2002 Subaru Impreza WRX Sportswagon review from North America

Cold clutch judder. Dealer replaced defective clutch/flywheel/pressure plate, but they did not replace the release bearing. Repeated attempts to have them to correct the problem were ineffective. Another dealer confirmed the problem, but could not touch it because it was was an installation issue, not a warranty problem, and for them to do the work it would mean I would have to pay out of my own pocket to pull the transmission out again. Still unresolved.

Front CV boot failed due to improper install by aformentioned dealer. Paid out of my own pocket to have another dealer replace it.

Driver's side power window binds. Common problem with 02 model. I have to keep a can of silicone spray handy in car.

Driver's side door stop broken. It would keep the door open when parked on inclines. Dealer blamed it on abuse. Still unresolved.

Rear hatch strut burst, causing hatch to almost guillotine me. Replaced under warranty.

Stock exhaust tip rusted and broke off from muffler. I replaced it with aftermarket unit.

Centercaps for factory silver alloy wheels turned yellow with age. I replaced them with aftermarket wheels.

OEM front rotors cracked. Replaced with aftermarket units.

Defective rear rotors resulting in heavy corrosion forming on surface and rotor hat. Replaced under warranty.

Intermittent ABS booster failure. If I hit a large bump or something like a manhole cover the brake pedal would go to the floor and I lose all braking assist. I have nearly caused several accidents as a result and have tried to be more diligent in avoiding poor pavement. Dealer denies there is a problem with the system, but after searching the internet, I have found out that I'm not the only one with this problem. the newer Imprezas with the EBD system do not show this problem, so Subaru must have known something was wrong. Still unresolved.

I love this car. It is a competent performer for what it is. I love sucking in hapless kids in ricemobiles who thought a little station wagon was an easy kill.

Some disappointments... service costs are high. My bad experience with the first dealership I went to didn't help. Also resale value is getting poorer and I can't figure out why. I guess it is because I used to own an Acura Integra Type-R, and I almost didn't lose any money on it when I was forced to sell (too many attempted thefts, insurance costs skyrocketing).