2002 Subaru Impreza Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Big changes are afoot this year for the Subaru Impreza, turning this once seemingly ordinary compact car into a high performance street...
Big changes are afoot this year for the Subaru Impreza, turning this once seemingly ordinary compact car into a high performance street racer. Gone this year are any coupe models. The 2002 Impreza offers two sedans and three wagons. The biggest addition this year is the WRX sedan and wagon, with a 2.0-liter turbo H4 that peaks at 227-hp, paired with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. It hits 0-60 in just over six seconds. Having existed in Japan for a while and as a competitor in the World Rally Championships, the WRX makes its U.S. debut.
Like the rest of the 2002 Impreza lineup, both WRX sedan and wagon feature full-time AWD, so it's easy to switch between responsible parent to weekend racer. A hood scoop, dual exhaust, sport seats with bolsters, and Momo wrapped leather wheel and shifter add sporty touches. A rear spoiler is standard on the wagon. The WRX also comes standard with a limited slip differential. The other sedan is the carryover RS, which shares its 2.5-liter, 165-hp H4 engine with the Outback Sport wagon and the new TS wagon. For a few dollars less than the WRX, this provides a lot of power, pickup, and fun behind the wheel as well. Both the RS sedan and TS wagon come with power features, cruise control, and leather trim. The Outback Sport adds larger 16-inch wheels, sport seats, and a stiffer suspension. Both sedan and wagons have split-folding rear seats and a trunk pass-through. The wagons expand to 62 cubic feet of space.
The 2002 Impreza also made improvements to its body, making it stiffer for better road handling. ABS brakes and dual-front airbags are standard across the line, with the WRX models also offering side airbags standard. Drivers rave about the off-the-line performance of the WRX and its sporty handling on curvy back roads. The AWD adds extra confidence. Cargo capacity in the wagons also gets high points. Drawbacks include poorly placed cupholders and peeling paint. Drivers have had transmission and clutch problems with the WRX and wish it also came with more options. Rear passenger room is limited, and overall cost of the WRX is high.
What owners say
"Drivers generally love the 2002 Subaru Impreza for its reliability, impressive handling, and safety features, especially in adverse weather conditions. Many appreciate its AWD capability and overall practicality for everyday use. However, some find the engine performance on the slower side compared to sportier variants like the WRX and note issues with noise and aesthetics, particularly the exhaust sound and the design of the back end."
I bought 2002 Outback Sport July 2001 (early production model) its been the most dependable car Ive owned in my 8 decades. I can still take my hands off the wheel at 80 mph and it will track straight and true. With auto trans 0-60 is a bit compromised but passing by dropping the auto to 3 is very brisk. Still not a speck of rust outside, inside, upside or down. I put aside money for a new luxury sports sedan but cant see any reason to switch rides -- love my Subie.
December 20, 2022I loved this car... awesome handling, clean lines, great milage, good power and torque. great everything... I recommend this for its safety, its reliability, and its over all performance. get a Turbo WRX if you can afford it tho... I look forward to an STi...
April 27, 2010Quick, fun and great in the snow. The AWD is incredible. Looks cool with the little wing. Little upkeep cost. Handling is awesome with the AWD. Braking is not very impressive. Definitely a good buy. I recommend this to anyone that needs a cool car that tears up the snow.
October 27, 2009What owners say
I bought 2002 Outback Sport July 2001 (early production model) its been the most dependable car Ive owned in my 8 decades. I can still take my hands off the wheel at 80 mph and it will track straight and true. With auto trans 0-60 is a bit compromised but passing by dropping the auto to 3 is very brisk. Still not a speck of rust outside, inside, upside or down. I put aside money for a new luxury sports sedan but cant see any reason to switch rides -- love my Subie.
December 20, 2022I loved this car... awesome handling, clean lines, great milage, good power and torque. great everything... I recommend this for its safety, its reliability, and its over all performance. get a Turbo WRX if you can afford it tho... I look forward to an STi...
April 27, 2010Quick, fun and great in the snow. The AWD is incredible. Looks cool with the little wing. Little upkeep cost. Handling is awesome with the AWD. Braking is not very impressive. Definitely a good buy. I recommend this to anyone that needs a cool car that tears up the snow.
October 27, 2009I love it not only because Its way better looknig than any of the imprzas since 02. but nothing beats the assurity you get with AWD its so practical/ versatile. its compact and so easy to drive if you just want to cruise yet you know you've got the power and perfrmance on demand whenever you need it. The interior is comfortabel and ergonomic then theres the unmistakeable sound of the engine. What I don't like is that everyone thinks its a WRX and wants to race you
August 31, 2008Well, I don't really drive my car hard, but the acceleration is pretty good, braking is excellent and the handling is even better. The only things I notice are squeaks during the winter and the odd rattling from the exhaust heat shields. The car has some rust, but what car doesn't? The interior is amazing; I consider it to be one of the best (other than the 04/05 WRX). The exterior in my opinion is the best from Subaru. From the headlights to the tail lights, she's got it all. Not sure about gas mileage, but it's definately cheaper than the family van, lol. Maintenance is the same as any other manual car. Heck yes, this car is amazing. WRX or STi would be even better though. ;)
August 24, 2008Excellent handling, stylish, irreplaceable sound, comfortable but poor engine performance. High gas mileage but fun to drive compensate everything negative. Poor braking but tough and rigid body. Addictive car, though there is none in that category to really run against it. EVO is nothing compared to Impreza. No excessive electronics, and unpredicteable on roads. Men like adrenaline giving cars. Drive Subaru.
May 2, 2011Its sure not the fastest car but it is quick for being a 2.5L boxer 4 without a turbo. Braking with the right setup is awesome The car is a BLAST to drive especially in the winter and a fun summer cruiser It takes a big heart to like the appearance of some subarus but its an awesome look cost of ownership isnt bad one bit. except for some parts lol
September 7, 2010I really do love my Impreza. I have wanted one since I saw them doing rally in the WRC. Overall, it is an awesome car. It has nearly all the practicality you could need (expect a fold down rear seat). It is a blast to drive, the gearing is so close and quick. When I first got it, it was kind of fugly. but the right mods really brought it around. Stock, it also pushes and rolls too much, though on the street, you have so much grip you don't notice. I do a lot of auto-x and it is a great choice for this, the 2.5L motor is more responsive then the WRX motor, so it may even be better for this. But the fact I can't turbo it without the motor blowing and it still costing a fortune, makes a WRX look like a much better choice. If you want to go fast, the WRX is the only choice, it has so much more potential for very little more price. The RS is perfect first car, a good commuter, and a good choice for a fun, if somewhat average, daily car. Would get an older one or a WRX if I bought it again, but I still love it.
April 1, 2008Bullet proof car on a budget. Great to learn how to drive an AWD car fast. Good car to learn how to drive fast anyway. Handled good but handled way better after bigger sway bars and linkage. It's definitely a momentum car.
July 13, 2010My husband and I bought our Subaru when we became parents and it has held up beautifully! It is a small car but holds everything we need for a weekend getaway easily. It has only needed one repair (aside from the scheduled maintenance) and the brakes and tires are still ticking along. I can haul kid stuff, park easily, and the car cleans up nicely. I love my little Impreza Outback, it is a perfect mama car and I feel safe driving it in rain and snow in the Northwest!
December 16, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $18,020 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 165 hp H4 | Cargo Capacity 27.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $19,520 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 165 hp H4 | Cargo Capacity 11.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $19,220 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 165 hp H4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain AWD |
