1998 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS | Retro Review

Our first exposure to Japanese rally inspired cars...well this and Gran Turismo. Future Classic?
Show 1733 | Originally Recorded 04-22-1998
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[@corvusala]

24 years later and this car never stopped being cool even for a second.

[@omairsh8]

I never thought I'd like golden rims, but they just fit the Impreza

[@DiggyT]

People in the 90s slept through the greatest generations of Japanese sports cars.

[@alexlau5022]

Thats because here in the US we got so few models the big 4 were the 300zx 3000gt supra and rx7 and thats about it most were never brought to our side sad thing

[@palebeachbum]

As they say, hindsight is 20/20. Japanese vehicles were progressively getting better up into the 90s and people thought they would continuously get better. Nope.

[@burnerphone5120]

@@palebeachbum uh, Toyota is king. Sadly

[@palebeachbum]

@@burnerphone5120 for reliability probably. They're pretty lousy in every other way compared to their competition. Features, infotainment, interior quality, driving dynamics, overall design aesthetics.

[@DoubleTime53]

@@palebeachbum I dunno man. Considering the Camry has been the best selling car in the US since 2002, they've got to be doing more right than _just_ reliability.

[@claudiobizama5603]

Most imprezas of this gen are modified to be or look like the WRX, full of aftermarket stuff too. I personally like how it looks stock, even more the more basic models.

[@1985_Honda_CRX_Si]

Same

[@theKevronHarris]

Same. The 1st generation Impreza is the Karin Sultan classic on the GTA 5 game.

[@nighthawk0077]

Overall it looks good, but the front end looks exactly like a Toyota Corolla

[@ask3xd903]

This is what we had minus the turbo. We had a rough time for awhile, but we made do .

[@subeyguy66]

My first car was a 2000 model. The only problem was constantly being revved at/challenged to race by people thinking it was a wrx. Great car, a little spendy to maintain after 100k miles.

[@melifter8897]

Oh man I had a year 2000 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS. I’m telling you, I liked the car better than I do my 2021 WRX. My 2.5RS was the best handling vehicle I ever owned to this day. Oh how I wish I held on to that little car.

[@slowgoat6089]

Whyd u sell it

[@MPowerSubie12]

I have a bone stock Aspen white one driven by a 64 year old lady and manual! It’s a crazy feeling to bring out in the streets these days and gets a lot of attention! Little car that’s so fun!

[@shaloon64]

I still have my 1999 sti and don't plan on ever getting a newer one (2017+)

[@melifter8897]

@@shaloon64, wow, a real JDM legend.

[@MPowerSubie12]

@@shaloon64 glad you kept it! I have my mint stock 2000!

[@rhythm_is_life]

My teenage self thought this car was all that, even though my teenage self was obsessed with HP numbers and 0-60 times. The bodykit, wheels, and World Rally Blue paint were and still are beautiful, and Sport Compact Car magazine showed me that if I wanted more power, there was a turbo kit for that. Some 2.5RS owners even swapped in a WRX engine from Japan. The NA 2.5 was no slouch though. Even the Outback had respectable acceleration, at least with the manual.

[@ThomasP187]

These cars taught me everything I know about cars. They taught me how drive stick. Ive owned 3 OBS Subarus over the years. My 99 2.5rs daily currently sits at 188k.

[@nathanpetrohilos]

Owning these cars are like chips. You cant only have one!

[@dawge30]

I loved this car as a kid. My first new car was a 2005 Impreza 2.5 RS wagon. Not quite the same as this little coupe, but a fun car nevertheless.

[@doylee469]

I remember being on the bus in primary school and passing a dealer with 10-15 of these on the front of the lot and drooling.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Boy I used to want that car badly when it first hit the market! It was a little beast back then!👌🥰👍and still looks great today!

[@aaronredbaron]

Got mine a year ago with a blown engine for $900, found a beat up 2002 WRX and swapped the entire drivetrain myself on jackstands! I can't believe it's actually running! Now it's the real monster it always should have been!

[@nathanpetrohilos]

I was in the same boat last year with mine. Well worth all the work involved

[@bilbytrilby4675]

Is that Shia Lebouf testing the trunk and interior features?

[@alexyoungberg5232]

*What is this Sunday morning blessing? Thank you Motorweek!* 👍

[@kasio22B]

Back then and maybe still is, the new episode is airing Sunday morning on PBS

[@hiaceadventurevan3929]

I still own my 98 black diamond pearl 2.5RS, amazing cars, so fun and nimble

[@ChamuKING95]

The car I learned to drive manual transmission

[@neo8378]

These were so cool. I still want one!

[@dongypooh]

This makes me miss my old 2005 2.5RS Wagon. It was a base model spec., so it wasn't anything that wins any comparos, but it had a certain charm, was very useful, and fun to drive. Certainly felt less like an appliance, like the Subarus these days...

[@davidg4026]

I wanted one of these so badly when they came out!!

[@palebeachbum]

This was back when Subarus were actually worth buying. They were well-built, dependable, and great to drive. Throughout the 80s and 90s my step-mom would drive nothing but Subarus. She had an '84 Loyale wagon and a '90 Legacy wagon. Both 5-spd. I vividly remember riding in those cars and loving them. Once Subaru started relying so heavily on their head gasket blowing 2.5L engine, things progressively went downhill with reliability overall.

[@Lrules364]

This is the only subaru ive ever cared about. This was back when they were really trying to make themselves known, and their cars to look great. And at just $20k for this little car, its a wonder they didn't fly off the shelves. This was direct competition for the Quad 4 and its racing career, and I couldn't be more happy to see it here on motor week. I'll own one some day, if i can find one in decent shape.

[@nickmotsarsky4382]

They weren't all that. The 2.5 had good torque, but wasn't very fun or powerful overall.

[@geckk]

I have one and honestly they're ok stock. Really slow car despite it being a more "sporty" trim. The wrx is a great car, but the 2.5rs is more on par with a corolla s than a wrx. Not really worth it for a guy in the 90s looking for a sporty car considering there were so many better options in that golden era. They're only great now that engine swaps have become cheaper and more easy to do.

[@geckk]

It does handle well though, not as good as the later models though. The chassis is very lose and flexible compared to the second generation. Can make it way better with a cage, or even a half cage, but out of the box it's no competition.

[@alexb8926]

Thank you MotorWeek! Brings back good memories 👍🏼

[@cgreenfield6655]

One of these with low miles and in near mint condition would go for serious $$ now

[@staywoke2198]

I sold a mint one early last year with 80k miles but everything in perfect condition for 7500. Probably could have gotten a lot more for it this year.

[@cgreenfield6655]

@@staywoke2198 yes. Very true. Hindsight and all that

[@ninjaturdle69]

Recently got mine for 6k!

[@MPowerSubie12]

@@ZZ-topp $22,000 US

[@staywoke2198]

@@cgreenfield6655 yeah oh well. It was fun but way under powered. I was intending on doing a swap one day but just used the proceeds to buy a bugeye and have no regrets. I would have kept them both if I had more space!

[@K03sport]

Yes, yes, yes. This car got me interested in Subaru and the WRC. even test drove one in this color scheme. When gold wheels meant something.

[@jamesbyun8571]

Although the 2.5 RS was cool, my friends and I were disappointed we didn't get the WRX.

[@TenOrbital]

In Australia then the WRX was the favorite vehicle to steal, it could easily outrun cop cars

[@BReal-10EC]

I started driving in the 80s... and this was the first Subaru I really actually WANTED.

[@Josh-ce9sv]

My buddy bought one of these brand new when he got his first job- while still living at home. I've always modified my cars..so he wanted to as well, but didn't have the money. Well, we simply removed his muffler and put a piece of flex pipe in it's place. Believe it or not- the car sounded great...and you could really feel it rev more freely. Bounced off the limiter too easily... was a fun car. His mom wasn't amused.

[@nathanielbarbeau4821]

I’ve owned 2, and even tracked one. One stock and another WRX swapped. Such a good car!

[@yuriypodgorniak2728]

Drove that car many times it was amazing vehicle for its time ❤️

[@ejohnson3131]

I wish they would bring back this concept of a practical sports coupe with AWD that’s fun to drive, cheap on gas and can get you from point A to point B in a snowstorm. Everything is so expensive and full of gadgets we never use nowadays. The new BRZ is a good looking car, but a fail without AWD.

[@OldieProductions]

Super cool seeing this as a current 2001 2.5RS Coupe owner.

[@Welcometofacsistube]

Ah when once upon at time Subaru knew how to actually make a car

[@HOTPLATEGAMING]

they knew how to make cars?

[@palebeachbum]

@@HOTPLATEGAMING Subaru made GREAT cars in the 80s and 90s.

[@MPowerSubie12]

😂facts. This is a time capsule now! Tbh it already was after one decade so you can imagine after two

[@HOTPLATEGAMING]

@@palebeachbum What great car did they make in the 1980’s ? 😂 DL, GL, Justy, XT Coupe. Speaking out the ass ain’t good my friend.

[@palebeachbum]

@@HOTPLATEGAMING t The DL/GL were Subaru's bread and butter. They are what Subaru built its reputation on. Well-built and dependable cars.

[@FCT8306onTwoWheels]

The Subaru dealership in a neighboring town I used to grow up in had this on display front and center on like a raised ramp thing when I just got my license in high school. Oh my God it was beautiful with the bronzey wheels and rally blue pearl mice ugh I wanted that car so bad. 2.5 RS. Ended up with a 1992 VW Jetta but I loved it too, first car syndrome I guess

[@AlphaJDM]

It's just funny that this was be toted as the ultimate performance subaru over here in the states meanwhile the 22B was over in Japan existing

[@theKevronHarris]

The first generation Subaru Impreza 2.5RS is the Karin Sultan RS Classic on GTA 5.

[@theKevronHarris]

I've love the Subaru Impreza 2.5RS in stock form along with the basic Imprezas. Most of the first generation Imprezas are modified to look like a WRX STI.

[@RallyLancer95]

Remember seeing these around when I was a kid. Miss them

[@allpar300m6]

@3:01 Back in the day when manual transmissions was standard

[@chrisdooley1184]

I had a 98 I bought new off the showroom floor. God I loved that car. I owned it for fourteen years and a slightly leaky seal was the only thing I ever had go wrong. Miss it

[@stubaru4896]

Buying a 1st gen Forester, I get why everyone loves their old Subarus. Theyre just so capable and practical and fun to drive all at the same time

[@GeeEm1313]

My favorite generation of Imprezas. I still see a few out here in Hillsboro, Oregon.

[@AndrewB23]

I currently drive a 98 2.5 RS coupe and love it. It's wide-bodied and saving up for the sti swap it deserves, this car is going to be amazing with 300 whp at just over 2800lbs

[@YourMom-vl2sp]

I bought one brand new. I loved it. Sold it 2 years ago for $10k

[@thrillhousecycling7260]

Strong resale!

[@MPowerSubie12]

Coupe, manual, stats? Good eye!!

[@nathanpetrohilos]

I never owned a "RS" model but have owned 3 first generation imprezas. I absoulutely love these little vehicles. My first one was a turbo swapped 94 L sedan model. That was a blast to drive. My second and still own to this day is a 99' outback sport wagon with 255k miles on it. My 3rd one that i have is a 95 "L" model coupe. This one os my baby with 140k miles on it an no rust. I converted the car from a 1.8 front wheel drive automatic to a turbo manual awd monster.

[@patrickmichael3384]

This was a couple of years after I as an American got into world rally racing (which was more popular elsewhere than in America) and when the late Scottish racer Colin Macrae (killed in a helicopter crash in 2007; R.I.P.) won 3 championships in a Subaru.

[@MrHubb1]

Great looking car. I drove an 03 WRX that was slightly modified and it blew my mind. Subaru despite being expensive do make great cars, head gasket issues aside.

[@YocoWheelin]

Had a 2000 RS in silver with the manual. Fun car, and the best looking impreza ever.

[@antonch.657]

those wrc footage are gold

[@Ghostysti]

I have a 2.2 gc and I still love it being 16 it handles so good and it’s fun

[@TheRealHungryJoe]

That such an amazing car! Stock is even good, love it!

[@Loki_S13]

The saying "all the power all the time" is very true with a NA rs. You learn to enjoy flattening it out in the corners while not losing control. Also you appreciate it a lot more once you STI swap them and double the power.

[@haac4825]

Wish I had this car now. Beautiful car.

[@nochannelz5815]

Best looking Impreza, hands down.

[@MPowerSubie12]

I have an Aspen White 5-Speed Manual 2000 Subaru 2.5RS Coupe that’s 100% stock and mint with all factory options that was driven by a 64 year old lady in North Carolina for over 20 years! I couldn’t be more pumped when I found out it was traded in for a new Subaru!😍🤩 I’ve searched for a decade!!

[@toadinthehole8085]

No turbo or intercooler so no need for that scoop no recaro front seats amongst other things.

[@tinyhotopicbitch]

Absolute dream car

[@J.Nev.]

I Always Thought These Cars Were So Cool. I Still See A Few Of Em Around Today.

[@undersc0r]

Man I want one of these so bad

[@robzeiter]

I loved my RS!! 2000 coupe in Silverthorne. I've owned two WRX since then that were faster and more capable but I just never felt quite the same way about them. Now my '08 Legacy spec.B on the other hand... 🤩

[@Grapplerfan]

Wife made me get a new Saturn back in the day … should have got this one!

[@Wesley_C]

That's a Rally inspiration car, my favorite Impreza.

[@japjoem4077]

I've got a 98 rs ,and a 95 outback impreza wagon with a 5 speed has 215k and still runs strong!good cars

[@andersonsanjose8785]

Sempre sensacional 😃😃 muito da hora 😁

[@6rimR3ap3r]

Thumbs up for playing AC/DC on the radio :-D

[@tomasnokechtesledger1786]

I like those GC with that wheel... I had a 95 cherry red.

[@Spheredalai]

the underrated impreza model

[@Ricelord4]

I still have my 1999 2.5 RS coupe, and I'm not kidding when I get approached all the time at gas stations by people wondering if I'm selling it. I'm planning to get a fresh coat of paint eventually, as it's starting to come off now.

[@Vampirebear13]

My 1999 2.5 RS Coupe was 1 of the 3 best cars I've ever owned & I'm still kicking myself for trading it in. I'd very gladly have another, especially when put up against today's crappy cars.

[@kasio22B]

The 01' model was my first brand new car purchase. I bought it after I saw the release images of the upcoming WRX-very disappointed. All of my friends got vtec at the time, but I just want that rally style uniqueness. Wish I had the automatic, so I won't be modding it as much, lol... This is still the best looking Subaru vehcile of all time~

[@oi32df]

Good old days of the availability of the 2-door version as with many other popular models.

[@HotGritz910]

Would love to own one of these.

[@paulnadratowski3942]

I had a ‘99 Impeza wagon. Great car, drive it for 142,000 miles

[@Kaffarov97]

Have the imported turbo version and it's an awesome car to daily.

[@eriknephrongfr8847]

That last jump was sick.

[@roddydykes7053]

Wish there were more of them out there, best looking affordable Subaru imo It’s insane what they go for now, looked them up again and someone wants $6000 for a rusty base model autobox oil burner on Kijiji

[@BETTALIFE101]

Mine is for sale and zero rust.

[@SuperMatiz]

You know why this vid is sad for me? "how serious the folks in todays subaru are about performance" 2021- not anymore. "and how much racing really can improve the breeze" 2021- not anymore. PR guys saying that sport records doesn't sell cars anymore. looks like we, the people, changed the automotive industry. And because of us -another 90's of japanese automotive will never occur again. We have to rush to love japanese cars, because they rost so fast Cheers for all Subarists!

[@markjohnson2079]

I had a 2001 2.5 !!! Except for chewing up rear axle bearings and headgasket failure - car never put a foot wrong!

[@Gnik4144]

It would be so cool to find one stock at a low price

[@hobbymanx9200]

Wish they still produced a coupe. It looks so sleek that it's sexy.

[@PANTYEATR1]

Classic Subaru💪

[@solarflare1008]

Planet earth 🌏 Rally Racing 🏁 has more fans in just on race. Than the entire year of NASCAR.

[@goofymcadams]

Who would have thought in 2024 these cars are more expensive then they were brand new over 25 years ago!

[@CJ-if1ry]

Got my Impreza 2.5 in 2001 with 3k miles (person went to the armed forces) for 18k from a dealership. I still have it now with 150k miles.

[@saintsubie6661]

Subaru should have adapted the current Impreza into a coupe instead of the Subuyota BRZ. Amazing that Subaru is still using that exact same 2.5 liter in their cars 23 years later!

[@theodor12]

Hello, could you please upload the original BMW Z4 review from 2002-2003? Thanks!

[@emilianocruz11]

We need the 1998 Cadillac sts retro review and later the 2000 Lincoln ls retro review pleasee

[@dalewasson5919]

Years later, we got the WRX/STI. Mostly thanks to Gran Turismo.

[@subaruwrx5701]

It beautiful

[@ryanb3053]

I’ve seen a abandoned one of these in my town , all the tires are flat , I’m thinking of making a offer for it as no one else has picked it up for a long time now , I have a feeling it’ll be worth it

[@Queso305]

Very nice

[@waremergencypower6024]

“I’d like a WRX, please.” “Is a 2.5RS okay?” “...” “I guess...”

[@Lolaismypoopydog2036]

Ah yes, i remember the collared-primary color-long, green sleeved shirt.

[@inveinenergizzze9486]

I love my 98’ ;)

[@vinhtran123]

Still the best body design especially the coupe.

[@rmh5102]

Gran Turismo rally track king

[@shannonmcatee9610]

I always wanted one back then, wish u could still pay 20k

[@Anderson-ky6ps]

Grand turismo 4 jogava tanto com esse Subaru 😁👍

[@rogergoodman8665]

I always wanted a blue WRX STI.

[@RickJohnson]

Someone had a bit of fun hard panning the audio left and right during the track tests!

[@ShenmueAtheist]

A friend I had in high school had one of these...for about 2 weeks. He thought he was competing in group B, flipped it in a ditch and that was the end of that car.

[@Vekurus]

Had 2000 coupe in Blueridge Pearl and 5spd. High points? unstoppable in the rain and snow, was actually fun in the snow as it handled similar to a RWD car, but far more forward pull. Nothing looked like it, drew attention everywhere. Downsides? Slowish, worst manual transmission I ever owned. My 99 Jeep wrangler had a better trans. Super thin paint. It was cool, but one car I don't miss.

[@EgoShredder]

WRC champion Colin McRae is sorely missed, since his swashbuckling days in the Suburu in the mid to late 1990s.