2003 Subaru Impreza Consumer Reviews

My Favorite Girlfriend

Written by: Matt on 03/06/2007

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Impreza WRX AWD 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Trixie has gotten me through 2 bad breakups and many famous NY winters, and I'm still in love. I picked her up on 11/18/78 (happy birthday to me) and have never regretted it. The fuel economy is great, 29hwy with a K&N filter. The turbo lag is perfect for tame suburban driving, then you can let the ponies run on the country roads. Like all, I wish it was a little more posh, but it is what is, a Rally Car's little Bro. Speaking of rallying, the car handles wonderfully on dirt and washboard roads. All in all, a wonderful car and a terrific buy for under $25K. 0-60 in sub 6, and almost 30mpg hwy. What else do you want?!

Favorite Features

THE BUG EYES! Engine, turbo, suspension... it's 25K race car. Plus I changed out the side turn signals to clear caped indicators, look perfect with the silver.

Suggested Improvements

My only complaint after 4 years is no clicker button to release the truck.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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03 Impreza Outback

Written by: rreesman on 03/05/2007

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

After all the hype of Japanese cars and Subaru excellence, I decided to try one. At 86000 miles it has not outperformed any of my Cavalier Z24's. The premium radio/CD changer is no better than stock GM systems. The windows fog up anytime the defroster isn't on. The automatic transmission shifts bad and really drops the power in the engine. 0-60 in about 10 seconds. I've had 2 struts blow out, $600 to replace a fuel pressure valve, $350 to replace a rear wheel bearing. I can't keep the thing aligned. The cruise control and fog light switches are hidden behind the steering wheel. Terribly noisy inside. Fuel mileage average is 24. The best I got is 25.4 on a 600 mile trip.

Favorite Features

I like the exterior looks, the 5 door hatchback, the all wheel drive, the large capacity windshield reservoir. Not much more than that.

Suggested Improvements

Better stereo for the money, better base warranty, fix the transmission shifting points, a couple more mpg would be nice, some sound insulation, better ventilation, put the cruise control where you can see it and reach it.

4 out 8 people found this review helpful

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WRX

Written by: Vince on 01/19/2007

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Impreza WRX AWD 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I have owned many sports cars but this is the best car I have ever owned. You get much more vehicle for the money (as pertains to performance).

Favorite Features

Engine/drivetrain.

Suggested Improvements

Better interior. Creature comforts.

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Love my Rex

Written by: Thedog on 11/29/2006

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Impreza WRX AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I chose my black WRX wagon over an Acura RSX-S. I am glad I did. This car is fast, handles great, drives well, and has been a reliable work horse. I only wish I had hills, curves, and snow to drive it in.

Favorite Features

The power and handling. This is a car I love to be in. Being a wagon has helped with practical stuff. Seating is comfortable. Did I mention that I like the power and handling?

Suggested Improvements

Better paint. The paint is weak. Scratches, dings, and swirls way too easy. An optional 6-speed is definitely a must. Would have preferred 17" wheels as standard. 16" wheels make the car float a little in the handling. Make the shifter a little shorter. My wife would like larger cup holders.

9 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Fun Car

Written by: cat on 11/22/2006

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This little car is fun to drive, safe and reliable. I have never had a single mechanical problem in four years. When I buy the next car this one stays too I never giving it up.

Favorite Features

Great fun to drive, especially on curvy roads.

Suggested Improvements

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Ever want to hug a car?

Written by: damienG on 09/26/2006

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Impreza WRX AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I have been a VW fan for the last 15 years, at one time saying I would never buy anything else. That was until my '96 Jetta GLS. To say I was disappointed with it is an understatement. While looking for a replacement for that car, something fun like VW's without the problems, I started looking at the WRX wagon. I needed a wagon and 4 doors, otherwise I may have ended up with a GTi. I took the WRX for a test drive, and that is all it took. This car is pure joy to drive! I had to get one, and I did. I have been driving it now for six months, and I still love it. I still look for reasons to take it out and I am still volunteering to drive my friends to and from the airport. I love it!

Favorite Features

Steering, awd, turbo, the look of it, racing steering wheel & pedals.

Suggested Improvements

Better placement of drink holders. Dampeners for the doors (close hard). Make 17 & 18 inch rims an option.

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love my Subie

Written by: subbiefan on 07/27/2006

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I love the way this car handles. All for under $20K. I liked the way my boyfriend's WRX drives so much I got the RS so we could have one of each.

Favorite Features

Grippy handling, price, solidly built/ride, love the way the back lights look, and doesn't slip when driving in rain.

Suggested Improvements

More HP! the AWD takes away from overall HP.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Loads of fun

Written by: Chris on 07/26/2006

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Impreza WRX AWD 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

The car has been everything that I wanted. Good performance, nice looking, build quality is outstanding. No fold down rear seat, no remote trunk release. Short throw shifter is awesome.

Favorite Features

Turbo. Vroooooooom.

Suggested Improvements

Most issues I have were fixed in later Imprezas.

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Nice, solid car

Written by: Alex on 03/25/2006

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I purchased this car back in 2002 and never regretted it. I spent quite a bit of time researching various cars before getting my Outback Sport and am pretty happy with the car and its overall performance after having it for more than 3 years and driving 32k miles. It's my third car and second Subaru. Very reliable and nice car. Fast acceleration (on manual transmission) and very solid driving on snow (tested in Tahoe area). Probably has the best performance/price ratio of all AWDs on the market.

Favorite Features

AWD, lots of standard features.

Suggested Improvements

Fuel consumption is too high (21-25 miles/gallon).

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Bang for your buck wagon

Written by: carlosi on 02/02/2006

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Impreza 2.5 TS AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This Subaru is fun to drive and has enough power to make driving to Mammoth from LA 3 times a year enjoyable. I'm never going to buy a non AWD vehicle again. Besides being an excellent ride for ski trips the AWD comes in real handy in wet conditions.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

The interior could use some improvements but I think Subaru puts all the money on the engine and transmission.

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