2002 Subaru Impreza 2.5 TS Sport Wagon review from North America

Nothing. It is still in break-in period.

The 2002 Impreza's are 100% better in fit and finish both inside and out. Much roomier too. These improvements weighed heavily in my decision to buy. The car is now more akin to Volvo & Saab in quality while not having their heaviness.

The AWD is phenominal for handling and the new 2.5L engine supported with a 5 speed and rigid suspension makes it handle twisty roads like a true sports car.

If you like the conservative "sleeper" look you will really like the attention it does not get until you pass (rabbit like) those annoying SUV's which rob us fun drivers of our country road entertainment as they plob along unaware.

We carry a large cooler and gear to our boat every weekend and this is a perfect auto for it. Perfect gear head machine.

But it is the true road sport speed and handling that makes this car worth it.

I'm not interested in the "bad boy" image of the WRX and the 2.5 TS only gives up a couple of seconds of straight line speed going towards 60 mph. In the slalom course it is very very close : even with the stock 15 inch wheels and rubber.

Classy and functional extras are the acrylic hood guard, the rear bumper scratch protector and the stainless pipe fitting. I bought the Midnight Black Pearl (really different / it is a super dark metallic blue) and had a pro airbrush a 1/4 inch earthy yellow stripe beginning at the head lights and going all way around to other head light. The front ends of the stripe are stylized from a whaling harpoon tip. This stripe adds a richness to the cars already good looks.

We (wife and self) are pleasantly suprised that the car is somewhat more in all ways than expected.