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.


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)