I can't tell you how many times I've smacked my face on the door after getting out (when I drive my other cars). I'm way too used to the frameless doors on my bugeye 🙃
Same here, I wish Subaru would go back to this type of style, I kinda feel like the new WRX was a slight attempt but this is what a true Subaru looks like!
$20k in 2000 was considered affordable. That's $36k today, or 80% increase. A 2024 Impreza RS is 29k. Not bad considering average inflation rates and how much more content a new one has, but wages certainly have not kept pace with inflation.
The new 2024 Impreza RS has the same 0-60 mph of 7.8 secs, gets better fuel economy and could probably out corner this 2000. It's also cheaper. $19,790 in 2000 would be equivalent to $35,444 in 2024. The New RS is about $31k. There are 2 things against it that make me predict it wont be a big seller for Subaru. (1) No manual transmission (2) the Subaru Crosstrek Sport with the same engine is only like $1500-$2000 more.
@@Snake-ms7sj I love the look of the RS, but to me they should have aimed it at more of a Civic Si fighter and given it a manual and power bump to closer to 200. At that point it would be a hands down buy from me.
@@Snake-ms7sj My 2021 Crosstrek Sport is just as quick as the 2000 Impreza RS (Motor Week tested it and it did 0-60 in 7.8 seconds as well). I get about 30 mpg in one of the worst commute in the US and it’s a larger car overall. Safer car as well. And only cost me $24k brand new in December 2020 before taxes and fees.
@@Snake-ms7sjit's a shame that they axed the manual transmission for the new Impreza. Unfortunately, no one in North america wants to drive a manual so it doesn't make sense for them to make one with it. It would've been cool for Subaru to put the six speed in it though.
It's funny, our 2.5 rs was the wrx model in japan. That's why it has the hood scoop, and everything else cosmeticly as the wrx. Because in japan it came with a 2 liter turbo with a top mounted intercooler(for the working hood scoop). But when they brought it to the states for testing. The engine didn't meet emitions standards. So they took out the reliable 217hp ej20 turbo, and slapped in the booty singe cam non turbo gasget eating 163hp ej25e, called it the 2.5 rs and called it a day :(
this is how the new 2.5RS should have been outfitted (6-spoke wheels and 7" round fogs), but keep the 5-door hatch. Subaru, like other car manufacturers often forget their own heritage
@@dannytse8767... neither do cars nobody wants or can't connect with. The early 2.5RS are sought after cars, but are difficult to find. If the new 2.5RS carried on where Subaru left off (non-turbo WRX), ppl familiar with Subaru would know what the car was about and it would separate itself from other cars in the segment. So, Subaru dropped the ball. Same goes for their WRX TR (Track Ready)....
My car but in blue ridge pearl. Bought in Dec of 99 and still have it. Only differences now it's not really a streetcar anymore as I road race it with the SCCA.
I used to have one and then I swapped to turbo ej20 motor back in 2009, sadly I was t bone from the passenger and rear ended during a snow storm in Minnesota in 2013…. I miss the car dearly😢 it was fun while it last
It was between a 2002 WRX and the new MINI Copper-S coming to the US. I like Subaru but took my chances with the MINI. Did some modifications and had BMW Munich send me a remapping to the supercharger tuning and US gasoline. I got about 220 hp out of it and hell the car was fun! A friend took it a step further with his Cooper-S and added Nitro besides removing weight. With slicks on a prepped surface, he was running in the 13's. I am still interested in a "classic" WRX.
Power, acceleration, and overall performance are quite close to the current model. I feel disappointed last year was the final one for the manual transmission, but I understand it as the take rate was really low. Thankfully, the WRX still offers the stick shift, and if they just bring back the wagon…
They just brought back the RS for the 2024 Imprezas but only in hatchback and all with the cvt. Also requires 0W-16 oil along with its Crosstrek sibling
"Cars are too expensive!" 2.5RS in today's money: $35,444 (which is why I didn't buy one back then, plus the 2.5s were problematic vs the 2.2s). MSRP for 2024 WRX: $32,735. It's not cars, it's the other big-cost shit that's gotten far more expensive.
Back when Subarus were worth buying. The first-generation Impreza is still my favorite. Great car. Not that 2.5L though. It's haunted Subaru's reputation for 30yrs.
I had a 2006 Subaru Impreza that I loved driving but the oil would leak so bad that it eventually blew at 98k miles in December 2021. It already was on its 2nd engine since the first one blew in it too. The 2nd one had to be rebuilt before I could full drive it too because the timing went off in it 🤷♂️ I do miss my Subaru though but not the oil stains and knocking of the engine 🤣
And it's not like they'e forgotten what the formula is for a car like this and why people still want it. The new 2.5 RS could be an excellent enthusiast daily driver with a manual (or even that old 5-speed slushbox) and same limited slip rear diff setup this has. I suspect it's because they're unable to adapt the manual drivetrain to play nicely with all the modern safety systems.
I like how the current gen Impreza 2.5 “RS” is slower than this GC8 gen 2.5 RS that's from the 90s to early 2000s. Freaking Subaru loves going backwards instead of forwards. To be fair, some other Japanese car manufacturers when it comes to making normal cars, also seem to have no problem with their new gen model being slower than the old gen model.
I like these. But they're not made for people that are 6'2" with size 15 shoes. I tried to drive one. Couldn't get out of the parking spot. I was afraid I would get my foot caught between the pedals. Again
the 2.5 rs of that time was basicaly a jdm wrx, but not the sti. When they brought over the wrx with the 220hp 2.0 dohc turbo, the engine didnt meet emmitions regulations, so to fix that subaru just tossed the 2.5 sohc engine from the legacy and called it a day, the only diffrences cosmeticaly is the steering wheel, gauges, and the seats. Also mechanicaly everthing was the same exept the engine. They didnt bother changing the hood for costs, and on the turbo models the scoop actual works because the intercooler is underneath it in the japanese and euro models
Is it? this had no screens, no electronics really, no safety functions, and is smaller than a new minicooper.. also had a manual transmission where most people today can't walk and chew gum. It's actually a bargain for a new one when you factor in size and what you get. Though, since i'm old, i'd still prefer the older one..
My comment was mostly sarcastic. A base starting price of $19,790 is actually kinda amazing considering new Subaru cars are about that same price bracket after 24 years.
Wanted to love the car but it ended up being the worst car I ever owned. Bought it Used with 60k on it. Sold it with 130. In the 4 years I owned it motor failed at 65,000. Then the water pump locked up at 96,000 with the new motor. Which destroyed the motor since the water pump caused the timing belt to break. Replaced all four wheel bearings twice. CV boots, CV shafts and all four struts by 75k. Want to say transmission lost third gear at 100k. Car left me stranded multiple times as I drove it across the north. Probably sunk 15k into that POS and only got 3,500 for it when I sold it as the wheel wells started rusting out.
I like these. Ive always likes the looks and feels of a Subaru. But I HATE their engines. Pure trash. Hard to mod, hard to work on. Ill pass on ever owning one, unless it comes with a motor swap with a better motor.
Subaru should go out of business. They’re so never ditching their boxer engines. Now Toyota is catching up with their AWD system getting better every year. Subaru soon won’t be different enough to get over other brands considering their reliability. Their fault for not being competent enough to improve their reliability.
@@faheemabbas3965 If someone gave me this Subaru for free id swap a 5th gen 3SGTE engine or a K24A turbo both far more reliable and come with forged Internals stronger than any Subaru engine
@@faheemabbas3965 How is Toyota catching up with their AWD system? I like Toyota's GR Corolla but it's still FWD biased until it detects slippage, just like the Golf R. Their hybrid AWD systems are not mechanical, just electronic.
Imagine buying this and the WRX comes out in 2002
I've owned both...and even a bugeye 2.5 RS. They're all good cars, long term I'd take a 99-00 2.5 RS any day.
Why lol its slower and less reliable @bandwagon240
Imagine knowing the trims you could get overseas and still being happy with the NA 2.5 :(
@@tyhyhh um, okay. 😂 Slower, of course...not everything is about speed.
Yeah,you would now; but the man has a point; it would've been a major disappointment at the time if you weren't in a position to trade in etc.
Ah a real Subaru! They were the ones without window frames!
They look nice, but let in more noise than regular windows
Real cars have windows that leak and let in wind noise!
I can't tell you how many times I've smacked my face on the door after getting out (when I drive my other cars).
I'm way too used to the frameless doors on my bugeye 🙃
I absolutely love these retro reviews
Gen z, so cool how they make their car reviews look like they were filmed in the 70s, based
I love Subaru Impreza, beautiful and nice car. Great engine
This is probably my favorite looking Impreza. Its hard to find a unmodified one though.
Good luck trying to find any 2.5RS that hasn't rusted away or been destroyed and cannibalized for parts.
Same here, I wish Subaru would go back to this type of style, I kinda feel like the new WRX was a slight attempt but this is what a true Subaru looks like!
Same here. I like the 2 door better though. Always thought they looked SO cool!!
Iconic vehicle in it's own way
Those fog lights are amazing
My first car was the 2001 version of this. Absolutely loved it.
Miss my 2001 GC8 still to this day that AWD system felt so good. And the size of the car and suspension was amazing for the time.
$20k in 2000 was considered affordable. That's $36k today, or 80% increase.
A 2024 Impreza RS is 29k. Not bad considering average inflation rates and how much more content a new one has, but wages certainly have not kept pace with inflation.
i had two of these in my life, absolutely my favorite car ive ever owned.
That background music is funky!
Trying to emulate INXS Suicide Blonde
listen to Suicide Blond by INXS that is where they ripped off the music
@@JuanLopez-kw9of oh dang, will have to check it out!
Back when RS ment something
The new 2024 Impreza RS has the same 0-60 mph of 7.8 secs, gets better fuel economy and could probably out corner this 2000. It's also cheaper. $19,790 in 2000 would be equivalent to $35,444 in 2024. The New RS is about $31k. There are 2 things against it that make me predict it wont be a big seller for Subaru. (1) No manual transmission (2) the Subaru Crosstrek Sport with the same engine is only like $1500-$2000 more.
Maybe. This car had amazing handling and was unstoppable in the snow. Even had a rear LSD.
@@Snake-ms7sj I love the look of the RS, but to me they should have aimed it at more of a Civic Si fighter and given it a manual and power bump to closer to 200. At that point it would be a hands down buy from me.
@@Snake-ms7sj My 2021 Crosstrek Sport is just as quick as the 2000 Impreza RS (Motor Week tested it and it did 0-60 in 7.8 seconds as well). I get about 30 mpg in one of the worst commute in the US and it’s a larger car overall. Safer car as well. And only cost me $24k brand new in December 2020 before taxes and fees.
@@Snake-ms7sjit's a shame that they axed the manual transmission for the new Impreza. Unfortunately, no one in North america wants to drive a manual so it doesn't make sense for them to make one with it. It would've been cool for Subaru to put the six speed in it though.
It's a real shame we never got the wrx or sti trim of this gen in the states! All we got this slow head gasket eater, but they looked great.
@JDns-we4fw the 2.5rs had like 170hp where the sti was 280-300. I know what trim I would have bought if it were available here!
@JDns-we4fw exactly, this car wasn't far from the mustang gt in 1/4 mile times. I believe the gt ran a 14.6 so not bad for a non turbo 4 cylinder
It's funny, our 2.5 rs was the wrx model in japan. That's why it has the hood scoop, and everything else cosmeticly as the wrx. Because in japan it came with a 2 liter turbo with a top mounted intercooler(for the working hood scoop). But when they brought it to the states for testing. The engine didn't meet emitions standards. So they took out the reliable 217hp ej20 turbo, and slapped in the booty singe cam non turbo gasget eating 163hp ej25e, called it the 2.5 rs and called it a day :(
The 2.5RS was a test to see if they could make a case to sell the WRX to Americans.
@@dannykennedy5885Bear in mind these cars weighed 2700 lbs. They were plain light and the AWD traction off the line.
I love the wagon... but this was an all things considered, a good looking Subi.
I own a 1999 2.5rs coupe that I bought in 2019 from FB marketplace. Great platform cars. I kept it mostly original other than UEL headers
One of the best cars I've owned!
This was my first car! Four-door as well. But mine was a 99 I think. I have so much love for this car.
Still waiting for my 05 rs to come on yt 😵💫 they dropped this on my forehead to tease me lmao, still love watching these vids as a adult
this is how the new 2.5RS should have been outfitted (6-spoke wheels and 7" round fogs), but keep the 5-door hatch. Subaru, like other car manufacturers often forget their own heritage
Heritage doesn’t pay the bills.
@@dannytse8767... neither do cars nobody wants or can't connect with. The early 2.5RS are sought after cars, but are difficult to find. If the new 2.5RS carried on where Subaru left off (non-turbo WRX), ppl familiar with Subaru would know what the car was about and it would separate itself from other cars in the segment. So, Subaru dropped the ball. Same goes for their WRX TR (Track Ready)....
My car but in blue ridge pearl. Bought in Dec of 99 and still have it. Only differences now it's not really a streetcar anymore as I road race it with the SCCA.
I had a college instructor with one of these. WRX Swapped and they autocross it.
@@rturner4205 cool ,mine was N/A for so many years. I turbo swapped it back in 2019.
I used to have one and then I swapped to turbo ej20 motor back in 2009, sadly I was t bone from the passenger and rear ended during a snow storm in Minnesota in 2013…. I miss the car dearly😢 it was fun while it last
Man those are the sweethearts from Subaru!👌🥰👉♥️👍i always loved those!
"thanks for going faster than usual on the track!"
"I'm about to explode-"
A classic!
1:38 John: More doors does not make a slower 2.5 RS! LOL
It was between a 2002 WRX and the new MINI Copper-S coming to the US. I like Subaru but took my chances with the MINI. Did some modifications and had BMW Munich send me a remapping to the supercharger tuning and US gasoline. I got about 220 hp out of it and hell the car was fun! A friend took it a step further with his Cooper-S and added Nitro besides removing weight. With slicks on a prepped surface, he was running in the 13's. I am still interested in a "classic" WRX.
If you’re real quiet you can hear the head gasket about to go
Mine went 250k on the original gaskets. They did leak some. Just had to top off the fluids regularly lol.
this brings back my memories a lot. I was going to buy one back then. 😊
Power, acceleration, and overall performance are quite close to the current model. I feel disappointed last year was the final one for the manual transmission, but I understand it as the take rate was really low. Thankfully, the WRX still offers the stick shift, and if they just bring back the wagon…
Can you guys release the 2000 outback one too? That would be sick!
They just brought back the RS for the 2024 Imprezas but only in hatchback and all with the cvt. Also requires 0W-16 oil along with its Crosstrek sibling
"Cars are too expensive!" 2.5RS in today's money: $35,444 (which is why I didn't buy one back then, plus the 2.5s were problematic vs the 2.2s). MSRP for 2024 WRX: $32,735. It's not cars, it's the other big-cost shit that's gotten far more expensive.
My Forester S Premium was the equivalent of 38k today. Mine cost almost as much as a Loaded new one today.
Quicker than today's RS!
I love my 98 Impreza obs. This is practically my dream car tho.
A manual Subaru, the good ole days.
I miss the two-door.
Back when Subarus were worth buying. The first-generation Impreza is still my favorite. Great car. Not that 2.5L though. It's haunted Subaru's reputation for 30yrs.
I had no idea they were so fast (I had a 1994 Impreza L AWD with a manual)...
I had a 2006 Subaru Impreza that I loved driving but the oil would leak so bad that it eventually blew at 98k miles in December 2021. It already was on its 2nd engine since the first one blew in it too. The 2nd one had to be rebuilt before I could full drive it too because the timing went off in it 🤷♂️ I do miss my Subaru though but not the oil stains and knocking of the engine 🤣
Looks better than bugeye, but I like the bugeye still
This was my first car! But mine was a 99 I think.
Didnt know the classic came in 2.5 form.
Ah yes, the rare 6 valve per cylinder boxer flat 4.....
Ah memories of a better time... Before Subaru killed all the fun and slapped in garbage CVT's into all their models. Oh how they've fallen... >.>
And it's not like they'e forgotten what the formula is for a car like this and why people still want it. The new 2.5 RS could be an excellent enthusiast daily driver with a manual (or even that old 5-speed slushbox) and same limited slip rear diff setup this has. I suspect it's because they're unable to adapt the manual drivetrain to play nicely with all the modern safety systems.
Amazing car.
I like how the current gen Impreza 2.5 “RS” is slower than this GC8 gen 2.5 RS that's from the 90s to early 2000s. Freaking Subaru loves going backwards instead of forwards. To be fair, some other Japanese car manufacturers when it comes to making normal cars, also seem to have no problem with their new gen model being slower than the old gen model.
I'd love to own the coupe version
Did it come with an extra headgasket ?
1:55 Did he say 16 inch wheels on R15 tires?
I like these. But they're not made for people that are 6'2" with size 15 shoes. I tried to drive one. Couldn't get out of the parking spot. I was afraid I would get my foot caught between the pedals. Again
Functional Yet Fun
This car is the same speed stats as my 2012 Scion xB.
The Sultan in Grand Theft Auto San Andreas
So that's what it looked like before the fourth owner added a spoiler the size of a park bench and blew his tax return at Pep Boys.
Please dont insult my wing. It's carbon fiber and it matches my STI strut brace. Everything else is fair game 😂😂
Back when Subaru was really a Subaru!
Like it always wanted one
The music on this one is really annoying. It sounds like “suicide blondes” by INXS.
Not annoying. But yes, that's what it sounds like
Wish they had put a high revving 2.2l NA motor instead of the troublesome 2.5.
Cool
Non turbo with a scoop?
the 2.5 rs of that time was basicaly a jdm wrx, but not the sti. When they brought over the wrx with the 220hp 2.0 dohc turbo, the engine didnt meet emmitions regulations, so to fix that subaru just tossed the 2.5 sohc engine from the legacy and called it a day, the only diffrences cosmeticaly is the steering wheel, gauges, and the seats. Also mechanicaly everthing was the same exept the engine. They didnt bother changing the hood for costs, and on the turbo models the scoop actual works because the intercooler is underneath it in the japanese and euro models
$19,790 in the year 2000? Geez inflation is terrible.
Is it? this had no screens, no electronics really, no safety functions, and is smaller than a new minicooper.. also had a manual transmission where most people today can't walk and chew gum. It's actually a bargain for a new one when you factor in size and what you get. Though, since i'm old, i'd still prefer the older one..
This would be the equivalent to $35,400 today and have ZERO of the technology, safety, and refinement of current Subarus.
Not all. If you invested $20k in the stock market index at that time you’d have more than $125k. That far exceeds the current $30k Impreza RS cost
My comment was mostly sarcastic. A base starting price of $19,790 is actually kinda amazing considering new Subaru cars are about that same price bracket after 24 years.
@@GrandPotatoe Yup, the base manual Impreza was that same price before it was discontinued last year.
ahh yeeeaaaa
Wanted to love the car but it ended up being the worst car I ever owned.
Bought it Used with 60k on it. Sold it with 130.
In the 4 years I owned it motor failed at 65,000. Then the water pump locked up at 96,000 with the new motor. Which destroyed the motor since the water pump caused the timing belt to break.
Replaced all four wheel bearings twice. CV boots, CV shafts and all four struts by 75k. Want to say transmission lost third gear at 100k.
Car left me stranded multiple times as I drove it across the north. Probably sunk 15k into that POS and only got 3,500 for it when I sold it as the wheel wells started rusting out.
Sounds like you didn’t stay on top of maintenance. This single cam 2.5 was super reliable. If you stayed on top of rhe maintenance.
Extra maintenance compared to Toyota and Honda
The music is a blatant ripoff of "Suicide Blonde" by INXS.
Ticking head gasket bombs…😮
the n/a sohc ej25's were pretty reliable if you werent stupid with them lmao
Might be the best looking car ever made
No more sporty sedans being made anymore 😢
uhhhhh WRX? S3/RS3? Integra? BMW 3 series? What you talking about
@@mooseinabox6321 outside of the known ones what else is there??
@@mooseinabox6321 and also 5 series bmw
Is not sohc its dohc
2000 and 2001 were Sohc.
Shia LaBeouf 3:37
Are u sure is him?
My Tacoma is faster than this... I mean that's not saying a whole hell of a lot but damn 🐢💨 powered 💯%
I like these. Ive always likes the looks and feels of a Subaru. But I HATE their engines. Pure trash. Hard to mod, hard to work on. Ill pass on ever owning one, unless it comes with a motor swap with a better motor.
Subaru should go out of business. They’re so never ditching their boxer engines. Now Toyota is catching up with their AWD system getting better every year. Subaru soon won’t be different enough to get over other brands considering their reliability. Their fault for not being competent enough to improve their reliability.
@@faheemabbas3965 If someone gave me this Subaru for free id swap a 5th gen 3SGTE engine or a K24A turbo both far more reliable and come with forged Internals stronger than any Subaru engine
@@faheemabbas3965 How is Toyota catching up with their AWD system? I like Toyota's GR Corolla but it's still FWD biased until it detects slippage, just like the Golf R. Their hybrid AWD systems are not mechanical, just electronic.
Nah! Coupe version is better.
Worst background music off all time.
No jdm sucks more money out of a wallet than a subaru
Had a 2002 wrx for 17 years that was absolutely amazing and reliable as the sun
Even more than a Mazda rotary? 😆
Not true if you know how to drive and take care of your rides.
You need to at lease drive it once in 17 years, son@senseicorey9979
@senseicorey9979 you need to drive it more than once in 17 years
Yeah RS must stand for really slow…165 horsepower isn’t anything,
some 1.5. 3 cylinders do that now.