Used 2002 Subaru Impreza Wagon Consumer Reviews
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Fantastic all around car for anyone
I have owned this car for over 13 years and put 270,000 and counting miles on it. The car has held up to everything I throw at it and never left me stranded. It has even held up to numerous exhaust, engine and suspension modifications I have thrown at it during my weekend tinkering since the warranty expired at 50k in early '05. It currently produces about 195hp and 190ft-lb of torque, but it has been higher during past setups. Currently riding on STI suspension for the winter (AGX struts and springs in storage from the summer) Subaru accessories are great, I have the cargo box, the crossbars and the bike rack. With bike rack, there is no noticeable change in noise or drag, minimal changes with the cargo box. I elected to replace the trans at 200k because the syncronizers were failing (I highly suspect it was due to increased power from my mods). People will also tell you about the head gaskets failing, however this isn't as big a deal as it seems. I pull the spark plug boots every once in a while and if I see oil on them I replace the head gaskets for a whopping $20 and an hour of my time every 75-100k. Tires can last 60k or more, just be sure to rotate and cross-rotate them because the stock rear camber is slightly negative so they do wear if you don't rotate. Front brake discs and pads might need more frequent replacement since there is only minimal braking effort from the rear drums, however the original rear drums lasted until 250k. All this service has been performed by me and I can tell you from experience this is one of the easiest cars to work on. Things I have done with this car: -Gone out in virtually every snowstorm to hit in Northern Maryland and never gotten stuck. It even pulled a colleague's pickup when it was stuck in a snow drift. All of that with All-season tires. (I like Continental Pro-Contact, but have used Kumhos a few times when funds were low with good results.) -Driven to Florida and Colorado multiple times (from Maryland) -Some moderate off-roading (with stock suspension) -Hauled 1000lbs of wood in the back and on the roof multiple times. -Towed a loaded U-Haul trailer -Gotten 27+ mpg on the highway (new, stock rating was 25)
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
First of many
What initially interested me in Subaru was the reputation for handling and safety. My first test drive sold me and now I dont want to drive anything else. The flat 4 engine and the all wheel drive make it a unique vehicle. I especially appreciate how it handles in the rain. I have not experienced any problems. All I have done is regular maintenance. I plan to keep this car. I may buy a second Subaru, but Im keeping this one.
- WRX WagonMSRP: $5,995150 mi away
- WRX WagonMSRP: $8,997599 mi away
- Outback Sport WagonMSRP: $6,495776 mi away
Awesome Little Wagon
I purchased this car because I wanted AWD and a decent amount of carrying capacity while still being small enough to parallel park easily. The TS wagon fit the bill perfectly. As a CA native unaccustomed to the unique demands of winter driving in upstate NY, my Subaru has done a fantastic job of hugging the iciest roads. Curiously, my friends' SUVs often get irretrievably snowed into their parking spots, but my wagon can always get past the snowiest mounds. Reliability is excellent even on long roadtrips - I've driven her from NY to CA and back to MA. I have had no expenses beyond regular maintenance in my 7 years of ownership. After this car, I am absolutely sold on Subarus.
Solid car, with quirks
I have put 150,000 miles on car with no major problems. Changed timing belt at 90,000, as all Subarus are required, which is about a $400 job. The engine is solid and will probably run to 200,000 with very few issues. Great in snow and cold. One of the most fun small cars to drive out there. There are some quirks to the 2002 model. The driver side seat belt squeaks every time you move even an inch. I have talked with other 2002 impreza owners and this appears to be a common problem. Replacing fog lights is $200 per light! The wheels get thrown out of alignment after driving through deep snow. As with all AWD cars, all the tires have to be replaced at the same time. Auto windows both broke.
I will never buy another Subaru
With 75,000 miles on it the head gasket had to be replaced. At 85,000 the power steering gear box. There is no trunk light. There is no lumbar support in the seats. My back is killing me. The visors did not have enough range to block the sun. It rattled constantly. The ride was extremely bumpy all the time. The engine noise was very loud. The stereo was terrible. Cruise control was not even an option. Stupid cup holder mounted on the dash board above the stereo.
Trust me!!
This is the most reliable veicle ever! its got every thing you need to drive fast and safetly (if your a good driver) it will be the drive of your life.
Safe. Utility. Bold. AWD. Reliable. Ubuy
Subarus are awesome vehicles. And while this is the entry level vehicle, it's got the heart and soul of a Subaru! This has a rally inspired boxer 2.5l engine that gets 22-26 mpg (actual, depending on how nice you are to 'er). That's with AWD!! You can't beat having AWD if you like to shred mountains, ride trails, surf breaks, or relax while camping. While this particular model doesn't have a nice trim package nor nice interior, it has the basics you'd need while driving. And a manual is the way to go if you drive highway a lot. Wagons are a bonus for more storage space. I used it to travel back and forth between college with my entire room loaded in it. Nice fold down seats.
2 head gaskets at 20k
At 2 yrs old developed small oil drops leaks 20k miles. At 3yrs started to drip coolant on driveway and oil drops. Dealer would not cover this fix because Subaru claimed only the Forester has bad gaskets but they asked me for my VIN any way. They gave me a bottle of head gasket sealer for 2$ and told me they were going to charge me $3500 for new gasket replacement. The very fact that the dealer even stocked(sealant) and basically gave it to me indicated that they have a widespread problem. It did not work. Used Bars Stop Leak instead. 2014 75k add coolant twice a week and code (Knock) triggered prob due to worn bearings from water in oil.
Reliable
I bought my wrx in July of 2004 while I was attending community college in Pennsylvania. I chose the wrx because of the power and the awd. I chose the wagon because it cut my insurance in half (I was a 19 year old male buying a turbo charged car). I have driven the car as a daily driver ever since. I later attended Indiana University in Bloomington Indiana which lead to some 500 mile trips back and forth to Pennsylvaina. I now have close to 140,000 miles on the car. Aside from tires and brakes, I have replaced the clutch at 900$ including labor and almost all of the ac components at 1400$ including labor. 7 years and 140,000 miles with ony 2300$ in repairs is pretty good in my book.
I love this car
Ive had my Suby for nearly three years now, and I love it more and more all the time. Its been awesome for me -- a small, sporty woman. Its a perfect size -- not too big, but large enough to handle multiple pairs of skis, snowboards, mountain bikes, and friends. Ive had a couple problems -- front brakes had issues after 18k, but the dealership replaced the rotors under warranty free of charge. Clock also quit -- also replaced under warranty.
My Review
Overall a good car. Bought it used and so far have not had any major problems with it. Parts and labor are a little expensive. Not too much visibility from the driver's seat when backing up. Seats not very comfortable.
Cool car
The car is excellent. Lots of room for a tall person and good design for off road without compromizing anything for on-road use. The car has plenty of acceleration, however the A/C tends to bog down the engine a bit. I have installed an aftermarket stereo with Infinity speakers, an Infinity subwoofer and a Blaupunkt amp. My advice is to skip the stereo upgrades and install an aftermarket yourself. The basic Clarion is not very good and even the upgraded speakers suck. The optional subwoofer is not very good, but it is small (which is why it is not very good).
Super vehicle
I love this little wagon. I bought it new and it has been so much fun to drive. I'm tall and it has a lot of headroom. It's fast and comfortable and a blast to drive. It's been extremely reliable until recently when at 92,000 miles I've had to replace the transmission and the air conditioner compressor. It has Recaro seats which are very comfortable and it has some engine adjustments by Cobb Tuning which drop the 0-60 time into the 4s. It will run with a Porsche at a third of the price. My son has a 2005 and he is 6'5" and he fits in it comfortably. I like my WRX much better than my wife's 2009 Lexus IS 350 which I have to fold myself up like a pretzel to get into.
Kev's 2002 Outback Sport
I traded in my 1998 Subaru Forester S for a new Outback Sport. I was impressed by the improvements made to the engine, particularly with regards to noise and smoothness. The car seems eager to go at any time, and responds happily to even a light touch on the accelerator. The steering is nicely weighted and communicates excellent road feel. The brakes are easy to modulate, allowing you to stop on a dime. I was slightly disappointed by the lack of interior storage spaces, especially compared to the Forester, which had plethora of pockets and compartments in which to store gas receipts, maps, CDs, magazines, etc. But this is a minor quibble. Good job Subaru!
Disappointed
Is anyone else having problems with the crappy CD player in this thing? And I've even gottn it replaced under warranty and it still skips or won't even play my CDs. Besides that, the Check Engine light keeps coming on even though I've been reassured that "nothing is wrong".
Love it!
This has been my daily driver since new. I change the oil with Mobil 1 and the car behaves like new, even with 54,000 miles. I still have the same brakes and just changed the tires. I drive 55 miles/day and many of those miles are on twisty roads with tight corners (Sunset Blvd. in L.A.). The car corners and accelerates beautifully. I highly recommend it as an economical (average 25.5 mpg) fun car to drive.
Nice, functional little car
My wife and I bought this car new, and we've been satisfied with the purchase. We perform routine maintenance, and the car has been quite reliable. After two spinout accidents on black ice, the car still feels extremely solid. I would recommend upgrading to winter tires. The manual transmissions takes some getting used to, but is a pleasure to drive once you master it. The engine isn't necessarily quick, but is adequate for normal driving. Inside, the front seats are comfortable and have great lateral support. Controls are logical and easy to reach. Back seats have enough room to fit adults. We average 26 mpg in normal driving. Maintains great resale value.
suits MY style of driving
I own 2 Subarus. My #1 concern was RELIABILITY. I have 139,645 miles on this vehicle and not once has it left me stranded. I umpire college softball so it is important that I be there ON TIME. My Subaru operates the way I do, aggressive, no let up, always there on time. I love to drive this car ... especially during inclement weather. I have kept track of EVERY penny associated with the ownership of this vehicle. We are currently operating at just under 26 cents per mile.
Great Car
Keep in mind that my ratings are based on a car that is now 17 years old. Many, if not all, of the safety, entertainment, navigation and convenience features that are available on new Subarus were not available on 2002 Subarus. I purchased the car for the size, all-wheel-drive, and manual transmission and consider it to be a small sport-wagon with corresponding cargo capacity. I have not been disappointed. I have two cars. The Subaru was originally my daily driver when I was working. Now that I'm retired it has become my secondary driver. Major repairs include the clutch at 84K miles, the slave cylinder at 102K miles, and leaks in the A/C system at 109K miles. I will definitely look to Subaru when I'm ready to replace this car.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great Wagon!
I have had this wagon for over a year with no issues, other then thin metal and easily scatched paint. The 2.5L engine is great in the city and is very smooth on the highway. Not as fast as a WRX, but for the $ I would say you cannot find a better deal!
The beauty of AWD
I've had my Outback for over a year and love it. 30000 miles without a hitch. Good power, decent room, and AWD for security. A black and silver Outback sport looks so much better than any WRX I've seen. If you're considering the protege5, Matrix, or Jetta wagons, you better check out this car. It beats all those AND has the AWD as a bonus.
Goes Fast, Grinds Faster
This car has great power, handling, and seats. It's great to drive, but 4th gear synchros went out at about 23,500 miles, were replaced under warranty, and now, 2000 miles later, the 1st and 4th gear synchros are both out and the car is in the shop right now under warranty. It makes no sense that the new ones wouldn't last as long as the original ones. They aren't replacing the tranny, just repairing.
lemon
Redid the motor (cylinder slap), rear suspension, along with O2 sensor and to top it off the radio craps out. Wheel wells easily pack with snow and the tires go out of balance with a little dust.
in the shop
I have had this car less than one year and it has been in the shop for more than 15 days. Subaru does not seem to have the ability to manufacture a quality performance vehicle. The inside is third rate also.
This 2002 Subaru was a LEMON
Problems from the start. Poor paint quality (orange peel and easily scratches), inadequate electrical system which couldn't keep battery charged if a few electrical loads were on, consistently hesitated at 2,000 RPM. Dealership was fantastic but Subaru head office resisted doing anything. In the end, received a refund. Now driving a 2003 model which drives well but paint is still poor quality, Windshield wiper blades freeze, inadequate heating system, poor design of rear window washer spray head, steering wheel not aligned parallel when driving straight.
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.
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.
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
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!
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!
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.
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.
3rd Outback Sport
This is my 3rd consecutive Outback Sport. The 2002 is so much improved over my 1997 and 1999 models. It's added more power, CD, map lights, fog lamps, better speaker sound, v/s intermittent wipers front & rear, daytime running lights, alloy wheels, cruise control, and many other small but significant improvements. The automatic transmission shifts very smoothly. Fun to drive car!
Best in class and several classes above
This car is simply the greatest gift to driving ever. It is a perfect balance between daily driving functionality and gutwrenching high performance (and when the pedal meets the metal and the turbo fully spools you do feel your gut wrench). So much emphasis has been put on the performance (and rightfully so) that other aspects of the car have been shadowed out. The shape and layout of the dashboard is more remeniscent of a de-trimmed Porsche boxter than of a Japanese four door. The exterior is beautiful: aggressive yet not overstated; the way a true rally car is supposed to look.. with performance and handling to match.
Fast Fun and Practical
Very quick, handles great, fun to drive, yet practical enough that I can use it for work. This car does what you want it to, want to go fast and take some turns agressively? No problem, want to settle down and set the cruise (you won't)and listen to the killer sound system? Go ahead and you will be suprised at the ride and lack of road noise. It handles the daily commute grind as well as your favorite twisty road.
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?
Oh My- What Fun
Have had the car for 2 months. Can't get over the way the car performs. I came from a 92 GTI and thsi car rocks. Can't get over the rush of accelerations each time the tach hits 3K. Have to keep the turbo spooled to get the most out of the engine, but nothing beats crusiing along with the engine growkling along at the sweet spot. Oh and the AWD system is awesome. The car is amazing at spirited turns. Best bang for the buck. But if you are going to complain about the way the car looks or kack of leather and sunroof- This car is not for you.. You are just missing the point on what this car is about.
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!
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.
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
wow
This car is a rocket, a lot of fun to drive, very competant and safe feeling. Cornering is superb, lots of torque across a broad band, great brakes. The optional premium sound system is well worth the extra money. The seats are great, and both my 5'2" wife and my 6'3" self are plenty comfortable and can find a good seating position. The optional shifter ups the fun factor. No trips to the dealer, zero warranty issues. Our fear going into it was that the wagon would be too small to haul stuff with, but we have had no problems on trips to the store or longer trips with three adults. Between this car and my motorcycle, any other car I drive is boring.
Best Sport Wagon on the Market
Okay, so I've only had it a week and I'm still in the honeymoon phase. But this a solid little car. It's versatile, good looking and fun to drive. Corners very well, like it's on rails. Engine has plenty of pep.
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.
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.
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.
Bang for the Buck
After owning BMW 3 series sedans for awhile I expected the WRX wagon to be a downgrade. In the fun to drive and performace catagories it's been a big upgrade. I love driving this car and I can drive it in the snow. What a bargain.
Best car I ever owned
The WRX is the best all-around performance bargain America. In the right hands, it will outperform a new Mustang GT in a 0-60 or 1/4-mile yet it has the utility to haul a family of 4 and 2 weeks worth of groceries. Those used to Taurus- or Camry-like handling will find the suspension tuning of this car somewhat rough. Yet compared to other cars in its price and performance class, the WRX has a positively smooth ride. Overall, an exceptional convergence of spirited performance, daily/family adaptability, reliability and affordability.
Excellent All-round vehicle
Wonderful vehicle which drives like a Civic when needed and drives like a Ferocious Kamikaze when asked to. Split personality ! The Auto-WRX, whose VTD-AWD system is equipped with a torque-sensing Planetary gear and electro-mechanical Hydraulic clutches for rapidly transferring torque front/rear rear/front, and drives with 55% of the power to the rear-wheels in non-slip conditions, is a pure fun car. No other Subaru (Auto or manual) has this exclusive VTD-AWD system.
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!