The introduction of the third-generation Impreza, introduced in 2008, signalled Subaru’s intention to apply a more mainstream approach to its business practices. Pre-rework, most of the company’s offerings were, to be polite, a little left of centre. Long admired for its all-wheel-drive ability, Subaru’s quirky nature turned off many potential punters – it was, for want of a better description, a Japanese Saab. Nothing wrong with that except it put a crimp on Subaru’s true potential. The 2010 Impreza WRX is a fine example of what happens when sound engineering meets attractive packaging.
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The New York Times reviews the Subaru WRX and the Mitsubishi EVO.
“With the performance side of the Impreza and Lancer lines now extending from the 237-horsepower Lancer Ralliart and 224-horse Impreza 2.5 GT on up to the Evo MR and WRX STI, the $25,690 WRX and $33,710 Evo GSR are the middle children. In a lot of ways, they’re the sweet spots of their respectivelineups.
The WRX now offers most of the STI’s thrills for two-thirds of the money, and the 5-speed Evo GSR is quicker than the more expensive MR. With its noncomputerized transmission, the GSR will be easier to modify, an important consideration for the legions of Evo owners who bump up their horsepower.”
The 2009 Subaru WRX was reviewed by Alvarado Post, and it looks like they enjoyed the car a lot!
“Subaru has definitely raised performance and handling to a new level because this car is an absolute blast to drive.
Handling is outstanding — simply outstanding.
While I could literally gush over how crisp the re-tuned suspension and steering systems perform, I’m even more impressed with the increase in performance Subaru has managed to deliver in the 2.5-liter Boxer turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.
With a base price starting around $26,000, the Impreza WRX includes a long list of standard features, including: 60/40 split fold down rear seat back, audio system with CD player, automatic climate control system, cruise control, digital clock and outside temperature gauge, electroluminescent instrument gauges, incline start assist, leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls for cruise and audio systems, performance-designed front seats, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, tilt-and-telescoping steering column and intermittent wipers.”
Wow! Intermittent wipers!
The Subaru WRX has left its mark in the rally world. The Subaru WRX, as a production car, makes the envy of many. If you’re looking for a reason to buy one, look no further: here are ten reasons to buy a Subaru WRX.
- The symmetrical all wheel drive will take you anywhere under any condition. The traction is incredible and the car is a lot of fun to drive in a snowstorm!
- Subaru makes excellent cars. The Subaru WRX is a very reliable car when properly maintained.
- The drivability compares to a Porsche, which is a car much more expensive than a WRX.
- The WRX is a very fun car to drive. The handling, suspension, boxer engine and turbo will give you a kick every time you drive it.
- The WRX has a nice rally look to it. If you pick the rally blue color for your new STI, your car will compare to the official Subaru WRC car.
- The Subaru offers a very good handling. You’ll slingshot through corners as you accelerate.
- The Subaru WRX sticks to the road like glue.
- You can buy a WRX and still have money left over for you vacation. It’s much cheaper than a sports car of equivalent power.
- The Subaru is safe to drive (this argument wins the wife). It has dual front airbags and side airbags.
- It comes fully equipped. Automatic climate control, 6 CD changer and heating seats are all standard on the WRX.
Whether you’re looking for a city car or a highway car, the Subaru WRX might be just for you. It’s a very fun Subaru car to drive, it’s a lot cheaper than sports car of equal speed and the all wheel drive system is very effective.
[...] the 2006 WRX sedan that was the test car seemed to strike a nice balance of spunky power and ride comfort. [...] The test WRX sedan with five-speed manual seemed to be rarin’ to go and didn’t need much time to get up to speed and effortlessly zip along. There was a bit of turbo lag at times, as I stepped on the gas and waited for the power to come on. But once it did, there was strong power delivery.
More at Road Test: Subaru breaks new ground
The Lowell Sun has a review of the 2006 WRX STI praising its power and versatibility.
Wait for an open stretch of road, snick the shifter down a gear and slap the pedal to the floor. The distinct, content gurgle of the boxer four-cylinder engine rises to a happy snarl, intercut slightly with a rising whine, and the whole world is suddenly going much slower than you are.
The STi combines that heart-pounding performance with enough everyday driveability to make it a much more versatile mode of transport.
