2002 Subaru Impreza TS 1.6 from Singapore

Summary:

Good car, lousy local agents

Faults:

Overheated just minutes after receiving it from factory. Brought it immediately to dealer. Waited 4 hours before being told it was due to "faulty thermostat". Car released after thermostat changed by agent's mechanics. Next day, overheated again. Car docked for 3 days before released again. About 4 months later, car overheated on the road again. Had to argue with agent to get the problem looked into. Took another 2 days for the mechanics to trace fault. Finally told it was due to "multiple fractures in the radiator". By this time, heard some strange slushing noises from the inside of the glove box. How reliable... especially from a reputable brand. Good car, lousy official agent.

General Comments:

On the bright side, the car was great on twisty roads and never felt unpredictable. However, the failure of the official agent's mechanics to trace the overheating problems puts grave doubts over their knowledge of the car/brand. Agent also failed to compensate properly despite their own admission of failing to cure the problem. Imagine having 3 overheating incidents within 6 months with multiple trips made to the service center with no reimbursements made out to you. Actually had to write to the Japanese HQ Chief GM in order to get the local agent to seriously look into the car's problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd November, 2004

2002 Subaru Impreza WRX 2.7 turbo from North America

Summary:

Absolutely amazing!!

Faults:

None! This car amazes me!

General Comments:

Car is extremely quick it can easily beat a 1994 Ford Mustang GT 5.0, and you can stay with if not beat a Porsche Boxster S while the car is stock. Trust me I have done it.

The car handles better than any I have owned to this date and is awesome even in the rain or snow. I have taken it and love to take it out on windy back roads just to see what it can do. I am pleased to state that despite my sometimes idiotic driving I have not been able to out drive the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd September, 2004

4th Mar 2005, 07:30

I'm considering buying a WRX and from what I have heard from a lot of people including yourself, is an outstanding handling car. Is this the case??

4th Apr 2005, 14:15

I have a 2002 WRX. The car handles great, but has some understeer if you pull it around a hard corner. On a hard corner you need to lift the throttle and let the back of the car find its way around the bend. Or, you can just dig into the brakes a bit and feel it catch. It does have some body roll, but the car drives great. Definitely worth the $$$.

2002 Subaru Impreza WRX 2.0 turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Puts a smile on anybody's face!

Faults:

Nothing so far, after 5 months of driving, but when purchased, the back of the front seats was starting to fray slightly, & boot lining was not fitted properly.

Fuel consumption - HA!

Subaru quote a combined figure of 30.7mpg, but I'd say it's closer to 25mpg! You could possibly get 30mpg out of it... if you didn't touch the loud pedal at all?!

General Comments:

An excellent drivers car, with great performance... when in the turbo range!

Under 3000rpm it's a dog. I'd like to get a PPP fitted which supposedly improves this?

Over steer city if pushed hard, but this is also due to worse tyres on the back (previous owner didn't keep them all the same)! Will be changing to Pirelli P-Zero Nero's all round when they wear out a bit!

I'd heard that the Subaru dealers were supposed to be great, & I tend to agree. A few niggles with them, but generally the best dealers I've dealt with!

Servicing costs slightly high, but you get that all-important Subaru stamp!

Had to pay slightly more for the WR Blue, but it's definitely the best colour & worth the extra cost!

Generally, an excellent car & thoroughly recommended.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th September, 2004

5th Jan 2008, 16:42

I am looking to change cars within the next few weeks. The Subaru Impreza WRX looks like a great car.

What sort of long range ability does this car have? My job requires me to occasionally drive long distances.