2002 Subaru Impreza: Road Test
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2002 Subaru Impreza ▼
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- MSRP: $17,495 -$24,995
- Invoice: $16,085 -$22,884
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Our road test for the 2002 Subaru Impreza includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Subaru Impreza from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Subaru Impreza, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Subaru Impreza help you decide if a 2002 Subaru Impreza is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| WRX sdn w/17-in. wheels, man. | WRX wgn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 3.7 |
Manual-transmission WRX sedan and wagon only models made available for test so far. They're fast--6.4 sec 0-60 mph in our tests--but suffer tepid throttle response below 3000 rpm. AWD negates torque-steer pull on hard takeoffs. Shifter demands a deliberate hand to slot into gears, and requires frequent use for maximum go.
FUEL ECONOMY
| WRX sdn w/17-in. wheels, man. | WRX wgn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6.7 |
Test WRX sedan averaged 20.5 mpg in mixed city/highway driving and performance tests--respectable for the rapid acceleration. Extended-use test WRX wagon averaging 22.6 mpg over its first 8,706 mi., which includes mostly highway travel. Impreza 2.5 models use regular fuel; WRXs require premium.
RIDE QUALITY
| WRX sdn w/17-in. wheels, man. | WRX wgn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4.1 |
Satisfyingly stable at highway speeds, but WRX is choppy and jiggly even on fairly smooth roads, and standard 16-inch tires slap and thump intrusively over tar strips and expansion joints. Optional 17-inch tires transmit even more impact harshness.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| WRX sdn w/17-in. wheels, man. | WRX wgn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 4.9 |
Helped by AWD and accurate steering, WRX corners with outstanding grip and stability; response marginally sharper with 17-inch tires. Stopping power strong enough, but brake-pedal feel on models tested was numb, with inconsistent modulation.
QUIETNESS
| WRX sdn w/17-in. wheels, man. | WRX wgn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
WRX is a fairly relaxed medium-speed cruiser, but engine moans like a vacuum cleaner on light throttle and is throaty-loud at high rpm. Ever-present tire drone rises sharply on coarse pavement, and one test car suffered marked transmission whine.
CONTROLS
| WRX sdn w/17-in. wheels, man. | WRX wgn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Primary gauges, controls well-presented. Momo-brand steering wheel and metal-look interior trim reinforce WRX's competition image. Fabrics, plastics, general finish are solid. However, doors close with tinny clang, as does sedan's trunklid.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| WRX sdn w/17-in. wheels, man. | WRX wgn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.4 |
Six-footers have OK head room, but rearward seat travel limited for truly long-legged. Imprezas have tilt steering wheel, height-adjusting driver seat. WRX adds bolstered bucket seats providing secure lateral location in aggressive cornering, though not all testers find a satisfying wheel/seat/pedal relationship.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| WRX sdn w/17-in. wheels, man. | WRX wgn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.2 |
Slightly roomier than like-sized subcompacts. Head room enough for those 5-ft-11, but tight knee/leg space behind a like-size front occupant. Bench seat not well shaped, too narrow for three adults. Entry/exit hampered by fairly deep step-down, narrow floor-level passageways, and doors that should open wider.
CARGO ROOM
| WRX sdn w/17-in. wheels, man. | WRX wgn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 7 | 3.3 |
Sedan trunklid opens wide to moderately sized cargo hold. Wagon swallows anything this car could be expected to carry. Sedans have rear center pass-through, wagons a more useful 60/40 split fold seat. Interior storage a bit lean.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| WRX sdn w/17-in. wheels, man. | WRX wgn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 4.7 |
Pricewise, Impreza has moved above Honda Civic to Volkswagen Jetta level. AWD is an asset, but the jury is out on whether shoppers will consider it a "premium" small car in terms of workmanship and refinement. Certainly, WRXs are fast fun and account for some 40 percent of Impreza sales, but they may be too coltish for mature drivers.
Total Score
| WRX sdn w/17-in. wheels, man. | WRX wgn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 48 | 55 | 44.2 |
Total Score: 52
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