Used 2003 Subaru Impreza Sedan Consumer Reviews
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
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!
- WRX SedanMSRP: $6,000233 mi away
- Outback Sport WagonMSRP: $3,878260 mi away
- Outback Sport WagonMSRP: $8,997270 mi away
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.
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.
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!!!:::::
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.
Impreza
Nice reliable car had mine a lil over four months no problems yet going on 100,000 miles.
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.
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.
Fun!!!!!!!!!
I have driven the car three times. It was a fun experience as expected. Exxxxtremmmmmmeeeee power for a car in it class pluss all upgrades possible. The price is a little bit out thinking in what you can get three or four more grands.
WRX like a charm
Purchased this car 10/30/01 and I'm approaching 14K miles. Impressive 0-60 power; it will smoke stock Mustang GT's off the line. Huge public appeal; I even got a thumbs-up from a Harley- Davidson biker (complete with 2 ft. beard). Fun to drive on all-surfaces. Complaints: The shifter and the interior plastic (a few rattles have emerged) could be a little tighter. I have the stock premium sound system including the under-the-seat sub and it longs for more power. Also the volume selector is coarse, there are huge differences between some increments. Overall, only minor gripes - I would recommend this car over and over again!
Wonderful
This is my first stick car and it's been an awesome experience. :O) You'll get a lot of looks if you're a girl driving one too! >:O)
Nice Ride
I traded in my beloved firebird for the WRX after a scary snow incident. The WRX has made the transition easy. The turbo gets things going quickly, the AWD handling is incredible. Its a sporty, reliable car. One you can take to the track for fun, or pack in some friends for a long road trip and still be comfortable. Very happy I purchased the WRX
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!
the best 4 cyl car out there
The best handle in the business of automotive in the world
Fun!fun!fun!
I live in New Jersey were the winters are rough.Snow,Rain,and ice are no match for this car.I love the roomey interior also.my friend is 6'8" and he has no problem getting into or out of the car.The mostimpressive thing about the car to me isthe performance!I love to drive fast and i was a bit worried at first if i would be able to keep up with people at the race track unless i modified the car.Let me tell you i have had no problem keeping up.the only car that i have racer and been beaten by was a corvette Z06 and a Viper Gts.This is the car to have if you want to shut up all those Civic owners out there.
If loving my new WRX is wrong....
... I don't wanna be right! This is a wonderful car! It's fast, quick, handles well, carries kids & cargo, loves the freeway & the winding backroad, & it looks good sitting still, too! It combines many of the assets of my 2 previous cars, a '99 Saturn SL2 & a Mustang GT. It's the best of both worlds! It's a very tight, well-built machine, very comfortable, & did I mention that it was F-A-S-T ??
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!
Mixed Thoughts
I like the car alot but I guess I expected more refinement. The transmission at time sounds clunky but the handling and surge of power when the turbo kicks in makes me forget the shortcomings I find. Overall I would probably do it again but from a 4 cylinder, 23 miles a gallon is the best you are going to get
2002 australian yellow wrx
I own a yellow wrx. My older son researched and bought a new dark blue/black wrx 2002. I went to co-sign his loan and spotted a yellow one in the front of the lot. Needless to say i bought one for me within a two week period.I bought it used at 12,000 miles. I also bought the extended warranty I replaced the turbo @at 17,000 miles. The previous owner must have enjoyed driving it. I also was the first in my area to have a fuel leak which puzzled the service people at first. Since then three others have been in with it. I received excellent service from the Colonial Service.
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 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.
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.
You must have
I am a pastor and I believe this car to be Pure Fun! I still can't believe I own such a great, fast, fun, dependable car. You need to get it. It beats all other cars on the road. My congregation members can't believe their pastor drives this car. They love it.
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.
PERFECT
Best car ever for the price. Handles like god, accelerates great, just perfect. the interior is great with the 6 cd changer. get this car
Still can't find a better car!
Now that the STI is on the horizon, I am only slightly tempted. The stock WRX delivers more than adequate performance. In 14K miles, I've had no problems and my only critiques are slight quibbles about lack of outside thermometer, lack of heated seats, leather upholstery, and other things that really are secondary. For the money, the quality and performance of the WRX are unmatched, especially for those of us who do alot of winter driving.
absolutely LOVE it!
This car is fantastic! I bought it a few days ago and I'm in love. It's SO fun to drive and is very practical.
Why didn't I buy one sooner?
This is the car to have, at least untill the STI comes out this summer. I have never had as much fun driving a car. I never want anything to happen to this car or I will be a very sad boy. If you have the loot, buy one now!!
this car rocks
today is 10-06-02 and i got the car on the 3rd ( thursday )and i have already but 300 miles on it i cant be in it enough its so fun to drive i have the 5 speed edition and i am having so much fun in it you done need to speed or be crazy to have fun in it how great is that...!
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.
No competition
WRX sedan has no real world competition (price related). Performance numbers = $40-50k German sedans. The "feel" is exceptional. Like nothing you have ever driven, unless you have driven M3s. That is only thing that comes close in my experience. Everyone admits, the sheet metal and interior are not as sexy as the German big brothers, but you get passed that when you hit the throttle (in a hurry!). The car will do anything you can throw at it.
the best bang for your buck
you cant beat this do it all vehicle,in all weather conditions.the best part about this car is the power.
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
Hold on to your Nickers
The car is great. You can't get a better buy for under 30. Don't buy this car looking to modify, unless you take your time, because the parts are hard to come by. It's fun to drive, but to tell you the truth, i have no idea on how reliable it is. The WRX has only been around for a few years... But you should replace your car every 5 years anyways :P
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
for the money, can't beat it
I love the car. It gives me a perfect blend of the performance I love and the ability to go off road if needed. I recently took it to West Virginia, where I go white water rafting/rock climbing yearly, and let me tell you, up in those hills my car and I had a great time! I also took in on some pretty rough roads and off road a little bit and I was surprised. How can something that handles so well on the road do so well off of it. I just wish that it came with a more performance based tire. The bridgestones are horrible! I can't wait for a set of pirellis.....
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.
Most fun car I've ever driven!
If you're looking for an sporty sedan, look no further.Awesome performance for under 25k. It seats 4 people comfortably with even the fifth "real seatbelt," not just the lap one. Just make sure you buy it stick shift so you can really make use of that turbocharged engine. Once you get a feel for it, take it in the canyons and when you hit the turns in 2nd or 3rd gear HOLD the gas pedal! Now you'll know why you bought this car.
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?
Great car, could be better on gas.
The car is awesome, you cant really ask for more, but I do not like the fuel economy. I am only averaging about 17mpg and 20mpg on highway. Other than that there is nothing to complain about, you will be satisfied.
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."
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.