Vehicle Segment:
Compact Sports Sedan/Wagon (Performance Variant)
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, owners seeking detailed technical information for maintenance and modifications
Key Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Honda Civic Si, Volkswagen GTI, Ford Focus SVT
Performance Focus:
Designed for owners who prioritize performance tuning and detailed understanding of the WRX/STI's unique systems
Value Proposition:
Provides extensive technical data, repair procedures, and diagnostic information, enabling significant cost savings on maintenance and repairs.
Powertrain:
Engine, Turbocharger, Intercooler, Fuel System, Exhaust System, 5-speed Manual Transmission (WRX), 6-speed Manual Transmission (STI), Center Differential, Rear Differential, Driveline
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front & Rear), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrument Panel, Audio System, HVAC Controls, ECU/ECM Functions
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushing, brake fluid replacement, timing belt inspection/replacement (if applicable), differential fluid changes, clutch fluid service
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, fault code interpretation, electrical circuit testing, fuel system diagnostics, engine performance issues
Repair Rebuild:
Engine component replacement (pistons, rods, bearings), turbocharger overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper service, suspension component replacement, steering rack repair
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using Subaru Select Monitor (SSM) or compatible OBD-II scanners for diagnostics
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners throughout the vehicle
Alignment Specs:
Wheel alignment specifications for front and rear suspensions
Engine Type Wrx:
2.0L Turbocharged Boxer 4-Cylinder (EJ205)
Engine Type Sti:
2.5L Turbocharged Boxer 4-Cylinder (EJ257)
Horsepower Wrx:
Approx. 227 hp @ 5600 rpm (Varies by market and specific model year tuning)
Torque Wrx:
Approx. 217 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (Varies by market and specific model year tuning)
Horsepower Sti:
Approx. 300 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Sti:
Approx. 300 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Cooling System:
Pressurized liquid cooling system with electric cooling fans
Intercooler Type:
Air-to-Air Top-Mounted (TMIC)
Turbocharger Type Wrx:
Mitsubishi TD04L-13T (approx.)
Turbocharger Type Sti:
IHI VF39 (approx.)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.9 inches (2664 mm)
Length:
Sedan: Approx. 174.5 inches (4432 mm) / Wagon: Approx. 176.4 inches (4480 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.7 inches (1770 mm)
Height:
Sedan: Approx. 56.1 inches (1425 mm) / Wagon: Approx. 57.7 inches (1465 mm)
Curb Weight Wrx:
Approx. 3130 - 3200 lbs (1420 - 1450 kg)
Curb Weight Sti:
Approx. 3250 - 3350 lbs (1475 - 1520 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Available in manual, typically around 4200 lbs
NHTSA Front Impact:
Likely 4-star (Individual model year testing data required for exact confirmation)
IIHS Side Impact:
Likely Good (Individual model year testing data required for exact confirmation)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags (optional or standard depending on trim/market)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners
Body Structure:
Advanced safety structure with crumple zones
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player with multiple speakers. Limited advanced tech compared to modern vehicles.
Instrument Cluster:
Driver-focused layout with tachometer, speedometer, and auxiliary gauges (e.g., boost gauge on STI).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Usb Aux Ports:
Not typically factory-equipped; aftermarket solutions common.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil type used).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000 miles (iridium plugs)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Typically 90,000 - 105,000 miles or 7-8 years (critical for EJ engines).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (or manufacturer's specific recommendation, check manual for exact spec, e.g., API SN/SP)
Transmission Fluid Type 5Mt:
API GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90
Transmission Fluid Type 6Mt:
API GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 (specific Subaru fluid often recommended)
Rear Differential Fluid Type:
API GL-5 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90
Coolant Type:
Subaru Blue Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent silicate-free, ethylene glycol-based)
Ej205 Ej257 Ringland Failure:
A known concern, particularly with aggressive driving or inadequate tuning on modified engines. Manual provides diagnostic procedures.
Clutch Wear:
Can be high with spirited driving. Manual covers clutch inspection and replacement.
Turbocharger Failure:
Related to oil starvation or overheating. Proper maintenance as outlined in the manual is crucial.
Subaru Rally Heritage:
Subaru's deep roots in rally racing, particularly with the Impreza, led to the development of the WRX and STI variants, bringing performance and AWD technology to the masses.
Gd Gg Platform:
This generation (GD/GG) saw significant updates, including a more aggressive, angular styling compared to its predecessor, and distinct differences between the WRX and the higher-performance STI model.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Car And Driver 10Best:
Subaru Impreza WRX and STI models frequently appeared on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists during this era, recognized for their performance and value.
World Rally Championship:
The Impreza platform served as the basis for highly successful WRC cars, contributing to the model's performance image.
