A familiar shape arrives.
Subaru introduces the Impreza in Japan in 1992, with its U.S. introduction following in 1993. The first-generation Impreza becomes the starting point for the WRX and STI cars that follow.
Rally heritage
Subaru Impreza rally history.
For many of us, it started with Colin McRae and a blue Subaru Impreza on a rally stage. Here are the early milestones behind the Subaru World Rally Team and the road cars that followed.
The formative years
Impreza milestones: 1992 to 1998.
Onto the world stage.
The Subaru World Rally Team switches from the Legacy to the smaller Impreza at the 1000 Lakes Rally. It is the Impreza’s World Rally Championship debut.
A breakthrough season.
Colin McRae wins the drivers’ championship, while Subaru claims its first manufacturers’ title. McRae becomes Britain’s first World Rally Champion.
Three in a row.
Subaru completes a run of three consecutive manufacturers’ championships: 1995, 1996, and 1997. New World Rally Car regulations arrive in 1997; the winning streak carries on.
The 22B arrives.
The Impreza 22B STI version brings the look of the 1997 World Rally Car to the road. Wide fenders, Sonic Blue Mica paint, and a 2.2-liter turbocharged boxer engine make it a memorable part of the story.
Blue and gold
From WRC stages to Impreza builds.
Blue paint, yellow graphics, gold wheels, and a tall rear wing. The Subaru rally look still turns up on classic Impreza builds, from full replica liveries to a set of gold wheels on a daily driver.
If Colin McRae’s Impreza got you into Subarus, you’re in the right place. Our showcase brings that enthusiasm back to the cars people own, photograph, and work on today.
Compare the road cars, from the 2.5RS to the 22B, in our Classic Impreza Guide.
From competition to community
Your Subaru, your project.
A stock Impreza, a restored coupe, or a rally-inspired project all have a place at 2.5RSTI. Share what you’re building and what got you started.
See the cars
There’s room for your car
Show us
your Subaru.
Send us photos of your classic Impreza and tell us what you’re working on. Finished builds, stock dailies, and long-term projects all belong here.
Share your buildFind your people
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Follow 2.5RSTI for classic Subarus, rally roots, and what’s happening in the garage.
Tag @2.5rsti and use #25rsti every time you post on social media. Let’s keep the classics in the feed.
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