2002 Subaru Impreza WRX Sportwagon review from North America

Two transmissions, the first repaired due to failure of the synchos from 1st to 2nd. This took a month to get parts, as there were a number of failures of this nature in Canada, and the parts were back ordered. The dealer provided a loaner at no cost, and was very helpful. The second time the transmission was replaced (as opposed to repaired) due to whine in the 3rd gear bearings, heard on deceleration.

There was a chronic problem with gas smell due to a problem with the fuel rail, and needed the whole intake manifold off to replace. It was in the shop three time to get it right...

The paint chips very easily, although having the clear 3M plastic "bra" really helps the front hood.

The metal is very thin on the body, I bent the rear trunk in closing it firmly.

My wife finds the transmission hard to shift when cold, but that's normal for most manuals. Shifted to synthetic tranny fluid and may have hastened the synchro failure, although the dealer didn't think so.

This car is a blast!!! Although there have been some problems (it's not a first year car as some have said, it's been on the market elsewhere for years) they have been handled fabulously by my dealer (they also handle BMW and it shows!) They have been helpful, and willing to listen whenever I've had an issue.

The seats are comfortable (I'm a chiro and this is a critical issue for me) and the seat heaters are terrific. Stereo is OK, and the 6 cd capacity is great. Fuel economy on premium sucks, but I didn't buy this car for it's fuel mileage.

It puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. I love the round headlights and since it was only two years on the market in this style, I think it will be worth something in a decade? First of the Japanese Muscle cars...