Used 2002 Subaru Impreza Consumer Reviews
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A blast to drive!
I have owned my '02 WRX for a little over a year now and it is still a blast to drive. It is my daily driver and is comfortable enough to fit the bill. The car never lets me down. If I need to merge, it merges, if I need to stop, it stops, if I need to blaze a dirt road at 60mph, well guess what, It does! I don't foresee parting with this vehicle, even when she turns 100k. I haven't noticed any loss in quality or driveability of my car at all. Well, things can't be all good, my only complaint is the gas mileage. I average about 18mpg, and having to use premium fuel 93 octane at $2.70 per gallon; it usually runs me about $40 to fill her up. But then again I didn't buy it for the fuel economy.
This car is AWESOME!
Hands down, awesome car, even with two small children, plenty of room (between a Civic and an Accord in terms of rear, more like an Accord in everything else). Swallows up the pavement. Definitely get rid of the RE92 (stock tires). Awesome handling, awesome acceleration, awesome price!
- Outback Sport WagonMSRP: $6,49555 mi away
- WRX WagonMSRP: $8,997334 mi away
- WRX WagonMSRP: $2,000499 mi away
the everything car
I researched car extensively before buying, and was the only thing in it's class for the money. best deal for the money out there,I've had many fast cars and built many more, this will beat most off the line.
Will buy another one!!!
I've driven this car in Michigan in all conditions and it won't quit. Had it packed to the ceiling with camping stuff, band equipment etc, it all fits! What a great car in the winter. I previously owned a Wrangler, and believe it or not, the Subaru is miles ahead in the winter. The only time I got stuck was when the plow covered it with 5 feet of snow. Mechanical problems: Replaced all brakes, a couple headlight bulbs, and wheel bearings in rear. This was a pain only because the shop did not know what the car was... do we order impreza or outback parts? I couldn't answer this for them. I believe the impreza parts worked, but not 100% on that. Overall great car, just wish I had a turbo!
Long on Performance, short on looks
Amazing performance car. I have had a few problems with it listed below. Very difficult to shift into first gear-almost always, but especially in the cold. Almost impossible to shift into reverse. Eats oil like crazy (though not leaking) and the dealer does not want to admit that it is a problem. (1 quart every 1,000 miles)
Great to drive, awful to repair
Well, I was very excited to buy this car a little over a year ago.The brakes went quickly, the paint chips way too easily. And it is VERY LOUD with the windows down, and if you smoke cigarettes in the car the ash comes back in and blows everywhere. But it's very fast and handles excellent, and it is amazingly predictable in the snow. The boxer motor is brilliant and the throttle response is unbelievable.Truly one of the fastest vehicles in that price range. But I will never buy another Subaru because of their transmissions. I've had to rebuild my transmission twice this MONTH ALONE! The input shaft (R,1st and 2nd) is cheaply made and I have pics of the gear completely munched under normal driving.
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!
WRX Rules
Excellent performance while going through the bends on the mountain roads near Yosemite. Can't really enjoy the performance on regular roads - too much slow moving traffic! Cool to turn 90 degree corners while driving at 45mph :)
very mod friendly
$3000 will make stock WRX into a 300hp (230whp) beast. Turboback exhaust and engine management system will yield amazing 50-60whp gain (dyno proven). I have 300hp stage 2 WRX and it has similar trap speed as STi. I am quite happy with it and it has been rock solid. With added power, it has never failed to start up or give any problem.
Best of the best!
This is a real car, not like those other non powerful engine, thank you for briging the WRX to the US.
Primo Sleeper
After 2-1/2 years, this car is still a blast to drive. Beats all other stock, street cars! I've been driving Subarus since 1980 for their 4/all wheel drive, reliability, good gas mileage, and all-around handling, and now I can have zip, too! I get 26 mpg highway and 20 to 21 mpg around town. Pretty good considering I drive the car hard. Keep the rpms above 3200 and nothing will catch you. No repairs, just normal maintenance. What a great car for relatively very little money.
Jekyll and Hyde
If you live in places with twisty roads, bad weather and few stop signs, this is probably the best car for the money. That said, if most of your driving is done in stop-and go city conditions, look elsewhere. The WRX has only two modes: it's a dog below 3000 RPM, and a rocket above it. The shifter also won't downshift from 2nd to 1st unless the car is at a dead stop. City driving is downright annoying.
A Lot Of Car For The Money!
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.
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.
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!
Wow! and All Wheel Drive
Powerful and Fun to drive. Reasonable gas mileage (25 mpg) Priced right. Quality is very good. Great in the snow. What more can a driver want?
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?
51,000 Miles and still smiling...
My biggest complaint about my 2 and a half year old WRX is that the front windows squeak when powering the windows down. It is annoying, but in two and a half years and 51,000 miles, that is my biggest complaint. I guess you could say that this car rocks! When I test drove this car I was replacing a '95 BMW 530i. That was a great car and its tread was tough to fill, especially with a car at a fraction of the cost. My expectations were not all that high, but my brother-in-law had just bought an WRX and convinced me to try it. That was all it took. This ride has grin factor! It does lack some refinements found in other cars, but it makes up for it in the drivers seat. Try it, you'll like it.
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.
2003 Subaru Impreza WRX Review
This car is so fast and hadles just as good as any supercar out there especially in the rain. This car deserves all the great remarks and hype it gets. I have only had mine for two months and I love it.
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.
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
Best Car Available Today
Quite possibly the best vehicle offered today! The WRX wagon gives you the best of both worlds- high-performance and utility. I can haul anything I want AND I find excuses to drive any- and everywhere. No longer have pizzas delivered cause it's an excuse to drive somewhere. The car has a real fun-to-drive vibe. All-wheel-drive and responsive steering inspire confidence to a much greater degree than any other sports car I have driven- and this is a wagon! The turbo comes on strong at 3000 rpm- pushing you back into your seat. It literally feels like a rollercoaster. And just as with rollercoasters, that sudden burst of speed is addictive.
my wrx
This car makes me want to drive. I have owned several sports cars in the past, but this wagon has the best overall feel.
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.
Great Car!
Bought this car used with 18K miles on it. The only mechanical fault that I ever experienced was a "Clutch Shudder" problem that was fixed under warranty at 20K miles. The ride is solid, responsive and communicative.
GOOD CAR!
I Love the way it hugs the corners! I live in the mountains so this is a wonderful car for me.
What a pleasant 1st month,,,
I have had two other turbo 4cyl cars over the years and this one appealed to me. The looks are kinda cool and performance is stellar for a car of it's size. I ended up with the stereo upgrade by accident and do not regret it, although it is slow to switch between discs it has very good quality sound. It is a little tight getting into for a 6'2", 245 pound guy, but seating position and interior room are fine. I felt that the smallish front doors were a little price to pay for the total package. The wagon is about 100 dollars a year more to insure than a Ford Focus, not bad for 100 more horses and lots more car overall.
WRX
This car kicks ass
Real world performance
This is not the fastest car I've owned, but it certainly does most things well. Build quality is excellent, my only problem in 10,000 miles was a cracked windshield. Gas mileage is ok at an average of 24mpg mixed city/highway. The ride is firm but supple and this car swallows up potholes and ridges with aplomb, unlike most sports cars I've owned. Grip is limited with stock tires but still outcorners most other cars, in the wet, it's superb!
No regrets
Great performace, great price, unique styling, and an affordable price. All I need to say is turboed-AWD.
Outstanding Car
Ouststanding.... The WRX is great to drive!!!!!!
Year of Fun
I've had the car for a year now and love it. I have added a couple performance items and can stay with anything on the road. The car is very solid and extremely fun to drive.
the love of my life
this is my first car, i am 16 years old, and out of any car int his price range, i picked it because of its style, performance and reliability
WRX is ALL THAT & MORE!!!
No out of the ordinary maintenance whatsoever. Great in winter and smooth in the summer. Great value and a looker as well.
Transmission Problems
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!
02 WRX Sedan
The fun factor rating on this car should be well over 10...This is my first subaru and I have had it for 3 weeks and what a blast I am having driving this car...For all you car enthusiasts who haven't driven one yet, you must try...I work for a car dealership and have driven many cars and besides exotics most cars don't come close to this car in the fun factor...Recently placed 3rd at the Long Island Custom Car Show with this vehicles
A great car for the price
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!
2002 Suabru WRX Wagon
This is the most fun you can have with a station wagon, or sport wagon as Subaru calls it. Plenty of room for four adults with the wagon portion providing ample room for storage. The front seats offer excellent lateral support but can be a little firm for long drives. This is the first car that I have owned more than a year and I still love it as much as the day I bought it.
A great car
As of this writing I have about 146000 miles on my WRX wagon. It has been a terrific car. It was at the time I bought it the best combination of performance, utility, and value, and it still holds up well. I would definitely buy this vehicle again.
Great till high mileage!
Fun car to drive. The 2.5L is just enough to make it peppy and fun. Good in most conditions, not great in any. Problems start at 140,000 and continue there on in. My advice would be to buy if mileage is low and get rid of if near 140,000.
Car waiting to be modded... seriously
This car is one of the easiest car to get the power out of. $2000 can make this a reliable 300hp monster www.turboxs.com. On the other hand, $5000 can net you a high 11s WRX. This car is meant to be driven hard and that is what rally car is intended to be. Please don't expect interior quality of VW. You will be disappointed. However, factory option carbon fiber trim kit will make interior look much much better. Tim
Its not just a sports sedan, its a WRX
Being a teenager, I was immediately attracted to this vehicle when I heard about it early 2002. My Mom was seriously considering the most popular car in Vermont, the Subaru Outback wagon. When I heard about the WRX I hounded my parents about it every time a we discussed new cars. After about a year of looking, we found a used 2002 Subaru WRX sedan, black, that my Mom loved. We got it in late March and have been loving it ever since. The WRX's cornering, acceleration, ride, and responsiveness are unparalled by any car in its price range or even those more expensive for that matter.
Buy a WRX - best fun ever
Fanastic power and handling. Great reliability. Best legal fun available. If you want a sports car with the power, bulid quality and sheer fun you could buy an expensive german car but why bother the WRX matches the M3 in almost every factor for half the price.
What fun!
This car has all the get up and go one could possibly need or want. Wet or dry, the car handles like a slot car. My only two complaints are that with the gauge package there is no clock in the car and with the stereo upgrade (6 disc in-dash) one cannot random play between discs. It has been a long time since I have had this much fun driving.
2002 WRX
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.
Scooby Rex!
Excellent car! Fun to drive, reliable, and good mileage for turbo charged vehicle.