2002 Subaru Impreza 2.5 TS Sport Wagon from North America - Comments

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.

The wrx has a bad boy attitude? that has got to be the stupidest thing I have ever heard. good review otherwise though.

I have owned an 02 2.5 rs for 2 years now. after two years I am still impressed. I spent two years in the snow further north and the soob just loves snow. now I live on the southern coast and want some snow to play in. lol. the only additions I've made to the car is the stereo (obviously) and a big upgrade in tires. she still gets good mileage and is fun around town. zero problems of any parts not made of plastic, and those I gained buying used. all in all I'm sold on subarus for life, nissans no more for me. I prefer trouble free fun zipping about town. and though id love the wrx for the power of it, my insurance payments and lack of tickets while still speeding attest to being able to hide a little better without the big tail.

Well, the STI is the only version with the tail and for me the "regular" WRX would be just fine.

I have a 2004 Impreza RS, love it, and can essentially say the same things you do. The car is very reliable except for plastic things breaking off and the tires definitely need to be upgraded (I put on Yokohamas and it's like night and day).

I'm now sold on Subarus and a WRX will probably be my next one.

The impreza wagon does not have that bad boy image because he means that the impreza wrx sti sedans have a big wing, front air dam, nice rims, and a turbo allowing it to put out around 300 bhp and near 300 lbft of torque, sounds pretty bad boy to me for a 4 banger.

I own a 2002 Subaru Impreza TS hatchback and I have yet to encounter any problems. I eat Civics and Integras all day long. I love this car.

I have an Impreza TS 5 door, I am good with regular maintenance, but have had two cracked radiators in 2006 & 2007 -- has anyone else had this problem? any ideas if this is a symptom of another problem?

I managed to pick up a 5 year old 2002 Subaru Impreza TS wagon with only 40,000km on it, for a price that I could get a similar Jetta, Civic or Corolla of the same year, with 150,000kms on it. In the last 2 years, I have managed to get the odometer to 105,000kms.

I have had 2 problems:

1) Struts went bad (happened to my friend with the exact same car too). CDN$1000 to fix.

2) Exhaust went bad twice. CDN$250 the first time (the second time it got damaged while literally off-roading and I have to say I was impressed).

This is extremely good for an (almost) 7 year old car. It's plenty fast; smokes Civics and Jettas. My brother drives a Civic and I'm an ex-2000 Jetta driver (lived in the shop).

This car is unbelievable in the snow; perfectly controlled power drifts around corners. Gas mileage is comparable to the Jetta but holds WAY more stuff. I had to upgrade to some 17" subaru alloys with sport rubber and a set of rims and snows for the winter. Massive amounts of grip in the corners (I beg to get the tires squealing). It's truly an all-star performer in all seasons. 5-spd is a must. I've driven the automatic, and it's just not the same.

It's no WRX but it's the WRX's demand that brings the used cost of this car down so much; I highly recomend a used purchase. If I had the money I'd buy an STi; driven one of them too (WOW!), but for a fraction of the price you can get a car with rally inspired balance and handling that can take you and your gear, while still being about as Eco-friendly as you can get for a cheap 4WD.

Upgrade the stereo, because it's pathetic and unreliable.

The engine sounds more vicious than ANY other 4 cyl compact; I love it!

I just recently scored a 2002 impreza ts hatchback for only $600 has 124k miles needed a few minor things. I am now into the car for about a grand. This is a great car I can't believe the power it has for a little 4banger.for a 7 year old ride it has no shakes or anything its Great!