Subaru WRX Generations: What’s Changed Over The Years?
Photo by Jakob Rosen on Unsplash
While praised for its reliability and excellent fuel economy, the Subaru Impreza doesn’t inspire excitement and a sense of speed. However, the Impreza becomes a formidable performance machine with more letters: the WRX and STI. Plus, thanks to its history as a roadgoing rally car, it’s no wonder that the WRX is one of the most sought-after vehicles by performance enthusiasts.
If you’re looking to buy a Subaru WRX, you should know that you’re buying one of the most iconic performance cars of all time. To help you make a more informed decision, we highly recommend learning more about the Subaru WRX generations.
For today’s post, we break down the Subaru WRX generations and their notable issues, all four of them. Let’s take a look.
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Subaru WRX First Generation (1992-2000)
The 1992 Subaru WRX was loaded with rally-centric technology from its very first iteration. Intended to replace the Subaru Loyale sedan and wagon, the first WRX was first available as a sedan and later in hatchback and coupe versions. It was equipped with a five-speed manual transmission and an EJ207 flat-four engine capable of 237 hp and an acceleration of 0-60 mph in 5 seconds. However, what made the first WRX such a hit with enthusiasts is that it responded well to modifications.
The first WRX was called Impreza WRX, which is an abbreviation of World Rally eXperimental. As mentioned, the first generation WRX had subdued styling, but serious car modders rarely keep them that way. With that said, the stock AWD means that the WRX comes alive in more challenging road conditions. On a side note, Subaru also released an RA version, which had been stripped down of its parts, including the ABS, A/C system, and a close-ratio gearbox – the RA version weighed only 2,579 lbs.
Starting in 1994, Subaru began to release the STI versions of the WRX – which pack more power and performance and are fitted with upgraded components. At this point, Subaru started manufacturing STIs alongside the WRXs. Much like with many Japanese cars, the longer the car names, the more it offers in terms of performance. For example, Subaru released a “Version III Impreza WRX Type RA STI” that provides more engine power and other performance features.
Unfortunately, the first-gen WRX didn’t make it to U.S. shores. Therefore, if you want to own one, your only option is to import, which does significantly drive up the price. Otherwise, it would be best to consider getting a second-generation WRX, available for American buyers.
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Subaru WRX Second Generation (2000-2007)
The second-generation Impreza introduces the “New Age” variant of the WRX. Despite the delay, the WRX has finally made it into U.S. markets. Specifically, the second-gen WRX arrived on American shores with the 2002 model, and for most people, it was certainly worth the wait.
One of the most controversial changes with the second generation WRX is introducing the controversial “Bug Eye” design, as dubbed by the fans due to its round headlights. Interestingly, every facelifted generation of this chassis received a nickname based on their headlights.
The WRX that made it to America mostly had what people hoped for, including a five-speed gearbox, an AWD, and a turbocharged 2.0L engine that produced a stock performance of 227 hp. However, compared to the first-gen Japanese WRX models, the second-gen WRX wasn’t quite as sharp, thanks to the lack of a trick center differential and the smaller turbocharged engine.
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In terms of complaints, the main one was about the WRX’s paint job with the tendency to chip easily. In addition, rattles were also quite prevalent, and it was almost too distracting for drivers. The transmission was also a common sore spot of the 2002 WRX with a gearbox that tended to break. Fortunately, later cars in this generation had more robust transmission systems.
Still, the WRX gained quite a lot of following in the States with its performance and rally-inspired charm. The optional Sportwagon trim offered plenty of practicality than a standard sedan back then.
Subaru WRX Third Generation (2008-2014)
For many enthusiasts, this is considered one of the worst Subaru WRX generations, if not the worst. One look at its exterior design, and you’ll understand why many Subaru fans were disappointed with the third-gen WRX. In an attempt to gather mainstream appeal, Subaru changed its rally weapon to a more streamlined design. Furthermore, the company also made the WRX more accessible to drive.
With that said, the WRX was still popular, thanks to its potent powertrain and solid performance – it’s also now exclusively sold as a hatchback. In addition, the third-generation WRX was larger, had more cargo capacity and safety features, and offered better fuel economy. Performance-wise, the new WRX was still powered by the motor but with a noticeably slower acceleration, owing to the car’s weight gain.
Despite the perceived downgrade, the WRX remained a popular target for aftermarket modifications. With the third generation, the WRX turned into an excellent tuneable machine. Overall, it’s still worthy of the “World Rally eXperimental” badge.
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Subaru WRX Fourth Generation (2015-2021)
This WRX generation was known as the last to be built upon its own chassis. That’s one way of saying that this generation was your last chance to have a pure “WRX” experience. Like the previous generation, the third-gen was larger and heavier than its predecessors. This new generation said goodbye to the EJ255 engine and was replaced by the FA20F motor, which offers more torque.
This setup translated to 238 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and an acceleration range of 0-60 mph in 4.8 to 5.5 seconds – depending on the transmission system: manual, automatic, or CVT transmission. On a side note, the third-gen WRX with a six-speed manual transmission was considered the fastest-ever WRX in a straight line.
Moreover, Subaru also upgraded the WRX’s suspension and chassis, so you’re only a few tune-ups away from reaching 300 hp. In fact, you’ll probably have a hard time finding a third-gen WRX or STI without modifications. The Limited editions RA and S209 both fetch a premium price on the market these days.
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