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2002 Subaru Impreza WRX Sport Wagon

Three years ago, I leased a 1998 Impreza RS. The 2.5 liter, 4-cylinder, boxer engine was peppy and the car handled well, but I just wanted more. A year after I started leasing, rumors began to circulate that the WRX would be coming stateside within a few years. My wish was about to come true.

On September 28, 2001, I took delivery of my Metalic Silver 2002 WRX Spport Wagon. The turbocharged 2.0 liter boxer engine provides ample power in it’s stock configuration. The car handles like a true sportscar, while remaining comfortable on long trips.

Courtesy of www.Subaru.com

I’m all about “bang for the buck”, there’s not much competition for these $25,000 all-wheel-drive, turbocharged, 227 horsepower beasts. Zero to sixty in 5.4 seconds… in a sedan!!! However, I also have an eye for potential. The aftermarket jumped on this platform with a ferocity I’ve never seen. With a few free modifications and a couple of go-fast parts these cars become real performers that remain reserved during the daily commute, all the time capable of getting 20-plus mpg.

Behold:

Engine Type:
Horizontally opposed DOHC, 16-valve high-output, 4-cylinder intercooled turbo
Displacement:
2.0 liters (122 cubic inches)
Horsepower:
227 @ 6000 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.):
217 @ 4000 rpm
Valvetrain:
16-valve with dual overhead camshaft design (DOHC)
Fuel System:
Sequential multi-port fuel injection system
Ignition System:
Direct ignition system; platinum-tipped spark plugs
Engine Management:
ECM Engine Control Module manages fuel injection and ignition Management systems and features learning, self-diagnosis, limp-home and anti-knock capabilities
Fuel Tank Capacity:
15.9 gallons
2002 EPA Mileage Estimates:
20 city/27 highway

Drivetrain

  • 5-speed manual with overdrive (Standard)
  • Full-time All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system automatically distributes power between (AWD) front and rear wheels based on traction needs.
  • Manual transmission models have a viscous-coupling locking center differential. All WRX models have a viscous limited-slip rear differential.

Chassis

Body Construction:
Unibody construction with front and rear crumple zones WRX models have an aluminum-alloy hood & hatch.
Suspension:
Fully independent, with coil springs and struts. Front: lower L-arms with liquid-filled rear bushings and stabilizer bar. Rear: parallel links and stabilizer bar. WRX models have sport-tuned suspension.
Steering:
Rack-and-pinion with engine-speed-sensing variable power assist.
Turning Circle:
35.4 (curb-to-curb)
Wheels:
16-inch aluminum-alloy
Tires:
205/55R16 89V all-season radials
Brakes:
Power-assisted with dual diagonal hydraulic circuits and 4-channel/ 4-sensor anti-lock braking system (ABS) Front: 11.4-inch ventilated discs with twin-piston calipers. Rear: 10.3-inch discs.

Dimensions (Inches unless otherwise noted)

Wheelbase/Length:
99.4/173.4
Width/Height:
66.7/58.5
Track (front/rear):
57.5/57.3
Headroom (front/rear):
39.7/37.3
Legroom (front/rear):
42.9/33.7
Curb Weight:
3165 lbs.
EPA Interior Volume (cubic feet):
90.4
EPA Cargo Volume (cubic feet):
27.9 (rear seat up), 61.6 (rear seat down-SAE)
Towing capacity:
2000 lbs.

Interior Features

  • Sport-style, reclining front bucket seats with driver’s side height-adjustment
  • 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback Center console storage tray and storage box and locking illuminated glove box
  • Two front cup holders
  • Cargo area cover and grocery bag hook
  • Cargo tie-down hooks
  • Power windows and door locks
  • Cruise control
  • Keyless entry system
  • Off-delay dome light
  • Air conditioning with 4-speed fan
  • Tachometer, dual-mode digital trip odometer, coolant temperature gauge and low-fuel light
  • AM/FM 80-watt stereo with logic control cassette, in-dash 6-disc CD changer and 6 speakers

Exterior Features

  • Aluminum-alloy hood, functional hood scoop, aerodynamic side ground effects molding, dual outlet sport tailpipe
  • Multi-reflector halogen fog lights
  • Dual power fold-away mirrors
  • Variable intermittent windshield wipers
  • Intermittent windshield wipers/washer
  • Rear window wiper de-icer
  • Rear window defogger with timer
  • Roof rails

Platinum Silver Metallic (exterior)/Black Flat Woven (interior)

Milan Dragstrip 2002

Wish List

Three years after purchasing my WRX and I’ve completed my initial list of modifications. My goal was to exploit the strong points of the platform, as well as improve some of the “weaker” areas. I think I’ve accomplished this. The next thing to improve… is the driver. Although I’ve complete an autocross drivers school and a few events, I still have a lot to learn. I hope to make use of these improvements while I learn to push my car to it’s limits (during sanctioned Solo 2 events).

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