2003 Subaru Impreza WRX 2.0 litre turbo

Summary:

A true driver's car - when you know, you know!

Faults:

Usual maintenance items as needed... but nothing out of the ordinary or out of place.

General Comments:

Absolutely fantastic driver's car. This is my fifth WRX and I love them because they are so good! What they lack in creature comforts or interior aesthetics, they easily make up for in user experience. This is the car to drive through an apocalypse - truly bulletproof motoring at a very reasonable price. Whilst European exotics are at the dealers getting attended to - Sooby drivers are grinning and laughing as they outdrive traffic!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd March, 2024

18th Jun 2024, 12:30

Nice review. I'm trying to find a WRX that hasn't been modified and it's near impossible. I just like originality.

2003 Subaru Impreza GX 2.0L

Summary:

Diverse car with moderate performance, and awesome grip and handling

Faults:

Gets a rattle around 3500 RPM when I'm changing gear, that I'm not sure is a good thing

General Comments:

Like I said, funny rattly sound at 3500 RPM. Noise from the engine or transmission (not sure which one) can seem a little excessive around 60-70km/h in 5th gear, I'd love to drive someone else's Impreza just to be sure this is normal, as I'm not sure; just seems a fraction too loud. I'm not doubting the car's mechanical reliability at all; Subaru has an excellent reputation; I just think the previous owners have treated this car a bit poorly, the more I discover about it.

Cruise control can be a little late to respond sometimes, or on random occasions takes forever to increase speed. Needless to say, I don't trust cruise control going past a speed camera, it seems to vary too much, though I've never driven another car with cruise control, so I don't know if that's normal.

Otherwise, top car, grip and handling are awesome, driving position is fantastic, nice amount of room for carrying things for just a 4 cylinder hatch, looks nice and aggressive, great headroom, low range was a surprise, though it's not really geared very low at all in comparison with a dedicated 4x4.

Engine is maybe a little underpowered for the weight of the car, but still totally bearable. Engine sounds nice too.

All round it's a comfortable and enjoyable drive, and it's probably the most suitable car for me and I love it, despite its suspected sketchy history, but that's not the car's fault :)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th January, 2013

2003 Subaru Impreza RS 2.5

Summary:

I will be loyal to Subaru for years

Faults:

- The only thing that has gone wrong with the car is a blown headlight globe.

- I'm not so happy with the fuel consumption; it does about 11-12L/100km, and uses a lot when accelerating.

General Comments:

- I love this car, it has more than enough acceleration and speed than you need anywhere in Sydney, and even out west.

- Extremely reliable; I can always count on it to start with no issues, and everything in the car is always tip top.

- The interior is durable and great, and the back seats don't fold down, but that is expected in a sporty car like this, and the boot is huge; I expected something much smaller.

- The AWD system is amazing; you cannot un-stick it. I have taken it offroad many times going camping with mates etc, and while everyone else is going side to side on sand and gravel roads, it handles like tarmac.

Overall, I am very pleased with this car, and I'm a P-plate driver, and I cannot believe I have such a good car for the price I paid.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd October, 2011

2003 Subaru Impreza RS 2.5

Summary:

I love it

Faults:

Nothing at all!

General Comments:

The AWD is excellent. I will never drive a rear wheel drive or front wheel drive car ever again. NOTHING compares to the AWD, especially in the wet.

Love the Momo interior. Some say a bit plasticky, but I think it's just nice.

Stereo could be better, but that can be fixed.

A bit soft in the suspension around 120ks (65k corners); that's standard suspension, but still hangs on like it's on rails.

"Power"; she has the go if you want it, and the more you give, the more she loves.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th March, 2008