Subaru Impreza WRX

kenoka · October 2002

I believe most of the power gain for the Euro spec WRX comes from ECU remapping for their 98RON gasoline. There is a change to the exhaust manifold, but I don't know how much added power that would account for. It would definitely help the lag issue, which I think is more important for most drivers.

wkhan9 · October 2002

Shows a pic of the new WRC car based on the production 2003 Impreza.

http://www.worldrallynews.info/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1033482034,82758,

robmarch · October 2002

I would be disappointed if the STi only had 251hp here. But, it still has upgraded brakes, wheels, tires(!), 6speed, front LSD, better seats, big wing (if you're into that sort of thing), and possibly leather seats. I think it's enough of a distinction, as long as the price doesn't get out of hand.

I know all of the people spending 5k in mods to make their cars faster dream of a better stock tranny to hold more power. I think the brakes and stickier tires would be high on their list also, especially for those pushing 250-300 wheel hp.

I'm hoping for a hp bump in the standard wrx to compete with the degraded evo coming here, then a full course 280-320 hp STi around 30k with 6 speed, front lsd, better brakes, wheels, and tires. they can keep the wing and the leather on mine

dop50 · October 2002

I guess if the Sti comes with only 251hp. It would be a good platform to start from with the upgrades. Otherwise for most of us, we can gain more hp, cheaper with a Vishnu upgrade.

As for the bigger wing, I think it'll make them look more like the "Teenie Rods". (My term for the fancy painted, huge winged, street racer, types.)

I think the "regular" wing is great, because it makes a really nice "handle" for the trunk lid.

Guess we'll wait and see what they actually come out with, then decide whether to keep the WRX as is, or upgrade.

Ken

paisan · October 2002

Most important reason to get the STi?

6MT
front LSD

Other than that the rest are relatively easy bolt ons.

-mike

WarpDrive · October 2002

full warranty (as opposed to risking warranty with all the Stage 0-n kits)

krzyss · October 2002

is it bolt on too ?

Krzys

hunter001 · October 2002

The STi has:

1) Front and rear mechanical sure-trac LSDs
2) Variable valve timing turbo engine with a capability to rev much higher reliably, when compared to the WRX engine.

The other things like better brakes, wider wheels/tires, better lights, better center viscous coupling diff, better/stronger 6-speed transmission, better suspension are all icing on the cake..

Later...AH

paisan · October 2002

all those "nice" things are on the JDM and non NA market STi. You never know what you'll get when it comes here.

-mike

sonya4 · October 2002

I have the '02 WRX. I love it as it is. I've received a lot of questions and compliments!

So OK, I'm not thinking of modifying it (other than changing to the short-throw shifter, already done), and I understand that the potential for mods is very tempting, but why not wait for the STi?

With the floodgates that the WRX opened, with other names and models (like the Mitsubishi Evo), I would wait until I see what's available and what Subaru can come up with. Or do you want to do what you can with what you have now?

Just IMO.

--sonya4

ateixeira · October 2002

Subaru is waiting to see what Mitsu will do with the EVO, I'm sure Mitsu is watching Subaru too. The content offered may largely depend on what they expect the other to offer.

-juice

cinosweive · October 2002

What Edmunds.com Says: More power, tighter handling and bigger brakes? Sounds like a perfect recipe for an even better WRX.

What We Know: Although there's been no official word from Subaru just yet, the likelihood of an STi (Subaru Technica International) version of the WRX coming stateside looks all but certain. With 261 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque under the hood, this four-door screamer should bolster the WRX's reputation as one of the world's most exhilarating all-wheel-drive sedans. A stiffer suspension, wider wheels and tires, front and rear limited-slip differentials, a six-speed manual transmission and larger Brembo brakes will also come as part of the STi upgrade.

lark6 · October 2002

I've been hearing about it for several years now and it has yet to hit our shores. It may be a wonderful car, but having driven a base Lancer I can safely say the interior materials are cheaper and nastier than in any Impreza. I also have to wonder whether it will possess the legendary Mitsu reliability.

We can complain all we want (and I have) about what the WRX lacks, but give credit to Subaru for finally bringing it here and establishing a beachhead well before any Lancer Evo.

Ed

rsholland · October 2002

will be *boutique* car. The Mitsu dealers won't likely carry many parts in stock. They won't be very experienced in servicing that type of vehicle. It will be their only AWD car, and could be a risky purchase. If it turns out to be nothing more than a 2-year wonder in the market, good luck...

Subaru is 100% committed to AWD, and has had two years of experience with the high-performance WRX. Subaru will be around down the road, if need be, I suspect; not so sure about Mitsu.

Bob

aa717driver · October 2002

I hope you were being sarcastic.TC

c_hunter · October 2002

merrycynic · October 2002

I only hope the STi comes in a wagon, as that's the only way I can buy it. Subaru don't let me down. I like my WRX wagon, but "I want my STi wagon" ! How about leather interior ( those of us with children need an interior that can be wiped down) instead of those lint traps. A nice medium gray color wouldn't harness so much heat as the black,especially since the air conditioning is so weak. Talk about weaknesses a better windshield is in order. While were at it how about illuminating all the controls, searching in the dark seems like the antithesis of a drivers car and not knowing if the windows are locked at night with kids in the back is down right dangerous. A better thought out set of gauges and switches would help. A small sun roof could keep our waiting pets from over heating. While I'm not a fan of the bulges please explain to me why the wagon which is already higher has a narrower track to exasperate it's less safe center of gravity. Surely you realize that the wagon is more likely to be purchased by families with children riding in the back. What's the story with the LATCH system? Why not make them capable of holding at least 80 lbs and preferably 100 lbs top and bottom and print the weight restrictions somewhere? Of course not having a center anchor is just silly. The tether which comes all the way from the back compromises the utility of a wagon. As does a 60/40 fold down seat. A 66/33 would make much more sense. As for the next generation of Impreza's, may I suggest moving the front wheels forward, a front mid engine design would certainly help handling. As would a wider track (think mini). A less canted rear door on the wagon might enable it to carry a large dog crate. Paddle shifters would be way cool. Thanks for bringing the WRX here. Thanks for listening to my rants. And PLEASE bring a STi Wagon to my door!

jwilson1 · October 2002

lark6 · October 2002

Of *course* I was being sarcastic. ;-)

Ed

cinosweive · October 2002

I just got my car back from the dealor. They put 5 psi MORE in the back tires than in the front (spec is 2 (I think) psi LESS in the back). That is an imbalance of 7 psi from spec front to back. I wonder if that is something that if left unattended would cause excessive wear on the differential? Does tire pressure change the rolling circumference appreciably?

paisan · October 2002

Don't forget the mitsu dealers have lots and lots experience with the DSMs which were AWD. Heck before I even knew what a subaru was I loved the DSM cars (Starion/Conquest RWD Turbos and Laser/Talon/Eclipse AWD Turbos)

-mike

8u6hfd · October 2002

The Toyota Celica All-Trac turbo...turbo and AWD, the MR-2 Turbo (rear wheel drive).

Another cool car was the Previa S/C (supercharged and available AWD, aka All-Trac)

paisan · October 2002

IIRC Toyota isn't owned by Mitsubishi, bob was refering to AWD mitsu cars in high volume.

-mike

rsholland · October 2002

they've had *some* experience, but not lots of experience. Those cars were slow sellers, and have been off the market for some time now. I'm simply saying Subaru mechanics deal with AWD, day-in-and-day-out, not so with Mitzu mechanics.

Bob

paisan · October 2002

Although most of the AWD systems are pretty maintenance free no? I'd be more concerned with the Mitsu mechanics not dealing with turbos and that particular engine as being a problem moreso than the AWD unit. Slow sellers? I thought the DSMs were pretty popular.

-mike

rsholland · October 2002

I'm not sure what you're referring to? In any event, I don't think Mitzu sold any AWD car in any real quantities.

Getting parts could(?) also be a bigger issue for the older Mitzu AWDs, than for Subaru.

Bob

paisan · October 2002

DSM = Laser/Talon/Eclipse & Conquest/Starion & Stealth/3000GT

A good portion of them were AWD (some AWS as well) but the 4wd units on them rarely go out, just like the ones on subies rarely go out. The engines on them are the same AWD or FWD for each platform, the COnquest/Starion was only RWD.

DSM stands for Diamond Star Motors.

-mike

ateixeira · October 2002

Yeah, the term DSM is used to refer to the cars built at that plant. Usually they mean the Eclipse, Talon, or Laser.

The Lancer is built in Japan, and Mitsu's cars built there actually tend to be reliable. It's the cars that are built in partnership with Chrysler that aren't.

For example, I recall the old Galant was #1 in reliability when it was built in Japan. Production moved to the USA and now it's an also-ran, in the lower half of the reliability rankings.

But the EVO will be made in Japan, so there is hope.

-juice

rsholland · October 2002

wagonzo · October 2002

Is it my imagination, or is Subaru making a WRX that can shift both manual and automatic in the same car? This might solve the he wants/she wants debate in my family...

corkfish · October 2002

Frankly, with all the problems I've heard about the WRX, I don't think WRX owners are in a position to question Mitsubishi quality ( particularly when Subaru uses a Mitsubishi turbo). The Mitsu 5 speed in the EVO is legendary for its durability, and, if Mitsubishi is smart enough to build it without the rear spoiler, the styling will make it much easier for an adult to drive.

ateixeira · October 2002

Subaru makes a shiftronic, but in the US it's only offered on the 2.5 GT. I sampled it and liked it, and I'd love to see it paired up with the turbo or the H6.

-juice

rsholland · October 2002

What problems?

Bob

lilbluewgn02 · October 2002

Diamond Star Motors

WarpDrive · October 2002

in the EVO should be on par with the average car. Having said that, I would still imagine most Subarus would beat the average reliability of the Mitsubishi. It's not just who makes the turbo, but it's how well its screwed together. DSM products on the whole probably bring down the Mitsu average (despite the corporate practices from the past)

paisan · October 2002

Only problems I've heard are from 18yo rich kids who consistently drop the clutch or overdrive the tires/car and smack into poles.

-mike

robmarch · October 2002

I haven't heard many problems with the WRX, save the tranny problem, which many are attributing to the fact that this car is "launched" so frequently at stoplights. Plenty of other cars have tranny problems when they are treated that way also, so I'm not sure that it's a huge flaw in design, just underestimating the number of people who drop the clutch on a regular basis.

I've also heard that Mitsubishi's long term quality is worse than average, unfortunately. This can be a huge factor for those who are also considering a relatively reliable alternative. I also haven't heard many turbo failure stories.

I'm hoping the STi and Evo both come over >280 hp and under $30k, without watering down features, and that both prove to be very reliable, so that buyers can consider both options.

corkfish · October 2002

I'm not saying the Subaru is bad, I'm saying that any turbo charged performance car is likely to be worse than average in terms of reliability ( I know that's a harsh statement for cheerleaders). Besides the transmission, the other common complaints appear to be bad paint quality, brake problems that appear to be downright scary, cell lights that won't go off, starting problems.

paisan · October 2002

I'm sure you have documentation on the mechanical problems on the WRX that you'd like to share?

-mike

twrx · October 2002

I'm very pleased with my WRX. the only problem to date was a slight warping of the front brake rotors which was causing some minor shaking during hard braking. Subaru paid to have the rotors machined and there have been no further problems. Absolutley no other problems at 20,000 miles. In fact gas mileage has improved of late and I have actually met or exceeded EPA highway numbers on most tanks recently.
TWRX

robmarch · October 2002

is going around...every car maker is dealing with these complaints right now. I believe the CEL issue was fixed for the early cars by flashing the ROM.

The brake issue is another area of concern, agreed. I'm not well versed on this subject, but it seems to occur on panic braking situations in rough pavement or over bumps.

WarpDrive · October 2002

If you bought a car in the last 5 years, you will notice that the paints are less durable than the paints of say a decade ago. Environmentally friendly paints are just not as durable. Even my Audi A4 which has excellent paint relatively speaking doesn't seem all that durable.

ateixeira · October 2002

I'll be interested to see if the brakes on the 2003 are any different, at least the ABS tuning.

-juice

kevin111 · October 2002

A decade ago, many manufacturers were converting over to the more environmentally friendly practices of painting (I belive with powder vs. spraying it, but could be wrong). As a result, many cars from the early 90s had paint problems. Specifically, paint pealing.

You will notice many cars (Chevys, Fords, Nissans, and Toyotas come to mind) that have peeled paint on them.

The paint may be thinner now than in the past, but at least it stays on!

WarpDrive · October 2002

Yes, you're right, there was a transition period where the water based paints peeled, but I was referring more to "pre" those days. The paint on my 92 VW Corrado was tough and deep. And similarly on my father's Bonneville which withstood kids walking on the hood. Those were the days. All the cars that we've bought recently haven't been as good. While it might be true that Subaru's process isn't as good as some of the better makers such as Mercedes, the trend toward thinner/weaker paints remains.

bruticus · October 2002

Okay, so we're getting farther from the WRX discussion. Oh well.

Yesterday I was stopped in traffic behind a Jaguar SType painted the color that looks to me like British Racing Green but probably isn't. After 15 seconds or so, I noticed that the paint in the indentation on the trunk lid (around the license plate) was horribly orange peel'd.

I thought Ford's ownership was supposed to make huge improvements to ALL areas of Jaguar cars (I know they've done marvels with reliability, performance, efficiency, etc)

DjB

sensei1 · October 2002

I believe was from lead based to non-lead. I had an '89 Dodge minivan that did exactly that. It took a while for the manufacturers to get the process down.

Reliability problems? I'm ok with mine. Paisan is right on. Because of the car's characteristics and affordability, there's a lot of young drivers out there who don't know what they have (scary thought). On the other side, there's a lot of driving enthusiasts who feel they can really have fun without going broke. CR rates Subies up there in reliability.

8u6hfd · October 2002

reduction of VOC's in paint...slowly switching over to water based.

Power coating is often used as a primer

lippolds · October 2002

Hi,

A local dealer (West of Boston) offered me a 2003 WRX at Invoice. Is this a typical price?

Thanks

lippolds · October 2002

I am considering the WRX Wagon and am unsure of the color and wanted to see other's experiences. I am considering the Black or Silver. I have not seen the red in person but I know the Blue and Yellow are too bright for my taste.

Thanks

Subaru Impreza WRX

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