The Subaru Impreza II 2.5, produced between 2000 and 2002, represented a significant evolution of Subaru’s popular compact car. This generation, internally designated as the GD chassis, saw a shift towards a more refined and mature design compared to its predecessor. The 2.5-liter variant, equipped with a 165 horsepower engine and an automatic transmission, occupied a middle ground within the Impreza II lineup, offering a balance of performance, practicality, and comfort. It was primarily marketed towards buyers seeking all-weather capability and reliability in a user-friendly package. This model was sold primarily in North America and select international markets.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Subaru |
| Model | Impreza |
| Generation | Impreza II |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5 (165 Hp) AWD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2000 year |
| End of production | 2002 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (EPA) | 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg, 26.4 UK mpg, 9.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (EPA) | 8.7 l/100 km (27 US mpg, 32.5 UK mpg, 11.5 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.3 kg/Hp, 120.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.1 kg/Nm, 164.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 165 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 67.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 225 Nm @ 4000 rpm (165.95 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | EJ251 |
| Engine displacement | 2457 cm3 (149.94 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Boxer |
| Cylinder Bore | 99.5 mm (3.92 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.9 l (7.29 US qt | 6.07 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1370 kg (3020.33 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 311 l (10.98 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 907 kg (1999.59 lbs.) |
| Length | 4405 mm (173.43 in.) |
| Width | 1730 mm (68.11 in.) |
| Height | 1440 mm (56.69 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2525 mm (99.41 in.) |
| Front track | 1485 mm (58.46 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1475 mm (58.07 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 150 mm (5.91 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.8 m (35.43 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring, Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 272 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 262 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Impreza II 2.5 Automatic is the EJ251 engine, a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated, horizontally-opposed (boxer) four-cylinder. This engine design, a Subaru hallmark, contributes to a lower center of gravity, enhancing stability and handling. The EJ251 utilizes a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain and multi-port fuel injection. The engine produces 165 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 166 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The automatic transmission is a conventional four-speed unit, chosen for its ease of use and suitability for everyday driving. While not as sporty as the available five-speed manual, it provided smooth shifts and contributed to a more relaxed driving experience. The engine code, EJ251, is crucial for identifying specific parts and maintenance requirements.
Driving Characteristics
The Impreza II 2.5 Automatic offered a comfortable and capable driving experience. The automatic transmission, while not offering the quickest acceleration, provided smooth and predictable power delivery. Compared to the manual transmission versions, the automatic traded some responsiveness for convenience. The all-wheel-drive system, a standard feature, provided excellent traction in various weather conditions, making it a popular choice in regions with snow or rain. The 0-60 mph time was estimated around 8.5-9.5 seconds, which was adequate for daily commuting but not particularly sporty. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency and comfortable cruising rather than outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.5-liter automatic trim typically included standard features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a CD player, and alloy wheels. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with options for upgraded materials available. Safety features included dual front airbags and ABS brakes. Optional extras could include a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and keyless entry. The Impreza II offered a relatively well-equipped interior for its price point, focusing on practicality and comfort.
Chassis & Braking
The Impreza II utilized an independent suspension system at all four wheels. The front suspension employed McPherson struts with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while the rear featured independent coil springs and a transverse stabilizer. This setup provided a good balance of ride comfort and handling. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. The ABS system helped to maintain control during hard braking. The chassis was designed to accommodate the all-wheel-drive system and provide a stable platform for everyday driving.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Impreza II 2.5 Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and reliable all-weather vehicle. It was often praised for its standard all-wheel drive and comfortable ride. However, some reviewers noted that the automatic transmission dulled the driving experience compared to the manual versions. Compared to the more performance-oriented 2.0-liter turbocharged models (like the WRX), the 2.5-liter automatic was positioned as a more mainstream and accessible option. Fuel economy was average for its class, with EPA estimates of 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. Reliability was generally good, although routine maintenance was essential to ensure the longevity of the engine and transmission.
Legacy
The Subaru Impreza II 2.5 Automatic has proven to be a relatively durable and reliable vehicle in the used car market. The EJ251 engine, while not without its potential issues (such as head gasket failures, a common issue across several Subaru engines of this era), is generally considered robust when properly maintained. Today, these Imprezas are often sought after by buyers looking for an affordable and capable all-wheel-drive vehicle. Parts availability is generally good, and the relatively simple mechanical design makes them relatively easy to maintain for DIY mechanics. The Impreza II 2.5 Automatic represents a solid and dependable choice for those seeking a practical and all-weather-capable compact car.
