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2002 – 2007 · 2 body styles available

GD

The 2002-2007 Subaru WRX (GD chassis) introduced the brand’s turbocharged all-wheel-drive sedan to the US market, establishing the template for a generation of…

Body styles
SedanWagon

Subaru WRX (GD) Buyer's Guide

The GD WRX (2002-2007) put Subaru on the map in America. The original 2002 'bugeye' with its distinctive headlights, the 2004 blobeye, and 2006 hawkeye — each is a beloved chapter in Subaru's performance history. The GD is the most raw, unfiltered WRX.

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2008 – 2014 · 3 body styles available

GR/GV

The 2008-2014 Subaru WRX (GR/GV generation) marked a shift to a wider, more aggressive body and a larger 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine across the…

Body styles
SedanWagonHatchback

Subaru WRX (GR/GV) Buyer's Guide

The GR/GV WRX (2008-2014) is the only WRX generation offered as a 5-door hatchback — making it the most practical and arguably the best-looking WRX of the modern era. The wide-body STI hatchback is especially sought after. Powertrain: The 2.5L EJ255 turbo

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2015 – 2021 · 1 body style available

VA

The 2015-2021 Subaru WRX (VA generation) marked a significant departure from its predecessors by adopting a new platform and moving to a sedan-only body style,…

Body styles
Sedan

Subaru WRX (VA) Buyer's Guide

The VA WRX marked the end of the EJ engine era. The 2.0L FA20 direct-injected turbo makes 268 hp and is more responsive than its predecessor. Sedan-only, no hatchback. The 2018 refresh brought suspension improvements. What to look for: Never buy a heavily

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2022 – present · 1 body style available

VB

The 2022-present Subaru WRX (VB generation) represents a significant shift for the model, moving to the Subaru Global Platform and replacing the long-running…

Body styles
Sedan

Subaru WRX (VB) Buyer's Guide

The VB WRX (2022+) moved to Subaru's global platform with a revised chassis, the new FA24 engine, and controversial plastic cladding. It's more refined, stiffer, and more capable than the VA — but the cladding styling is divisive. Powertrain: The 2.4L FA24

3 known issuesRead the guide

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How guides rank risk

Four severity levels

CriticalDeal-breakers
MajorCostly soon
CautionKeep an eye on
OKLow concern

Every Squeezed guide sorts findings from Critical to OK, so you see the deal-breakers on the WRX before anything else.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What generations of the Subaru WRX are there?

GD (2002 to 2007); GR/GV (2008 to 2014); VA (2015 to 2021); VB (2022 to present).

What are the common problems with the Subaru WRX?

Documented problems include 5-Speed Transmission Failure (WRX), Ringland Failure (EJ255/EJ257), Ringland Failure (EJ257). Which ones apply depends on the generation, so open the year you are considering for its recalls, complaints and a full breakdown.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a used Subaru WRX?

Yes. A Squeezed guide is the triage before the inspection: it shows what to check and what to ask the seller, so you know which listings are worth a mechanic's time.