Best and Worst Subaru WRX Model Years

Jun 10, 2021

The Subaru WRX is a rally-bred, fan-favorite sports car. We explore the best model years of this Japanese ace to help find the best one for you.

2021 Subaru WRX Models - Photo by Subaru

The Subaru WRX is a popular sports car that has a large and passionate community around it. It was born from the legacy of Subaru’s success in the World Rally Championship scene.

For the past two decades, this Japanese rally-bred machine has been the go-to for many because of its affordable, safe, practical, and versatile performance. It has seen over six different generations, each having pros and cons.

Some model years may look similar but are very different upon closer inspection. This can make choosing one an intimidating task. With this article, we aim to help find the WRX that best suits you. Let’s get started.

2015 Subaru WRX- Photo by Subaru

Best Subaru WRX Model Years

2015 Subaru WRX

The 2015 WRX marked a special time in Subaru’s history with the integration of the new 268 hp turbocharged FA-20F engine. While the more powerful and more expensive WRX STI kept the tried and true EJ-25, the little brother got the new toys.

The FA-20F featured a twin-scroll turbocharger among other goodies. As a result, this made a more responsive, linear, and efficient power delivery compared to the EJ-25.

The 2015 Subaru WRX also came standard with a six-speed manual transmission, an improved AWD system, and a stiffer, more agile chassis. It was pretty much a completely new car. This meant that overall, the WRX had become a significantly better driver’s car.

Motor Trend’s Jonny Lieberman listed the 2015 WRX as one of his favorite Subaru WRX’s to drive, saying in comparison to the same model year STI that “yup, little brother was the better driver of the two.”

Along with the introduction of the new engine and other features, the 2015 WRX also came with brand-new styling. The new styling most notably featured a more aggressive headlight design, a new grille, and a new hood scoop.

With the new styling came an announcement. To the sadness of many in the automotive community, it didn’t (and still doesn’t to this day) come in hatchback or wagon form. The return of the WRX hatchback/wagon is a day long-awaited for many.

A significant reason why so many love the Subaru WRX is the iconic rumble of their boxer engines. However, with the 2015’s new engine and its twin-scroll turbo and equal length headers, that fan-favorite sound is not there anymore. Nevertheless, if you don’t care about sound and want the improved performance, then this is your WRX.

The 2015 Subaru WRX is an impressive sports sedan that can seriously go toe-to-toe with more expensive rivals. It is a strong entry in the list of best Subaru WRX model years.

2018 Subaru WRX- Photo by Subaru

2018 Subaru WRX

This model year marked another refresh for the Subaru WRX. Still packing the same 268 hp 2.0-liter boxer as the 2015, 2016, and 2017 models, the 2018 WRX came with a new look and some small but noticeable mechanical upgrades. These included improved electric power steering, a revised suspension, and a newly designed synchromesh for the six-speed manual transmission, which were generally well-received by automotive critics.

Car and Driver gave the 2018 WRX a seven out of 10, saying that despite its lack of refinement compared to rivals, “few are more fun on a twisty mountain road—whether that road is paved or not.”

The 2018’s new look featured a new grille, one that is considerably smaller than the previous generation. It is vaguely reminiscent of the 2004-2005 generation. There are some other small cosmetic changes to make the overall look of the car more subtle, while still maintaining the WRX’s signature aggressiveness.

Additionally, it came with marginally more sound-deadening materials and other updated creature comforts, including Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system.

Sporting the perfect mix of new looks, performance upgrades, and improved contemporary creature comforts, the 2018 model is the ideal WRX if you want the combination of new technology and old-school Subaru rallying fun.

2002 Subaru WRX- Photo by Subaru

2002-2003 Subaru WRX

Though it was not technically the first generation of the WRX, this was the first generation of Subaru WRX to be sold in the U.S. market. When it finally came to the states, it brought joy to many.

Underneath its massive hood scoop was the inter-cooled 227 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer engine. The WRX’s combination of power, torque, five-speed manual transmission (it was also available with a four-speed automatic), and AWD, made it a true rally-bred car for the road.

Road & Track praised the WRX, saying “The WRX is one of those rare cars that makes you grin even if you’re just running a mundane errand. The on-boost power from the 227-bhp 2.0-liter turbo flat-four provides a real rush.

The all-wheel-drive handling is forgiving, the steering sharp and the front seats are supremely well-bolstered. On top of that, the WRX is a kick just to look at, what with those muscular fenders, the rear wing, and the intercooler hood scoop.”

The new car’s styling was loud and aggressive. The WRX’s distinct large round headlights earned it the nickname “Bugeye.” It featured a large hood scoop and a small spoiler at the rear. Additionally, it came in both sedan and wagon form, making it one of the most practical sports cars of the time.

The speed, affordability, versatility, and practicality of this WRX generation earn it a rightful place on our list of best Subaru WRX model years.

2004 Subaru WRX STI- Photo by Subaru

2004-2005 Subaru WRX

The 2004-2005 model year had big shoes to fill after the success of the 2002 and 2003 cars. Subaru responded well in a number of ways. The most notable is the launch of the higher performance version of the WRX, the WRX STI, in the U.S. market.

With this edition of the WRX came new, more aggressive styling. These styling updates included a larger hood scoop and rear wing (STI only), a new grille, and a new headlight design. This was well met by automotive press, including Edmunds, who gave the sports car 4.7 out of five-stars.

With the launch of the new STI came the integration of the 300 hp 2.5-liter engine, a larger and more powerful version of the Subaru’s boxer unit. This was only available in the STI.

Meanwhile, the 2004 and 2005 Subaru WRX’s kept the popular 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer from the previous generation. It still produced 227 hp and 217 lb.-ft. of torque.

It also still came with a five-speed manual transmission (six-speed with the STI), and standard AWD. The WRX continued to be available in both sedan and wagon, with the STI being available in sedan only respectively. Check out Doug DeMuro‘s review of the WRX above to see the car in action.

The addition of the faster, more powerful STI and its updated styling make this generation of WRX one of the most desirable generations.

2006-2007 Subaru WRX

Six years into the new millennia, Subaru launched the new version of its popular rally-bred sports car. This generation WRX came with a number of new mechanical and visual updates.

Firstly, the 2006 WRX came with three more horsepower and 18 more lb.-ft. of torque. This is thanks to an upgrade in displacement size from 2 liters to 2.5. Concerning its handling abilities, NADA Guides mentions in their expert review that “In turns the WRX is masterful, not displaying much body lean until pushed near its limit, and with steering that’s precise and quick.”

Other mechanical upgrades include larger brakes, a faster steering ratio, and shorter throws from the five-speed manual transmission.

Visually, the 2006-2007 generation got a brand-new front end, including a new grille and headlights. The rear-end also got revised. To the delight of Subaru fans and the automotive community alike, this generation continued to be available in both sedan and wagon form.

In fact, this was the last generation of Subaru WRX to be available as a wagon. The following year would switch to a hatchback design.

This generation of WRX is a fan favorite, and arguably the most popular alongside the 2004-2005 generation.

In 2017 it became even more popular, as a red 2007 WRX sedan starred in the opening scene of the hit film Baby Driver, as seen in the clip above. It is a fan favorite for a number of reasons. That is why it deserves one of the most prominent spots on our list of best Subaru WRX model years.

Third Generation Subaru WRX - Photo by man64 / DepositPhotos

Worst Subaru WRX Model Year

2008 Subaru WRX

Unfortunately, there are some Subaru WRX model years that are not worthy of being on our “best” list. The most notable of them is the 2008 model.

While previous generations of the rally-bred sports car were generally well-received in the looks department, it was not really the case with this generation.

The older cars stood out from their base Impreza counterparts, being very aggressive and also standing out considerably compared to the rest of the Subaru model range. The styling of the 2008 model was not only significantly muted, but it was also muted in other areas.

The 2008 model year traded the WRX’s trademark “rally car for the road” rawness in favor of more consumer-friendly amenities. These included significant sound deadening, a better ride, and more cabin space. That made it a better “car” but did it make it a better WRX?

Car and Driver said in their road test of the 2008 WRX that “Although the WRX is much more usable in daily driving, it has lost the raw edge it used to have while tearing up back roads.”

The 2008 Subaru WRX is not an objectively bad car by any means. However, it lacks the important characteristics that made other Subaru WRX’s special.

Final Thoughts

The Subaru WRX is a fan-favorite sports car for a reason, it is fast, affordable, practical, and fun. There is a model year to fit everyone’s unique budget and needs, whether you prefer the old-school or the new.

Whichever one you decide to get from this list, we have no doubt you will enjoy yourself in one way or another. That’s what these cars are designed for; having fun, lots and lots of fun.

Photos: Subaru; Deposit Photos

Frequently Asked Questions

Apr 8, 2022

What year is the most reliable Subaru WRX?

The 2004 Subaru WRX is generally regarded to be the most reliable model year. This is based on the total number of complaints that have been filed per year. The 2005 through 2007 model years also generally are considered to be more reliable than the earlier and later years.

The Subaru WRX does generally score below average in terms of overall reliability. They are essentially a rally race car that has been homologated for road use, and that leads to them having more mechanical problems than a lot of the other options out there.

The Subaru WRX also sometimes has had problems just because they are driven hard. Since they were a relatively affordable sports sedan some people pushed them too much, which led to excessive wear and tear on the mechanical components. When there is extra wear and tear from hard driving it can cause them to break down more often, and thus increase the total number of complaints.

Is Subaru WRX reliable?

The Subaru WRX does not score well when it comes to reliability, averaging two out of five stars from JD Power and Associates. This is a much lower rating than most of the other cars that are in the same price range as the WRX.

Subaru as a brand usually scores very highly in terms of reliability, but the WRX scores much lower than the rest of their lineup. This is because the WRX has a more high-performance engine in it. When engines are tuned to produce more power, as Subaru did with the WRX, they become less reliable since there is more stress placed on the components.

In terms of overall reliability, the WRX also does not fair well since a lot of the buyers tend to push them hard and modify them. The WRX is known to be a sporty fun sedan and a lot of owners regularly run them to the red line, and change components to try to increase horsepower. This results in the engines wearing down faster and contributes to the low overall reliability.

What are common problems with Subaru WRX?

The most common problems that are reported about the Subaru WRX are generally engine problems. The engine's internal components have been known to fail. There are many documented cases of turbo failures on the engines which lead to a loss of boost. The engines are also known to leak oil easily and you will need to replace gaskets to get them to stop.

Another common problem that is reported for the Subaru WRX involves the clutches. These have been known to fail prematurely and the throwout bearing for them usually needs to be replaced about every 50,000 miles. This can be reduced by shifting earlier in the rev range though.

The Subaru WRX is known for having some problems, but they are a high-performance car, and a lot of the people that buy them know that there will be issues. To some buyers, the reliability problems are worth it to have a fun affordable sports sedan.

Owner Reviews

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Andrea G on June 22, 2021

2018 Subaru WRX and 2015 Subaru WRX comfort and timeless style

I drive a 2018 Subaru WRX. It is the base model so it doesn't have all the features. It has a black fabric interior with some leather features on the interior of the car. It's a stick shift car so when I first got it it was little stiff when shifting. Now that I've been driving it for a little while(5,000 miles since I purchased) and it has 18,000 miles on it, it shifts really smoothly now. It's a super fast fun car that grips to the route on the turns and it performs far better than I thought it would. The WRX is the original sparkly blue such unique color. One thing that is not that great is the price for an oil change, but the car is a turbo and drives like a dream so a pricey oil change is fine in my book because it puts out the right amount of power for my day to day driving. The interior of the car was very well thought through when they built it's very roomy and modern. Now for the exterior. The exterior like I said is a beautiful blue shade. It's very sleek and the style of the vehicle will remain timeless. I love this car so much. In our house hold we have 2. The other is a 2015 and it is almost identical with some minor upgrades. We love them both because of their reliability and comfort.

Alec J on July 14, 2021

2011 Subaru WRX a versatile vehicle packing power and reliability.

This vehicle is a very fun car to drive. It handles well and has a very reasonable amount of power. AWD standard is a huge selling point. The turbo 4 cylinder engine is great for fuel economy. Interior is very nice and easily maintainable. You should be wary with the engine, it is a fun car, but you need to treat it well with proper oil changes, the motors are somewhat notorious for throwing rods if you do not treat it with great care. I recommend getting a cobb tuning program and having it set up by a reliable performance shop for peak performance. For optimum suspension I recommend getting coilovers. Subarus appreciate well as long as cared for properly.

Colby R on July 8, 2021

2013 Subaru WRX, exciting and fun car.

After 8 years the car still runs perfectly fine with only one slight problem is that it goes through oil fast. Gets great gas mileage in high altitudes and on the highway but not so much in the city. With a turbocharged engine it is fast enough for those of you with a bit of a wild side. As someone who has lived in areas with harsh winters it handles the snow and cold very well as well as rain and ice. Has plenty of storage for a couple and comfortable seats. Only takes 91 octane gas. Looks extremely sporty and has the gas tank in the right side.

Geyson Alvarenga on March 11, 2022

The most reliable Subaru I’ve owned.

I own a 2011 Subaru WRX Hatchback Limited. After 5 years of ownership (I’m the second owner) this has proven to be the most reliable of all my previous Subarus. I drive it lightly, keep up on my fluids, and regular maintenance. Not one single engine failure, nor major complaints. It drives aggressively, you can feel the road, the corners, the wind perfectly cutting through the vehicle. Absolutely fun to drive. I get about 21.9MPG (Subaru is always 1MPG above actual gas mileage) on 91 Octane so it’s a decent commuter.

Carter M on June 16, 2021

Subaru’s are good cars in general with the 2010 Subaru WRX being no exception.

I have had the car since 100k miles and it now has 170k miles on it. The car is awesome to drive. It is decently fast and handles very well and does not look or feel cheap on the inside. My favorite part of the car are the front bucket seats. Since owning the car I have replaced the clutch due to normal wear and tear and 80% of the front end but only from driving it hard. These cars are very good especially if the owner is taking good care of them and doing normal maintenance.

Jaydn J on June 12, 2021

2011 Subaru WRX sti limited.

It has been a super reliable car. Subarus usually get a bad name for being unreliable but mine has almost 100k without a single shop bill besides regular maintenance. The only problems I have had with it are for some reason my ac compressors keep going out. Other than that it is the perfect mix between sporty and comfortable. Full leather, heated seats, and sunroof really make driving nice and I drive an average of 500 miles a week so that is saying a lot.

Lew P on June 17, 2021

2011 WRX 2.0l, lots of fun in winter weather, great car all around.

The interior rattled when you are blasting music, shocks on this car tend to be very stiff along with the springs and all other suspension components, this years make and model had head gasket issues in the engine so be prepared for that, great four wheel drive car, lots of fun, very agile. Insurance is not cheap because it is technically a sports car but repair cost are not very high.

Shelly S on July 9, 2021

2011 Car Review on a Subaru WRX

My 2011 WRX is fun to drive when you want to test the roads. Handles awesome in snow unless there is 5 inches plus on road. Handles turns great. Awesome car for north east Pa. Car is a little tight with room when having three kids. But I make it work. Gas mileage isn't bad for a turbocharged 4 cylinder car. Unless your hitting the mountain roads.

Ashwin C on June 11, 2021

2012 WRX daily driver impression.

The vehicle is a lot of fun and easy to maintain. There are some significant repairs at around 100k miles, but it had been an excellent car for me since I have owned it starting in 2014. Fuel economy is approx 20-24 mpg combined on premium fuel. I would certainly recommend this vehicle to friends and family, especially in cold weather climates.

Sophia B on July 6, 2021

My Subaru WRX 2017 could have better sound.

I love driving my car, it is so much fun! It is smooth and comfortable. The one thing that I hated about my car is the stereo system, it sound horrible. I have head better sound systems in older cars so I expected more from Subaru. Other than that, I love my car! It is stick shift so it is really fun to drive.

RJ F on June 21, 2021

2015 WRX is uglier than previous models but still gives you the Subaru feel.

It is a good car but I got tired of it quickly. It has good acceleration but feels slightly bulky when driving it. Handles well in all conditions. Has a common problem with o2 sensors. You need a short shifter to make shifting more pleasurable. The OEM shift throws are too long for a modern sports car.

Angel E on July 7, 2021

2013 Subaru WRX sti hatchback.

It is a very fun car to drive, it is very comfortable and rides smooth it has a 6 speed manual transmission and a very nice torque curve and horsepower curve, it has its issues can be unreliable at times and expensive to repair when it does break down but other than those issues I still love this car.

Isabella W on July 5, 2021

2015 Subaru WRX Base is a very comfortable and reliable

Subaru WRX 2015 I own is a great car. Navy blue color, very fast, manual transmission that makes my care move smoothly. Very comfortable leather interior, heated seats. Since I purchased it I have never had any issues with it besides regular maintenance like oil change, tire rotation, and breaks.

Joey C on July 12, 2021

Subaru engine issues with 2014 model.

I have had two blown engines due to issues with the model. The first time the dealership fixed it the second I had to. I love the car- performs well but I am going with a different brand next time do to the experience with the dealership. The car is great on gas mileage and is very fun to drive.

Amber B on July 15, 2021

2014 Subaru WRX: Sporty, fun, daily driver.

There is over 80 thousand miles of use on the car and there is no complaints that we can make! The vehicle is well maintained and used on a daily basis. We have driven cross country before and never had any issues. We love our sue, we have had it for years and bought it brand new, its great!

To C on July 2, 2021

Love my manual transmission 2013 Subaru WRX hatch.

Great performance for the cost of the car, excellent handling in all seasons, and looks great even at 8 years old. Not the best fuel economy but that is the reality of a turbo engine. Would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for a performance vehicle without paying too much.

Daniel on January 11, 2022

2000 wrx

I actually preferred the earlier models of the wrx especially the gc8 own one though I’ve completely upgrade the engine with a ej207 and running a sti 6 speed with bigger brembo brakes nothing beats the raw driving experience lightweight don’t think I’d move on to a newer model

Ashley W on June 11, 2021

2010 Subaru WRX is all wheel drive and is able to travel in any conditions.

It is reliable and comfortable. It drives well and speeds up when appropriate. Good on brakes and the engine is well. It drives in any weather conditions and is all wheel drive. No problems at this time or breakdowns. The car is good on mileage. Enough room in the car and trunk.

Bill K on July 4, 2021

2019 WRX automatic thoughts.

No real issues with my car. Great acceleration and features. Hooks up nicely to my phone using Bluetooth. The design is very well done and the ride is smooth. Has 3 different settings for engine power. Highly recommend using the best gas to fill up with. Do not use regular gas.

Brian S on July 18, 2021

2012 Subaru WRX, quick and fun to get around in.

Subaru is an exceptional vehicle. A stock turbo car off the lot pushing about 250 hp cannot go wrong. Very reliable vehicle and perfect for a small family or a single person. Very fun and easy to modify. Aside from the WRX I will be sticking with Subaru for years to come!

Isaac G on June 22, 2021

2016 Subaru WRX Premium: Great performance, transmission is finicky sometimes, rigid suspension, 9/10.

I have a 2016 WRX with a CVT transmission. Overall I love the car, just expect a rough ride on bumpy roads. In normal driving conditions, the CVT is great but once you floor it while in 'intelligent' mode expect a delay. This is not a problem in 'sport' or 'sport#' modes.

Allie P on June 22, 2021

Fun to try and race the 2010 Subaru WRX.

Tail Lights fill with water, transmission kind of sucks sometimes. Does have great heated seats, does have a sunroof, sounds amazing, and is comfortable, does have a good amount of space gas can get expensive, all-around great car to drive. Air-conditioning is great.

David O on July 19, 2021

Super reliable 2014 Subaru WRX, can fit so much because it is a hatchback, super roomy.

This Subaru WRX is a wonder to drive. During the winter times it has no problems in the snow because of its AWD. Very sporty, therefore cruising is very relaxing but also does not eat up too much gas because it is only a WRX and not an sti, it gets approx 30 mpg.

Carter P on June 20, 2021

This 2014 Subaru WRX is amazing it's just incredible small.

Overall a good car just not family oriented or spacious. The chairs are super comfortable and are heated. Super fast, there's a sun roof, rarely ever have problems. The back seats come down as well and my favorite feature is the Bluetooth for calls and Pandora.

Harold G on June 16, 2021

Such a reliable 2009 Subaru WRX Base, would recommend

The car is great in the winter, very reliable and comfortable. We've had it for a long time, and it has rarely had any issues. It lasts through tough weather and is pretty easy to use. Great car, would recommend. Easily went through a lot of Alaska winters.

2009 Subaru WRX on July 1, 2021

2009 Subaru WRX is known for its safety ratings.

I love the safety standards of the vehicle. I love the customer service that subaru provides. I like the appearance of the vehicle. Also, I like the reliability of the vehicle

Nelson R on June 30, 2021

2009 Subaru WRX is great and reliable for a 4 door sedan.

Great performance/sports vehicle. AWD is amazing in snow and makes driving in all conditions very manageable.

Felix Duppong

Felix Duppong has specialized experience in the world of motorsports journalism and recently graduated with a Bachelor’s in Communications from Northwest University. He is a staff writer producing high-quality Formula 1 editorial content for the print publication Missed Apex F1 Podcast. Felix has also covered the world-famous 24 Hours of Le Mans, Indy 500, Daytona 500, and the Rolex 24. When he’s not busy contributing to Drive Tribe, in his spare time, Felix is an avid Sim Racing enthusiast. He has competed in multiple seasons of F1-league racing and is currently racing in the iRacing VRS GT Endurance series.