As I've seen the WRX evolve from the '02/'03 to '04 and now to the '05 models, it seems like the target and direction of the WRX is changing. Let me explain.

The '02 and '03 models, to me, seemed almost like a special edition car. I don't mean special edition in terms of limited numbers, but rather in the features. The momo steering wheel, the BIG fog lights, the wierd looks (bugeyes still rule all), great performance and commercials tying the car to the "rally heritage". They sort of kept the special edition thing with the '04s, moving the tach to the center and keeping most of the features that make the '02 and '03 models great, such as the performance, pedals, steering wheel, etc. They lost the big fog lights and the bug eyes, which is ok I guess. But with the '05 model, they've taken the momo badge off the steering wheel. They've prettied up the interior (which I do like, btw). The've got a bit better set of wheels (aesthetically speaking).

Subaru isn't pushing ads for the WRX lately showing it driving hard and tying it to WRC, but, rather, showing it in commercials with the Forrester and Legacy and giving it some lamo nick name like "Boost". It seems like Subaru is moving the car more upmarket, if you will (though the price is staying pretty much the same), but moving the car away from all the things that made it great when it debuted in the US in '02, by taking away some of the smaller, more enthusiast targeted features that made it special.

I guess the STi is filling it's shoes? Am I way off base, or do you agree?

* btw: I'm fully aware of the WRX and Impreza history. I am talking ONLY about the USDM WRX and it's years on the US market. I'm not putting down any cars such as the legacy or the forrester.

 

i don't know if this relates... but i've been noticing a lot of subaru commercials on tv lately. i don't remember subaru ever releasing so many commercials advertising their cars before... anyone else notice this?

 

also, didn't subaru make its largest profits last year or something? i think i read/heard something about that somewhere...

 

i just searched yahoo, their sales have dropped THIS year compared to last year... maybe that's why they are airing so many commercials...

 

I haven't had much time for TV lately. I usually only watch TV one or two days a week when I'm off work. I see about a million WRX commercials during rally though :

 

i see one like almost every commercial break...

 

Maybe they are targeting a different audience now since they inadvertently attracted an entirely new demographic when the wrx came out.. those who mod thier cars and have a lot of warranty claims, both related to abuse or aggressive driving. Of course, who wouldn't use the power when they market the car for it?

I mean, gee whiz, my car came with a free SCCA membership.

 

In another post there was a question about what to buy, an 04 or an 05. I said the 04 because of a better deal but in all honestly I think the middle consol or HVAC and vents look cheap. I like the top pull out cupholder better then two below. I think we have all experianced with manuals, the pain of a tall cup with a straw getting in the way of where we put our elbows and gets in the way of shifting. SO having two there is not a fun idea. I like the steering wheel better in the 05's and the rims look good too. Most of us however will replace them with aftermarket "shoes" anyways so they arnt a big deal. I say 04 is the best year they have made as far as improvements and looks. (dont get mad guys, I love the bugeyes too)

 

I dislike some of the improvements they made for '04. They made the car a little more ... average driver friendly I believe with the suspension. Didn't they change it up to make the car push a little more?

Either way, no matter how many times I look at the '04 body, I just can't get used to that front end. I actually like it a lot better with out the flares than with.

 

which is weird, considering the new STi center console is really sweet. why don't they just put the same/similar center consoles in the WRX and the STi? it seems most everyone i have talked to dislikes the new WRX center console...

 

Yeah, i think its because every company is starting to come out with a turbo based car.

 

I know this isn't really USDM related, but the WRX has gotten a lot less performance oriented since it modeled up from the GC8. And it's getting less and less performance oriented with the 04 and 05 on, IMHO.
BTW I'm an 02 owner (since May 01) if it matters