2004 Subaru Impreza Consumer Discussions

Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

• Re: thinking about buying a subaru [kaie]

  Written by: snoogs51 on Aug 1, 2010 8:42:27 PM

  Outstanding handling in the snow. But my 2004 Impreza Outback Sport (bought new) developed piston slap at 11,000 miles. Dealer said they all do that. I was told that problem was corrected in 2003. Have seen postings about piston slap in models as late as 2005. Had a rebuild on the motor ar 29,000, which then lead to a short block at 32,000 miles, all covered under warrenty. Has been fine ... Read More

• Re: Engine ping in 2008 Impreza 2.5i AT (non turbo) [saedave]

  Written by: rondo320 on Jun 13, 2009 3:06:30 PM

  I have a 2007 OBW with the same problem. It has a 2.5 manual transmission and at high loads in 4th and 5th it sounds like the engine has something loose internally. I also own a 2004 2.5 impreza outback sport with a loose manifold and that sound is completely different. When I took it to the dealer, since its still under warranty, they told me they couldn't find anything wrong ... Read More

Subaru Impreza Outback Sport & TS

• Re: PS [ateixeira]

  Written by: nippononly on May 11, 2009 1:10:52 PM

  I think the NA Coopers run regular unleaded now, don't they? It's just the turbos that run premium? I could be wrong, but something in the back of my mind is telling me that. :-P The 2.0 in the Mazda3 doesn't really "sip" gas. My sister has one (a sedan of course) and only pulls high 20s, which is where I am at with the OBS with a LOT more torque ... Read More

Subaru impreza 94 overhaul

• Re: Subaru impreza 94 overhaul [subarujim]

  Written by: subaru198614 on Mar 9, 2009 6:33:59 PM

  yes it is i have a 93 impreza l i have custom exaust all the way back cold air intake and underdrive pullys {hint}when you do deside to do any thang to this canr remember all subaru parts will bolt up to any subaru like my underdrive pully is for a 2004 2005 wrx and did it work andys auto sport sells the cheapes and best body kits thanks

Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

• Re: Thanks Mr. Shiftright - I know you want to help our customers [subaru_t

  Written by: johnmcc on May 4, 2008 5:01:05 AM

  Hi I'm john from Va.Here's what I,ve done and still have the problem back.Replace head gasket ,water pump,.rear end seal,serpentine belt,timing belt,thermostat,.Now 10 days later after all this replaced have a temp hike going up again.I had only 64,000 miles on it.Sent a leter to head quarters no response.Expect this below plus more of what I had done.Now I had repairs done at an ACE certified shop using all Subaru parts ... Read More

Article Comments - 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI First Look, First Drive and Full Test

• Red & Gold - Fight On!

  Written by: SubyTrojan on Oct 9, 2007 11:44:00 PM

  I hope to get a Lightning Red STI with gold BBS wheels - USC colors! My 2004 Impreza WRX Sedan is World Rally Blue Pearl with gold Prodrive P1 wheels - Subaru World Rally Team colors...and UCLA colors.

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX

• Re: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX Second Opinion [aaykay]

  Written by: SubyTrojan on Jul 23, 2007 3:22:41 PM

  I drove a stock 2006 WRX before I submitted my final piece. Perhaps you should read what I posted in the link I provided earlier. As far as I know, the handling and interior of the 2006-2007 WRX is the same as the 2005 WRX. The 2005 WRX is pretty much the same as the 2002-2004 WRX save for the updated interior.

• Re: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX Second Opinion [SubyTrojan]

  Written by: aaykay on Jul 23, 2007 3:14:46 PM

  You keep mentioning stock 2002-2007 WRX. I think you need to separate out the stock 2002-2005 from the stock 2006-2007, since the 2.5L engine makes a WORLD of difference. Bottomline, the power/torque comes on slightly sooner in the new model but fades away quicker than the 2006-2007 model, which accounts for the slower quarter mile and identical 0-60 (when compared to the 2006-2007 - NOT 2002-2005). Your 2004 with the 2.0L ... Read More

• Re: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX Second Opinion [ateixeira]

  Written by: SubyTrojan on Jul 23, 2007 2:37:49 PM

  Body roll felt about the same as my 2004 WRX when it was stock with stock wheels and tires. The replacement of the rear LSD with an open diff didn't adversely affect the handling of the vehicle on a twisty mountain road (Glendora Mountain Road). I'm guessing perhaps only autocrossers would really notice the difference. I'm more of a road course guy and would have loved to take the new car ... Read More

Article Comments - 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX First Drive & Full Test

• Impreza never pretty but now lost uniqueness

  Written by: snarks on Jun 28, 2007 5:10:22 PM

  On the look. Does anyone ever think that any Impreza/WRX has been good looking? I own the 2004 WRX Wagon and absolutely love it even its low-torque but very punchy engine. I don't think the new one looks any worse or better. However it has lost one major thing I really liked about previous Subaru's especially the bug-eye. Uniqueness.

Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

• Re: A few items [paisan]

  Written by: subi4obs on Nov 23, 2006 1:39:57 AM

  Comforting to hear, thank you. I have heard those diagnostics can be costly just never had it done before, only my truck I had before this car would have qualified for a real test on it since the others were never so computerized. I came very close to needing the truck checked, it ran rough no matter what I tried, but then I traded it in to get the Subaru instead. ... Read More

• Re: [goose2112]

  Written by: snoogs51 on May 26, 2006 11:32:19 AM

  Subaru replaced piston 2&4 in my 2004 impreza outback sport at 29,000 miles. 1200 miles later the piston slap was back. At 32,000 miles subaru replaced the the block. There are now 1500 miles on the new motor. We'll see. I also put an extended warrenty on the car, up to 80,000 miles. Good Luck. Fran

• no title

  Written by: goose2112 on May 26, 2006 9:33:19 AM

  Good day all, Last week the dealership replaced Pistons 2&4 on my 2004 Impreza 2.5RS due my complaints of engine knocking (piston slapping?). I suspect they have been faulty for sometime but I decided that something was definitely not normal because the performance began to suffer as well. What confuses me most is the dealership has no real explanation of why a car with 60K on needs to have pistons replaced ... Read More

• Help with possible dealer fraud!

  Written by: samsubaru on Nov 4, 2005 3:52:50 PM

  I hope someone can help me with a problem I'm having with my Subaru dealer. Whenever my car is in for warranty repair the dealer is very reluctant to provide a loaner car. When they do provide a loaner it's about 7 - 10 years old, with a 100,000 miles or more, in bad repair, stains on the seats, unwashed, trash inside, and smelly. I'm not exagerating at all. I complained ... Read More

Subaru Impreza Outback Sport & TS

• Re: Updated '05 Side-Impact Impreza coming? [ericf1]

  Written by: micweb on Apr 4, 2005 8:41:10 AM

  Honda was able to update their CR-V from 2004 to 2005 to pass the IIHS side impact test by simply adding side curtain airbags AND beefing up the door frames. They didn't need a complete body re-design. Subaru did the same for the front crash by adding "donuts" (their term) at key points on the frame to add body strength. They did this mid-year a few years back. So apparently there ... Read More

Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

• Justin: Used Impreza vs New Focus...?

  Written by: edunnett on Jun 25, 2004 2:04:35 PM

  15K is low and it's nice that it still has 1 year left on the bumper to bumper. Don't forget also that Subaru offers a 5yr 60K mile power/drive train warranty that covers all transmission and engine components. It's pretty comprehensive in my opinion. I don't think I'd worry about it being a Fleet car... better than a rental and it couldn't have missed much if any maintenance in 15K miles. ... Read More

• New Impreza Wagon - normal or problems?

  Written by: atlantagirl on Jun 19, 2004 2:39:22 PM

  Hi, hope this is the right thread - I think/hope I'm in the Subaru Problems/Solutions thread? I just purchased a new 2004 Impreza wagon from the local dealership (a few weeks ago, 5/31) and am having some problems (yes yes this is the one that I couldn't get the dealer down to the price I wanted, and then had a really bad feeling about and bought anyway - I am kicking ... Read More

Subaru Impreza WRX

• Car Owner Loses Case Must Pay Subaru $75K in WRX Warranty Dispute

  Written by: riposte on Jun 18, 2004 4:54:19 PM

  Car Owner Loses Case Must Pay Subaru $75K in WRX Warranty Dispute SAN JOSE, Calif.--June 18, 2004--On Monday, a Santa Clara County Superior Court judge awarded $75,000 in attorney's fees to Subaru of America, Inc. under California's Consumer Legal Remedies Act. In awarding the attorney's fees the court found the evidence was overwhelming the plaintiff had attempted to defraud Subaru in bringing the action, and plaintiff's attorneys had an obligation to ... Read More

• 2005 WRX - upgraded interior stereo

  Written by: kevin111 on Jun 3, 2004 8:58:08 AM

  Just read on Edmunds that the 2005 gets a 140 watt stereo vs. the 80 watt stereo that the 2002-2004 came with. Also gets climate control and a new center stack. To justify this, price goes up. Still under $25K base, but invoice is now about $23K instead of $22.5K for the 2004s. http://www.edmunds.com/new/2005/subaru/impreza/100399100/standard- .html?tid=edmunds.n.specs.leftsidenav..7.Subaru*

Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

• Wind Noise from Side Window Caused by Window Mirror Gusset

  Written by: edunnett on May 27, 2004 2:38:47 PM

  All, This post describes your rights if you have a newer model Forester or Impreza and have wind noise caused by your window gusset. I got a document in the mail yesterday about this issue. The document was released by Subaru in April 2004 and refers to MY2002-2004 Foresters and Imprezas. (the doc cost $5 from subaru technical site but s&h was $15!!!) Anyway the net net of it is if ... Read More

• Grounding - repost

  Written by: hypov on Mar 16, 2004 10:35:26 AM

  hypov "Subaru Impreza Wagon WRX (Wagons Board)" Mar 16, 2004 1:09pm -Dave

Subaru Impreza and Impreza WRX STI Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Road & Track Readers Choice 2004 Car of the Year

  Written by: buddhabman on Mar 9, 2004 12:59:28 PM

  "IMPREZA WRX STi" Hope you got a chance to watch the show on Speed TV. Pretty impresive on the back roads, on the track and of course the only one that could do it on the dirt. 1st - Subaru WRX STi 2nd - Mazda RX-8 3rd - Porsche GT2 4th - Nissan 350Z Roadster 5th - BMW 530 Sedan

Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

• Remote Starter/ fuel door questions

  Written by: lmp180psu on Dec 18, 2003 4:31:28 PM

  Hi everyone, I helped my mom buy a 2004 Impreza Outback Sport in September ( the Woodland Green is such as sharp color :) and it has been very useful (we have 2 dogs) and comfortable so far. My mom wants to have a remote starter installed and I was wondering if Subaru has any warnings against it. Would installing one risk voiding the warranty? I made an appointment for Tuesday ... Read More

Subaru Impreza Outback Sport & TS

• The 2005's-Changes Again

  Written by: lotboy on Oct 18, 2003 3:31:02 PM

  Hey guys,just wondering if anyone knows or thinks there will be some changes to the 2005 Impreza TS even after the changes in 2004?ie.reduced engine noise,increased horsepower,fog lamps as standard... I plan to order one in the spring.Any input or advice is appreciated. DD PS-How do you think the Mazda 3 will compare to Subaru Impreza quality?I get the Mazda for cost!!!

• Extra Charges

  Written by: lotboy on Oct 15, 2003 10:43:23 AM

  Just wondering if anyone knows the destination charge for an Impreza to Canada? Also what do you think a fair price is for an Impreza (2004)off of the MSRP? I think maybe around $1200.00 off CAN Cheers guys!!! DD PS-Are Subaru Impreza's really made in "Gunma" Japan,I was told otherwise???

• block heater

  Written by: cbmorton on Sep 24, 2003 12:32:33 PM

  It's a dealer-installed accessory. The 04 Impreza price list shows it's about $35 + installation. You can also add alloy wheels, ground effects kits, spoilers, fog lights, audio components, etc. The accessory list is 3.5 pages so you can customize as much as you can afford. Not sure about the blue colour you saw--there's a different blue for 2004 and it's kind of an electric blue, although it might have some ... Read More

• lotboy

  Written by: cbmorton on Sep 23, 2003 12:56:34 PM

  TS=Impreza 2.5 TS, OBS=Impreza Outback Sport. If you go to the Subaru website (subaru.ca) it shows what the differences are between them. Same body & mechanicals but the OBS has more equipment. The price didn't change for 2004 on the TS, it's still $22,995, same as 2003. Just noticed that you're also from London. Have you talked to anyone at the dealer here yet? If not, if you call or go ... Read More

Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon

• Edmunds' road test of the 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon!

  Written by: revka on Jul 23, 2003 5:08:42 AM

  "Indeed this is still one of the most entertaining cars you can take home for about $25,000. And if you speak only of the wagon, there's really no competition at all." Read the complete story here. For future reference, you'll find a direct link to this road test on the left side of this page (Helpful Links). Hope you enjoy! ;-) Revka Host Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

Subaru Impreza WRX

• Michael, declansdad

  Written by: jftam on Apr 5, 2003 8:34:59 PM

  The All Weather Package (AWP) was standard on CDN WRX since 2002 model year. Yeah, it sucks that you guys don't get the AWP and moonroof for the WRX wagon. If it's any consolation, the WRX Sti in Canada won't get HID headlights (self-leveling is req'd for HID sold in Canada) Also, Subaru of Canada makes some odd marketing choices too. If you want a WRX sedan w/ 4EAT, you have ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: himiler on Apr 1, 2003 8:12:50 AM

  I e-mailed SOA about the AWP and roof on the wagon. The reply said they don't know why they aren't offered because Subaru doesn't provide a reason for how they equip their models. They did encourage some hope, however, by saying that customer feedback goes a long way in determining how their models are equipped, so...maybe next year! SOA's website will be updated the 2nd week of April to include the ... Read More

Subaru Impreza Outback Sport & TS

• no title

  Written by: moosejaw on Feb 28, 2003 10:02:34 AM

  After viewing the link that Orangelebaron posted, I have to say I’m a little disappointed. When I begun to shop for a new car last spring, the main thing that attracted me to the OBS was its looks. Its not that I thought the Impreza was the nicest looking car out there, but certainly one of the most unique. In my price range all the Hondas looked like Acuras, all the ... Read More

• firm vs hard

  Written by: orangelebaron on Feb 27, 2003 5:53:51 PM

  I also drive a 2000 S70 regularly. Those are firm but comfortable seats. I don't find Outback seats firm... just plain painfully hard...especially where the butt goes. Regardless... here is a link to the new 2004 Impreza sportwagen in Japan... http://www.subaru.co.jp/impreza/sportswagon/05/05_02.html

Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon

• Clarification

  Written by: kens on Jan 9, 2003 10:27:13 AM

  The March availability was mentioned in the MSN website: The STi will be a 2004 model, incorporating new front styling that’s debuting in showrooms by March on “regular” 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX models. http://autoshow.msn.com/autoshow2003/article.aspx?type=oem&xml=Subaru Ken

• 2004 WRX Wagon

  Written by: wrxsoon1 on Dec 3, 2002 9:19:58 PM

  Jon, From all the posts I've read and links I've seen, yes, this is what the new (2004) Impreza's will look like. I don't think they even offer the STi Wagon in Japan anymore and they've never offered it in any other market. I, too, am hoping they offer heated seats and mirrors here in the U.S. (SOA are you listening! Stephen don't get started. ;-)) as I will likely get ... Read More

• MY2004?

  Written by: jthorsen on Dec 3, 2002 5:32:17 PM

  Hi all, I was just perusing some old posts and saw the link to the Japanese Impreza site which supposedly shows the 2004 design of our Impreza...does anyone know if this is in fact what we will get? I have to say, I like this new look better. Is it just me (or maybe the angle of the pictures) but does the redesign make the front end look longer? And as ... Read More

Subaru Impreza WRX

• Attn. SoA / FHI: MARLBORO???

  Written by: jfhsea on Nov 13, 2001 9:06:57 PM

  I just spotted the following bizarre news bit on: From: http://www.worldrallynews.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1004447388,99548, The text of the article is posted below. I know that tobacco is still considered more acceptable on FHI's home turf, but, with a FIA tobacco sponsorship ban coming in 2004-2006, I can not believe that SWRT would be stupid enough to risk whatever recent brand identity they have built up with the WRX (yeah, I know the blue and ... Read More