Used 2002 Subaru Impreza Consumer Reviews
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Good, but needs improvements
This is a fun car...but it's hard to call it a real performance car. The suspension is too soft, the tires are too skimpy, and the shifter is too balky. For performance driving, the engine's great, but around town it's a bugaboo...with only 2.0 liters of displacement and a low 8:1 compression ratio, this engine is gutless until the turbo kicks in around 3k RPM. The interior is pretty mediocre, with lots of hard plastic, but build quality's good and there are no major ergonomic flaws. Stereo's bad, though...too heavy on bass and all the sound gets squished together. Hard to tell instruments apart! Still a good performance value for the money, though.
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.
- WRX SedanMSRP: $3,900754 mi away
- Outback Sport WagonMSRP: $7,965755 mi away
- WRX WagonMSRP: $5,995802 mi away
Post Porsche Rush
Having owned and driven many "high" performance and sports cars (TR-4, 5L Mustang, Porsche(s) 911E, 924S, Mercedes 230SL), I can unequivocally say that this ride beats the rest in every parameter except perhaps the comfort of the front seats. It is a sleeper and the new STi should be made in the wagon version to appeal to those of us who no longer need to shout "look at me."
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.
42,000 miles....
And I still love it. No major problems and never a regret for purchasing sight unseen.
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.
2002 WRX with 18000 miles review
My wrx has been a blast. I love the acceleration an performance for a very affordable price. However it is a hybid of a economy car and a performance car. The only major item that I do not like about the car is the transmission. It is stubborn to get into 1st when drifting (a lot of double clutching) and is also notchy. But heck it is $18 k less than an AWD BMW 330.
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!
Awesome car
What more could you want in a car? It's so versatile! Lots of power, all wheel drive, space with the wagon, four doors, roof rack, good gas mileage, go anywhere, do anything, beat almost anybody on the road. Smooth pavement, rough pavement, rain, dirt, snow, mud, it doesn't matter. Such a fun car to drive.
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.
After 2 years and 60K miles.....
I would never buy another Subaru again! I broke my Transmission at 28k miles and SOA (Subaru of America) said it was my fault for "destroying" the car, therefore waranty was voided. I did a search on the internet, and discovered that I am not the only owner with this "weak" tranny problem. Its a very common problem that SOA chooses to ignore. Recalling a defective tranny is very expensive. My advice.... buy Audi! better build, better car, better company!
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).
The best car I have owned
My previous car was a Honda that went for 400K miles. A hard act to follow. The WRX is a hoot to drive and in wagon form is very practical as a daily driver. The WRX's handling is amazing, especially with 17" rims and high performance tires. Driving this car in the winter gives you a sense of security and safety. To gripe about something, the WRX is very addictive. You get accustomed to what it does. The WRX is so smooth and competent, that it starts to feel slow. Thankfully there is an abundance of aftermarket performance options. I can't recommend the WRX highly enough, unless you are into spending 10K to 15K more for "prestige".
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)
I LOVE this car
over all the car top to bottom is great.. family car/sports car/safe car.. all in one.. i did alot of research before purchasing a car.. and after doing the math.. dollar to dollar this is THE 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.
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.
Where have you been?
I have waited for a sport/rally auto that had power and a firm suspension for an eternity. I finally got one that I can afford. What more could one hope for than this incredible performing auto? Yes, but will this fabulous little auto hold up?
best car for price
somewhat loud, but gives the sound that you are moving, amazingly smooth at high speeds, great four wheel drive for great turns, clutch a little hard to get used too, great stock turbo for maximum performance, not very much noticible turbolag
Fantastic Ride
The WRX is extremely mod-friendly and a little goes a long way. Something as simple as redoing the air intake helps turbo spool-up and smooths out acceleration over the whole power band. I am very impressed with its performance across the board....acceleration, handling, and response are excellent. Front seats are well-bolstered and comfortable. Plenty of cargo room with the rear seats down. AWD is fantastic in the snow. Small annoyances -- lack of useful cupholders (but this is not a car for sippin' lattes while you drive!); low-end torque (fixable with mods); and clutch chatter (a known problem); 1st gear synchronizer seems to be "fragile". I think I'm spoiled.
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.
Let it Snow, please...
I'm at 20,000 miles, handling is more like hugging the turns and the car stops on a dime. I mostly enjoy driving this car on unpaved roads, snow and during ice storms. Only problem I have is the manual transmition reverse gear is a bit clunky. I also had to take in to reset the computer because I had an issue starting the car in the morning.
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!
Excellent Car
I do a lot of travelling with this car and currently have 90,000 miles on it. The car is fun to drive and up till now has been problem free. Also great in the snow.
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.
2002 Subaru WRX Wagon
Lots of fun, great handling, wonderful braking, plenty of power, wagon versatility, aggressive looks. A classic pocket rocket. Crummy gas mileage, premium gas, occasional turbo lag. Shift not as sweet as Honda/Acura, but AWD beats front-wheel drive every time. Great car for the price, but as soon as Honda makes something similar, I'm buying that.
Scary fast but needs refinement
I love this car based on performance and looks. Once you overcome the turbo lag, this thing stands up and darn-near lifts of the pavement as it flies away. Unlike Front-wheel drive pocket rockets, the power transfer to the ground is smooth and devoid of torque steer. With side and rear spoiler, plus the standard fender flares, it looks great...hunkered to the ground and read to roll.
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
2002 Subaru WRX Sedan
I purchased a used 2002 Subaru WRX Sedan with 4,850 miles on it in March of 2003. The vehicle was sold by a private party to me, and was in excellent condition. Since then, I have put on about 22,000 miles (10 months) and have LOVED every single minute of ownership. Nothing has broken, nothing has caused me any worry or concern. This vehicle runs like a champ! I'm most impressed with the plethora of online forums and communities based around this vehicle. You can learn ANYTHING you want about these cars, from changing oil, to adding new turbos and exhaust!
Nice Car
This is the best car on the market. The acceralation in this vehicle is insane. The desgin on the interior and exterior is real nice. There is still room for personalizing. The only thing that would make this car any more awesome than it is is more torque and horsepower.
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.
The best value under $25,000.
I drive this car 4 hours a day to the office. I have had nothing but fun times since I dumped my Pathfinder for this rocket. I highly suggest this car to anyone that enjoys blowing off the doors of Mustangs and Porsche Boxters S.
WOW!
I can't describe driving this car, and you can't even read the most detailed test drive review to know. Just get one. You won't be sorry. And, if you don't subscribe to the cookie-cutter school of design, you just might like the styling too. I can't stop looking at mine!
WOW!!
This car does it all!! Used it to get to the trailhead of a fourteener and somehow it made it all the way up. At times there were some Wranglers struggling to make it. Once, at the top people were coming over to check out the car (sports car) that made it to the top. Truely unbelievable!
Great Performance Car
This is a great car. Handles great even at its absolute limit. Quality is second to none and the fit and finish are excellent. This car is a performance oriented car that is made to handle brilliantly and be a fun car to drive. It is not a luxury car and if that is what you are looking for pass the WRX buy, but is you know what you are getting into this is a great package.
Great car
Just got it and love it. I ahve drove awd turbos in the past, but this car is so smooth compared to those(the other car was a eagle talon). Great ride!
my 02 ob sport
love the car but dissapointed that i needed a new rear wheel bearing after 66,000 miles
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!
Best
What i like best is the performance
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!!
My Fiance Forbid Me To Sell This Car
Seriously. When I was having money issues and seriously strapped for cash, she wouldn't let me sell it - because she knew how much I LOVE this car! I seriously don't think I ever will, even when I eventually replace it with another car. This little machine is destined for classic status, just like the '60s era Mustangs, Corvettes, and Camaros. There are definite issues with this car (like with any car). The paint is pretty thin and chips too easily, and the interior is nice, but definitely not luxury. Gas mileage is mediocre (although pretty good for a car with this kind of performance). But when you get right down to it, this car is simply a blast to drive.
worth every penny!
I've had so much fun with this vehicle- my previous car was an 2001 Integra Type-R. Although I did love my Type-R, the WRX has the same 'fun' factor and I can take my friends along. I have been driving it hard over the past year and I'm still giddy every time I go for a drive.
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.
Fun to drive little bastard!
This is about my 5 speed turbo, 2002 WRX. This car is in a class of it's own, for $25k you're getting an outstanding performance, quality, and AWD, whick is very cool! I low when the engine revs above 4,000, and turbo kick in. This car is not without its drawbacks though: fuel economy (what economy?), close to 10 mpg city cycle, and this is pushing it half-assed, level of road noise- maybe one has to invest in better tyres, also ABS is not tunned to the sports car, it starts too early, but one can disable it by removing a fuse (I don't recommend this!). Great car again, my next one is going to be Lancer Evolution.
Love the Subaru WRX
I bought this car few month ago with 89000 miles on it at the small dealer in Norco and drove it home with happiness. The car still run great and powerful that surprise me and i don't have any problem with it at all until now. I love Subaru and love how they build the car that can last forever.
The almighty WRX...
Here it is: If you want to be driving the fastest, safest, best handling stock car on the road, then get a WRX! I love mine! It's constantly surprising me how powerful it is. It's also incredibly good in snow! I can't really get it to "play" in the snow, though, because the AWD and ABS is always correcting any slides. It is also a great "sleeper" car. That is, not everyone knows they are fast until you've left them far behind you! ;) I would highly recommend one. However, they are only going to get cooler looking in 2004-5 so if you're thinking about waiting, check out Subaru Global's site under the Topics section to see the future WRX beast!! :) Cya!
GOOD CAR!
I Love the way it hugs the corners! I live in the mountains so this is a wonderful car for me.
Great Car.
I love this car, it feels a little sluggish with the automatic transmission at low speed, though it still accelerates fast? I don't know, it could just rev a little faster for my taste. This can be offset by being a little heavy-footed at lower speed. But once the car is moving and the turbo kicks in its just amazing. Love the design, it makes me smile to drive it.
DINOSAUR! T-WRX!!!
When I traded in my 2000 VW GTI VR6 I knew I was giving up alot of comforts. V6, leather, climate control, etc... Do I miss 'em? NOT ONE BIT! V6? I have more horsepower and better milage with my 2.0 and with the automatic I'm just as good performance wise as the VR6/5M. Leather? I live in South Florida! Black Leather? Am I crazy? I spent more time peeling my skin off the seats than enjoying them! Climate control? I drive with the windows down most of the time anyway!
TS- My Third Subaru
I'm really enjoying this vehicle. I've owned it for over a year now and I still find it fun to drive. That says a lot given the number of cars I've owned over the years and the fact that this is, as my title indicates, my third Subaru (My wife drives a '98 Forester and expects to for quite some time). The car is "peppy", comes with most of the "necessary" accessories and still elicits comments from strangers at the gas pumps. The recognized safety features cannot be overlooked. ...a recommended vehicle