Service and repair manuals for 8 model years of the Subaru GL, 1982 to 1989. Each manual is matched to one exact year — the specifications and procedure sequences are the ones Subaru published for that year's engine and trim, not values carried across the whole production run.
Engines across the range: 1.8L H4 — 109 cu in, OHV · 1.8L H4 — 109 cu in, OHV, turbocharged · 1.8L H4 — 109 cu in, SOHC, turbocharged · 1.8L H4 — 109 cu in, SOHC · 1.6L H4 — 97 cu in, OHV.
Federal safety record, all years: 9 recalls, 96 owner complaints and 64 technical service bulletins are logged for the GL. Refreshed 2026-08-21.
01 / Model yearsChoose your GL year
| Year | Price | Recalls | Engines | Trims | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | $29.99 | 1 | 1.8L H4; 1.8L H4 | Base Coupe 3-Door · Turbo Wagon 4-Door · Base Sedan 4-Door · Base Wagon 4-Door +1 | details → |
| 1988 | $29.99 | 2 | 1.8L H4; 1.8L H4 | Base Coupe 3-Door · Turbo Wagon 4-Door · Base Sedan 4-Door · Base Wagon 4-Door +1 | details → |
| 1987 | $29.99 | 1 | 1.8L H4; 1.6L H4; 1.8L H4; 1.8L H4 | Base Coupe 3-Door · Base Sedan 4-Door · Turbo Coupe 3-Door · Base Wagon 4-Door +1 | details → |
| 1986 | $29.99 | 1 | 1.8L H4; 1.6L H4; 1.8L H4; 1.8L H4 | Base Coupe 3-Door · Base Sedan 4-Door · Turbo Coupe 3-Door · Base Wagon 4-Door +1 | details → |
| 1985 | $29.99 | 1 | 1.8L H4; 1.8L H4; 1.8L H4 | Turbo Wagon 4-Door · Base Sedan 4-Door · Turbo Sedan 4-Door · Base Wagon 4-Door +1 | details → |
| 1984 | $29.99 | 1 | 1.8L H4; 1.8L H4 | Base Hardtop 2-Door · Turbo Wagon 4-Door · Base Sedan 4-Door · Turbo Hardtop 2-Door +2 | details → |
| 1983 | $29.99 | 1 | 1.8L H4; 1.8L H4 | Base Hardtop 2-Door · Base Sedan 4-Door · Base Wagon 4-Door · Base Hatchback 2-Door | details → |
| 1982 | $29.99 | 1 | 1.8L H4 | Base Sedan 4-Door · Base Wagon 4-Door · Base Hatchback 2-Door | details → |
02 / InsideSample pages
From the 1989 GL manual.
03 / ContentsWhat the manual covers
- Quick Lookups 65
- Engine Performance 499
- Accessories & Equipment 86
- General Information 1,380
- Body & Frame 23
- Heating, Ventilation & A/C (HVAC) 74
- Brakes 46
- Maintenance 45
- Drivelines & Axles 14
- Steering 59
- Electrical 118
- Suspension 67
- Engine Mechanical 101
- Transmission 39
04 / OwnershipOwn it — don't rent it
| Option | What you pay | After a year |
|---|---|---|
| eManualStore GL manual | $29.99 once | Still yours |
| Per-vehicle online subscription | from $29 / year, renewing | Pay again or lose access |
| Library membership services | $33 / month, capped | $396 spent, nothing kept |
| Professional shop databases | $499–$2,388 / year | Renew or lose access |
Competitor figures as published on their sites, August 2026.
FAQQuestions about the GL manual
Which GL years does this manual cover?
Every year from 1982 to 1989 — 8 separate manuals, one per model year. Pick your year in the selector; the manual you receive is matched to that exact year, engine and trim.
Is this the OEM Subaru GL manual or an aftermarket guide?
The OEM version. It carries the procedures, specifications, torque values and wiring diagrams Subaru published for the GL, organized by system — not a condensed aftermarket summary.
Does it include GL wiring diagrams?
Yes. Full wiring diagrams are part of every GL manual, alongside repair procedures, specifications and diagnostic information.
Does the manual cover GL recalls?
9 recalls are on federal record across the 1982–1989 GL, listed by year below. The manual carries the manufacturer's diagnostic and repair procedures behind the systems involved; the recall repairs themselves are performed free by Subaru dealers.
Why do some GL years cost more?
Every GL year is $29.99.
Is this a subscription?
No. One payment, and the manual is yours to keep — unlike per-vehicle subscriptions that renew every year.
How do I get the manual after purchase?
It is a digital manual — nothing ships. Access details arrive by email right after checkout, and you can use it on any device.
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By year: 1989 · 1988 · 1987 · 1986 · 1985 · 1984 · 1983 · 1982