The Subaru Impreza WRX comes from a long line of toned, honed vehicles created with world class rallying pedigree behind them and targeted at the mainstream market thanks to improbably affordable pricing. The Impreza WRX family has undergone some major changes over the years after its Japanese debut in 1992, going on to make its first official appearance on the US market back in 2001. However, it has always combined speed and fun whether on or off road, making it an approachable yet ferocious rallying machine.

2002 USDM Subaru Impreza WRX

With up to 265hp pumped out of the 2.5 liter engine found in the most recent Impreza WRX it can propel you to 60mph in around five seconds when you put the pedal to the metal. Like all cars with a rallying heritage it takes full advantage of a turbocharger to boost its relatively small engine capacity above and beyond the call of duty. After shifting to a 2.5L engine in 2006, up from the traditional 2.0L powerhouse that had been used since the vehicle`s inception, fans of the Impreza WRX have never looked back.

Subaru EJ25 Shortblock Engine

It is arguably action sports star Ken Block who has helped catapult the Subaru Impreza WRX into the public consciousness in the US over the past few years. The action sports star has made the Impreza WRX his signature vehicle, with the Monster Energy branding and crazy stunts helping to popularize the car and his racing credentials via YouTube.

While all of the glitz, glamor, slow-mo and explosions present an exciting visual blend that is largely used to sell shoes, t-shirts and soft drinks, the careful observer will note how entirely the tuned-up Impreza is mastered by Block. Whether it is pounding down tarmac roads or chewing across open desert it seems poised and responsive. This is the kind of thing that appeals to enthusiasts and although the stock Impreza WRX is not going to deliver identical power or performance, it does come from the same lineage and has similarly impressive potential which US drivers can harness.

Block was a founding member of Subaru Rally Team USA, along with fellow action sports star Travis Pastrana. The team is now headed up by David Higgins and Dave Mirra and it continues to prove that Subaru is capable of producing world-class rally cars, even if the manufacturer itself was forced to bring its official team to a premature close back in 2008 as a result of financial issues.

Subaru World Rally Team’s Last WRC Impreza

Because the Subaru WRX has been changed and updated over the years you can find some great used editions for sale on sites like Netcars which have been carefully maintained and kept at their peak even if they have since been superseded by new models. One major advantage of its popularity is that there are many aftermarket components and garages staffed by experts who can help bring stock Subaru WRXs to life. This means that if you are planning to head into the wilderness on a multitude of surfaces and in various punishing weather conditions then the Subaru Impreza WRX is a good vehicle to choose.