2003 Subaru Impreza Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The smallest Subarus begin 2003 with only detail updates, but may gain higher-performance models later in the year. Imprezas have standard all-wheel drive, ABS, and horizontally opposed engines with manual or automatic transmission. The 2.5 RS sedan, 2.5 TS wagon, and SUV-flavored Outback Sport wagon use a 165-hp 2.5-liter engine. Counterpart WRX models, patterned on Subaru's World Rally competition cars, have a 227-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter, sport suspension, an aluminum hood with functional scoop, and special seats and interior trim. All Imprezas come with cruise control, CD player, and power windows/locks. Sedans have slightly wider front bodywork than wagons. For 2003, the 2.5 RS and Outback Sport add standard remote keyless entry, and all models get dual visor vanity mirrors and a lighted ignition switch. Expected midyear are a WRX STi sedan and possibly a wagon with approximately 280 hp, plus other modifications made by Subaru's performance division, Subaru Technica International.

Competition

Honda Civic continues to be the car to beat with a wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment. Civic is a solid car that has good performance, a nice ride, and a high degree of civility. Also a Best Buy, Ford Focus doesn't offer the refinement of the Civic, but doesn't cost as much either.

Topping the crowded Recommended list are Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys. However, they are among the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the redesigned but still reliable Toyota Corolla, the sporty Nissan Sentra, and the roomy Mazda Protege. Each of these is a valid alternative to a Best Buy if price is your major concern.

News

The rally-inspired WRX has been a big boost for Subaru's image. It's also likely been a boost for overall Impreza sales, which rose 17 percent year-to-year in the first nine months of 2002. Interestingly, the redesigned '02s arrived too late to figure much in calendar '01, yet Impreza demand jumped a startling 85.3-percent jump for those 12 months.

As noted, Subaru should soon offer an even hotter WRX called STi, named for and developed by Subaru Technica International, the company's Japan-based in-house performance division. Late word says the U.S. STi closely hews to Euro-model specs, which should mean 261 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque. The increases reflect extensive engine modifications. Among them are a driver-activated water-spray jet for the turbocharger's intercooler, this to keep temperature down and efficiency up. Sources say the STi will also come with 6-speed manual transmission, bigger brakes, even firmer suspension, quicker-ratio steering, 17-inch gold-color alloy wheels, 225/45 performance tires, and limited-slip differentials front and rear, plus blue "suede-effect" upholstery. Also on tap is a new face with more conventional headlamps. Other 2004 Imprezas may get this too.

The STi is intended to trump Mitsubishi's upcoming 265-hp Lancer Evo VIII in the budding battle of roadgoing rally cars aimed at the young "sport compact" crowd. There's also talk of an even wilder STi devised by Britain's Prodrive, which vets the actual competition WRXs. Though not a done deal yet, this one would look even more like the racing versions, sporting a high-flying rear wing, bigger hood scoop, and a more massive front bumper and spoiler. Keep checking back with us for further details.

2003 Subaru Impreza Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (WRX)	Rear-seat room

All-wheel drive	Rear-seat entry/exit

Brake performance	Ride

Control layout

Steering/handling

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2.5 TS wgn, auto	WRX sdn, man.	WRX wgn, man.	Class Average
4	7	7	4

Imprezas with 2.5-liter engine no balls of fire, but around town and on the highway, move out sufficiently with either transmission. WRXs are fast--6.4 sec 0-60 mph with manual transmission in our tests--but suffer tepid throttle response below 3000 rpm. Standard AWD negates torque-steer pull on hard takeoffs. Manual shifter demands a firm hand to select the desired gear--and frequent use for maximum go.

Fuel Economy

2.5 TS wgn, auto	WRX sdn, man.	WRX wgn, man.	Class Average
6	5	5	6.5

Test WRX sedan averaged 20.5 mpg in mixed driving with performance testing--respectable for the rapid acceleration. Extended-use WRX wagon averaged 21.0 mpg over its 17,264-mi. test, which included mostly highway travel. Impreza 2.5 models use regular fuel; WRXs require premium.

Ride Quality

2.5 TS wgn, auto	WRX sdn, man.	WRX wgn, man.	Class Average
4	4	4	4.4

Satisfyingly stable at highway speeds, but no Impreza is absorbent on sharp bumps, and WRXs are choppy even on fairly smooth roads. Tires onall slap and thump over tar strips and expansion joints, an intrusion more pronounced with the 16-inch tires.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2.5 TS wgn, auto	WRX sdn, man.	WRX wgn, man.	Class Average
6	8	8	5.3

Helped by AWD and accurate steering, all models feel more agile than the subcompact-car norm. WRX changes direction with outstanding stability, though tire grip doesn't match cornering ability. Stopping power strong enough, but brake-pedal feel on test models was numb, with inconsistent modulation.

Quietness

2.5 TS wgn, auto	WRX sdn, man.	WRX wgn, man.	Class Average
4	4	4	3.7

Fairly relaxed medium-speed cruisers, but engines note intrudes at high rpm, and WRX turbo moans like a vacuum cleaner on light throttle. Ever-present tire drone rises sharply on coarse pavement, and one test car suffered marked transmission whine.

Controls

2.5 TS wgn, auto	WRX sdn, man.	WRX wgn, man.	Class Average
5	6	6	5.6

Primary gauges and controls are fine. Momo-brand steering wheel and metal-look interior trim reinforce WRX's competition image. Fabrics, plastics, general finish OK, but below those of class-leading VW Jetta/Golf. And doors close with tinny clang, as does sedan's trunklid.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.5 TS wgn, auto	WRX sdn, man.	WRX wgn, man.	Class Average
4	5	5	4.8

Six-footers have OK head room, but rearward seat travel limited for the long-legged. All Imprezas have tilt steering wheel, height-adjustable 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)

2.5 TS wgn, auto	WRX sdn, man.	WRX wgn, man.	Class Average
3	3	3	3.7

Slightly roomier than like-sized subcompacts. Head room enough for those up to 5-ft-11, but tight knee/leg space behind a like-size front occupant. Entry/exit hampered by fairly deep step-down, narrow floor-level passageways, and doors that should open wider.

Cargo Room

2.5 TS wgn, auto	WRX sdn, man.	WRX wgn, man.	Class Average
7	2	7	3.8

Sedan trunklid opens wide to a moderately sized hold. Wagon swallows most anything a car like this would normally carry. Sedans have rear center pass-through, wagons a more useful 60/40 split fold seat. Interior storage a bit lean.

Value within Class

2.5 TS wgn, auto	WRX sdn, man.	WRX wgn, man.	Class Average
4	5	6	5.4

Impreza is generally priced above Honda Civic in Volkswagen Jetta territory. But workmanship and refinement are not up to the "premium small car" level Subaru claims for the Impreza. Still, AWD is an asset for any model, and WRXs are fast--if rowdy--fun.

Total Score

2.5 TS wgn, auto	WRX sdn, man.	WRX wgn, man.	Class Average
47	49	55	47.2

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		34
Average Score		47
High Score		62

2003 Subaru Impreza Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 02/14/2003

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2.5 TS 4-door wagon, manual	$17,695	$16,279	$525

2.5 TS 4-door wagon, automatic	$18,495	$17,004	$525

Outback Sport 4-door wagon, manual	$18,895	$17,361	$525

Outback Sport 4-door wagon, automatic	$19,695	$18,086	$525

2.5 RS 4-door sedan, manual	$19,195	$17,640	$525

2.5 RS 4-door sedan, automatic	$19,995	$18,365	$525

WRX 4-door sedan, manual	$24,295	$22,263	$525

WRX 4-door sedan, automatic	$25,295	$23,107	$525

WRX 4-door wagon, manual	$23,795	$21,809	$525

WRX 4-door wagon, automatic	$24,795	$22,716	$525

Price note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Subaru of America. Prices may vary in areas served by independent distributors.

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

2.5 TS

Powertrain

2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock brakes, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat (wagon), power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent rear/wiper washer (wagon), cargo cover (wagon), automatic-off headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Roof rails (wagon), 195/60HR15 tires, wheel covers.

Outback Sport adds to 2.5 TS:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Remote keyless entry, outside-temperature indicator, map lights, floormats, cargo tray.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, roof rack, raised heavy-duty suspension, 205/55VR16 tires, alloy wheels.

2.5 RS adds to 2.5 TS:

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunk release (sedan).

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote keyless entry, trunk pass-through (sedan), floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Sport suspension, 205/55VR16 tires, alloy wheels.

WRX adds to 2.5 RS:

Powertrain

2.0-liter dohc turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, limited-slip differential.

Safety

Front side airbags.

Comfort and Convenience Features

AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, map lights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Popular Equipment Group 1
2.5 TS	$410	$259
Floormats, roof rack, mud guards, tailpipe cover.

Popular Equipment Group 2
Outback Sport, WRX	$413	$269
Automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, security-system upgrade kit.

Popular Equipment Group 3A/B
2.5 TS, Outback Sport, WRX wagon	$258	$167
Interior air filter, armrest extension, cargo net.

Popular Equipment Group 4
Outback Sport	$170	$105
Cargo bin, rubber floormats.

Popular Equipment Group 5
2.5 TS, WRX wagon	$245	$151
Cargo bin, cargo tray, rubber floormats.

Popular Equipment Group 6
Outback Sport	$107	$66
Cargo area spotlight, cargo net.

Performance Group 1
WRX manual	$801	$522
Short-throw shifter, titanium shift knob, turbo-boost gauge.

Premium Sound Pkg. 1
WRX	$462	$301
Upgraded speakers, subwoofer, amplifier.

Premium Sound Pkg. 2
2.5TS, Outback Sport, 2.5 RS	$562	$366
Upgraded speakers, tweeter kit, subwoofer, amplifier.

Premium Sound Pkg. 3
2.5 TS, Outback Sport, 2.5 RS	$1,082	$756
Premium Sound Pkg. 2 plus in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

Security Pkg.
2.5 TS	$409	$267
Remote keyless entry, security-upgrade kit.

Protection Group
2.5 TS, Outback Sport	$297	$185
Hood protector, rear-window air deflector, axle protector.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Interior air filter
2.5 RS, 2.5 TS, Outback Sport, WRX	$71	$46


Automatic day/night rearview mirror
Outback, WRX	$183	$119
Includes compass.

In-dash 6-disc CD changer
2.5 TS, Outback Sport, 2.5 RS	$520	$390


Floormats
2.5 TS	$75	$46


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Trailer hitch
2.5 TS, Outback Sport	$295	$192


Roof rack
2.5 TS, WRX wagon	$179	$111


Rear spoiler
2.5 RS, WRX sedan	$395	$297
2.5 TS, Outback Sport	$359	$233


Fog lights
2.5 TS, 2.5 RS	$299	$195


Alloy wheels
2.5 TS	$540	$405

2003 Subaru Impreza Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Subaru Impreza 4-door sedan	Subaru Impreza 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	99.4	99.4

Overall Length, in.	173.4	173.4

Overall Width, in.	68.1	66.7

Overall Height, in.	56.7	58.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	2965	3045

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	11.0	61.6

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	15.9	15.9

Seating Capacity	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.6	39.7

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.9	42.9

Rear Head Room, in.	36.7	37.3

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	33.0	33.7

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	sohc H4	Turbocharged dohc H4

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.5 /150	2.0 /122

Horsepower @ rpm.	165 @ 5600	227 @ 6000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	166 @ 4000	217 @ 4000

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	21/27	20/27

4-speed automatic	21/27	19/26

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Subaru Impreza 4-door sedan	Subaru Impreza 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	NA	4

Front Impact, Passenger	NA	5

Rollover Resistance	NA	4

Side Impact, Driver	NA	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/60,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Japan

Drivewheels: all-wheel drive

< 2003 Subaru Impreza Photos

Also in the 2003 Subaru Impreza Review:

Subaru Impreza

Subaru Impreza Road Test

Subaru Impreza Prices & Equipment

Subaru Impreza Specs & Safety

Subaru Impreza Photos

Subaru Impreza Full Review

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