manual.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with Subaru specific additives.
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
75W-90 GL-5 gear oil for manual transmissions. Capacities vary by transmission type (e.g., 3.7 quarts for 5-speed).
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
Subaru ATF HP or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid. Capacity approx. 3.5 quarts (dry fill).
Common Issues Engine:
Head gasket leaks (especially on earlier EJ25s, though less prevalent in this generation), oil consumption, turbocharger issues (on WRX/STI), piston ring land failures (on high-mileage/abused EJ257s).
Common Issues Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, strut mounts, and sway bar end links can lead to noise and handling degradation.
Common Issues Other:
Clutch wear (manual transmission), exhaust manifold cracks (WRX), minor electrical gremlins.
Automotive Journal Awards:
Consistently praised for its handling, AWD capability, and the performance variants (WRX/STI) were often lauded in their respective performance categories.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Variable, often dependent on engine variant and specific year. The manual highly aids in addressing potential reliability concerns through proper maintenance.
Manual Certification:
This is a professional workshop manual, not an OEM certification, but it is compiled from technical data relevant to factory service procedures.