Subaru Impreza WRX

kostamojen2 · July 2001

The problem is that Subaru electronically limited the turbo in the WRX, creating an awkward boost curve. A boost controler is the the easiest (next to replacing the ECU with a custom job or getting a chip) way to get around most of that problem.

And as long as you keep the psi low and in safe limits (below 15 with a MBC) you should not compromize the engine integrity or turbo.

kostamojen2 · July 2001

Before I get started, I have to say that the WRX and RS feel 99% identicle when it comes to everything but the engine.

Well, the seats in the RS are fabulous, especially since there identicle to the WRX. The car rides super-smooth on the highway at high speeds but can be moved by wind gusts at 80+ (due to its high ground clearance for the most part, since people who have lowed the car have witnessed an extreme reduction in this) and at low speeds its nice and stiff and solid, but doesnt jar you, and when going over bouncies the car returns to a stable point quickly instead of over-bouncing (like all cars should). The only difference between the RS and WRX is really the rear sway bar, which I could tell needs to be bigger on the RS cause the rear end doesnt like to come out enough and the car has more understeer than the WRX's ive been in.

The Sound system is ok, but dont get the upgraded speakers/subwoolfer cause its just a waste of money (and the sub is under the passanger seat, where it can be annoying)

The tires are the same sucky RE92's, and need to be replaced IMO... Theyre good in the rain and snow though, but they squeel WAY to easily (and loudly)

For real-life normal driving use, the RS has plenty of umph for everything from freeway merging to passing cars across the dotted lines. The only time I noticed any power problems was going uphill at high speeds trying to accelerate hard with the AC on, but this car is nice and turns the AC off for you temporarily until you stop accelerating.

1rst gear can be annoying at low speeds, and down-shifting into 4th from 5th my cousin has to force the car sometimes...

Anything more?

ateixeira · July 2001

Is that right? It turns the A/C off during hard acceleration? That's wild.

-juice

acepero · July 2001

I am still undecided as to spend the extra $5-6,000 for the WRX, or go with the RS who most are saying is identical except for the clear difference in power.
Any opinions on the subject?

acepero · July 2001

The RS comes with 165 hp. I've driven a Camry and a Wrangler for most of my driving. Can anyone give me an idea as to what it would feel like in comparison to those two cars?

ateixeira · July 2001

The RS will probably be a little quicker than either of those. Maybe about the same if your Wrangler was a 4.0l with a 5 speed manual, or a V6/5 speed Camry.

But the handling will be worlds better in the RS.

The WRX would be a lot quicker.

-juice

silver_bullet · July 2001

Juice, most new cars I've looked at have this feature - the compressor shuts off when the engine controller senses high engine loads. Even my fiancee's Focus has this feature... too bad it doesn't have much else going for it. We are starting to consider replacing the Focus with a 2.5RS - we are fed up with all of the problems.

ateixeira · July 2001

Wow, already? I thought those were still pretty new.

-juice

silver_bullet · July 2001

The Focus was new to the U.S. in 2000, but was in Europe before then. The number of quality issues many owners have is sad. The recalls were mostly nit-picky things, but the car seems to develop a new problem almost monthly. I'll never set foot on a Ford dealer's lot again - I've learned my lesson.

ateixeira · July 2001

My previous car was a '91 Escort GT. I was shopping for a Protoge but got the same powertrain for less money in the Ford.

It had problems too. Trim pieces fell off every once in a while, stuff like that. The A/C went twice, and the fuel guage never worked properly. The powertrain was OK, but the interior kept falling apart.

It's too bad they still haven't figured out quality. The press likes how the Focus drives.

-juice

jimmyp1 · July 2001

Even my 1994 Legacy Turbo Sedan has the "no airconditioner under load feature". I never knew exactly how it worked until today. Thanks Silver_Bullet. I just got back from a trip to Colorado, and I was reminded of a couple things that might influence the RS/WRX decision. We rented a 2001 Dodge Intrepid, which had the V6, and, IIRC, about 220 hp. That thing was a dog compared to my 1994 Turbo Legacy with its 160 hp. We lived at 10,000 feet when we lived in Colorado. I've heard various versions of these numbers, but most agree that you have lost 15% of your N/A car's power at Denver altitudes, and anywhere from 25-33% of your power at 10,000 feet and above (we spent a lot of time over 11,000 feet). I was reminded of all the times I would get incredulous looks from Maxima owners (222 hp), Jetta VRX owners (172 hp?), and many others you would think were out of my league, as I inched away from them on the hills at altitude. And they were at redline in 3rd or 4th gear, while I just kicked back in 5th gear. There's got to be a wear-and-tear incentive there also. Anyway, if you EVER find yourself at altitude, I'd say there's no question, buy the turbo or be disappointed. As long as I can afford them, I will buy turbocharged/supercharged cars. The only reason I haven't bought a WRX is I'm waiting to see if Subaru offers some variation of the B4 here in the states. And with the quality of my car, and only 78,000 miles, why rush anything? Just MHO.

Jim

kostamojen2 · July 2001

The good thing about the RS is that you can always stick a turbo in it if you want

But for me, If I could afford the WRX, i'd have that in a second...

beanboy · July 2001

I want a wagon. Would pause to think at least for a second if there was a RS wagon however.

-Beanboy

ateixeira · July 2001

Jim: excellent point about turbos. With the excess "efficiency", if you will, it just uses the bleed off valve much less, and delivers the same output, while others lose major hp.

Actually, a supercharger will NOT match a turbo at high altitudes, because it spins at a set speed, whereas a turbo can spin faster at higher altitudes to compensate for the thin air.

The Outback Sport is pretty close to an RS wagon. Same engine, all you'd have to do is suspension mods. Heck, if you're going to swap springs and sways anyway, may as well start with a cheaper vehicle.

-juice

jim2741 · July 2001

is very bothersome. Is there anything that can be done about this? I own a 2000 RS. This doesn't exactly exude a sporty feel to the car. Any help would be appreciated. I'm guessing that others have experienced this since I've read about this as being an issue with Subarus. My car is a 5sp.

Thanks - Jim

ateixeira · July 2001

I'd ask that question on www.i-club.com, in the NA Powertrain forum.

Sounds like she's running rich, but I have no idea how to adjust that.

-juice

WarpDrive · July 2001

...I'd be considering that too. The TS wagon is great value but I can't get excited about it. I'd at least want the alloy wheels and the tail spoiler (I don't think it looks very good without it)

So no TS or RS for me, WRX wagon is what it's got to be (despite the serious extra $)

ateixeira · July 2001

I guess I'm the type who allows the aftermarket to fill in the blanks.

A TS with a set of Tein coilovers, 16" or even 17" rims and Kumho Ecsta 712s, and fat sway bars would handle really nice, and it has the same engine as is lighter than an RS.

I don't think the seats are as good, and a few features are missing, but it's a budget buy.

-juice

acepero · July 2001

I read some posts about an RS w/ Turbo. Does anyone know about anyone that has done that with their car and if so how it performs. How much HP does a Turbo for the RS add?

bluesubie · July 2001

Depends how much you want to spend.:-)

Since you're in NY, check out http://www.rallispec.com.

Also check the Tri-State forum on http://i-club.com for some NJ Turbo RS's. RichL and MattC have turbos. Also in NJ there's SteveS that has his own site http://www.forcefed4.com

And just to read more, check http://www.cobbtuning.com
Dennis

acepero · July 2001

I was checking out I-Club and I checked out the pics of your '02 RS. How do you like it so far? What kept you from getting the WRX? I'm definately getting the RS. I love the WRX but I am 21 years old and can't afford the insurance and the MSRP pricing in the long run.

acepero · July 2001

Love the car...she looks beautiful!

ateixeira · July 2001

Alex: I rode in Scott's (PiperCub) 2.5 turbo RS, and that thing was a monster. We're talking majorly quick.

He has a few grand invested though, at least five or so. And he did a lot of work himself, so there are loose cables and controllers lying around the glove box. It's a work in progress.

You gotta pay to play.

-juice

searnest · July 2001

I took delivery of my silver wagon 2 days ago. Today the windshield was destroyed by a kicked up rock on the interstate: 8 inch crack, and growing.

Anyone out there had any experience trying to replace a windshield on a 2002 Subaru? TIA.

Steve

pkl88 · July 2001

First time poster here at Edmunds. Wow there are only a handful of neg comments and none really is that neg. This sounds like a wonderful little beast.

I'm currently drivng a 99 Camry and 92 Protege and they are both pretty slow. I've been looking forward to replace the 92 Protege and now I want to get a Rex bad.

Any good tips for test drive around the Dallas area -- some earlier posts seem to suggest DFW dealerships are not too keen on the idea.

- Paul

jk111 · July 2001

Finally got my blue rex two weeks ago.. I can't wait until I reach 1000 miles so I can do go wide open throttle.. today I reached 4700 rpm, what a rush.. I don't think I can wait that long until the engine is fully broken in.

kostamojen2 · July 2001

Thats my cousins car :P

He really likes it, and I still cant believe he bought an Impreza hes so picky about cars...

Im 21 too, but hes 26 and was limited by monthly payments and down payments is why he didnt get a rex. That, and insurance...

rsholland · July 2001

You read all 2223 posts? Wow! You must be a gluten for punishment. You'll fit right in here then...

Bob

brainslosh · July 2001

I took delivery of my silver wagon 2 days ago. Today the windshield was destroyed by a kicked up rock on the interstate: 8 inch crack, and growing.

Anyone out there had any experience trying to replace a windshield on a 2002 Subaru? TIA.

I think a normal glass shop is the way to go.

I just had the same thing happen on my Aspen White wagon yesterday. A stone hit the windshield where it's mounted on the bottom. A few hours later I noticed a 12 inch crack.

My dealer doesn't do the work--they use a glass shop. My insurance company works with Safelite, and Safelite was supposed to call this morning, but I haven't heard from them.

Where did the rock hit your windshield?

brainslosh · July 2001

A few weeks ago I posted a positive review about Fitzgerald Subaru in Kensington, MD and Huntley, my salesperson. I don't feel so positive anymore. There are some unresolved issues that I'm hoping the General Sales Manager will fix.

I don't want to bash them (yet), but I didn't want my original article to stand uncorrected. FWIW, a colleague of mine has been happy with that dealership, though.

acepero · July 2001

I'm looking into mods for my new 2.5RS...maybe a turbo, exhaust, tires and rear sway bar. I'm fairly new to this so I was wondering if anyone had any exact 'brand' names from prior experience or a reputable source that will sell these aftermarket.

-Alex

thecat · July 2001

Man, sorry to hear about your windshields. Glass may be in short supply for the Rex given it's newness and limited production. Keep us posted on your progress.

Alex - You should check out the I-Club if you're serious about mod's for your RS. There are a bunch of people over there that have experience with adding turbo's and other major mod's. You can find them at http://www.i-club.com/

- hutch

brainslosh · July 2001

I called two glass places in MD. Both said it'd take about five days to get the windshield from a dealer. The crack on mine is growing. I hope the windshield will hold together for a week for it to get fixed.

Has anyone else had problems? I'm wondering if the windshield design is defective because this is third report I've heard.

-Bill

bob357 · July 2001

That yellow sedan mentioned in post 2150 is located at Bald Hill Subaru on Bald Hill d. War wick RI. Although their ads say the WAX's are "flying off the lot" this one has been there for a couple of months, at least it's been in the show room out and of the elements.

p0926 · July 2001

"I'm wondering if the windshield design is defective because this is third report I've heard"

You're GLASS windshield was hit by a ROCK right? So the fact that it cracked implies that it's defective? I guess that my understanding of physics is different from yours.

-Frank P.

searnest · July 2001

Based upon information from my dealer and insurance company it appears that the only source for 2002 Impreza glass is Subaru. The bad news is it's expensive. The good news is it's OEM and available. My insurance company also contracts with Safelite, but in Virginia they can't require a customer to use them. Since Safelite was claiming 7 - 10 days to get the glass, and the dealer can have it in 3, I convinced the insurance company to authorize ordering the glass through the dealer. It's now enroute from California. Insurance company and I haven't come to a meeting of the minds on installing the glass, since I don't want to use their contractor. So if you take this approach be aware it could cost you more $$$ than just your deductible. We'll see how it turns out.

Took the car out for a 75 mile ride early this morning. Compared to the 2000 5m Outback I had before, this REX is so sweet.

Steve

rsholland · July 2001

The WRX is the cover story on this week's AutoWeek. They gave it a great write up. There was mention of wanting 6-gears and 17" wheels as standard. They must have been reading some our posts over here at Edmunds.

They've also got a WRX for long-term testing. I think they keep it a year. That ought to be worthwhile reading over the course of the next year.

Bob

brainslosh · July 2001

You're GLASS windshield was hit by a ROCK right? So the fact that it cracked implies that it's defective? I guess that my understanding of physics is different from yours.

Duh. I thought that glass was unbreakable. My ignorance.

Everything breaks. Some things break more often than others. I was wondering if perhaps the windshield was more breakable than average. Kind of like Explorers + certain Wilderness AT tires blowing treads more often than other vehicle/tire combinations.

carolt1 · July 2001

I brought my Impreza WRX one month ago and I absolutely love it! I am a prior 300ZX owner and was waiting for Nissan to introduce the new Z before buying another sports car. Well, my boss told me about the WRX and convinced me to give it a test drive. I was sold and the rest is history. I wouldn't trade my WRX for anything. Now that I have the first 1,000 miles over and done with, I'm having loads of fun learning just what the car can do.

woodytx · July 2001

I've seen references to the Japanese style headlights for the WRX. Are y'all talking about the two-projector style black fascia like on the factory WRC car? Or do they have something else?

kostamojen2 · July 2001

The J-spec headlights are Xeons I think, with different set ups... they look kinda funny, not like the rally car.

c2t2 · July 2001

Could someone tell me if it is worth ordering the Turbo Boost Gauge? I am thinking very seriously about doing something financially reckless (ordering a WRX as opposed to a TS wagon!). Thanks.

By the way, I just saw the H6 Outback Sedan, and it is gorgeous!

varig · July 2001

A local dealer says that they will ONLY sell WRX at MSRP. I've read some reports that folks are getting $500 over invoice. Anyone had a dealer tell you MSRP but you were able to work out a better deal?
Anyone know when the next generation WRX is going to come out? 2002?

p0926 · July 2001

Next generation WRX in 2002?!?! The current version just debuted this spring for gosh sakes. Are you referring to the STi edition?

-Frank P.

corkfish · July 2001

The STI should be out next year, I'm still curious about the pricing and am hopeful it will stay under $30,000 ( if you can pick up a base model for $27,000 or $28,000 I'm in!). With rumors about a $26,000 Lancer Evo VII, maybe it's possible. I wouldn't be surprised to see them tweek the current WRX as well. I believe that in Australia and Europe there are 250 hp models. A six speed transmission would also be a nice addition. This is the first year for this car here, like the Mustang, I suspect that it won't stop here which is why I'm going to wait a little longer. I have heard that WRX's can be had for a little over invoice if you're willing to look for it.

bafflegas · July 2001

There has been a lot of mention of the windshield on the WRX cracking (once again, check out i-club.com). In some cases the glass has been cracking without being hit by a rock, etc. Sounds to me like a combination of bad glass and/or too much body flex.

kostamojen2 · July 2001

Its thin glass. My cousins RS got hit by a rock and made a ding that grew after freezing overnight... Its definatly not body flex! :P

acepero · July 2001

I've read a couple of messages regarding the K&N air filter. What does this particular air filter do that other filters don't do?

blubonline · July 2001

Try www.knfilters.com

They do a pretty good job at explaining themselves!

ateixeira · July 2001

My guess is the frequency of windshield cracks has more to do with the fact that many owners rally cross (gravel, anyone?).

Just a thought.

-juice

Subaru Impreza WRX

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