Subaru is a brand known for offering fun, safe cars at an affordable price. One of the leading cars that this foundation rests on is the Subaru WRX. The 2000-2007 Subaru WRX is one of the brand's most well-known offerings (with the 2006 model in particular a standout). The car offers sport sedan prowess at a reasonable price with comfortable features that are integral inside a daily driver.

Available in both sedan and wagon iterations, the WRX is adaptable in that it is an excellent choice for individuals and families alike. Car enthusiasts hail the driving dynamics of the WRX. Its analog nature makes it an incredibly engaging car to drive. Overall, it is no wonder that used values for the WRX are through the roof and only getting higher.

The Impreza WRX's Drivetrain And Powertrain

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Via: Teahub

Early examples (2000-2006) of the second generation Subaru Impreza WRX feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder. The "EJ20" boxer four produces a reasonable 227 horsepower and 217-pound feet of torque. Post-facelift (2006-2007) Subaru Impreza WRXs feature a variation of the STI's boxer-four cylinder and produce 230 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque.

The standard Subaru Impreza WRX is available with only a five-speed manual transmission. While most enthusiasts would prefer the extra gear found in its STi sibling, the five-speed is still a venerable unit that handles the power well. EPA mileage estimates on the WRX are 20 city and 27 highway, highly efficient for a sports sedan of its caliber.

Related: Here's What Made The Bug Eye Subaru Impreza So Awesome

The Impreza WRX's Performance And Handling

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Via: Subaru

Performance and handling are characteristics that separate the second-generation Subaru Impreza WRX from the rest of the pack. The WRX reaches 60 in only 5.6 seconds. But there is far more to the WRX than just straight-line acceleration.

Subaru's famous full time all-wheel drive system constantly keeps the driver in complete control. It also throws every bit of the car's 235 lb-ft of torque efficiently to the ground. Suspension is extremely firm and makes for agile, go-kart-like handling. Despite the absence of a six-speed manual, rowing through the gears is still a fun and engaging experience.

The standard five-speed unit features short throws and a low first gear. Four-piston Brembos brakes are optional to enhance the car's braking ability further. The DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential) allows complete control of the vehicle's front to rear torque distribution for precise adjustments that will enable the WRX to perform gallantly in any situation.

Related: Retro Review: Living With, Tuning, And Racing The Original Subaru WRX Bugeye From 2002

The Impreza WRX's Interior, Quality, And Technology

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Via: Mecum Auctions

The Subaru Impreza WRX is a fine car that crosses into entry-level luxury pricing without any luxury features. Though the WRX is a nice car, there are only a few changes to make the base Impreza interior any nicer. Hard touch creaking plastic is throughout the cabin and even makes its way to the airbag cover. Switches and rotary knobs have a cheap finish, most of which are chipping and illegible in 2021. Analog gauges feature clear markings with red backlighting to further drive home the performance nature of the WRX. A color-matching shift boot is a nice touch as well. The seats themselves are of excellent quality, with firm bolstering that hugs the torso. Unfortunately for rear-seat passengers, Subaru keeps this energy only upfront. The rear seat bench is extremely firm with little to no support.

Furthermore, there are no rear head restraints, unacceptable for a 2000's car. For individuals seeking the WRX experience with a nicer cabin, the Saab 9-2X is a close sibling of the vehicle. Essentially a rebadge of the WRX. The Saab 9-2X is the same car with a different nose and higher-quality interior.

Related: 10 Things Every Future Owner Should Know Before Buying A Subaru WRX

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Via Hemmings

Cargo capacity is a strong suit of the second-generation WRX. The sedan features 11 cubic feet of trunk space, while the wagon iteration brings capacity up to 27.9 cubic feet or 61.6 cubic feet with the seats down. This amount of space is substantial in a compact vehicle. Cabin noise is also intrusive in the second generation WRX, making long road trips at high speeds a noisy experience. The noise level is also attributable to the frameless window designs, which can also have water intrusion as the delicate seals' age.

The Impreza WRX's Pricing And Reliability

2006 Subaru Impreza WRX TR
Via carsandbids.com

While still a great buy, values for the second generation Subaru Impreza WRX are on the rise. With an original base price of just over $25,000, the WRX is an even better value today. Thanks to television and movies renewing interest in the car, clean WRX's with under 100,000 miles regularly fetch $10,000 to 15,000, while consumers can find project cars for substantially less. Given the vehicles' culture, it is increasingly difficult to find an example without modification. Reliability is strong on the WRX, with a tendency for failing head gaskets over 100,000 miles tending to be their only common issue. Overall the second generation Subaru WRX is an economical and safe means of stepping into the world of car enthusiasts.