Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
19 -21 City / 26 -27 HWY
Horsepower
165 -227
Seats
5
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle William B
The 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX is a lot of fun to upgrade and drive.
My 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX has been a great car. Great all-wheel drive performance. It's a fantastic vehicle for people interested in upgrading and tuning, since there is a lot than can be done by DIY mechanics.
accountCircle Jordan J
Subaru Impreza is an ideal car for someone with a low budget.
I have had trouble with the engine recently. My alternator went bad. Causing the energy from my battery to be lost. The starter has been a problem. Aside from these problem driving this car is fun. The handles are great and for stock the power is there.
accountCircle Draven E
It handles like no other car you have most likely driven. And is not insane fast but has some get up and go
Just blew motor actually, 03 wrx in blue. But the car literally redefines how you drive in a good way. Handling , safety, fun. Reliable mine was at almost 200m we did just buy a Kia for the wife and kids but only because we could not afford the acenta or a new wrx so I'll try to wait a year to save for new motor I suppose
accountCircle Veronica K
Good car, good quality, good speed.
Good performance in driving no maintenance issues. Quick pick up when merging into traffic. Compact and comfortable to drive. Not too expensive to purchase and change parts. Like that is it is an all wheel drive. Disappointed that cruise control is not standard in all cars.
accountCircle Tal N
Subaru Impreza is a highly dependable vehicle.
Subaru Impreza is a highly dependable vehicle with decent gas mileage, low maintenance, and decent body work. The paint on the rear bumper chips easily.
accountCircle Cammy C
Subarus are great cars, reliable, great gas mileage & dependable.
Very dependable, front wheel drive, great car, I love it. The only downfall is that I would like to be sitting a little higher off the ground.
accountCircle Heidi B
Winning Subaru. Look no further for a compact car!! This is the car for you!
Very reliable, dependable, no major problems, automatic shifting plus, I keep the oil changed. Has 81, 000 miles still running strong. Everyday running around car. Would buy another Subaru Impreza. Have not a single thing bad to say. Looking for a compact car? This is the one. Subaru repair parts department very helpful and make time for you.
accountCircle Conor Q
Subarus the boxer engine which gives it super low profile and less rollability.
The comfortability of my Subaru as I step into drive right now is phenomenal, I really enjoy its reliability so far and the handling is obsolete it is so good and even though it is not crazy fast. I absolutely love it. I have always wanted a Subaru and now I finally have one.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Sydney H
I hate my vehicle with a passion.
My 2003 Subaru Impreza has a lot of problems with overheating. It is been a constant battle the past 3 months. I really wish I had never got the car I bought is for $1, 300 and have put more money into it than what it is worth. It was the worst decision I have ever made.
accountCircle Rebecca P
It will run forever as long as you are willing to commit to the repair jobs.
Love my car - hates replacing the engine! Repairs to this vehicle make can be costly.
accountCircle Josie R
It is not a wrx even if it looks and sounds like one.
I am sure at one time this was a great car, but to be fair it's trying to be something it's not: a wrx. If you want to build this into one, I am sure it could be a fun project. But as is it is a faker, that can trick nonsubi lovers into thinking you're driving a sports car when you are not. Handles great in the snow, ice, and rain. Good starter car for someone that wants to look cool but not have to learn how to drive a fast car. Good gas mileage, but that might have something to do with the manual transmission. Do not ignore your misfires, or any little bit of maintenance because it will snowball out of control quickly.

Subaru Impreza Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
TS Wagon
165 HP 24-24 MPG 5 Seats
car
Outback Wagon
165 HP 24-24 MPG 5 Seats
car
RS Sedan
165 HP 24-24 MPG 5 Seats
car
WRX Wagon
227 HP 23-23 MPG 5 Seats
car
WRX Sedan
227 HP 23-23 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2003 Subaru Impreza Owner Reviews

4.35
23 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 57%
4 stars 30%
3 stars 9%
2 stars 0%
1 star 4%
accountCircle Josie R on March 22, 2021
It is not a wrx even if it looks and sounds like one.
I am sure at one time this was a great car, but to be fair it's trying to be something it's not: a wrx. If you want to build this into one, I am sure it could be a fun project. But as is it is a faker, that can trick nonsubi lovers into thinking you're driving a sports car when you are not. Handles great in the snow, ice, and rain. Good starter car for someone that wants to look cool but not have to learn how to drive a fast car. Good gas mileage, but that might have something to do with the manual transmission. Do not ignore your misfires, or any little bit of maintenance because it will snowball out of control quickly.
accountCircle Heidi B on March 9, 2021
Winning Subaru. Look no further for a compact car!! This is the car for you!
Very reliable, dependable, no major problems, automatic shifting plus, I keep the oil changed. Has 81, 000 miles still running strong. Everyday running around car. Would buy another Subaru Impreza. Have not a single thing bad to say. Looking for a compact car? This is the one. Subaru repair parts department very helpful and make time for you.

Ranks #2 Small Cars by Owners

The 2003 Subaru Impreza has an average owner rating of 4.35 out of 5 which ranks it #2 of 21 other Small Cars.

1
car
4.5
2
car
4.35
3
car
4.33

Ranks #11 Small Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2003 Subaru Impreza has a combined MPG of 32 which ranks it #11 of 21 other Small Cars.

1
car
48 MPG
2
car
43 MPG
11
car
27 MPG

Related Articles for 2003 Subaru Impreza

From the Vehicle History blog

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2020 Subaru Impreza Review: Reliable Small Car With Reasonable Ownership Costs As It Ages
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2019 Subaru Impreza Review: Reliable Small Car With Average Ownership Costs As It Ages
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2018 Subaru Impreza Review: Reasonably Reliable Small Car With Average Running Costs
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2009 Subaru Impreza Review: One of the Most Rugged Compacts on the Market
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2008 Subaru Impreza Review: A Compact That Drives Like an Off-Road SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2003 subaru impreza wrx oil type?

Answer: The 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX uses SAE 5w-30 full synthetic oil. It has the capacity to hold 4.8 quarts with a filter. Oil is important because it is a lubricant for the engine parts, it helps protect the...

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Not Rated

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety