The Legend Reborn

Going on it’s X generation version…Subaru finally cleaned this car up to somewhat stand up against it’s competition (Lancer, IS250, etc) in quality and luxury. Not that the car was ever made for luxury, heck, it’s a RALLY car, bread from the very cars that made us all want to go out and get one of these even though they are/were ugly. They were FAST, and came off the show room floor FAST. Most didn’t have to do much if anything to beat a Mustang GT (not the new versions) off the start and for a good distance too.

I’m not here to review any version of the WRX…and I haven’t mentioned it’s beefy brother (the STi version) because well, those are in a class one step up. But rather, just give a reminder to those that bought the beautiful bug-eyes like I did…that over the years they never got prettier, just faster and more luxurious.

pre 2002: up until 2002, this is pretty much how the car looked stock. And as you’ll see there is a huge difference in this car after this version was done.

2002: The Year model I bought and fell in love with. Yep, the happy bug-eyed road monster (of it’s time of course). This is the first major body change, as well as an added Turbo accompanied by it’s needed Name WRX.

2003: Not much change, just some new colors. I think the main new colors were and ugly yellow and a new red color (maybe even a dark blue too, can’t remember). The 02-03 came in a nice wagon version too:

2004: This is the year there were significant changes. New Talights, New Healights, and sharper overall curves (including the hood scoop, fenders, etc.) Overall a nice look, just not my style:

2005: And again, as most car trends are in the US, not much changed here. Most body styles last at least 2 years before major changes…so I am just going to link the rear view of the car here.

2006-2007: The 2006-2007 versions were easily my least favorite of the WRX. The new face is hideous, and left a sour taste on many a message boards. Not may fans from what I read.

2008: I’m not going to link a picture here. I want you to check out the site for the new WRX for 08. My first impression was not so great, with their marketing material showing mostly a hatchback version. Not sure I am into that, or I would have purchased the Wagon version when I got mine. But, read up enough and you’ll fall right back in love with the WRX. It kind of resembles the Saab/Subaru mix from a few years ago too…which was actually nice. Enough ramble, here’s the link:
The Legend Reborn

NOTE: This is mostly US info, as I know that these cars were released in many different versions in Japan a lot sooner.