🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Impreza

Model Generation:

First Generation (GC/GF/GM)

Model Years Covered:

1992, 1993, 1994, 1995

Chassis Codes:

GC (Sedan), GF (Wagon), GM (Coupe - introduced later, not relevant for this specific year range)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Small Family Car, Rally-bred Heritage

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, Subaru owners seeking to maintain or repair their vehicles.

Competitors 1992-1995:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra.

Unique Selling Points:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard on most trims, horizontally opposed Boxer engines, rally-inspired performance (especially in WRX variants, though not typically sold in North America for this generation).

Manual Benefit:

Enables cost-effective vehicle maintenance and repair, empowers owners with in-depth knowledge, facilitates accurate troubleshooting and parts ordering.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Complete service and repair coverage for the specified Subaru Impreza models.

Regions Covered:

Likely global markets, with specifications potentially tailored to North American and European models as common.

Estimated Page Count:

1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Purpose:

Professional repair and maintenance guidance for technicians and skilled DIYers.

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, potentially searchable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (EJ series), fuel injection, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system.

Drivetrain:

Manual transmission (M/T), automatic transmission (A/T), transfer case (if applicable), front axle, rear axle, drive shafts, differentials, AWD system (Subaru's renowned Symmetrical AWD).

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms), rear suspension (multi-link/struts), steering system (rack and pinion), power steering.

Brakes:

Front and rear brakes (disc brakes, drum brakes on some rear axles), ABS system (if equipped), brake lines, master cylinder, parking brake.

Electrical Electronics:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument cluster, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, body control modules, ECU (Engine Control Unit).

Body Chassis:

Body construction, panels, doors, windows, mirrors, interior trim, bumpers, chassis components.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components, operation, and service.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections, lubrication points.

Repair Rebuild:

Detailed step-by-step procedures for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, test procedures for various systems.

Specifications Data:

Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, electrical specifications, fluid capacities, and other critical data.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to major engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced diagnostic procedures and electrical system tracing.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick access to information.

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or sections.

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Family:

Subaru EJ Series (EJ16, EJ18, EJ20, EJ22)

Common Engine Option Usdm:

EJ22 (2.2L SOHC Naturally Aspirated)

Other Engine Options Global:

EJ16 (1.6L SOHC), EJ18 (1.8L SOHC), EJ20 (2.0L SOHC/DOHC, including turbocharged variants for performance models).

Ej22 Horsepower Approx:

110-120 HP (depending on specific market and configuration)

Ej22 Torque Approx:

130-140 lb-ft (depending on specific market and configuration)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Configuration:

Horizontally Opposed (Boxer)

Aspirated:

Naturally Aspirated (common), Turbocharged (performance models)

🔧 Transmission

Type Usdm:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Type Usdm:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

AWD Engagement:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential (manual), active torque split AWD (automatic).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-5 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 (check manual for exact viscosity based on temperature range)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III / Mercon compatible ATF (check manual for specific Subaru fluid)

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

2-Door Coupe, 4-Door Sedan, 5-Door Wagon

Wheelbase Approx:

2520 mm (99.2 inches)

Length Approx Sedan:

4340 mm (170.9 inches)

Length Approx Wagon:

4350 mm (171.3 inches)

Curb Weight Range Approx:

1200 - 1400 kg (2645 - 3086 lbs) depending on body style and drivetrain

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings Era:

Likely moderate ratings by modern standards; specific crash test data for this generation may vary by market and year.

ABS:

Available (optional) on higher trims or specific packages.

Airbags:

Driver's airbag standard; passenger airbag available on some models/years.

Seatbelts:

Front 3-point adjustable seatbelts, rear 3-point and lap belts.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Basic AM/FM Radio with Cassette Player (CD player optional on later models/trims).

Speakers:

Typically 4 or 6 speaker systems.

Traction Control:

Rarely available; primarily focused on AWD for traction.

Connectivity Features:

None by modern standards; limited to basic audio inputs.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, whichever comes first (recommended based on typical conditions for this era).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (copper vs. platinum/iridium).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical: Every 90,000 - 105,000 miles or 7-8 years for EJ22 engines (interference engine, failure causes severe damage).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific grade based on ambient temperature).

Engine Oil Capacity Ej22:

Approx. 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Head Gaskets:

While more prevalent in later EJ generations, early EJ22 engines can develop head gasket leaks, particularly outer exhaust port leaks.

Timing Belt Tensioner:

Tensioner bearing failure can occur, often coinciding with timing belt replacement.

Oil Leaks:

Front crankshaft seal and rear main seal leaks are common with age and mileage.

Suspension Components:

Wear and tear on ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings due to age and mileage.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Focus:

Pioneering AWD technology, horizontally opposed engines, and a strong rally heritage.

Impreza Launch:

Launched in 1992 as a replacement for the Subaru Leone, designed to compete in the compact car segment with a focus on all-wheel drive and performance.

First Generation Development:

The GC/GF/GM platform established the Impreza's identity, with performance variants like the WRX and STI (introduced in Japan) gaining significant motorsport success.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Japan (Gunma Plant).

Generation Timeline:

First Generation (GC/GF/GM): 1992-2000 (though the provided manual covers the earlier phase of this generation).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Period Accolades:

Impreza models often received positive reviews for their AWD capabilities, handling, and value. Specific awards vary by market and journalist publication.