Americans had to wait nearly ten years, but in the spring of 2001, Subaru finally brought us the Impreza WRX. Before that, we had to make do with a wholly unsatisfying WRX-wannabe, the 1998-2001 2.5 RS, a true sheep in wolf's clothing. The closest we could get to the fabled rally car for the streets was watching the late, great Richard Burns dance a Subaru in the World Rally Championship on Speedvision or playing Gran Turismo on Sony's PlayStation.
The U.S.-spec WRX arrived with a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat four engine that developed 227 hp and 217 lb-ft of torque. Power was fed through a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic. Buyers could choose between a $24,520 sedan or a $500-less-expensive wagon. Customers flocked to the dealers - Subaru surpassed all projections by reaching its planned annual sales target of 10,000 in only six months.
That bug-eyed WRX carried on virtually unchanged until McLaren F1 designer Peter Stevens penned a light face-lift for 2004. The 300-hp WRX STi, a horse of an entirely different color, also made its debut in 2004. The 2005 model year brought little change, except that you could buy a version of the WRX wagon at your local Saab dealer, where it was called the 9-2X Aero.
The last hurrah for the first U.S. generation of the Impreza WRX was another face-lift for 2006 that also brought a more powerful 2.5-liter engine, aluminum front control arms, standard seventeen-inch wheels, and four-piston front brakes. Subaru then tried to save some coin for 2007 and switched back to steel control arms before the model drifted off into the sunset. It was replaced for 2008 by a larger, less focused version that has yet to click with hard-core car enthusiasts.
For those searching for a used WRX, the good news is that the cars are very reliable. That said, make sure any car you consider hasn't been beaten within an inch of its life, as the WRX tends to bring out the animal in most drivers. Gearboxes can suffer if abused, and you should also listen carefully for suspension noises. There are a lot of cars out there, so take your time during the hunt. Find a good car, and you'll end up with an excellent-handling sedan or wagon with tremendous traction and a ton of character for not a lot of cash.
Price Then $24,520 (2002)
Price Now $7000
> Awards
Automobile of the Year ('02), All-Star ('03)
> Watch Out For
Modified, abused, or poorly maintained cars. The WRX can make even a grandpa drive like a felon.
> Fun Fact
This WRX featured a rear limited-slip differential for added traction. That's something that can't be said for any of the current-generation WRX models except for the STI.
> Certified Pre-Owned
6-yr/100,000-total-mile powertrain warranty
> Web sites
cars101.com, nasioc.com
> Specs
- 2.0L turbocharged flat-4, 227 hp, 217 lb-ft; 2.5L turbocharged flat-4, 230 hp, 235 lb-ft
- 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
- 4-wheel drive ...next page >>