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Photo of a Subaru Impreza

Subaru Impreza

1992 WRX: a 237-hp turbo boxer, all-wheel drive and a five-speed manual.1

Researched October 28, 2026 from 38 sources

Also called

  • ScoobyAn informal name used for the Impreza family.2
  • BugeyeEnthusiast name for the second generation's original round-headlight front end.1
  • BlobeyeThe second generation's first facelift gained wider, more sculpted headlights.1
  • HawkeyeThe second generation's final facelift paired swept-back headlights with a three-piece grille.1

At a glance

0510
4.3–9 s0–60 mph
0125250
192–229 km/hTop speed
0250500
197–431 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,220–1,522 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.271214151617

Engine
1.5–2.5 L boxer fours; WRX/STI EJ20/EJ25 turbos; fifth-gen FB20259
Layout
Front-engine; FWD or AWD, depending on market and year2
Gearbox
5-/6-speed manuals, 4-speed automatic; CVT from fourth generation58
Built at
GD/GG: Ōta, Japan; 2027: Gunma, Japan; SIA, U.S. planned for 20165913

The story

Launched in 1992 as the Leone's replacement, the Impreza started as a boxer-powered family car. The WRX added a turbo, revised suspension and rally-minded aero to that everyday shape.1

1992: Leone replacement: sedan, wagon, then coupe19921997: Three straight WRC manufacturers' titles19971998: 22B STi: 2.2 liters, 400 for Japan19982000: GD/GG: sedan, wagon, two facelifts20002005: Japanese STI reaches 422 Nm20052007: 2008 WRX STI becomes a hatchback20072011: Fourth gen: 2.0 boxer and CVT20112016: Global Platform and a U.S. production plan20162022: 2024 Impreza: RS returns, CVT only2022 Subaru Leone: 1971–1994Subaru LeoneSubaru Impreza (first generation) (GM/GC/GF): 1992–2000GM/GC/GFSubaru Impreza (second generation) (GD/GG): 2000–2007GD/GGSubaru Impreza (third generation) (GE/GH/GR/GV): Introduced 2007GE/GH/GR/GVSubaru Impreza (fourth generation): Introduced 2011Subaru Impreza (fifth generation): Introduced 2016 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones12578921
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1971–1994Subaru Leone
1992–2000Subaru Impreza (first generation) (GM/GC/GF)
2000–2007Subaru Impreza (second generation) (GD/GG)
Introduced 2007Subaru Impreza (third generation) (GE/GH/GR/GV)
Introduced 2011Subaru Impreza (fourth generation)
Introduced 2016Subaru Impreza (fifth generation)
1992Leone replacement: sedan, wagon, then coupe
1997Three straight WRC manufacturers' titles
199822B STi: 2.2 liters, 400 for Japan
2000GD/GG: sedan, wagon, two facelifts
2005Japanese STI reaches 422 Nm
20072008 WRX STI becomes a hatchback
2011Fourth gen: 2.0 boxer and CVT
2016Global Platform and a U.S. production plan
20222024 Impreza: RS returns, CVT only
  1. 1992

    Leone replacement: sedan, wagon, then coupe

    Japan gets sedan and wagon bodies with front- or all-wheel drive. A two-door coupe follows in 1995.2

  2. 1997

    Three straight WRC manufacturers' titles

    The Impreza WRC 97 caps Subaru's run of manufacturers' titles in 1995, 1996 and 1997, winning eight of 14 WRC events that season.3

  3. 1998

    22B STi: 2.2 liters, 400 for Japan

    The wide-bodied, two-door 22B STi gets a 2.2-liter engine, marking Subaru's 40th anniversary and its WRC success.14

  4. 2000

    GD/GG: sedan, wagon, two facelifts

    The second generation runs from 2000 to 2007, with GD sedans, GG wagons and two facelifts along the way.5

  5. 2005

    Japanese STI reaches 422 Nm

    Japan's WRX STI reaches 422 Nm; its revised DCCD adds a torque-sensitive mechanical limited-slip differential.6

  6. 2007

    2008 WRX STI becomes a hatchback

    The third-gen WRX debuts in 2007; the 2008 WRX STI arrives as a five-door hatchback with 305 hp and a six-speed manual.17

  7. 2011

    Fourth gen: 2.0 boxer and CVT

    The fourth generation adopts a new 2.0-liter boxer and Lineartronic CVT to cut fuel use; U.S. output is 148 hp.8

  8. 2016

    Global Platform and a U.S. production plan

    The fifth generation debuts on the Subaru Global Platform with U.S. assembly planned; the 2017 Impreza wins Japan Car of the Year.910

  9. 2022

    2024 Impreza: RS returns, CVT only

    Revealed as a 2024 model, the sixth-gen U.S. Impreza goes hatchback/CVT-only; the returning RS gets a 182-hp 2.5-liter boxer.1112

Every generation

  • Subaru Leone
    Subaru Leone1971–1994
  • Subaru Impreza (first generation)
    GM/GC/GF1992–2000
  • Subaru Impreza (second generation)
    GD/GG2000–2007
  • Subaru Impreza (third generation)
    GE/GH/GR/GVIntroduced 2007
  • Subaru Impreza (fourth generation)
    Subaru Impreza (fourth generation)Introduced 2011
  • Subaru Impreza (fifth generation)
    Subaru Impreza (fifth generation)Introduced 2016
  • Subaru WRX
    Subaru WRX

Power over the years

From 237 hp to 325 hp in 17 years.

0100200300400 1995200020052010201520202025 hp 1992 · 237 hp · WRX 2.0 turbo (Japan)1994 · 247 hp · WRX STI (Japan)1998 · 165 hp · U.S. 2.5RS coupe2000 · 296 hp · S2012002 · 227 hp · North American WRX2004 · 300 hp · North American STI, 2.5 L EJ252008 · 305 hp · WRX STI 2.5 turbo2009 · 325 hp · UK WRX STI 330S2012 · 148 hp · 2.0i, 2.0-liter FB2024 · 182 hp · RS 2.5-liter (U.S.)2027 · 180 hp · Base/RS 2.5-liter (announced) 325 hp UK WRX STI 330S 237 hp WRX 2.0 turbo (Japan)
1271113141718
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1992237WRX 2.0 turbo (Japan)
1994247WRX STI (Japan)
1998165U.S. 2.5RS coupe
2000296S201
2002227North American WRX
2004300North American STI, 2.5 L EJ25
2008305WRX STI 2.5 turbo
2009325UK WRX STI 330S
20121482.0i, 2.0-liter FB
2024182RS 2.5-liter (U.S.)
2027180Base/RS 2.5-liter (announced)

Versions

9 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • 2.5i / 2.5i SE

    Standard

    2.5i / 2.5i SE

    2007

    173 hp
  • Outback Sport / Outback Sport SE

    Standard

    Outback Sport / Outback Sport SE

    2007

    173 hp

  • Performance

    2.5RS

    1998

    165 hp

  • Performance

    WRX Type R (Version III)

    1996–1997

    276 hp
  • WRX STI Spec C Type RA-R (Japan)

    Performance

    WRX STI Spec C Type RA-R (Japan)

    2007

    316 hp
  • P1 (UK)

    Limited

    P1 (UK)

    2000

    276 hp

    1,000 built

  • 22B STi (Japan)

    Limited

    22B STi (Japan)

    1998

    276 hp

    400 built

  • Limited

    S201

    2000

    296 hp

    300 built

  • Limited

    S206 NBR Challenge Package (Japan)

    2011

    316 hp

    100 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • First-gen 1.6/1.8s in Japan/Europe began with a small central grille; WRXs had a full grille.2
  • A scoop alone proves little: first-gen Outback Sport and 2.5RS hood intakes were decorative.218
  • Second-gen STI clues: larger hood scoop, STI-stamped fog-light covers and Brembo brakes.5
  • Fourth-gen cars: hexagonal grille, hawk-eye lights and mirrors mounted on the front doors.8
  • Fifth-gen cars: hexagonal grille, sharp headlights and a crease rising along the lower doors.9

Year by year

  1. 1997 (UK Turbo)

    16-inch wheels, stronger brakes and a refreshed dashboard distinguish the updated UK Turbo.20

  2. 2000; North America MY2002

    The second generation arrives with the Bugeye nose: large, round headlights.15

  3. 2005 Japan; 2006 North America

    The Hawkeye facelift brings sharper, swept-back headlights and Subaru's three-part grille.15

  4. 2008 STI

    The STI switches to a five-door hatch, with swollen fenders and functional front-quarter vents.7

  5. 2024 (U.S.)

    The sedan disappears; the revived RS hatch adds dark 18-inch wheels, black trim and RS badges on its doors and hatch.1112

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Subaru Impreza
    Impreza
    Photo of a Saab 9-2X
    Saab 9-2X

    Saab 9-2X

    Saab-styled bodywork on an Impreza wagon; the Aero uses the WRX as its starting point.1

  • Photo of a Subaru Impreza
    Impreza
    Photo of a Dodge Shadow
    Dodge Shadow

    Dodge Shadow

    The first-gen two-door silhouette is similar; the 2.5RS adds a hood scoop, a large rear wing and gold 16-inch wheels.218

Against its rivals

  • Audi S4 Quattro

    Impreza vs Audi S4 Quattro

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    Impreza5.4 s
    Audi S4 Quattro5.5 s
    17

  • Impreza vs BMW 330xi (2001)

    Price as tested lower is better

    Impreza$24,520
    BMW 330xi (2001)$39,123
    17
  • Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (2003)

    Impreza vs Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (2003)

    Dirt-course time lower is better

    Impreza48.9 s
    Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (2003)48.6 s
    22
  • Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR

    Impreza vs Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    Impreza4.8 s
    Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR5.4 s
    722

Prices

Value today $8.5K–$38.0K333435

Price when newAuction saleValue todayPrices on a log scale
$1K$10K$100K$1M 1995200020052010201520202025 Value today: $8,500–$38,000 1993 · $11,499 · US FWD L, starting price2007 · $17,995 · US 2.5i sedan manual MSRP2027 · $24,595 · US Base MSRP, announced2027 · $29,495 · US RS MSRP, announced 1993 · $11,499 · US FWD L starting price, 1993 model year 2024 · $20,000 · 2001 2.5RS coupe, 64k miles shown, TMU, Bring a Trailer2024 · $106,000 · 1998 22B STi, 78k km, BaT2025 · $8,500 · 2002 WRX sedan, 65k km, BaT2025 · $13,250 · 2011 WRX hatchback, 85k miles, BaT2025 · $10,750 · 1998 2.5RS, 137k miles, BaT2026 · $329,500 · 1998 22B STi, under 8,200 km shown, Amelia Island Auctions2026 · $49,000 · 2004 WRX STi, 56k miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $21,000 · 2014 WRX STi, 83k miles, BaT2026 · $38,000 · 2004 WRX STi modified, 46k miles, BaT $329.5K Amelia Island Auctions, 2026
41013193132333435363738
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1993Launch price$11,499US FWD L starting price, 1993 model year
1993Price when new$11,499US FWD L, starting price
2007Price when new$17,995US 2.5i sedan manual MSRP
2027Price when new$24,595US Base MSRP, announced
2027Price when new$29,495US RS MSRP, announced
2024Auction sale$20,0002001 2.5RS coupe, 64k miles shown, TMU, Bring a Trailer
2024Auction sale$106,0001998 22B STi, 78k km, BaT
2025Auction sale$8,5002002 WRX sedan, 65k km, BaT
2025Auction sale$13,2502011 WRX hatchback, 85k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$10,7501998 2.5RS, 137k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$329,5001998 22B STi, under 8,200 km shown, Amelia Island Auctions
2026Auction sale$49,0002004 WRX STi, 56k miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$21,0002014 WRX STi, 83k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$38,0002004 WRX STi modified, 46k miles, BaT
2026Value today$8,500–$38,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 9 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “Mäkinen's 7:55 came with a bigger turbo”
    • “Higgins's first TT lap: 19:56.7”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 7 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 38 sources
  1. Subaru Impreza WRX and STI: A Guide To Every Generation carthrottle.com
  2. Subaru Impreza - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  3. 1996 Subaru Impreza Previously Sold | FISKENS fiskens.com
  4. 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STi | Gooding Christie’s goodingco.com
  5. Subaru Impreza (second generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  6. FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES Ltd. NEWS RELEASE | NewsRelease | Subaru Corporation subaru.co.jp
  7. 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - First Test - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  8. FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES Ltd. NEWS RELEASE | NewsRelease | Subaru Corporation subaru.co.jp
  9. World Premiere of All-New Subaru Impreza at New York International Auto Show The first of Subaru’s next-generation vehicles laid out in its mid-term management vision | NewsRelease | Subaru Corporatio subaru.co.jp
  10. Driving Japan’s Car of the Year, the Subaru Impreza, and its great-great-grandfather | Japanese Nostalgic Car japanesenostalgiccar.com
  11. World Premier of All-New Subaru Impreza | NewsRelease | Subaru Corporation subaru.co.jp
  12. 2024 Subaru Impreza Is a Clif Bar on Wheels caranddriver.com
  13. SUBARU ANNOUNCES PRICING ON 2027 SUBARU IMPREZA, MOST AFFORDABLE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE COMPACT CAR ON SALE IN U.S. prnewswire.com
  14. 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Long-Term Wrap-Up – Review – Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  15. FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES Ltd. NEWS RELEASE | NewsRelease | Subaru Corporation subaru.co.jp
  16. Subaru Impreza special editions Mk1 and Mk2 - 22B, RB5, P1, UK300 and more | evo evo.co.uk
  17. Unfair Fight? 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX vs. Audi S4 Quattro and BMW 330xi caranddriver.com
  18. Tested: 1998 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS, the First Rally-Inspired Subie caranddriver.com
  19. Subaru 2007 Impreza Outback Sport, Special Edition SE, 2.5i sedan and sport wagon, WRX, STi, options, price, photos and more cars101.com
  20. Subaru Impreza Turbo buying guide, history and model review - Octane Magazine octane-magazine.com
  21. Subaru Leone - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  22. 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution vs. Subaru Impreza WRX STi caranddriver.com
  23. Subaru Impreza WRC97: the anatomy of a WRC car | evo evo.co.uk
  24. FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES Ltd. NEWS RELEASE | NewsRelease | Subaru Corporation subaru.co.jp
  25. When the Subaru Impreza first emerged in the WRC – DirtFish dirtfish.com
  26. Subaru sets a lap time of 7:55 around the Nürburgring Nordschleife | Motoroids motoroids.com
  27. rally.ie - Stories - SUBARU SMASHES ISLE OF MAN LAP RECORD WITH STANDARD WRX STI rally.ie
  28. RWD Subaru? 'Baby Driver's' stunt genius tells us how he drove those scenes - Autoblog autoblog.com
  29. "Gran Turismo Sport" Latest Update: The Addition of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and Nine New Cars - NEWS - gran-turismo.com gran-turismo.com
  30. Buying a used Subaru Impreza (2012-2016) - carsales.com.au carsales.com.au
  31. 2001 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS Coupe 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $20,000 on October 19, 2024 (Lot #167,352) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $49,000 on October 13, 2026 (Lot #268,204) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,500 on September 22, 2025 (Lot #211,216) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: Modified 46k-Mile 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $38,000 on February 9, 2026 (Lot #229,455) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. No Reserve: 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STi for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $106,000 on March 11, 2024 (Lot #138,620) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. Original-Owner 2014 Subaru Impreza WRX STi 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $21,000 on July 10, 2026 (Lot #251,748) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. No Reserve: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX Hatchback for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,250 on April 30, 2025 (Lot #189,696) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. No Reserve: 1998 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $10,750 on March 13, 2025 (Lot #183,440) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • carthrottle.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • fiskens.com
  • goodingco.com
  • subaru.co.jp
  • motortrend.com
  • japanesenostalgiccar.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • prnewswire.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • cars101.com
  • octane-magazine.com
  • dirtfish.com
  • motoroids.com

Photo credits

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