SUBARU Impreza WRX STi 2003-2005 Photos, engines & full specs

When the 2000 Impreza showed up, its fans were shocked in front of the "bug-eyed" headlamps, making the car look ugly enough, so dealers had to cut prices to sell it. Then, the 2003 model arrived.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI was the hero-car. The underdog could make more expensive cars run away from the drag-strips, unable to beat the all-wheel-drive rally car. Because that's what it was: a rally car disguised in street clothes. Its close-ratio gearbox, the all-wheel-drive system, and the punchy engine made the car jump from the starting line like no other. Even its main rival, the Mitsubishi Evo, was slower than it.

The 2003 Impreza WRX STI was considered the last brutal Impreza that could satisfy its drivers and put a big smile on their faces. Its new headlights were more sweeping, which made them look narrower. Subaru cut a slice from the front bumper to accommodate the round inside high-beam lamp. Its black, trapezoidal grille sported the Subaru badge in the middle and the three red letters from STI – Subaru Tecnica International. On the hood, the carmaker installed a wide air-intake for the intercooler. From its sides, the flared arches were filled by the 17" light-alloy golden wheels, and, in the back, a massive wing stood proud on top of the trunk. Subaru redesigned the taillights as well, but few could notice that.

Inside, the 2003 Subaru received better materials and a new design for the center stack, which sported an enhanced audio system and the HVAC controls. Subaru installed standard air-conditioning and power windows for the frameless doors.

Besides the aesthetic changes, the STI version featured a 2.0-liter flat-four boxer engine that provided 265 hp to the symmetrical all-wheel-drive system via a six-speed gearbox.