🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Impreza

Model Generation:

GC/GM

Product Type:

Service Repair Manual Download

Chassis Codes:

GC8 (Coupe/Sedan), GF8 (Wagon)

Engine Codes:

EJ15, EJ16, EJ18, EJ20, EJ22, EJ25

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Subaru Impreza of this era established itself as a compelling option in the compact car segment, particularly renowned for its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, rally-bred performance heritage, and robust build quality.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the Mitsubishi Lancer, Honda Civic Si, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, and Mazda Protege.

Vehicle:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on most trims), boxer engines, practical hatchback and sedan body styles, sporty WRX variant.

Value Proposition:

Essential for owners and independent mechanics seeking to perform accurate diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs, saving significant costs compared to dealership service.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Years:

1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

Covered Regions:

Global (All Subaru Impreza models from specified years, including JDM, USDM, EDM variants)

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (WSM - Workshop Manual)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication, cooling

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, turbocharger (if applicable), ECU diagnostics

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearbox components, gear shifting mechanisms, lubrication, repair procedures

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, planetary gears, valve body, hydraulics, electronic controls, repair procedures

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, center differential, front and rear differentials, drive axles, CV joints, propshaft

Suspension:

Front struts, rear shocks, control arms, sway bars, bushings, springs, alignment specifications

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering rack/gearbox, tie rods, linkages

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems, calipers, rotors, pads, hydraulic lines, ABS system, parking brake

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instrumentation, horns, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams

Body Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, dashboard, HVAC controls

Body Exterior:

Bumpers, fenders, hood, trunk lid, spoilers, body sealing, rust prevention

Climate Control:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, refrigerant system

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seatbelts, child seat anchors, ABS

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, brake inspections

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common fault identification

Repair Procedures:

Component removal and installation, disassembly and reassembly of major systems

Diagnostic Procedures:

OBD-II system access and interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, electrical resistance values

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds, electrical diagnostics, bodywork repairs)

Included:

Yes (detailed electrical schematics for all systems)

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Likely PDF, optimized for searchability and printing, potentially layered or bookmarked for easy navigation.

Quality:

Professional quality, high-resolution images and diagrams.

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

Subaru EJ Series Boxer

Common Displacements:

1.5L (EJ15), 1.6L (EJ16), 1.8L (EJ18), 2.0L (EJ20), 2.2L (EJ22), 2.5L (EJ25)

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 95 hp (EJ15) to 215 hp (WRX STI EJ20/EJ25 variants)

Torque Range:

Approx. 97 lb-ft (EJ15) to 240 lb-ft (WRX STI variants)

Type:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

ECUs:

Various ECU models depending on year and market (e.g., Subaru 16-bit, 32-bit ECUs)

Drive:

Timing Belt (Requires periodic replacement, critical maintenance item)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (often with viscous center coupling for AWD)

Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (with or without AWD)

AWD Operation:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential (manual) or electronically controlled transfer clutch (automatic).

Manual Gearbox Oil:

GL-5 Gear Oil (e.g., 75W-90, refer to specific manual for exact spec)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent (refer to specific manual for exact spec)

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

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

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2505 mm (98.6 in)

Track Width:

Varies by model, consult manual for specific trim.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1150-1400 kg (2535-3086 lbs) depending on body style and drivetrain.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Varies by year and testing protocol; generally rated as average to good for the era. Consult specific year's NHTSA data.

ABS:

Standard on many trims, optional on others.

Airbags:

Front driver and passenger airbags standard. Side airbags optional on some later models.

Seat Belts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

System:

Basic AM/FM/Cassette or CD players, often with optional premium sound systems.

Display:

Analog gauges, basic digital displays for odometer and trip computer on some models.

Features:

Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on ABS and AWD system for stability.

Features:

Basic power windows, power locks, cruise control on higher trims. No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for specific recommendations.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical: Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles or 5-7 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Every 30,000-60,000 miles. Automatic: Every 30,000-45,000 miles.

Engine Oil:

API SG or SH certified, viscosity typically 5W-30 or 10W-30 (consult manual for exact spec and temperature range).

Coolant:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent Ethylene Glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Capacity approx. 6-8 liters.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (consult manual for specific requirement).

Head Gaskets:

Commonly reported issue on EJ25 engines (especially SOHC non-turbo and some early DOHC turbo). Manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.

Rear Main Seal Leaks:

Can occur, manual provides replacement steps.

Clutch Wear:

Normal wear item, manual covers replacement and adjustment.

Cv Joint Boots:

Prone to tearing, leading to joint failure. Manual details inspection and replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Legacy:

The Impreza built upon Subaru's reputation for building durable, capable vehicles, particularly its early adoption and refinement of All-Wheel Drive and boxer engines, pioneered in models like the Leone and Legacy.

First Generation:

The GC/GM generation debuted in late 1992 for the 1993 model year and spanned through 2001 in most markets, receiving facelifts and updates along the way. This era cemented the Impreza's identity and introduced the iconic WRX performance variant.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan (Gunma Plant).

Wrc Success:

The Impreza WRX STi achieved significant success in the World Rally Championship (WRC) during this period, further boosting its performance credentials and desirability.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Ten Best:

Impreza WRX models were frequently honored on Car and Driver's Ten Best lists for their performance and handling.

Performance Heritage:

Strong association with motorsports, particularly WRC, which enhanced its reputation for driving dynamics and engineering.