Used 2002 Subaru Impreza Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Fun to drive
The most fun I have had driving a car. High performance, reliability, all- season driving at an affordable price. Nothing compares to it at this price range.
Cool Car
The Subaru Impreza Wrx is the coolest car I have ever driven!
- TS WagonMSRP: $3,9951 mi away
- Outback Sport WagonMSRP: $2,9952 mi away
- WRX SedanMSRP: $10,99950 mi away
the bess car ever
great handling and great speed a real rally car to be recognized
Best Car I've had
I bought my 2002 WRX brand new and, at 126K, it's still going strong until recently. I had to get the radiator replaced ($600) and new brakes a few months ago, but I figured I was coming due with something. Hopefully, nothing in the near future. Fun to drive car. I had blacker leather and heated seats put in as I hated the tight weave they had so it was impossible to get the dog hair out! Car handles great in the snow. A great practical car.
at 2,000 miles
a little launch lag, but after that hold on, it's a whole lotta fun!
Best Sports Car for 25K
This is the best sports car for under 25K! You really have to drive it for a while to appreciate how good and fast it can be. It is a great tool for the performance-oriented drivers. If you do not like interior/exterior, spend 15K more on S4.
Hella Mad Fun
This car is a blast to drive. How much fun is it to embarass Camaro drivers in a four cylinder car? Excellent handling responses, quicker than the Mustang GT I traded in for it, much more comfortable in front and back than all of the other cars I tested. I can't praise this car enough.
Fun car for young man
My son bought his WRX after working for one year, gave me a ride on highway 9 of CA last week, I was amazed how smooth, quiet, powerful, and handling this car is, I'm impressed and agree to his choice - an absoulte fun car for young man..
INCREDIBLE
This is an incredible car. I have been driving this for 2 months and truely believe it has been one of the best cars i have ever owned. I am a huge Porsche fan and this is WRX drives just like one its a GT2's little brother.
Perfect car for me
I can't say enough about the WRX in the US. It's everything I've ever wanted out of a sports car without losing any of the functionality and practicality of a car I need to drive daily. Handling, performance, style, comfort, it's all great. Something I was really surprised about was how quiet the cabin is. Road noise is kept fairly minimal, steering input is nice, the ride is smooth. It's just wonderful. The rear seats also have a surprising amount of room.
WRX ROCKS!
For the money, the performance can't be beat. The wet weather handling is outstanding.
The Best Car Ever Made!!!!
I love this car. Never gonna trade it in this is mine to keep for ever. IF koalapeck2 cant feel the turbo then he is not driving WRX. :P
It's not just for kids!
Having owned Imprezas since 1996, I was expecting a faster, but no more refined, car in the WRX. Surprise! The WRX is much smoother and quieter than its less sporty predecessors. At first the controls felt too light, and the seat felt too hard, but after a long drive I feel quite fresh. The turbo lag is not very noticeable except at high altitude with the AC running. Then you need to coordinate clutch and throttle with finesse. Reports of lousy mileage are due to test drive behavior; I'm averaging 23- 26, and I drive fast but efficiently. Coolest experience? Going up to Donner Pass (7,200 feet) at half throttle in fifth gear at 70-80mph.
The WRX Rocks
I know you've heard it a million times, but the WRX Rules. I've bought mine on New Years Eve and have been happy ever since. I can blow just about anyone away, just ask the guy in the new Altima I dusted at 120 on the way to New Orleans this week. OK so reality check, it is a car under 25k. So it's not like your driving in luxury, but if you value performance over floating down the highway this car is for you.
Good car that won't last
I owned my outback sport for almost 7 years. I bought it brand new. Initially, I though I couldn't get more car for the money. Power everything, cruise control and the AWD Subaru is famous for. All those things I loved and made the car fun to drive. What I didn't like was the engine noise I started hearing about 2 years into ownership. It wasn't strong our pronounced right off the bat, but grew that way over the years. I was under the assumption that changing my oil religiously would preserve my engine. Even that didn't keep it from the engine problems that are common for this model year. I'd be more specific, but I only have 500 characters. I will never buy another Subaru again.
Blast to drive!
I admit I wanted a sports car, but needed some practicality as well, and within a budget. After reading all the positive reviews, went to go drive the car, among many others. Was surprised by the stability and stance (drives like the car is wider than it is!) The suspension is a good compromise - little body lean, but a good ride none- the-less. Had a better ride than the BMW 3-series I test drove.
Exciting Commute
This car is great. You cannot beat it with the price. Always wanted a sporty car that is not hard on the city bumps. Found it with this car. The looks is perfect coz it downplays the car yet fun to drive. And also its fun to drive or did I mention that already. Can leave 98% of cars on the road.
GREAT
This is an overall great car. I love to drive it!
Can't Beat It
One word FAST!!!!! Thats all that explains it. Smoothest car, try going 110mph, turn the radio off and listen. What do u hear? In this car pretty much nothing but the sound of the turbo, like an airplane. Watch out Cobras ur in danger........
Fast and Furious
This car is for people who know what driving is all about. This is one of the fastest cars in country and with the AWD it makes it even better. The car looks great, and when you hook it up with all kinds of accessories it looks even greater. Of course this isnt a car for people who drive wimpy automatic "sports" cars. If you have around thirty grand, and love fast and good looking cars, the WRX is for you.
Great Car for the Money !!!!
My 2002 Impreza RS is a great car. I spend at least five hours a day driving it. The bug visor, fog lights, keyless entry and the spoiler that I added was money well spent. I traveled over 1,400 miles in three days behind the wheel. Never once did I regret selling my fullsize pick-up especially when I had to fill the tank. Subaru built a great little car. Thank you.
Had it a year, and still love it!
This is the car America has been waiting to get, and Subaru finally brought it to the US. 227hp, 217lb-ft of torque in an AWD car with just enough understeer to keep "the sheep" safe, while letting the rest of us have fun (oversteer isn't tough to get, if that's what you're trying to do). The interior is driver-oriented from the seats and shifter to the steering wheel and pedals; even the dash gauges tilt more toward the driver than other cars. This is a true driver's car.
What an excellent value!!!!!
I am known to rate and love good values. The Acura TL, Mazda Protege, Nissan Xterra and 350Z, but this puts them all to shame. That said, I'm done. Period.
Best new car I've ever owned
After 10 months and 16K miles, I've decided that this is the best car I've ever purchased. So far there have been zero repairs necessary which I've NEVER experienced with a new car. It's not a race car, but performance is great, handling is very competent and the ride quality is just right, firm but not harsh at all. It is noticably slower in very hot weather. Interior quality seems better than average for a small car, but nothing spectacular. It is also very quiet inside for a small car. Seats and steering wheel are excellent, ergonomics are good.
impressive
incredibly solid car,it feels like a mid size mercedes.very precise steering with incredible performance.yakes a few weeks to get used to the turbo lag,but once you master it,it is not an issue.
Sweet ride
It may not have the fit and finish of a BMW or Audi but it what it skimped in finish it made up for in performance. Thats not to say that the interior is ugly or what not. It is nice for the price, but its obvious that Subaru focused on the performance side. This car is so much fun to drive and it sticks to the road (after you dump the crappy tires that come with it). It is simply a shear pleasure to drive.
Best car under 30000
Im vey pleased with the WRX. The handling is excellent as is the acceleration (0-60 6.0 secs at 3500ft- stock). The brakes could be better, however. The seats are the best Ive ever sat in. Rear seat comfort is also first rate. The shift action is fairly poor stock, but for $100 and 1hr you can install a shifter kit which improves the feel greatly. The only things I dislike: if you dont rev it up when starting off it will bog down, the previously mentioned shifter and brakes, and I wish it had a six speed. Over all this car is just awsome. It is almost a perfect car at any price, and for under $30000 it cant be beat!
Quality Car
The car is very fun to drive. On long trips space is a little cramped. Car has ran almost flawlessly except for a check engine light that turned out to be a false code. The dealer could not reset it (Shortline Subaru in Aurora, CO) and I had to wait two weeks for a technician for the reset. There is some wind noise when traveling above 70 mph. Car drives perfect in bad weather. Car feels bogged down at low rpm's and I find myself revving the engine at stop lights. I am very happy with the car but I miss my Impala SS.
Best Bang for your HiPerf Buck
The WRX is an excellent deal, especially for a life-long rally fan. I was in the market and shopping the Audi family and the Porche Boxter S. This thing will keep up and pass these cars on or off road. For the low $20k's - there is NOT a better deal on the road for this kind of performance. Made minor mods (BOV, intake).
Exceptional Car, Money not an Issue
Exceptional performance. terrific sound system. AWD. Great car. Far exceeds the competition (RSX Type S, Mustang GT, Celica GTS)
WRX Wagon
The WRX Wagon is fun to drive and has a lot of power. Handling in the corners makes this car fun to drive. I could do with out the road noise. I like the wagon because people think I bought a family car, Until I give them a ride. All they can say is "WOW" The all wheel drive makes this car a great package.
Blave Gohan
I have been driving the vehicle for just over 8 weeks. I traded in a 2000 Trans Am for my WRX. Excellent decision! This car is by far the most fun car I've ever driven! I find myself catching air on a consistent basis and drifting through highway on and off ramps whether wet or dry. The balance and poise of this car is unbelievable.
Fast, fun AND practical
I love this car. Fast, handles well. Stupid SUV drivers think they can beat me off the line and I love leaving them in the dust. There's plenty of storage (holds more than my girlfriends Landrover) and the back seats are acceptable too. Don't get that Mini-SUV, get a WRX...
Warp 10 in a wagon!
Quick and responsive on all surface conditions and all speeds (at least up to 115mph). Unlike other Japanese cars, this car feels very solid. The interior styling is best discribed as spartan and pragmatic. But on weekends, the unmodified WRX can teach many teen streetracers the meaning of "fast and furious".
Nice car for money
I have added several modifications to my car: BPM GT Turboback exhaust system which replaces two restrictive catalytic coverter with one and with a bigger diameter pipes. Results is about 15-20 hp gain w/ ~30 ft-lb torque. Also, I added lowered springs and 17" OZ P1 rims for much improved performance In my opinion, this car seems to be detuned and has tons of mod. potential. Spend about $5000 on mod and this car is capable of competing with most of sports cars.
A bit heavy
i have an old honda prelude that moves off the line really quick because its really light. WRX is kinda slow off the line, maybe cause of the weight. But when the RPMs are around 3-6k its really fast. I like all of the exterior except for the front lights, I like the JDM ones a lot more. The seats hug me which is good but there should be an adjustable lower lumbar like some other cars, long road trips kill my lower back in the WRX. And everyone knows about the understeer =(. Its still a fun and fast car overall though, cant wait to rally in it!
Start your day with a smile
I have had my wagon for a little less than a year, and it has been all good. I love to drive this car for any given reason. Need milk? I'll go. It may take me twice as long after I take the long route, but I will come home with a smile on my face. The handling is excellent right out of the box, and can be made even better with some better tires. The power comes on smooth, and once you get used to the turbo's characteristics, it is no problem keeping this car in the power. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who is looking for affordable fun
3rd Subaru - Wagon>Truck
This is my third Subaru. Previous was an 04 Sti and 98 2.5 rs. This car is very reliable even at 200K plus miles. I have replaced the 02 sensor once. The slide pins for the front calipers stuck, so those got replaced. Both pretty common. The valve in the AC had to be replaced, a bit of a pain to get to, but not a huge issue ($30 part). The interior is that of any Subaru. If you are coming from a luxury vehicle, you might not like it. Always seems to be cheaply made, but I've never had any issues. Would recommend to anyone needing an overall reliable car. Any Subaru really.
Can't Beat It
Two Words..... THE BEST!!! Have already "played" with the engine by adding new exhaust from the turbo back, cold air intake, 18" rims, and clear tailights. Went from 227 HP to 324 HP. Cost was under $2,000
Great Car For Your Money
I purchased this car about 8 months ago now and have not been disapointed. This car is down right fast, yet it is a vehicle that I can still take on my long drives home from school, that is quite enough to hear myself think inside, and is always fun on the go.
Sweet
Had it for two months, and it always cheers me up after work.
Love my new Subaru
I have only had this vehicle for a month, but it is a blast to drive. It feels as if it is stuck to the road. I truly feel the performance of this all wheel drive vehicle. If this car is as reliable as my research has suggested, I will always be a Subaru owner.
practical, fast and amazingly agile
I bought this car after trying to decide between the Volkswagen GTI and WRX. But after online research and test drive there was no comparison. This car rocks! i can go to the snow with no worries and can haul around my junk with all the cargo space, and with a permanent grin on my face. The car is super quick and hangs the corners.
Love - Hate
I love my WRX. The performance that I get (coming from a 4cyl Toyota Pick-up) is amazing. It is truly fun to drive. But, the problems that I have encountered are making want to cut my losses. Trouble down-shifting and putting the vehicle into reverse, tape deck eating tapes, CD player freaking out and causing the stereo to crash much like a computer would, internal trunk latch not working, driver's seat rocking everytime I hit the brakes, and I could go on. I have heard many great things about Subaru's, but I got rid of my truck with 190000 miles because I didn't want to spend time with it in the shop. Funny, had the car in the shop more often in 6 mos than had the truck in 6 years.
WOW
What a fun car to drive, fast, nice handling, AWD, its got it all.
My Rex!
I absolutely love this car. From the handling to the speed. I have put this car through alot of road testing, both on and off, and have been completely satisfied. One recent trips included Colorado where we drove it to the top of Pike's Peak. It performed like a dream. The turbo handled the high altitude like a charm. I have the 5 speed manual, and with that comes the initial lag at start off. But in a matter of miliseconds that turbo kicks in and you are gone!
A dream car made real
I've had this car for about 8 months now. For 7 months, I drove this baby 660 miles almost every weekend between MN and IL. I can say that as competent as this car is as a performance beast, it is also a collected highway cruiser. My gripes would be wind noise (noticeable above 70mph) and long-term comfort of the seats (on a drive from Chicago to Denver and back, the padding on the seat is noticeably flat and uncontoured). Besides that, it's an awesome car. So fast it's silly, yet spacious and utilitarian. It hauls ass and hauls goods - I fit 3 people, a drum set, and a saxophone in there. In short, I love this car!
Ummmm...
Ummm.....WOW. Just a complete blast to drive. Only wish is for more low end torque. It's a scream to flatten the accelerator at 3000 revs in the wet (let's pick 2nd gear for this). Tires scrabble for grip, tail gets a little happy if you're not pointed straight. All very controllable, all very fun. Get one!!
Impreza Outback Sport
A great alternative to the small SUV crowd. AWD and decent tires make it stick to the road under all weather conditions; this, along with the 165hp 2.5l engine (smoothest engine I've ever driven), make it great fun to drive! On a recent drive from WA to Denver, my OBS was the only car around able to maintain the speed limit over the high passes (11,000 feet) at night with it raining/snowing. Lots of interior cargo organization options. I got the OBS instead of TS or WRX wagons because I liked the 2-tone color scheme, and more standard cargo-related options.
Great Performance-Interior Sucks
The engine performance is outstanding, but you pay for this with a low quality interior. No moonroof option available, leather isn't available, the momo steering wheel is great, the carbon fiber nice, but the pedal set only comes for the manual. Only one trim color available. Gauge pack is extra. The keyless entry system is the worst. You can't open the trunk with it, and the security system isn't the greates either. I previously owned a 98 VW Jetta, and Subaru could take a few lessons on the "small" things that make a $25K car nice, you pay for those 227 horses by sacrificing style.