Positioning:
High-performance rally-bred compact sedan, targeting enthusiasts and performance drivers.
Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ford Focus RS, Honda Civic Type R (in some markets).
Performance Orientation:
Renowned for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, turbocharged Boxer engine, and rally heritage.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking to maintain, modify, or repair their performance Subaru.
Engine:
Engine mechanical (EJ207 variant), lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emission control, turbocharger system, ECU diagnostics
Transmission:
Manual transmission (TY757 series), clutch system, drivetrain, differentials (front, center, rear)
Brakes:
Brake system (including ABS), hydraulic components, disc brake service, parking brake
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, struts, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, linkages
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, starting and charging system, lighting, instrumentation, body electricals, power accessories, ECU, sensors
Body:
Body panels, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, seals, chassis
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components and service
Safety:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, belt inspection and replacement
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake component replacement, suspension repair, electrical diagnostics and repair, body panel repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Restoration:
Refurbishment procedures for various components
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, detailed diagnostic procedures, and electrical system schematics.
Quality:
High-resolution, clear text and diagrams for easy readability and printing.
Searchable:
Likely searchable text content within the PDF for quick information retrieval.
Printable:
Designed to be printable, allowing users to create physical copies of specific sections or the entire manual.
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Paper:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Engine Code:
EJ207 (typically)
Configuration:
2.0L Flat-4 (Boxer)
Horsepower:
Approx. 280 PS (276 hp) at 6,000 rpm (JDM specification, varies by market/tune)
Torque:
Approx. 343 Nm (253 lb-ft) at 4,000 rpm (JDM specification, varies by market/tune)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (premium, high octane recommended)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2515 mm (99.0 inches)
Length:
Approx. 4405 mm (173.4 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1750 mm (68.9 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1400-1450 kg (3086-3197 lbs), depending on specification
Crash Test Ratings:
NHTSA and IIHS ratings for the Impreza generation, specific STI ratings may vary by market.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
AWD:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction and stability
Dccd:
Driver Controlled Center Differential for adjustable torque split
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, potentially side airbags depending on trim.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Factory-installed Clarion or Panasonic audio systems, typically with CD player and AM/FM radio. Aftermarket upgrades are common.
Traction Control:
Advanced AWD system, but electronic traction control systems are less prominent than on later models.
Auxiliary Input:
Rarely present on factory units; aftermarket solutions are typically required for modern connectivity.
Oil Change:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, especially under spirited driving conditions. Consult manual for exact intervals.
Timing Belt:
Crucial: Check manual for replacement interval (typically 105,000 miles or 7 years), often recommended preemptively due to catastrophic failure risk.
Spark Plugs:
Refer to manual for specific type and replacement interval (e.g., iridium plugs).
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual, but typically 5W-30 or 10W-30 synthetic engine oil is recommended, meeting API SN or similar.
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with anti-corrosive additives.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid:
Manual transmission fluid specific to Subaru (e.g., GL-5 rated).
Differential Fluid:
GL-5 rated gear oil for front and rear differentials. Center differential may have specific fluid. Consult manual.
Head Gaskets:
While less common on EJ207 compared to later EJ25 engines, inspection for leaks is prudent.
Turbocharger:
Potential for turbocharger wear or failure if not properly maintained or if oil starvation occurs.
Clutch Wear:
High-performance clutch can wear faster with aggressive driving.
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some models may exhibit higher than average oil consumption; regular checks are vital.
Performance Accolades:
The WRX STI consistently received accolades for its handling, performance, and rally-inspired capabilities from automotive publications of the era.
Handling Reviews:
Praised for its communicative steering, balanced chassis, and effective AWD system.
