2003 Subaru WRX Wagon Review

Pros:
Performance
Handling
AWD
Great Seats
Practical
Good value

Cons:
Turbo Lag
Lack of low end power

This is my first drive in the WRX wagon. It’s much like the sedan I drove earlier. Same great 2.0 liter 227 Horse turbo charged inter-cooled flat four. Most of the mechanicals are the same including the 5 speed manual and, of course, the same fulltime AWD. The wagon is fast too but since it tips the scales at 3,165 pounds it’s 120 heavier than the sedan and bound to be a tad slower as a result. While we’re on the subject the sedan’s 0-60 time is reported to be 5.4 seconds with the quarter mile being smoked in just 14.1 seconds. The WRX will embarrass a lot of sexy looking cars out there which makes it even more fun to drive.

The wagon is even more practical than the sedan with comfortable seating for 4 and lots more cargo room. Fold down the rear seat and you’ve got 61.6 cubic feet of space to fill up with all kinds of home depot goodies. The rest of the interior is tastefully done with nice analog gauges including a boost gauge. This wagon also has a different shifter than the sedan I drove last time. It’s just a bare stick without a leather wrap around. Driving position is excellent with good outward visibility. The fat leather wrapped steering wheel feels nice. The cabin is relatively quiet for such a sporty car. The standard CD stereo system sounds crisp.

The excellent handling experienced in the sedan is carried over in the wagon. Fully independent suspension is grippy without sacrificing ride comfort. Thanks to the standard AWD, the WRX feels solid and well connected to the road. Steering is rack and pinion with good road feel. It’s quick without feeling over-boosted. The tight 35.4 ft. turning circle makes parking a snap. 16 inch wheels are standard with 17’s optional. You’ll find disc brakes all around with standard 4 wheel ABS. Of course you also get dual airbags and side impact door beams for added safety.

As you can tell I love this car. A word of caution however: All that power I mentioned earlier requires that the turbo be spooled up and that doesn’t happen until about 3500 RPM. Driving the WRX in traffic can be a bit of a pain. Unless the car is making boost it can be a dog at low RPM. Keeping it revved up can get tiring at times. You do kind of get used to it but don’t be surprised if you kill the engine at a stoplight. This is embarrassing! The good news is that once you fire it back up you’re quickly ahead of everyone else in traffic.

A couple things to add: The 5 speed manual is standard and it would be my transmission of choice. It shifts well and the gears are nicely spaced. A 4 speed automatic is available as a $1000.00 option. Expect about 20 MPG around town and 27 MPG out on the hi-way with the 5 speed. Automatic cars will do slightly less. As for price, the wagon is actually a little cheaper than the sedan with prices starting at $23,795. The sedan stickers at $24,295

Once again Car and Driver has selected the 2003 WRX as one of it’s ten best. Of all the cars I’ve driven this past year it’s in my 10 best also. It’s hard to imagine a more fun yet practical car for the money. On top of that you get Subaru dependability and the low production numbers should assure good resale value on the WRX. Word is a more powerful WRX is in the works to do battle with the new Mitsubishi EVO 7. Let the horsepower wars begin!

Tom Collins
The Auto Answerman
560 ESPN Radio/Denver
tomcollinsaam@yahoo.com