The 2002 Subaru WRX hit American streets nearly two decades ago. When it arrived, there was nothing else like it. Here's the formula:
- Start with a potent 227 horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
- Offer it with standard all-wheel-drive.
- Top it off with a slick interior fitted with a Momo steering wheel and amply-bolstered bucket seats.
The package was offered at a bargain price below $24,000, making it an affordable instant cult favorite among stage rally enthusiasts. This mechanic-owned White 2002 WRX is currently offered on eBay with a Buy-It-Now price of $9,995. It’s a case study in why enthusiasts love the sporty Subaru hatchback.
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The rally-inspired WRX launched overseas in 1992, but it took 10 years for the little terror to find its way to America. (The more powerful WRX STI followed in 2004.)
Although stage rally racing is popular worldwide, it remains a niche motorsport in the USA. The sport is dominated by Subaru—following the departure - opens in new window or tab. of its primary competitor, the venerable Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution - opens in new window or tab..
2002 WRX: Rally Car and Daily Driver
The 2002 WRX differs significantly from its Impreza platform. The name WRX stands for “World Rally eXperimental.” But the whole is much more than the sum of its parts. The WRX is not just a turbo slapped on the horizontally-opposed Boxer engine, a capable all-wheel-drive system, beefed up brakes, trick shock absorbers, and a Momo steering wheel.
The charm of the 2002 Subaru WRX is that it’s a rally car and a daily driver. Motor Trend - opens in new window or tab. wrote this in 2004:
Who would’ve imagined a funky little Japanese wagon with puppy-dog eyes and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine could reach 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds and trip the quarter-mile timing lights at over 93 mph in 14.44 seconds?
The '02 WRX Is Built to Mod
With its distinctive bug-eyed headlights, the 2002 WRX is many Subaru enthusiasts’ most beloved model-year combo. It’s all about the mods. Good luck trying to to find one in an unmodified state with low miles.
Many early WRXs have been extensively modded and driven for hundreds of thousands of miles. Aftermarket Subaru parts are abundant. Subie owners love to tune the turbocharged engines (often with explosive results) and tweak suspension systems.
Subaru sold a total of 35,306 WRX in the 2002 model year in America. The sedan was nearly twice as prevalent in 2002—with 23,141 WRX sedans sold versus 12,165 WRX wagons.
One might think that the wagon’s rarity would mean an increase in sales price over time. But that’s not the case. Today’s average value, according to Hagerty, is roughly five percent lower for the wagon.
A Primo 2002 WRX For Sale on eBay
The WRX for sale on eBay showed 201,583 miles. (The engine is said to have 125,000 miles of use.)
The Boxer engine features an Invidia downpipe - opens in new window or tab. with a Perrin Intake and Inlet. An aluminum Mishimoto radiator - opens in new window or tab. keeps engine temperatures in check. Exhaust gases flow through a Borla header and a custom three-inch straight pipe exhaust.
A Cobb V3 Accessport - opens in new window or tab. comes with the car. The transmission has a lightened flywheel, OEM spec competition clutch, and a Kartboy short shifter - opens in new window or tab..
With a skilled driver behind the wheel, the 2002 WRX can reach 60 miles per hour in less than six seconds. That’s the norm in a stone stock car. The modifications in this particular hatchback would logically take off about a second. However, the seller doesn’t mention his Bug eye 2002 WRX’s horsepower or torque levels.
The car looks fresh inside and out. It got new paint in 2017, as well as an OEM STI hood scoop. There are also new seats and door cards from a lower mileage car. It’s tastefully lowered on Raceland Coilovers - opens in new window or tab. and sporting Konig Runlite wheels - opens in new window or tab. wrapped with Yokohama Advan Fleva tires - opens in new window or tab..
The wheel and tire combo are a recent addition, with approximately 5,000 road miles. White-letter Rally Armor mud flaps protect the car’s flanks.
Clean 2002 WRX wagons are getting harder to find these days. With over 200K miles on the clock, this one is fully broken in. It's ready for its next 100,000 miles--on daily commutes, road trips, and the rally stage.
While most performance cars crawl into the garage and hibernate when winter rolls around, the AWD WRX covers the miles and brings those smiles 12 months a year.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.