2002 Subaru Impreza Consumer Reviews

Safe. Utility. Bold. AWD. Reliable. Ubuy

Written by: Blur125 on 07/30/2008

Vehicle

2002 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Subarus are awesome vehicles. And while this is the entry level vehicle, it's got the heart and soul of a Subaru! This has a rally inspired boxer 2.5l engine that gets 22-26 mpg (actual, depending on how nice you are to 'er). That's with AWD!! You can't beat having AWD if you like to shred mountains, ride trails, surf breaks, or relax while camping. While this particular model doesn't have a nice trim package nor nice interior, it has the basics you'd need while driving. And a manual is the way to go if you drive highway a lot. Wagons are a bonus for more storage space. I used it to travel back and forth between college with my entire room loaded in it. Nice fold down seats.

Favorite Features

1) fun to drive. 2) power when needed. 3) great handling. 4) decent gas mileage. 5) low maintenance.

Suggested Improvements

Bluetooth, MP3/aux, cloth interior, but seats hold you in your seat well!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Great car

Written by: Travis on 07/06/2008

Vehicle

2002 Subaru Impreza WRX AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

First thing that I noticed when i bought my used WRX was how great of shape the interior was. It was not worn out at all, besides the drivers seat. Mileage does not seem to effect Subarus much. It runs perfect.

Favorite Features

I don't really see many on the road, and when you do, they always wave. Fast and can take turns fast

Suggested Improvements

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

A Lot Of Car For The Money!

Written by: broman on 06/10/2008

Vehicle

2002 Subaru Impreza WRX AWD 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Recently purchased my WRX from a friend who owned it since 25K. Car now has 91K. Previous owner only did regular service with no other issues. This is the type of vehicle that you have to know what you are buying. It doesn't do anything spectacular but does do everything well. Power is adequate, interior is decent, looks are unique, MPG is good for a performance-based car, parts/service is reasonable, and resale is pretty good if you purchase used. I bought this car mainly for MPG as my other vehicle is an F150. And for $7000 I do not think I could get more car for the money. The car had already been upgraded to 17" wheels so it looks even better. Otherwise the car is completely stock.

Favorite Features

AWD, shifter feels good, good MPG, looks different from all the other Accords, Camrys, Altimas, etc. that are everywhere, good trunk space, nice performance seats and steering wheel (is it really that hard for other companies to find a decent steering wheel?), reasonable power, excellent reliability

Suggested Improvements

Better paint. If you are going to have cupholders make them better, less turbo lag, should come with more than 16" wheels, car is easily dented, shifting into first almost requires a complete stop which is bad in a turbo, fold-down rear seats, cars appears to sit too high, doors feel like tin.

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Awesome Little Wagon

Written by: BostonLegal on 06/07/2008

Vehicle

2002 Subaru Impreza TS AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I purchased this car because I wanted AWD and a decent amount of carrying capacity while still being small enough to parallel park easily. The TS wagon fit the bill perfectly. As a CA native unaccustomed to the unique demands of winter driving in upstate NY, my Subaru has done a fantastic job of hugging the iciest roads. Curiously, my friends' SUVs often get irretrievably snowed into their parking spots, but my wagon can always get past the snowiest mounds. Reliability is excellent even on long roadtrips - I've driven her from NY to CA and back to MA. I have had no expenses beyond regular maintenance in my 7 years of ownership. After this car, I am absolutely sold on Subarus.

Favorite Features

Fantastic handling - especially in adverse weather. Great carrying capacity and seat adjustability for maximum carrying space. Attractive exterior design and extremely stain-resistant upholstery.

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage is not wonderful (comes with the AWD though). Paint has begun chipping a bit after 7 years (5 in harsh northeast winters). Wish the hatchback opening was a little wider to allow larger objects.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

WRX = high performance for cheap

Written by: subafan on 05/12/2008

Vehicle

2002 Subaru Impreza WRX AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I bought my '02 WRX wagon exactly 2 years ago with 60,000 miles on it, just out of warranty. I now have 102,000 miles on it and have only replaced the brakes and done regular maintenance, mobile 1 synthetic only. While it may need more maintenance than I've given it, it still has given me no problems whatsoever. This car is super fast for a wagon. Nobody expects to see a subaru wagon to pull off the line as quick as the WRX wagon. I can get to 60mph, with a passenger, in 6 seconds which is impressive for a 2.0L 4cyl. Also, the AWD performs better in 6in or less snow than my Jeep Cherokee.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Report inappropriate post

Impreza 2.5RS

Written by: JW on 05/05/2008

Vehicle

2002 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

6 years, 82k miles and not a dime in it other than gas, oil and tires. Still gets over 30 mpg freeway, around town is a little low due to the AWD, upper teens/low 20's depending on how you drive. Getting 25 on the average tank. Reliable, punchy, AWD is amazing on the snow.

Favorite Features

All wheel drive

Suggested Improvements

Sunroof?

Report inappropriate post

2002 WRX

Written by: aaron on 05/09/2007

Vehicle

2002 Subaru Impreza WRX AWD 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Pre-purchased WRX in April 01 site unseen, before they were first imported. Extremely happy with the car, fuel efficiency, power, and build quality. Over the last year, it has developed a couple of small rattles and the driver's window regulator needs replacing (has nearly 100k miles). Value is still over $10k 6 years later. Very satisfied with the car, the brand, and the type of vehicle.

Favorite Features

Turbo. AWD. MOMO steering wheel. MPG

Suggested Improvements

Cupholders, AC system a little weak, quite a bit of road noise in the interior. Sunroof (later models received this upgrade). Make boost gauge standard.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Just a 2.5RS... nothing special

Written by: Just a girl w/2.5RS on 05/04/2007

Vehicle

2002 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I really do LOVE my car. It's fun to drive, it got me through my first real winter (snow, ice, slush) in a new place, and it's never had any problems due to regular wear and tear (regular maint. is done). Though not a WRX, acceleration is just fine for highway driving. I used to take my car through a very deserted canyon road with tight turns on the weekends and it begged for more.

Favorite Features

Handling: wet/dry, paved/dirt :-)

Suggested Improvements

Biggest complaint: TSB on the A/C. My A/C won't work due to a design flaw by Subaru and now they want $700 to fix it. Because of this, I may never buy another Subaru. Gas mileage stinks, stock tires are pretty bad (I got Pirelli M&S), interior is a little sparse, and the rear seats don't fold down.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Transmission Problems

Written by: bigsuda on 03/07/2007

Vehicle

2002 Subaru Impreza WRX AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I bought this car about six months ago with 47k miles on it. Pretty low for an '02. I was having problems with getting it into first gear and reverse so I took it in to the local dealership. They told me that there was a problem (I expected it to be the clutch), and was told that there is a problem with the synchronizers in the transmission! Seems a little low mileage, well maybe a lot low, to be having problems with a transmission. I haven't added any aftermarket parts and take care of all my cars! Might be a lemon, but seems to be a ridiculous deal. $1500+ bill just to get started. Oh, and the warranty just expired 4 months ago due to an '01 delivery date. Wonderful!

Favorite Features

Turbocharger, very economical vehicle, ability to handle any conditions including snow.

Suggested Improvements

Door speakers are really shallow so upgrading is impossible. Make it reliable, nobody should have to deal with transmission problems under 50k miles.

Report inappropriate post

A great car for the price

Written by: Subidrifter77 on 03/04/2007

Vehicle

2002 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I purchased this car in later 2006. I have greatly enjoyed the experience. It corners good for a stock car. The AWD is awesome in the snow and I have loved drifting it! Dislikes: no light in the trunk, not a lot of room but good for the price. Likes: AWD is awesome, automatic shifts good on hills and in passing, the exhaust sounds great (not stock), comfortable on long drives, corners fairly well but needs larger sway bars, fantastic in the snow. It has only slid when I am laying into it. Great car so I can't complain much. Needs some performance stuff for more power so I am going to invest soon!

Favorite Features

AWD, exhaust sounds awesome when done, can put some performance stuff on it: cams, cold air, control module, cam gears, and plenty of exterior upgrades. Good throttle response, very great power! It's smooth, not just kicking in at high revs!

Suggested Improvements

My rear main leaks which I hear they do a lot. A light in the trunk would be HUGE! The cruise control not to delay when you set it on the highway. Other than that it is a great car for the price and a must have in the snow!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post