2003 Subaru Impreza Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.61/5 Average
170 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

As the Impreza was redesigned just last year, not much changes for 2003. Convenience has been improved; keyless entry is now standard equipment on the 2.5 RS, TS Sport Wagon and Outback Sport. For the WRX, Subaru will offer a standard rear spoiler on the sedan (though you can still get the car without, if you want) and Sonic Yellow is available as an exclusive WRX color.

Pros:
  • A stout 227 horsepower in the WRX, all-wheel-drive grip, a variety of sedans and wagons to choose from.
Cons:
  • Often pricey when compared to its competition.

User Reviews:

Showing 91 through 100 of 170.00
  • What a wagon - 2003 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    bar none, best bang for the buck going. Test drive and buy. Thats what I did. You will love this car. Turbo lag is an issue but with practice it is somewhat eliminated. Fun to out -accelerate 90% of the cars on the road. People unfamiliar with a wrx wagon have no idea what they are up against. Turbo plus awd is a winning combination when out performing other sport cars. I have over 50,000 miles on this car and every morning it is a pleasure to get in it and drive. I have never felt this way about any car. Buy one and you will know what I mean.

  • some flaws, but great - 2003 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    I had been drooling over a WRX since seeing them in WRC and British car mags like CAR or EVO, and was highly anticipating their advent into the US market. Ive had one for 6 months and 8000 miles now. The engine is lethargic up to 3000 rpms, but then pushes the power to the wheels from that point up. Driving part-throttle is fine above 2500 rpms, but theres still that lag. Love the car in town, but find it a bit twitchy at highway speeds of 70 and up. Body is solid, with some body roll, but not bad. MPG Is not what it could be--I average about 22 in town, but 29 highway. Power can be helped with muffler or aftermarket items.

  • Serious review from real owner - 2003 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    Have 7000 miles on my WRX wagon.I read all I could on this vehicle for about 6 months and test drove it 4 times before purchasing.Having driven everything from Acuras,Hondas,Mustangs,other Subarus and a Porsche 928.I will say this is the best all around handling, performance car I have driven.For under 25,000, a steal.In weather no comparison,unless you purchase an Audi,BMW or Volvo.Car is a blast to drive,and with mods,0-60 low 4s and 1/4 mile in 13s.Super car territory.

  • A reliable alternative - 2003 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    Mine is actually a 2002 purchased 9/01, but the 2002 and 2003 are essentialy the same. Ive put over 22,000 miles on it with no problems at all. It zippy around town and handles well. The build quality is great, it doesnt rattle and the interior is impressive for a $20,000 car. Its a good value with AWD and power everything. I got mine with armrest extention, filter, cargo net and keyless entry for $19,500 with very litte negotiating. The seats are good for a little while but get uncomfortable for any drive over 2 hours.

  • True stand-out car - 2003 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    The WRX’s build and design are a great match for its price. The WRX steps up a few generous notches in performance and price from earlier models but is money well spent. I felt it should have had a shorter 1st gear with a transmission spanning 6 gears but it’s workable. Turbo lag is present but after 3K RPM you feel a smooth but quick rush of power. Compared to a V6 though, you’ll find the sub-3K RPM a little sleepy. But the 2-liter engine wakes up to very powerful acceleration. The car grabs the road with a pointed determination when the wheel is even slightly turned. It’s an absolute blast to feel the car respond instantaneously to your every input.

  • Perfect... - 2003 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    This car will change the way you look at wagons!

  • BEST OF THE BEST - 2003 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    I didnt want to buy this car, it was my husbands idea. But now. . . I LOVE THIS CAR! My husband is a new car addict so I can honestly say that Ive owned or at least driven most cars all years and models, but no other car seems to compare. The speed, handling, fuel economy, snow driving, look, comfort. I just cant compare it to any other vehicle out there. This car is my number one!

  • the best in class - 2003 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    Driving a WRX Wagon makes all the difference in a commuter town like Houston. The power of its turbo engine and 227hp affords more agility, ability to negotiate between vehicles in traffic, and a certain level of safety that one cannot attain in a traditional off-road vehicle like an SUV. Because of its low center of gravity and full time AWD feature, the WRX Impreza has married the ideas of performance and safety to the test! The adventures await! Be sure to invest in an under-carriage protector! $80 bucks can save a bucket- load...

  • Little Red Wagon of Fun - 2003 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    I did some pulls to seat the rings when I first got the car and now Im babing the engine until the recommended 1000. Seating the rings was a teaser of the potential of this peppy little wagon. The misses jumped on me because I surpassed the 4k max rpm for breakend when I had to pull out in heavy traffic Even at 3/4 throttle the car and rpms jump when you reach 3k rpm. Unfortunatly I see that you really need to either slip the clutch or drop the clutch if you really want a fast takeoff. But in turn its a nice little car to putt around at gas saving speeds. There is enough power at low rpms for everyday around town driving.

  • This wagon rocks! - 2003 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    This car handles and accelerates wonderfully considering its not a light car for its size. The engine has a unique sound and a lot of torque. The chassis is downright unflappable, and again, the handling is simply amazing. I do notice, however, that the steering is more vague on the center than I thought, and the path control is not very accurate; nonetheless, the weighting and feel are very good. Build quality and material is also very good. Front room is good, but back room is a no-no for anyone over 56". The back seat is a bit too upright, though supportive. The trunk is bigger than I thought. Overall, a very good buy!!

Subaru Impreza Reviews By Year:
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