Used 2003 Subaru Impreza Consumer Reviews
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14 years 282,000 miles
So I bought this car new in November of 2003 I recently hit 282,000 miles. And I have had this thing in corn fields on 4 wheeler trails doing 140+mph and it just keeps going. Same engine same turbo(bigger exaust) same everything nearly. Hell the boots on the CV axles are the originals. At 260,000 miles I changed the timing belt for the 2nd time the rollers tensioner and water pump for the first time. Oh and shortly before that I put in my 2nd set of wheel bearings. And at 280,000 I dropped in my 2nd clutch. This car still gets 25-28mpg.
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
It does it all!
I never write reviews, but I love this car and feel I owe it to the brand. I am completely sold on Subarus from now on. Snow, dirt, and wet roads are afterthoughts in this thing. I have taken it everywhere from snowdrifts to Jeep trails, and never had to second guess it. My favorite feature about it is storage space. I considered the few other cars with the elusive combination of storage and fuel efficiency, but none can touch the Subaru's AWD drivetrain. I will never go back to owning a truck for recreational purposes. The wagon can carry multiple bikes, gear for all and still have room for my dog. I love this car.
- WRX WagonMSRP: $8,995180 mi away
- WRX SedanMSRP: $19,9951,031 mi away
- Outback Sport WagonMSRP: $8,9971,031 mi away
Race Car meets Soccer Mom Car
My husband and I had a 2005 Ford Focus Wagon. We decided to purchase a new car when we found out the Focus did so poorly on impact ratings. We ended up choosing this Subaru for many reasons. First, our mechanic (good friend of ours) said they were very reliable, secondly, they were super safe, and thirdly, because it fit what we were looking for. I asked for 4 doors, child-friendly, safe, and AWD or 4WD. My husband asked for a race car. You can't find a better comprimise car than this!
Best Car I've Ever Had!!
This is the absolutely best car I've ever owned! I went from Honda Civic coupes to this and it is more comfortable and is more powerful than the Civic. The styling is great, I love the fog lights. It even has power in 5th gear!
WRX CRUSHES ALL OTHER IMPRORTS
Nothing comes close to this level of performance for the price! It crushes cars $10000 -$20000 including audi S- 4,A4,TT,bmw3 series,and all of the jap. sport compacts. 0-60 5.2sec. 1/4 mile 14.2 sec. slolom,skidpad it rules all with mud and snow tires and 4 catalytic converters. The potential is unreal and it goes off road and in the snow better than most suv's and trucks.
No Turbo Neeeded
This is a fun car. The engine seems more responsive and quicker than my V6 mustang. I would only buy the manual trans though. I really thought I might be missing out if I didn't get the WRX but I don't think so. I saved myself about 6 grand and who knows how much in insurance! Also, I like the fact that you don't see these cars everywhere you go.
i love my RS
its no sti, but for 20grand, i cant think of a better car, flat out accelaration isnt its strongest suit (though ive waisted a jetta 1.8t off the line) but but its great for tossing around the twisties, the steering is respincive and the shifter feels accurate, though a little gates. the suspension is tight without being punishing
First Month with 2.5RS
We took delivery from the wonderful Williams and it was snowing so we drove for a half hour loving every minute. The torque is great and the engine note is pure music. The interior is just right for two and stuff, which is how we go, usually. We plan to have this car a long time and care accordingly. It seems to be decent quality materials throughout.
Lucky 13 years
Snowstorms, road salt, floods, backroads, and highways my car has seen them all and is still going. She is especially great at dealing in the snow with excellent handling all around and is a nice compact size for parking in the city. I love her and when I buy again, am likely to buy another one.
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love my Rex
I chose my black WRX wagon over an Acura RSX-S. I am glad I did. This car is fast, handles great, drives well, and has been a reliable work horse. I only wish I had hills, curves, and snow to drive it in.
The good stuff
If you've ever driven go-karts in those tourist amusement parks, you know that you don't need neck-snapping acceleration to have fun on 4 wheels. This Subaru is like that. Sure, the WRX has greater acceleration (at a greater price), but this is a GREAT bargain. 35 MPH highway exit ramps become 55 MPH ramps. This car goes exactly where you point it under superb control. Make sure you get the 5-speed manual, and you'll love driving this car.
After 7 years
I bought this car brand new. It has been a rocket of a car despite the turbo lag at low rpms. Very responsive and nimble for a wagon. This was the 2nd gen WRX. Reliable except for some problems. There is strut knocking in the rear, disc/brakes problems (numerous brake replacements) not braking hard. Clutch smells when driving it hard. A bit cramped for tall people. No rear room for adults great space with seats folded down. Comparable to an SUV. Excessive wind noise and engine noise. Fogs up easy on the windows. Lots of fan noise when on high but not much output to help defog.
Insurance
I Love This Car!!! If you haven't driven one, Find one, Steal one, Borrow one, Rent one, Take your friends!! They are so much fun. Also they should have left the body alone till 05 and came out with the STi in the 02-03 body style. Biggest downfall :::::INSURANCE IS A KILLER on this car!!!:::::
Fun Car
This little car is fun to drive, safe and reliable. I have never had a single mechanical problem in four years. When I buy the next car this one stays too I never giving it up.
Inexpensive WRX alternative
I looked at the WRX wagon initially, but decided the extra $4000 and higher insurance rates weren't worth it. The TS is a fun, sporty driving car with the benefit of AWD and the Insureance Institute for Highway Saftey best crash rating. I like its "quirky" styling because you don't see much else like it on the road. The 2.5l engine provides plenty of power for freeway driving and the mountains. Much better than the Saturn its replacing. The back seats might be a little cramped for adults over 5'7" on long trips and I'd like to see alloy wheels and keyless entry made standard, but those are my only major gripes. Very solid, fun car to drive.
excellent
The best buy i could had made.
Just about perfect (Just about)!
Great car to drive. Very nimble and easy to handle. Make sure seats fit your bottom before purchasing (kind of narrow for big bottomed buyers). Car could go beyond limits for un- experienced drivers. All round great car but if power is want you want, get a WRX. Last note, standard stereo not very good, upgrade aftermarket. Very little wind noise on highway.
Impreza
Nice reliable car had mine a lil over four months no problems yet going on 100,000 miles.
Fun and reliable
I wanted a sporty, fun-to-drive car. My wife wanted a safe and reliable car. The Impreza fit the bill at a price we could afford. Unfortunately, I had to give in and get the automatic.
TS=Terrific Sportwagon!
Cant rate the reliability yet but every other aspect; handling, function, acceleration, looks, quality are superb. In choosing the TS, I researched the Protege wagon, focus wagon, vibe, element & matrix. This is in the uppermid price range, but is clearly on top in features & function. The gas mileage is good considering the power and towing capacity. I liked the protege wagon until I drove the TS. They are not even in the same club. I like the Element but there was not enough driver leg room. The leg/head room in the TS is great. Normally my hair brushes the ceiling in smaller cars, but I have 2 inches above my head in the TS. Overall, a very nice car.
True stand-out car
The WRXs build and design are a great match for its price. The WRX steps up a few generous notches in performance and price from earlier models but is money well spent. I felt it should have had a shorter 1st gear with a transmission spanning 6 gears but its workable. Turbo lag is present but after 3K RPM you feel a smooth but quick rush of power. Compared to a V6 though, youll find the sub-3K RPM a little sleepy. But the 2-liter engine wakes up to very powerful acceleration. The car grabs the road with a pointed determination when the wheel is even slightly turned. Its an absolute blast to feel the car respond instantaneously to your every input.
Not your moms wagon.
From the first look at this car you know its not the typical grocery getter. The Unique styling and loud but tasteful blue makes this car very attactive. And after sitting the High bolster sport style seats you know for sure this ain't you momma's wagon. Loads of fun to drive, yet still useful for loading you friends and snowboards in. Little pricy butr well worth the extra money. You get more than what you paid for.
Hit and Miss
It's a nice car. Stock out of the box it has more perfomance than most. AWD is a definite plus especially if you have changing seasons. From what I have learned from my friends' older Imprezas, most of them aren't holding up for much longer than 80k miles. But some of my friends don't take care of their cars like they should. The car is shorter than most sedans, but that's what gives it the mobility that it has. I feel bad for the people in the back seat; there isn't a lot of room, but I never have to be back there! A few weird things: Gears are straight cut (shifting isn't as smooth as most); I get a weird hum at 60MPH (Subaru doesn't know what it is); and coolant -- you go through it like crazy, due to turbos.
many grins to the mile
Stiff chassis and solid steering make this car fun to drive. I look for road bumps that used to scare me in my Honda Accord. The railroad tracks are a real hoot. Gas mileage is lower than my Honda but the acceleration is far superior. the engine is smooth and strong.
Just read.
Well. I would highly recommend this car. Im sure you have read other details and review so I wont bore you with the common basics. The bottom line is its fun, fast, and it sticks to the road like glue. I imagine you are looking for whats wrong with it: well, the interior could be improved but it does hold up well. The clutch chatters at times during the first two or three shifts (intermittent) but is fine there after. Thats it. Go buy one.
One Very Fun Car
I am 6 4' 250 + I fit in the car... I had a 2000 vette... I like this car. It fun to drive, Fuel Economy is soso, but over all it's a 10!
bang for the buck!!!
this car will get the most bang for the buck.at the price of $25000 you will not find any other car out there that can come close.0-60 mph 5.6 secs and you can drive it in snow when most sports cars can not move an inch.thanks to the all wheel drive rain,snow,gravel and mud are no problem.once you hit 3000rpm get ready to be pushed back in your seat and watch the speedometer climb fast. to sum this car up go get one and you will not be dissapointed!
Fun driving machine...
From just looking at the car, you would not believe how fun it will be behind the wheel of this vehicle. The power you get from the turbo-charge engine will make you feel like a kid again,while the AWD system give you confident and comfort.What makes me more confident about the WRX wagon is that the car is 100% made in Japan and no matter whether the road is wet or sandy,I always have conditent in every corners.
The MOST fun I've had in years
I have owned this fun, and enjoyable vehicle (my first Subaru) for seven months now. The AWD & Turbo is more fun than my previously owned 1966, 912 Porsche 5 speed, and my Saab 99E (front drive). High altitude driving from Sacramento to Reno is astonishing In the rain: I can not think of another car sold in the USA that can keep up with it through a given course- that does not sell for $10,000 more. I honestly believe that Subaru must subsidize the WRX sales for WRC rules. Like GOOD wine, if you do not understand it or appreciate it- don't buy it. Those that do will SMILE- I DO! Everyday that I drive.
Wow... and WOW!
What more can be said about spending less than 26K out the door w/ a WRX fully optioned-out? Thanks to MIKE A. @ SM Subaru for letting me push him around! Anyhow, I LOVE this thing!! The car just wants to go fast... it wants to corner hard... it wants to make the driver happy.
Pure enjoyment
Enjoy the vehical very much love the cornering and super acceleration. this is my first car with stick so i am not that great at it but it is comming quickly i dont think it is all that bad shifting, no rain yet but it will be comming and it will be no problem i am sure. i find interior setup pretty good. sound is not as bad as some say ti is. gotta love the all wheel drive
street king
it's a great feeling to have knowing that you have the quickest and fast ride at any intersection almost all the time (except for those expensive 350hp plus sports cars, and coupes). looks aren't that bad and is unique, interior not that cheap and is functional, performance/handling/acceleration is outstanding, seats are comfortable. acceleration is quick after 3000pms, so it needs a good reving up. i've had my WRX for 3 weeks and i've been taking cats out
All Speed, Junk parts
This car is very fun to drive, but buyer beware. My car is not even a year old but it's been to service more times than my older car. I've had problems with the cheap paint (easily stains), the engine light turning on and fluid leaks.
Love My Wagon
This car is a hoot to drive and has all kinds of mods available. You can make this car go very fast cheaply. Just by pulling a vacuum/pressure hose I was apply to pull a 13.68 in a 1/4 mile. This car is otherwise stock except for an aftermarket muffler. What is also great about this car is the following at WRX's forums and all the info about them.
Great car for the money
This is one zippy car for the price. I did replace the factory tires with Yokahamas, but it is stock otherwise. Good seats, interior is fine, standard package is loaded. Handling is great, with the ability to get rid of the understeer by accelerating through the corners. The 4 wheel drive is the key. Minor complaints are the somewhat mushy shifter and gas mileage is only about 22mpg (with premium fuel). I bought it because it was about the only car that both Car and Driver(a great driver's car) and Consumer Reports(reliability) liked. And it's a lot cheaper than an Audi Quattro.
AWD with power is worth the money
I've had my car for a while and as much as I love being able to compete with most cars on the road. I love it when I don't get stuck in the snow. I proved this when my friends and I went into a lot with 8" of snow on the ground and I was the only one to leave without a lot of pushing. If you live in a cold climate this is the car to own for the price.
WRX
Four doors, all-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes, side impact air bags, 227 hp, good fuel economy, cool styling....for around $25,000. Why would anyone buy anything else?
TS Wagon awesome
great to handle, AWD is outstanding, awesome grip on turns, excellent power and acceleration, terrific power steering... fun to drive
world rally xperiment
this car is awesome, i can feel like 90% cars around is SLOW. can beat any car stock! and don't forget about the beauty of AWD. great at cornering, bad weather and SNOW! it's a fun car to drive. don't say you don't like it until you drive it. dare to try to turbo? and by the way, there is a morron saying that WRX eats too gasoline for such a small engine, and i would say .... "duhhh!!!! this is a turbocharged engine you dumb dumb."
Believe the reviews
The WRX performs like a sedan that should cost a lot more. It's fun to drive but takes a little work and planning ahead to keep the RPMs primed for maximum acceleration. Steering and breaking are solid in most cases. It took me 2 weeks to get used to the manual shifter. The look of the car isn't too bad, it's kinda different yet sophisiticated. I get a lot of different looks when driving my WRX: smiles, waves, curiosity, and people that want to race!
Great WRX
I love the WRX
When you get it. You get it
This car will eat a Mustang GT for breakfast, a porche boxer for dinner, and have a squad car for dessert. This is off the showroom floor
Great Ride
I'm 28 and bought my WRX in Oct. 2003- been very pleased with my purchase. I would label this car a "driver's car." You get the feel and handleing of a sports car--the AWD of an SUV (but with a little better gas mileage)--and the convience of a four-door vehichle. It comes with alot of standards. Everyone has heard about the turbo lag--it is present. It is just a different driving expereince that takes a little to get use to. Overall, a FUN eye-catcher that looks mean sitting still.
the best in class
Driving a WRX Wagon makes all the difference in a commuter town like Houston. The power of its turbo engine and 227hp affords more agility, ability to negotiate between vehicles in traffic, and a certain level of safety that one cannot attain in a traditional off-road vehicle like an SUV. Because of its low center of gravity and full time AWD feature, the WRX Impreza has married the ideas of performance and safety to the test! The adventures await! Be sure to invest in an under-carriage protector! $80 bucks can save a bucket- load...
If you know why, you got it.
Never have I felt more at home in an automobile. The cabin has taken a lot of critisism for it's lack of "quality". This fails to take into account that everything is in the right place, and that the driver is not looking at the interior. I feel that everything is right. Even the coin drawer. It took me 10 minutes to find it, with the manual. I expected it to be in the center. It isn't. It is perfectly placed to the left hand. Why have to fish for change, transfer hands etc? The gearbox is good, the steering positive.
some flaws, but great
I had been drooling over a WRX since seeing them in WRC and British car mags like CAR or EVO, and was highly anticipating their advent into the US market. I've had one for 6 months and 8000 miles now. The engine is lethargic up to 3000 rpms, but then pushes the power to the wheels from that point up. Driving part-throttle is fine above 2500 rpms, but there's still that lag. Love the car in town, but find it a bit twitchy at highway speeds of 70 and up. Body is solid, with some body roll, but not bad. MPG Is not what it could be--I average about 22 in town, but 29 highway. Power can be helped with muffler or aftermarket items.
it kicks
I've had it for about a month and a half now and still not used to it's power. Once the turbo kicks, you'll be glad the seat back is nice and comfortable. And the bucket seats are needed through insane turns. only had a couple problems. There was a national shortage, so it took several weeks to recieve a spoiler. also i got the lojack/alarm combo option and had problems with alarm from day one. in cold weather didn't want to activate or deative. Dealer didn't want anything to do with repair. Took 2 visits from lojack to finally get it fixed. supposidly the lojack alarm was the same as subaru's, so beware. otherwise the car is perfect.
Best Car.....Ever.
I traded my 99' Ford Explorer for this car, b/c after having 22 problems in 2 years w/ my Ford, I was ready for something reliable (Problem #22 was a new transmission). I have had absolutely no problems w/ this car. As long as nothing catastrophic happens, I may never buy anything but a Subaru again. Bang for the buck, you cannot beat this car. It is a blast to drive. My only complaint is the excessive wind noise over 100 mph....but, I, uh, don't know how to explain this to my dealer.
Incredible
Ever since I was 14 I wanted this car. When I finally got in one I couldn't believe my luck. The handling was excellent, and the speed was incredible. I didn't know something could be that fast (stock) for under 25k.
WRX Gets my Vote
This car has been amazing over the last two years. It is fun to drive yet inexpensive and comfortable. I could not recommend a better car for its price range and even above its price range. You can truly open it up and let it fly.