I live in Southern California and bought this exact model a couple weeks ago. It's a blast to drive as he says, and the clutch isn't the smoothest. Everything he says is correct, but for me and for what I was looking for, small potatoes. A few things he didn't get to mention: Four doors with a usable back seat, extremely good visibility, excellent resale and one more thing. Where I live, there aren't that man of these. There are tons of BMW, Mercedes, Civics, Challengers, etc. I already have it tinted, PPF/Ceramic coating and half way through my 1k break in. Sometimes I just get in and drive it for fun. I'm very happy with my decision.
Art Tom you need to learn how to drive it right. The wrx clutch is so soft and easy to drive compared to my Sti. Wrx and brz clutch almost feel so similar and is smoother than the Sti
That's not the general consensus Roy. Most people think the STi has a much better clutch. I drove both and I didnt notice much difference in the clutch. I definitely noticed a difference in the shifter. I am getting used to it, though.
I bought one this week. This review sort of ignores the context of why people buy this car. Drives like it's unstoppable, rough around the edges, all around fun and purpose built. Nobody buys this car for gas mileage haha
This reviewer reviewed the 2018 WRX last year, was critical about it then, and still is now. I bought a 2018 WRX in 2017 and I love it! It's a fun car to drive and an amazing value. This is the first car I actually love and have always wanted. WRX enthusiasts, regardless of which model WRX, will know what it means to own and drive one. There is no such thing as a perfect car. A perfect car is the one you can appreciate and enjoy driving. For me, this model WRX is it. Are there more expensive and better cars out there? Yes! But this is the one for me.
@@johnjames7712 I use a free app like Navigon and keep downloaded apps in my phone for such instances. At least that way the maps are reasonably up to date compared to in-car nav systems.
I see a lot people ranting about lack of refinement in this car. If You want that, you have to turn to Audi, BMW, LEXUS, Infiniti, MB and pay 20k more. The WRX, is a track inspired rally car. They put a CVT in the car because they wanted to satisfy then 5% buyers then will use this as a daily driver and don't care about the 'sport' aspect of it (aka track driven). This car is NOT suppose to be a luxury car at all. This use to be a second car for those who has an accord or camry in their garage, but thats not the case anymore, Subaru wants their vehicles to be daily drivers that's why they are added just a tad of refinement they were getting a lot of criticism, for the lack of. Now they haven't done any major upgrades because according to rumor, this 2019 model is the last model year for this design. Subaru is currently working on putting the WRX on the Impreza platform which is their global platform. Until a car company can add auto stopping features in manual transmissions without the car stalling out, you won't see it. That is one of the reason a lot of car companies are going away from manuals because right now it doesn't work in manuals. I would definitely consider this car if there wasn't so much turbo lag. Hopefully any new engines won't have it.
You nailed it dude. I have a dodge pickup and this now. The turbo lag is easily fixed with a AP or pro tune. I actually haven't run into a problem with mine yet ( i have this model)
WRX is an acronym for, and for Subbie, the model rooted in, World Rally Experimental class racing. Complaining about road stiffness or bemoaning the lack of comfort and luxury gizmos indicates the character of the car you're reviewing is not one you understand.
Good honest review. The WRX is not hardcore enough to warrant such a stiff suspension, leave that to the STI. To be fair though Subie focused on the SUVs at the right, time, they deserve all the applause for riding the SUV sales wave just right.
Someone please slap some sense into this reviewer... It's also one of the oldest in the sport compact market right now; If you really expected a production year before redesign car to go above and beyond in improvements, you're sorely mistaken. Let's face it, the WRX is a sport compact, with emphasis on sport, so the ride is going to be choppy over anything but the smoothest tarmac. Advanced Safety Features, are you kidding me? You're gonna piss and moan about that? It's a stick shift, even the Civic Type-R doesn't offer Honda Sensing. If you want that stuff, spring for the CVT and Limited Trim (yes I know you can get the basic eyesight module in the premium trim, but to get everything you have to go limited) and prepare yourself to spend 37 grand. But This is a drivers car, those convenience features are not as appreciated here as they are in a Legacy or Forester; they aren't even available on the Civic Type-R because you can't get that as an automatic. Just be happy you got the updated Starlink infotainment system to give you Apple carplay and Android Auto. What are you gonna complain about next, hard plastic and road/wind noise?
Can't say I love the look of this car, looks too timid for a sports car. A beefier fender and a strong shoulder line would help this car look more aggresive imo
My dealer and subaru Canada can not even manage to update my navigation, on a 2017 impreza top spec, it requires a newer version on the infotainment system that is not available yet ????? my car is running on a two year old map, sad..... and ton of other issues
I think this car looks great, but other cars in the segment are cheaper and easier to live with. I can't wait to see the next Gen though. Hopefully details on that car start coming out next year!
I live in Southern California and bought this exact model a couple weeks ago. It's a blast to drive as he says, and the clutch isn't the smoothest. Everything he says is correct, but for me and for what I was looking for, small potatoes. A few things he didn't get to mention: Four doors with a usable back seat, extremely good visibility, excellent resale and one more thing. Where I live, there aren't that man of these. There are tons of BMW, Mercedes, Civics, Challengers, etc. I already have it tinted, PPF/Ceramic coating and half way through my 1k break in. Sometimes I just get in and drive it for fun. I'm very happy with my decision.
How much was it?
Art Tom you need to learn how to drive it right. The wrx clutch is so soft and easy to drive compared to my Sti. Wrx and brz clutch almost feel so similar and is smoother than the Sti
That's not the general consensus Roy. Most people think the STi has a much better clutch. I drove both and I didnt notice much difference in the clutch. I definitely noticed a difference in the shifter. I am getting used to it, though.
The MSRP is around 33450. I got mine with some extras for under that. Some dealers in my area are asking as high as 40K+. Crazy
@@v8_sami invoice is 32340.
I bought one this week. This review sort of ignores the context of why people buy this car. Drives like it's unstoppable, rough around the edges, all around fun and purpose built. Nobody buys this car for gas mileage haha
So did I, well two weeks ago..Congrats NIck!
@@arttom9850 Thanks! You too
This reviewer reviewed the 2018 WRX last year, was critical about it then, and still is now. I bought a 2018 WRX in 2017 and I love it! It's a fun car to drive and an amazing value. This is the first car I actually love and have always wanted. WRX enthusiasts, regardless of which model WRX, will know what it means to own and drive one. There is no such thing as a perfect car. A perfect car is the one you can appreciate and enjoy driving. For me, this model WRX is it. Are there more expensive and better cars out there? Yes! But this is the one for me.
Nobody needs built in navigation anymore. Just run it through your smartphone using Apple car play or Android auto.
My mother's Mercedes has both Apple Carplay and it's own navigation, guess which one she uses more often.
Embedded navigation is useful when you’re on a long road trip and cell service cuts out.
@@johnjames7712 Okay you got a point there.
@@johnjames7712 I use a free app like Navigon and keep downloaded apps in my phone for such instances. At least that way the maps are reasonably up to date compared to in-car nav systems.
@@johnjames7712 last time I need that was in a long trip to Canada without a cell service
Whining too much. Why don’t you go and review a Camry?
Actually the syncs on trans have improved and clutch travel and engagement have improved
my dream car 😍😍‼️
Paint looks great. Reminds me of battleship gray, just with a dab of blue added. Not really impressed with the car overall tho.
I see a lot people ranting about lack of refinement in this car. If You want that, you have to turn to Audi, BMW, LEXUS, Infiniti, MB and pay 20k more. The WRX, is a track inspired rally car. They put a CVT in the car because they wanted to satisfy then 5% buyers then will use this as a daily driver and don't care about the 'sport' aspect of it (aka track driven). This car is NOT suppose to be a luxury car at all. This use to be a second car for those who has an accord or camry in their garage, but thats not the case anymore, Subaru wants their vehicles to be daily drivers that's why they are added just a tad of refinement they were getting a lot of criticism, for the lack of. Now they haven't done any major upgrades because according to rumor, this 2019 model is the last model year for this design. Subaru is currently working on putting the WRX on the Impreza platform which is their global platform. Until a car company can add auto stopping features in manual transmissions without the car stalling out, you won't see it. That is one of the reason a lot of car companies are going away from manuals because right now it doesn't work in manuals. I would definitely consider this car if there wasn't so much turbo lag. Hopefully any new engines won't have it.
You nailed it dude. I have a dodge pickup and this now. The turbo lag is easily fixed with a AP or pro tune. I actually haven't run into a problem with mine yet ( i have this model)
my dream car
Still very similar to my dad's 2016 WRX Limited
Similar but different. Limited has moonroof, no recaro,. His doesn't have apple carplay/android auto. He probably has nav. Cool cars though!
WRX is an acronym for, and for Subbie, the model rooted in, World Rally Experimental class racing. Complaining about road stiffness or bemoaning the lack of comfort and luxury gizmos indicates the character of the car you're reviewing is not one you understand.
Good honest review. The WRX is not hardcore enough to warrant such a stiff suspension, leave that to the STI. To be fair though Subie focused on the SUVs at the right, time, they deserve all the applause for riding the SUV sales wave just right.
Best car for under $35k , it’s like a bmw in the back and an Evo in the front . I love mine
Someone please slap some sense into this reviewer... It's also one of the oldest in the sport compact market right now; If you really expected a production year before redesign car to go above and beyond in improvements, you're sorely mistaken. Let's face it, the WRX is a sport compact, with emphasis on sport, so the ride is going to be choppy over anything but the smoothest tarmac. Advanced Safety Features, are you kidding me? You're gonna piss and moan about that? It's a stick shift, even the Civic Type-R doesn't offer Honda Sensing. If you want that stuff, spring for the CVT and Limited Trim (yes I know you can get the basic eyesight module in the premium trim, but to get everything you have to go limited) and prepare yourself to spend 37 grand. But This is a drivers car, those convenience features are not as appreciated here as they are in a Legacy or Forester; they aren't even available on the Civic Type-R because you can't get that as an automatic.
Just be happy you got the updated Starlink infotainment system to give you Apple carplay and Android Auto. What are you gonna complain about next, hard plastic and road/wind noise?
yes screw the advanced safety features.. learn situational awareness and enjoy being in control
Correct me if im wrong or misunderstanding but dont wrx’s and sti’s have hydraulic powersteering not electric
dam that car looks to futuristic for 2019.. that car looks like a concept from 2045
Great reveiw
Can't say I love the look of this car, looks too timid for a sports car. A beefier fender and a strong shoulder line would help this car look more aggresive imo
My dealer and subaru Canada can not even manage to update my navigation, on a 2017 impreza top spec, it requires a newer version on the infotainment system that is not available yet ????? my car is running on a two year old map, sad..... and ton of other issues
I think this car looks great, but other cars in the segment are cheaper and easier to live with. I can't wait to see the next Gen though. Hopefully details on that car start coming out next year!
what makes it hard to live with?
@@Mystxry from what I hear, nvh is pretty rough, the engine tune sucks, and MPG is lagging
You should drive one.
But what can you tell us, about the next Gen WRX we're waiting for?
Every “complaint” he had about the car is exactly why people want a wrx over the new clone wars crap that everyone else sells.
Short shifter??
Groovy! Is that you Austin Powers?
more horsepower ? Nope. Smoother suspension? Nope. Quieter Cabin? Nope. More safety features? Nope. Who cares.
258lb of tq is less than a 2.0liter Honda Accord.
turbo lag??? Cars still have that??? Why???
This guy is a bumpkin.
This car needs a redesign.
Update this thing already.
Horsepower, Remote Start, SunRoof/Panoramic Roof Must Have Doesnt Matter the Brand Of Car.
Still the same bland interior.
You don’t know what your talking about.
The WRX’s day has come and gone
Terrible reviewer
Outdated, out performed across the board, and just outright irrelevant. Should have died 5 years ago.
Nah