What’s so special about WRX

Having dissected Subaru’s EJ engine and reading through all the comments left on that video got us thinking; if the EJ boxer (despite its rally cred) is so disliked by so many performance enthusiasts – what makes the WRX/STi platform so popular? To find out we invited a whole bunch of Subaru owners and picked their brains on the subject.

While the EJ made its debut in 1989 in the Subaru Legacy, today we’re concentrating on the WRX/STi platform in its various guises. Well, except for the Levorg and the Rex but we’ll come to those later.

Gen 1: 1992 – 1999

The first generation of Subaru Impreza was introduced in 1992. In its performance (WRX and STi) variants it proved to be a light, agile and very capable car, thanks partly to its unique AWD system and partly to the new EJ20 flat four which, in its most powerful version (1997 STi) made 276hp. This model continued until the year 2000 with a facelift in 1998.

Unfortunately North America missed out on the first generation of WRXs which makes them the most desirable Subaru models in the US.

Aaron’s GF8 Wagon

Aaron’s is a 1999 wagon variant with a factory engine plus some bolt-on goodies like the STi VF28 turbo, STi intercooler, 3″ exhaust and an STi body kit.

“It is a great cruiser and fits more stuff in the back than my old Triton Ute! It handles well and gets up and goes when you want it too. I also love its classic shape.”

“As much as cruising around is great, I wish it was manual for those spirited drives. I will do a manual conversion one day.”

Gen 2: 2000 – 2004

Introduced 2000 with its famous, or rather infamous “BugEye”, the second generation Impreza included two facelifts – one in  2002 (the BlobEye) and the other in 2006 (the HawkEye). The 2002 was the first version to be sold in the US market. In 2005 both the WRX and the STi moved to an EJ25 turbo. The most powerful of these made 295hp.

Arty’s BlobEye

Arthur’s 2005 WRX is the first facelift model, affectionately called “Blobeye”. It’s powered by an EJ20 with some mild bolt-ons; Turbosmart BOV, Invidia N1 catback exhaust, STi spoiler and bonnet scoop.

“I’ve had it for over four years now. It’s a great daily driver that you can enjoy at track days. I really like that about it – it’s versatile.”

“It does suffer from the usual problems like the leaking rocker cover gaskets, I have to keep changing spark plugs all the time.”

Dave’s HawkEye

Dave’s is the 2006, “HawkEye” facelift model. It is probably the most powerful car on the track today. It’s powered by a built EJ25 with a Garrett GT35 frame turbo, a front-mount intercooler and an upgraded fuel system.

“I’ve had it for about seven years and I still love it. The way it comes on boost is just… mind-blowing – it’s like a big cam in an older style car.”

“Even though it looks like a daily and I do drive it frequently it wasn’t really built for that. The suspension is too firm for commuting. But it comes to its own on a race track!”

Gen 3: 2007 – 2014

2007 saw the introduction of the third generation Impreza. Longer and wider than the outgoing model the Impreza lost the wagon option but gained a five-door hatch. Both the WRX and the STi were powered by a turbocharged EJ25, making up to 305hp in the limited “STi Spec C” edition.

Dan’s Daily GH

Daniel’s 2008 model WRX is fairly close to a standard car. The only mods are a blow-off valve and a performance exhaust.

“I use it on daily basis and really like it. It’s a great daily driver, being very functional in the hatch, but also light, quick and nice to look at.”

“This generation WRXs did not have the nice, wide body that the previous versions had. To get a wide body in this model you had to get an STi. Sadly, mine is not an STi.”

Subaru switched to direct injection in 2011 and a new engine (the FA) appeared, first in the naturally aspirated models and eventually fully replacing the EJ in 2014 with the 5th Gen cars.

The Levorg

And now we get to the Levorg which, in its factory form, has not a lot in common with its EJ-powered WRX/STi brethren. But this is not your run-of-the-mill Levorg. This one, has been modified by Marty (of the Mighty Car Mods fame) and half Levorg – half STi. The STi half includes the EJ25 engine along with the transmission, front end and the car’s interior.

The Rex

The Rex is the odd one out here. It’s neither a WRX, nor is it powered by an EJ. Heck, it’s not even an AWD! But it is a Subaru and it’s interesting to see how the company’s technology, design and market focus changed in just a few short years. Remember the first WRX came out only one year after Benny’s Rex ended its 15-year production run.

Powered by a supercharged, 660cc, inline four cylinder, the Rex made a whopping 64hp when new. Now, 32 years later it might not be the fastest, nor the best handling machine at the track but it’s still fun to throw around.

As interesting as the Levorg and the Rex are though, the real reason we invited Marty and Benny (from Benny’s Custom Works) to this track day is because they’re both self-confessed Subaru fans. Here is what they had to say…

Best WRX/STi for modding

Benny reckons the 2005 WRX and STi are the best platforms to start with if you want to embark on a modifying journey. They offer a solid, reliable, and fairly inexpensive base that’s supported by a plethora of aftermarket performance parts and accessories.

Benny’s Pro Tips

Lubricate, lubricate, lubricate. EJs like to consume oil so check your oil level and change it frequently. The head gasket issue mostly affected the early EJ25 engines, so an EJ20 is always a safer bet.

Marty’s Verdict

It’s not about the size of the turbo or the horsepower. It’s not about the all-wheel-drive or even the boxer sound. Sure, they all add up to a practical, versatile yet still exciting to drive and an easily modded ride, but it seems for the WRX fans it’s about the lifestyle.

The Subaru’s WRX/STi community seems to be very supportive, inclusive, and while acknowledging its inherent faults, very passionate about their rides. And isn’t that what drew us all to the car culture in the first place?

Recommended Reading: What’s so special about Subaru’s EJ25 / 25 engine.