Overview & Reviews

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.

• A stout 227 horsepower in the WRX, all-wheel-drive grip, a variety of sedans and wagons to choose from.

• Often pricey when compared to its competition.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 170.00

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  Passes everything except a gas station - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Mike Miller - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Overall a a very nice car. Open road driving is great, but the turbo lag is annoying. The power is poor until you hit 3,000 RPM, then it takes off like a rocket. Also, the gas mileage is nowhere near the 20/27 listed on the sticker. More like 20/23. Also, the transmission is not that smooth at times. Overall, though I like the car a lot and often take the long way home as long as that way involves lots of hills and curves!

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  All Speed, Junk parts - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Sooby Doer - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is very fun to drive, but buyer beware. My car is not even a year old but its been to service more times than my older car. Ive had problems with the cheap paint (easily stains), the engine light turning on and fluid leaks.

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  Drive it, youll like it! - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Funwagon - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Although I have owned 2 Subarus, I thought I was going to end up in a Jetta 1.8T, or used Audi A4. Jetta summary - higher perf and a higher price, no AWD, not as safe, or reliable. Comparably priced A4s were 1999 vintage, a bit long in the tooth. I considered the protege5, but looking at the safety data quickly ended that. The wagons cargo options are extremely flexible. My 55 lb. dog fits comfortably in the back. The drivers seat is comfortable and visibility is good. The instrumentation is adequate. Although I read lukewarm reviews of the acceleration I suspect they were based on the automatic transmission. I find the M5 to be more than satisfactory.

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  Nice, solid car - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Alex - March 9 - 2:50 am

  I purchased this car back in 2002 and never regretted it. I spent quite a bit of time researching various cars before getting my Outback Sport and am pretty happy with the car and its overall performance after having it for more than 3 years and driving 32k miles. Its my third car and second Subaru. Very reliable and nice car. Fast acceleration (on manual transmission) and very solid driving on snow (tested in Tahoe area). Probably has the best performance/price ratio of all AWDs on the market.

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  Little Cash, Lots of Car - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By RomanoM - November 9 - 10:00 am

  The most practical, fun and fast car you can buy for under $25,000! A true all-season, all-condition fast and fun car. With performance tires it can handle with the best and with snow tires winters are a breeze. Not perfect, but you get more than you should for the money.

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  After 7 years - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By long time owner - September 21 - 10:40 pm

  I bought this car brand new. It has been a rocket of a car despite the turbo lag at low rpms. Very responsive and nimble for a wagon. This was the 2nd gen WRX. Reliable except for some problems. There is strut knocking in the rear, disc/brakes problems (numerous brake replacements) not braking hard. Clutch smells when driving it hard. A bit cramped for tall people. No rear room for adults great space with seats folded down. Comparable to an SUV. Excessive wind noise and engine noise. Fogs up easy on the windows. Lots of fan noise when on high but not much output to help defog.

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  Just about perfect (Just about)! - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By gentle ben - April 26 - 10:00 am

  Great car to drive. Very nimble and easy to handle. Make sure seats fit your bottom before purchasing (kind of narrow for big bottomed buyers). Car could go beyond limits for un- experienced drivers. All round great car but if power is want you want, get a WRX. Last note, standard stereo not very good, upgrade aftermarket. Very little wind noise on highway.

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  Hit and Miss - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Diesel513 - November 15 - 5:06 am

  Its a nice car. Stock out of the box it has more perfomance than most. AWD is a definite plus especially if you have changing seasons. From what I have learned from my friends older Imprezas, most of them arent holding up for much longer than 80k miles. But some of my friends dont take care of their cars like they should. The car is shorter than most sedans, but thats what gives it the mobility that it has. I feel bad for the people in the back seat; there isnt a lot of room, but I never have to be back there! A few weird things: Gears are straight cut (shifting isnt as smooth as most); I get a weird hum at 60MPH (Subaru doesnt know what it is); and coolant -- you go through it like crazy, due to turbos.

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  Still cant find a better car! - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By tintinet - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Now that the STI is on the horizon, I am only slightly tempted. The stock WRX delivers more than adequate performance. In 14K miles, Ive had no problems and my only critiques are slight quibbles about lack of outside thermometer, lack of heated seats, leather upholstery, and other things that really are secondary. For the money, the quality and performance of the WRX are unmatched, especially for those of us who do alot of winter driving.

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  Loads of fun - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Chris - February 13 - 11:20 pm

  The car has been everything that I wanted. Good performance, nice looking, build quality is outstanding. No fold down rear seat, no remote trunk release. Short throw shifter is awesome.