Positioning:
Performance compact sedan/hatchback, rallying heritage.
Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Honda Civic Si, Volkswagen GTI.
Performance Attributes:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension.
Audience:
Enthusiast drivers, DIY mechanics, performance tuners.
Engine:
Yes, detailed disassembly, assembly, and diagnosis
Engine Management:
Yes, including ECU, sensors, actuators, and wiring diagrams
Fuel System:
Yes, fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulation, and EVAP
Exhaust System:
Yes, including catalytic converter and emissions controls
Transmission Manual:
Yes, full overhaul, clutch, and gearbox components
Transmission Automatic:
N/A for WRX variant
Drivetrain AWD:
Yes, including center differential, front/rear differentials
Suspension:
Yes, front and rear strut assemblies, bushings, and alignment
Steering:
Yes, power steering system, rack and pinion
Brakes:
Yes, hydraulic system, ABS, rotor/pad replacement
Electrical System:
Yes, extensive wiring diagrams and component testing
HVAC:
Yes, climate control system diagnosis and repair
Body Exterior:
Yes, panel removal, repair, and adjustment
Body Interior:
Yes, trim removal, seating, and dashboard components
Lighting:
Yes, headlamps, taillamps, interior lighting
Safety Systems:
Yes, airbags, seatbelts, and ABS (as part of brake system)
Maintenance:
Yes, scheduled maintenance and fluid changes
Troubleshooting:
Yes, extensive diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based guides
Repair:
Yes, detailed step-by-step repair procedures
Overhaul:
Yes, complete engine and transmission overhauls
Diagnostics:
Yes, including OBD-II codes and specific Subaru diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Wiring Diagrams:
Yes, comprehensive and organized
Special Tools:
Yes, lists and illustrations of required special tools
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics.
Engine Type:
EJ207 (JDM Spec) / EJ205 (US Spec)
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1994 cc)
Aspiration:
Turbocharged and Intercooled
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.0:1 (EJ207), 8.4:1 (EJ205)
Horsepower Us Spec:
227 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower Jdm Spec:
280 ps (276 hp) @ 6000 rpm (approx., often underestimated due to gentleman's agreement)
Torque Us Spec:
217 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Torque Jdm Spec:
343 Nm (253 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition, Coil-on-Plug
ECU Type:
Subaru Engine Control Unit (ECU)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type:
N/A for WRX
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Viscous Center Coupling
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, Single Plate Dry Clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (Check manual for specific Subaru recommendation)
Front Differential Fluid Spec:
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90
Rear Differential Fluid Spec:
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 (Limited Slip Differential may require specific additive)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good
ABS:
Yes, Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Yes, Active Traction Control (ATC) often standard
Limited Slip Differential:
Yes, typically front and rear (center is viscous)
Airbags Front:
Yes, Driver and Passenger front airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional or standard depending on trim/market
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions).
Engine Air Filter:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Cabin Air Filter:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plugs:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) - Iridium type recommended.
Timing Belt:
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years (Crucial for EJ20 engines, failure causes severe damage).
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Synthetic recommended for performance driving).
Coolant Spec:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free long-life coolant.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Head Gaskets:
While not as prone as later generations, early EJ engines can experience head gasket leaks. Regular inspection is advised.
Piston Ringland Failure:
Common in modified or high-mileage EJ205 engines, especially if not maintained with proper fuel and oil. The manual covers diagnostic procedures for this.
Turbocharger Wear:
Regular oil changes and proper cool-down procedures are vital. Manual details inspection and replacement.
Clutch Wear:
High-performance nature means clutch wear can be accelerated with aggressive driving.
Brand Focus:
Subaru has a strong heritage in rally racing and producing vehicles with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
Generation:
Second Generation (GD/GG chassis)
Introduction Year:
2000 (for Impreza), 2001 (for WRX variant in Japan), 2002 (for WRX variant in North America)
Facelifts:
This generation received a significant facelift in 2002 (often referred to as 'Blobeye' or 'Hawkeye' depending on the year and market, 2002-2003 were the initial GD variants before the major facelift).
Manufacturing Location:
Gunma Prefecture, Japan