2003 Subaru Impreza pictures and wallpaper 2003 Subaru Impreza pictures and wallpaper 2003 Subaru Impreza pictures and wallpaper 2003 Subaru Impreza pictures and wallpaper
2003 Subaru Impreza pictures and wallpaper 2003 Subaru Impreza pictures and wallpaper 2003 Subaru Impreza pictures and wallpaper 2003 Subaru Impreza pictures and wallpaper
2003 Subaru Impreza pictures and wallpaper 2003 Subaru Impreza pictures and wallpaper
More Photographs    Engine Photos   

Introduced by Subaru in November of 1992, the Impreza is a compact car that was offered in either front wheel or all wheel drive and featured sporty curves. The Impreza came in both four-door sedan/saloon versions or five-door station wagon/estate. More compact than the Legacy, the Impreza had a more enhanced high-performance driving and feeling of quality than its predecessor.

The Impreza became Subaru's entry into the small-car maket segment in U.S., European, Japanese and numorous other world markets. ‘Subura' a Japanese word meaning ‘unite' has a reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction that is represented in their more than 10 million vehicles sold worldwide.

Equipped with a flat engine (or an internal combustion engine, also called a boxermotor) the Impreza came with distinguishable Subaru characteristics. With an engine choice of 1.5: or 1.8L naturally-aspirated engines that were neither turbocharged nor supercharged.

Available in a 4-wheel drive turbo charged version that delivered 211Bhp and had the distinction of the turbo charger mounted on the right side of the engine. The intercooler is located above the engine, therefore the reason for the big central air vent on the bonnet of the Impreza. On the racing version of the Impreza, the intercooler is located in the front bumper.

The Impreza came with an engine that was mounted longitudinally, making the gearbox and transmission much easier to fit and service.

For drivers searching for a car that provides thrills without major frills, the Japanese manufacturers have gained the status of being the only ones still able to produce a car for such a low price. Subaru Impreza turbo is gaining impressive commercial success due to price to performance ratio, its racing successes and reliable features.

The Impreza turbo's commercial success has led to production of more impressive versions that aren't available outside of Japan. The Impreza GT turbo evolved into becoming a multiple World Rally Champion with three world championship titles.

Common in Japan and Europe, special editions of the Impreza were available, usually coinciding with significant victories at World Rally Championships.

For the 1997 model year, the Impreza received an updated exterior facelift that was followed by a complete interior redesign in 1998.

A first-generation Impreza, turbocharged was never received in the North American market.

Elizabeth Johnson
Subaru introduced its Impreza Compact Car in 1993 and has since become a pinnacle of performance. The name 'Impreza' was derived from an Italian word 'impresa', meaning a feat or achievement. In Polish, the name 'Impreza' means to 'party', an 'event' or 'show'. In either language, the name is suitable.

When the Impreza was first introduced in November of 1993, it was available in either front wheel drive or all wheel drive configuration. Two bodystyles were offered, a four-door sedan or five-door station wagon. The two-door coupe followed a few years later, in 1995. Trim levels included the LX, GL, and Sport. Adding to the vehicles versatility, the Impreza was offered with a variety of engines, including a 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0-liter engine. To boost performance further, a turbocharger and intercooler was available on the 2-liter engine. Horsepower for the forced-induction engine was an impressive 208. In the Japanese market, the output was even higher.

Subaru Tecnica International (STi) was formed in 1988; their purpose was to specialize in the preparation of vehicles for rallies. In 1994, they were given the opportunity to create a version of the Impreza to bear the 'STi' nameplate. When introduced, it was only available in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) and European Domestic Market (EDM). These versions featured performance-tuned engines, transmission, and suspensions. Horsepower was raised above the normal WRX models, and could carry the vehicles from zero-to-sixty in just 4.9 seconds. Top speed was electronically limited at 122 mph. The European market had a slightly de-tuned version of the engine, though performance was still impressive. Additional steps were taken to prepare the vehicles for rally competition. The soundproofing material was reduced, the air conditioning removed, and void of many non-essential amenities. The overall weight of the vehicle was reduced significantly.

The Impreza received cosmetic changes in 1997 and the interior was redesigned in the following year. The design-inspiration for the interior was borrowed from the Forester.

Special edition Impreza's have been introduced throughout its production lifespan. These limited edition models are often tuned for greater performance or given unique cosmetic changes. The purpose is often to commemorate a racing success or to honor a racing legend. Editions include the Series McRae, 555, Catalunya, Terzo, RB5, P1, and 22B. A limited edition version of the Impreza Wagon was even offered for a short time, dubbed the CasaBlanca.

The European market received a performance upgraded version of the Impreza in 1999 which featured an improved turbocharger and 4-pot calibers with larger disc brakes. The suspension was improved and the seating became more racer-oriented with bucket seats similar to the STi version.

While the rest of the world was offered the turbocharger version of the Impreza, the North American market was left to sit on the side-lines. The turbocharger would not come across 'the pond' during the first generation of the Impreza. The Impreza was offered with the 1.8-liter engine with either front- or all-wheel drive. A 2.2-liter version of the engine became available in 1995. The FWD was later droped and all Subaru's became all-wheel drive as standard.

Subaru was unsure of the performance market in North America, and thus, offered only basic engines. In 1998, the year the 1.8-liter engine was no longer available, Subaru decided to explore the possibilities of performance in the US. They offered a performance model dubbed the Impreza 2.5RS. The 2.5-liter DOHC naturally-aspirated engine produced 165 horsepower and had performance upgrades throughout the vehicle, including larger brakes and 16-inch five-spoke gold-colored wheels. Hood vents, rear spoiler, and a hood scoop helped segregate the styling from this 'special' model and its non-tuned sibling.

In 2001, Subaru introduced a larger, more refined and improved, Impreza. For some, the changes were a step in the wrong direction, as the car grew in size and weight. It was tamer beast for the typical day-to-day driving conditions and the extra size meant it was more versatile. Also, the coupe model was no longer offered.

The WRX version, for the United States, with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that cranked out nearly 230 horsepower became available the following year, in 2002. The US had to wait a long time to get the STi version, which did not enter into production for the States until 2004. To comply with safety and emission control laws in the United States, it was not the same thoroughbred racer as in other parts of the world. Still, it was a very impressive machine. In other markets, the STi was equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger 2.0-liter engine. In the US, the STi was powered by a 2.5-liter EJ25 engine mated with a turbocharger.

In 2003, the Impreza was given a facelift, mainly due to the negative reaction by some media outlets. One of the more noticeable changes were to the headlamps, which became more square. Another redesign occurred in 2006 on all Impreza's, featuring changes to its headlights, taillights, and bumpers - among other changes.

The Third generation of the Impreza was introduced to the world at the 2007 New York Auto Show, ready for sale in 2008. It will be available as a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback.

Photos grouped by event

Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally

2005 STPR - Susquehannock Trail ProRally

2003 Subaru Impreza

Year2003
MakeSubaru
ModelImpreza
Engine LocationFront
Drive TypeAWD
Body / ChassisSteel unibody
Production Years for Series2002 - 2007
Weight3046 lbs | 1381.7 kg

Engine  
Engine ConfigurationI
Cylinders4
Aspiration/InductionTurbocharged
Displacement2.09 L | 127.5 cu in. | 2089.7 cc.
Valves16 valves.
4 valves per cylinder.
ValvetrainDOHC
Horsepower227.00 HP (167.1 KW) @ 6000.00 RPM
Torque217.00 Ft-Lbs (294.3 NM) @ 4000.00 RPM
HP to Weight Ratio13.4 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio)
HP / Liter108.6 BHP / Liter
Compression Ratio8.00:1
Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight

Transmission Information
Gears5
TransmissionManual


 
Similar Automakers
Add Review
Subaru History
Manufacturer Website
Other models by Subaru
View Specifications
AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Articles and Event Coverage
Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally
2005 STPR - Susquehannock Trail ProRally
2003 Detroit MI
2003 Lehigh Valley PA
2003 New York City, NY
2003 Philadelphia PA
2003 Richmond VA
2002 Washington DC

Additional Resources and Links
STPR - Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally Official Website

2003 Subaru models
Baja
Forester
Impreza WRC
Impreza WRX STi
Legacy
Outback
2003 Subaru Concepts
Subaru B11S
Subaru B9 Scrambler Concept
Subaru R1e

Other Model Years
2008 Impreza WRX
2008 Impreza
2008 Impreza WRX STi
2008 Impreza WRC2008
2007 Impreza WRX STI Limited
2007 Impreza WRX STi RB320
2007 Impreza
2007 Impreza WRC2006
2007 Impreza WRC2007
2007 Impreza WRX GB270
2007 Impreza WRX Concept
2006 Impreza WRX STi WRC
2006 Impreza
2006 Impreza S204
2006 Impreza WRX STi
2005 Impreza
2005 Impreza WRX STI
2004 Impreza
2004 Impreza WRX Bosal
2004 Impreza WR1
2004 Impreza WRC
2003 Impreza WRX STi
2003 Impreza WRC
2002 Impreza WRC
2002 Impreza
2002 Impreza Type Euro
2001 Impreza WRX Series
2001 Impreza WRX STi
2001 Impreza
2000 Impreza
2000 Impreza P1
2000 Impreza GT
1999 Impreza
1998 Impreza 22B STi
1998 Impreza WRX sti
1997 Impreza
1996 Impreza
1995 Impreza
1994 Impreza
1993 Impreza
Vehicle Spotlight
Mazda Kiyora Concept2009 Hyundai i201912 Mercedes Race Car
2009 Kia Borrego Images and Info2009 Chevrolet CorvetteMazda Kazamai Concept
Fiat Fiorino Portofino ConceptJetstream SC250Mitsubishi Racing Lancer Debut
Trident IceniChevrolet Cruze2009 Lexus SC 430 Pebble Beach Edition
2009 Lexus LS 600h L Pebble Beach Edition2009 Infiniti G37 ConvertibleIFR Automotive Aspid
Lotus EvoraRolls-Royce Pininfarina Hyperion2008 Lamborghini Reventon