Images of the Impreza WRX are sure to come to mind when motorsports fans think about the top Subaru vehicles. Together with the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo and Lancia Delta Integrale, the Subaru Impreza WRX is without a doubt one of the most iconic cars of the 90s.
There are few cars as renowned as the Subaru Impreza WRX in the world of rally. With a name like “World Rally Experimental,” it was clear that the automaker was out to innovate and dominate. Subaru eventually won the World Rally Championship three times in a row from 1995 to 1997.
Over the years, the Impreza WRX has also gained popularity as a road car. Subaru was able to appeal to all types of drivers by making this model available in a sedan or wagon body and by offering different levels of performance at varying price points.
With the launch of the fourth generation Impreza in 2015, Subaru announced that it would split the WRX and STI variants from the Impreza lineup to cement their status as distinct sport models.
While the Impreza WRX as we know it is no more, let’s take a look at some of the most notable years for this nameplate.
1992 Subaru Impreza WRX
Pioneer models hold so much power. They dictate the future of their successors and serve as benchmarks for features to improve on.
In the case of the Impreza WRX, it’s safe to say that the pioneer model of 1992 was able to steer the lineup in the right direction.
The 1992 Impreza WRX’s debut was met with favorable impressions, beginning with the water-cooled, four-cylinder engine with a dual overhead camshaft configuration (DOHC).
For a sports car made in the 90s, the model already had impressive reliability and versatility, as well as state-of-the-art safety features.
- Engine: 2.0-liter EJ20 engine
- Horsepower: 240 hp
- Torque: 224 lb-ft.
- 0-60 mph: 5.2s
- Weight: 2,645 lbs.
2006 Subaru Impreza WRX
Whether it’s the 2006 wagon or sedan, there’s no denying that this classic WRX model is a blast to drive.
Another notable thing about the 2006 model was that it was the first Impreza WRX to sport a hawkeye appearance, which was a refreshed version of the blobeye.
The 2006 WRX only houses a four-cylinder engine under its hood, but it’s enough to produce horsepower that can make daily drivers feel like they’re on their way to conquer the tracks.
It was also known for its improved braking and chassis stability, making the 2006 redesign one of the most sought-after models of the Impreza WRX lineup.
For a rather old model, the 2006 WRX still maintains impressive safety scores, earning four out of five stars in terms of frontal impacts and a whopping five-star rating for front-passenger safety.
- Engine: 2.5L
- Horsepower: 230 hp
- Torque: 236 lb-ft.
- 0-60 mph: 5.6s
- Weight: 1,380 kg
2007 Subaru Impreza WRX
The 2006 model was a tough act to follow, but it’s safe to say that the 2007 redesign did not disappoint.
Although minor equipment revisions were made for the 2007 redesign, they were enough to solidify the WRX’s stand as one of the top cars in its class.
In terms of cosmetic upgrades, the 2007 model sported reimagined headlights and tail lights paired with improved handling and acceleration.
For the model to accommodate its turbocharged engine power, the rally car is fitted with a sports-tuned suspension, high-performance brakes, and 17-inch wheels.
- Engine: 2.5L Turbo Gas 4-Cyl
- Horsepower: 224 hp
- Torque: 226 lb-ft.
- 0-60 mph: 5.2s
- Weight: 3,192 lbs.
2004 Subaru Impreza WRX
The 2004 WRX was considered one of the cheapest rally cars to ever grace the streets, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t able to perform well.
The 2004 redesign of the WRX was best known for its sporty handling and growling boxer engine that surely turned some heads even from miles away.
- Engine: 2.0L
- Horsepower: 227 hp
- Torque: 217 lb-ft.
- 0-60 mph: 4.78s
- Weight: 3,085 lbs.
2005 Subaru Impreza WRX
While the 2005 WRX didn’t have the best handling performance, it has much to offer drivers.
The handling quality of the 2005 WRX is tolerable at best, but it has the practicality of a four-door, five-passenger sedan. Its price also makes it a great buy for drivers who are looking for a car with a high-performance value.
Lastly, the 2005 WRX has a four-cylinder engine, but it was enough to make it perform like a V8-infused performance car.
- Engine: 2.0L
- Horsepower: 227 hp
- Torque: 217 lb-ft.
- 0-60 mph: 5.7s
- Weight: 3,085 lbs.
2002 Subaru Impreza WRX
The 2002 WRX is part of the second-generation lineup of Subaru WRXs. And if there’s one thing about the 2002 WRX that enthusiasts can never forget, it’s certainly the car’s bug-eyed appearance.
The 2002 WRX is also the first Impreza to debut in North America.
This hot-rod sedan was best known for its competitive base pricing, four-wheel-drive feature, and turbocharged engine.
- Engine: 2.0L H4 Turbo DOHC 16 valves
- Horsepower: 227 hp
- Torque: 217 lb-ft.
- 0-60 mph: 5.7s
- Weight: 3,085 lbs.
2003 Subaru Impreza WRX
As for the 2003 redesign, it was a classic beast. If you bought one of these during its heyday, you’d be delighted to know that Sonic Yellow was an exclusive WRX color that not everybody could get their hands on.
The model’s turbocharged engine resulted in a low power delivery at a low rpm, but try getting past the 3,000 rpm limit, and you’re in for an exhilarating ride.
The all-wheel-drive feature of the 2003 redesign also produces a grippy and stable handling performance.
Towards the end of 2003, the Subaru Impreza WRX featured a new look that made it look more sporty and modern. From the bugeye fascia, the late 2003 Impreza WRX transitioned into having a blobeye look.
- Engine: 2.0L
- Horsepower: 227 hp
- Torque: 217 lb-ft.
- 0-60 mph: 5.0s
- Weight: 3,085 lbs.
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