The History of the USDM Impreza as told by JC... - Subaru Enthusiasts Car Club of the Sierras

JC · 2005-12-17, 05:41 PM

It has come to my attention that some of the n00bs think I am a bit harsh on the newer age body style "cars" both here and on RS25.com. To remedy this misconception and to educate my fellow Subaru owners, I present to you Part 1 of the greatest Subaru story ever told by me on the internet lately...

Reaching the hallowed shores of the United States during the 1993 model year, the Subaru Impreza marked a new era for the car manufacturer that previous built awkwardly square cars driven only by hippies and ski bums. Having only started to penetrate the mainstream market with the family oriented Legacy, the Impreza was a thrust into the heart of the small car segment.

Smartly styled with a mieserly 1.8l, the Impreza was initially available in three models base, L, and LS. A sedan or sport wagon was available in either FWD or with Subarus trademark AWD.

In 1995 a coupe version was introduced as was a new more powerful 2.2l engine. A smashing success the new coupe was called "the car of the mid 90s" by several people.

The Impreza recieved a facelift in 1997 with new sharper and more masculine lines. The Outback Sport model got a new hood with scoop and vents from the firebreathing JDM WRX models. While a popular vehicle it's real significance was to give a glimpse at the greatest Impreza model ever to grace the shores of America.... the 2.5RS.

Due to poor marketing of the magnificent Impreza and ill concieved models like the SVX dragging down the line-up, Subaru of America was seen to be struggling a bit. The 2.5RS was a car so great it was the single reason that SOA was able to turn around as a company (it is a common misconception that this was due to the Outback, wholly un-true).

Introduced as a 1998 model, the formula for success was amazingly simply. With a large 2.5l out of the bloated Legacy, stiffer suspension, JDM WRX body work, improved seats and shifter, and blingin' gold rims the 2.5RS was a car it seemed impossible to improve upon. Yet Subaru managed to do just that. In 1999 the 2.5RS recieved the JDM WRX front bumper and a new SOHC powerplant.

Managing to do the impossible a further improved 2.5RS bowed in 2000, with a new MAP system, LSD, and a sedan model. A car so amazing it is still universally acclaimed as "the greatest Subaru ever to grace North America" and "a car so fanatastic that few can comprehend it's brilliance." Since the 2.5RS was already automotive perfection it went mostly unchanged into 2001, the only significant change being the addition of fake carbon fiber trim. While seen as innocuous, it was in fact a grim indicator of the atrocity that was to be the future of the Impreza.

It is at this point that I must ask that anyone under the age of 17 stop reading. Our tale takes a dark and horrific turn into a disturbing and vile world of gruesomely mishapen headlights, monsterously oversized wings, and grotesque Altezza style taillights. You have been warned.

To be continued...

M3n2c3 · 2005-12-17, 08:35 PM

Something tells me the rest of this is not going to be the most impartial of editorials. . .

sperry · 2005-12-17, 11:34 PM

PREMPTIVE BUGEYE TAKEOVER!!!

...I think that should just about sum up part 2.

M3n2c3 · 2005-12-17, 11:50 PM

Pic #3 rocks.

sperry · 2005-12-18, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3n2c3

Pic #3 rocks.

That's from one of our meets back in '03 when it was all bugeyes (and JC nearly killed himself due to depression).

JC · 2005-12-18, 07:46 AM

Ack my eyes.

MikeK · 2005-12-18, 11:21 AM

ewwww, bugeyes

M3n2c3 · 2005-12-18, 11:36 AM

I like the front and rear lips on that white wagon. . . whose was that?

tysonK · 2005-12-18, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3n2c3

I like the front and rear lips on that white wagon. . . whose was that?

our very own MattR!!

sperry · 2005-12-18, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3n2c3

I like the front and rear lips on that white wagon. . . whose was that?

We called that the ROWF: Riced Out Wagon of Fury.

MattR · 2005-12-18, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3n2c3

I like the front and rear lips on that white wagon. . . whose was that?

Ahh thank you...

I love that wagon.

Pic #3 is cool indeed.

cody · 2005-12-18, 03:04 PM

GC8 Impreza's like Cory (Mpreziv)'s and Kevin (BANSUV)'s former car (RIP) are hands down the best looking USDM Impreza's ever, but at least bugeye's aren't all riced out with the "Altezza" lights and beak like scoop. JDM/EDM Bugeye's are a close 2nd IMHO.

Thanks for the history editorial JC. I think I was able to pick out fact from fiction.

Ezdno · 2005-12-18, 04:02 PM

Two Subaru Bugeye Wagons in their Quasi Natural Habitat

cody · 2005-12-18, 04:04 PM

The parking lot at Sushi Club?

Ezdno · 2005-12-18, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cody

The parking lot at Sushi Club?

Ok that was very funny, but I was referring to the snow and wet roads, but you do win the prize for guessing the location.....that was in front of The Gem Gallery this afternoon about 3pm. That guy pulled up next to me and went into the Napa Sonoma place to get a basket. (Same Shopping Center as the Sushi Club)

Sushi = Raw fish bleh!!!

cody · 2005-12-18, 04:31 PM

MMMM, Sushi!

sp00ln · 2005-12-18, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ezdno

Sushi = Raw fish bleh!!!

Sushi = Vinegar Rice

MattR · 2005-12-18, 11:07 PM

So, is this the part where we discuss the real turning point in the history of the impreza? Horsepower AND good looks...Oh My.

MY2004 FTW

JonnydaJibba · 2005-12-19, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC

I present to you Part 1 of the greatest Subaru story ever told by me on the internet lately...

Wha? Good read tho.

Libila · 2005-12-19, 08:52 AM

Good work JC. Every word of it is true too

JonnydaJibba · 2005-12-19, 09:21 AM

Pour one out for my GC homies..

sperry · 2005-12-19, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Libila

Good work JC. Every word of it is true too

Naw, JC's just got the world's biggest case of turbo-envy.

ScottyS · 2005-12-19, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattR

So, is this the part where we discuss the real turning point in the history of the impreza? Horsepower AND good looks...Oh My.

Matt, you should have kept the wagon, bought the STi, swapped EVERYTHING out, found some JDM interior items, and pushed the sedan shell off a cliff.

You know this.

MattR · 2005-12-19, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottyS

Matt, you should have kept the wagon, bought the STi, swapped EVERYTHING out, found some JDM interior items, and pushed the sedan shell off a cliff.

You know this.

You are evil!

sperry · 2005-12-19, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottyS

Matt, you should have kept the wagon, bought the STi, swapped EVERYTHING out, found some JDM interior items, and pushed the sedan shell off a cliff.

You know this.

Then he'd end up with a car more fucked up than mine!

2005-12-17, 05:41 PM	#1
JC Ask me about dubs! Real Name: JC Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 2,895 Car: 2013 Triumph Speed Triple R	The History of the USDM Impreza as told by JC... It has come to my attention that some of the n00bs think I am a bit harsh on the newer age body style "cars" both here and on RS25.com. To remedy this misconception and to educate my fellow Subaru owners, I present to you Part 1 of the greatest Subaru story ever told by me on the internet lately... Reaching the hallowed shores of the United States during the 1993 model year, the Subaru Impreza marked a new era for the car manufacturer that previous built awkwardly square cars driven only by hippies and ski bums. Having only started to penetrate the mainstream market with the family oriented Legacy, the Impreza was a thrust into the heart of the small car segment. Smartly styled with a mieserly 1.8l, the Impreza was initially available in three models base, L, and LS. A sedan or sport wagon was available in either FWD or with Subarus trademark AWD. In 1995 a coupe version was introduced as was a new more powerful 2.2l engine. A smashing success the new coupe was called "the car of the mid 90s" by several people. The Impreza recieved a facelift in 1997 with new sharper and more masculine lines. The Outback Sport model got a new hood with scoop and vents from the firebreathing JDM WRX models. While a popular vehicle it's real significance was to give a glimpse at the greatest Impreza model ever to grace the shores of America.... the 2.5RS. Due to poor marketing of the magnificent Impreza and ill concieved models like the SVX dragging down the line-up, Subaru of America was seen to be struggling a bit. The 2.5RS was a car so great it was the single reason that SOA was able to turn around as a company (it is a common misconception that this was due to the Outback, wholly un-true). Introduced as a 1998 model, the formula for success was amazingly simply. With a large 2.5l out of the bloated Legacy, stiffer suspension, JDM WRX body work, improved seats and shifter, and blingin' gold rims the 2.5RS was a car it seemed impossible to improve upon. Yet Subaru managed to do just that. In 1999 the 2.5RS recieved the JDM WRX front bumper and a new SOHC powerplant. Managing to do the impossible a further improved 2.5RS bowed in 2000, with a new MAP system, LSD, and a sedan model. A car so amazing it is still universally acclaimed as "the greatest Subaru ever to grace North America" and "a car so fanatastic that few can comprehend it's brilliance." Since the 2.5RS was already automotive perfection it went mostly unchanged into 2001, the only significant change being the addition of fake carbon fiber trim. While seen as innocuous, it was in fact a grim indicator of the atrocity that was to be the future of the Impreza. It is at this point that I must ask that anyone under the age of 17 stop reading. Our tale takes a dark and horrific turn into a disturbing and vile world of gruesomely mishapen headlights, monsterously oversized wings, and grotesque Altezza style taillights. You have been warned. To be continued... __________________ Actually, I am a rocket scientist.

2005-12-17, 08:35 PM	#2
M3n2c3 EJ205 Real Name: Jeremiah Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Dayton, NV Posts: 1,888 Car: 2005 Impreza 2.5RS, 2000 Forester L Class: RNP sometimes (see motto) "Kids are ruining autocross."	Something tells me the rest of this is not going to be the most impartial of editorials. . . __________________ Small red text that looks curious at first glance but is ultimately inconsequential

2005-12-17, 11:50 PM	#4
M3n2c3 EJ205 Real Name: Jeremiah Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Dayton, NV Posts: 1,888 Car: 2005 Impreza 2.5RS, 2000 Forester L Class: RNP sometimes (see motto) "Kids are ruining autocross."	Pic #3 rocks. __________________ Small red text that looks curious at first glance but is ultimately inconsequential

2005-12-18, 07:46 AM	#6
JC Ask me about dubs! Real Name: JC Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 2,895 Car: 2013 Triumph Speed Triple R	Ack my eyes. __________________ Actually, I am a rocket scientist.

2005-12-18, 11:36 AM	#8
M3n2c3 EJ205 Real Name: Jeremiah Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Dayton, NV Posts: 1,888 Car: 2005 Impreza 2.5RS, 2000 Forester L Class: RNP sometimes (see motto) "Kids are ruining autocross."	I like the front and rear lips on that white wagon. . . whose was that? __________________ Small red text that looks curious at first glance but is ultimately inconsequential

2005-12-17, 11:34 PM	#3
sperry The Doink Real Name: Scott Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 20,335 Car: '09 OBXT, '02 WRX, '96 Miata Class: PDX/TT-6 The way out is through	PREMPTIVE BUGEYE TAKEOVER!!! ...I think that should just about sum up part 2. __________________ Is you is, or is you ain't, my con-stit-u-ints?

2005-12-18, 11:21 AM	#7
MikeK Captain Turbo Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Reno Posts: 3,318 Car: 05 STi	ewwww, bugeyes

2005-12-18, 03:04 PM	#12
cody Candy Mountain Real Name: Cody Join Date: May 2005 Location: Californication Posts: 7,751 Car: 03 Pussy Wagon, now with more pink! Class: TESP OMG Internet!	GC8 Impreza's like Cory (Mpreziv)'s and Kevin (BANSUV)'s former car (RIP) are hands down the best looking USDM Impreza's ever, but at least bugeye's aren't all riced out with the "Altezza" lights and beak like scoop. JDM/EDM Bugeye's are a close 2nd IMHO. Thanks for the history editorial JC. I think I was able to pick out fact from fiction. __________________ Slow and low, that is the tempo.

2005-12-18, 04:02 PM	#13
Ezdno EJ251 Real Name: Dean W. Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: So close to hell you can see Sparks! Posts: 541 Car: 1992 F250 1T Monster Class: none They were all dead when I got here!	Two Subaru Bugeye Wagons in their Quasi Natural Habitat Attached Thumbnails __________________ Don't interupt me while I am ignoring you!

2005-12-18, 04:04 PM	#14
cody Candy Mountain Real Name: Cody Join Date: May 2005 Location: Californication Posts: 7,751 Car: 03 Pussy Wagon, now with more pink! Class: TESP OMG Internet!	The parking lot at Sushi Club? __________________ Slow and low, that is the tempo.

2005-12-18, 04:31 PM	#16
cody Candy Mountain Real Name: Cody Join Date: May 2005 Location: Californication Posts: 7,751 Car: 03 Pussy Wagon, now with more pink! Class: TESP OMG Internet!	MMMM, Sushi! __________________ Slow and low, that is the tempo.

2005-12-18, 11:07 PM	#18
MattR El Matador Real Name: Matt Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 10,660 Car: 2012 Toyota Tacoma Class: ?	So, is this the part where we discuss the real turning point in the history of the impreza? Horsepower AND good looks...Oh My. MY2004 FTW __________________ "Dallas..We have a problem.” Last edited by sperry; 2005-12-18 at 11:54 PM.

2005-12-19, 08:52 AM	#20
Libila EJ205 Real Name: Tim Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 1,384 Car: '94 L	Good work JC. Every word of it is true too

2005-12-19, 09:21 AM	#21
JonnydaJibba EJ207 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Reno/Sparks, Nevada Posts: 3,482 Car: 2000 2.5RS Class: RestNPeace Master Slurper.	Pour one out for my GC homies.. __________________ "Why do chicks tell you to call and then not answer....so gay." "Cuz girls are fags I dunno"

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
1993 Impreza	A1337STI	Technical Chat	21	2008-03-31 06:08 PM
Light mods on MY98 Impreza Wagon	ScottyS	Technical Chat	78	2006-09-10 08:06 AM
CR reviews Impreza... Hate at will.	Dean	General Subaru Discussion & Club Chat	11	2006-01-22 10:41 PM
The History of the USDM Impreza Part II: The Dark Ages	JC	General Subaru Discussion & Club Chat	11	2006-01-09 07:32 AM
Subaru Only Track Day at Thunderhill - Who Wants Some?	Egan	Motorsports Chat	53	2004-09-29 08:28 AM