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The first generation Impreza is one of the best JDM cars to ever come out of Japan.

The Subaru Impreza WRX (World Rally eXperimental) is one of the most iconic cars ever produced by a Japanese automaker. The first-generation model has become one of the more desirable nineties JDM classics along with other performance cars such as the Honda Civic Type R, Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205, and the Nissan 300ZX/Fairlady Z32.

The debut of the road-going WRX in November 1992 in Japan (and shortly afterward in Europe and Australia) followed several years of highly successful rally car racing. The Subaru rally team won three consecutive World Rally Championships, and achieved class wins at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

Although the Impreza WRX was not sold in North America until the 2002 model year, enthusiasts can now purchase the ‘90s models over 25 years old that qualify for import under the EPA and FMVSS regulations.

Subaru equipped the road-worthy WRX, available as a sedan or wagon, with many of the same high-tech features that made the rally cars so successful.

In addition to the all-wheel drive and stiffer suspension, the car boasted a front-mounted turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve flat four-cylinder aluminum block 2.0-liter Subaru Boxer engine. Over the nine first-generation production years, the WRX produced 217-276 bhp at 6,000 RPM and 206-249 lb-ft torque at 5,000 RPM.

Subaru branded the WRX in the United Kingdom as the Impreza Turbo 2000, and in Europe as the Impreza GT. Both versions offered 208 bhp, significantly less power than the JDM variant.

The first generation WRX models came with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, a viscous-coupling-type center differential, and a viscous-type limited-slip differential. Front and rear ventilated disks provided the braking power.

Subaru introduced a stripped-down version of the WRX branded the Type RA (Racing and Group A, the FIA racing class) for the Japanese market. Intended for motorsports and tuning, the sedan lacked any features deemed unnecessary for racing such as air conditioning, electric windows, soundproofing, radio, and anti-lock brakes. Without the amenities, the bare-bones car weighed 2,964-pounds, nearly 400-pounds less than the standard WRX version. Combined with more robust engines, driver-controlled center differentials, and a closer ratio gearbox, the Type RA offered exceptional performance.

In 1994, Subaru also released the WRX STI (Subaru Tecnica International) for sale in the Japanese market only. The models featured blueprinted performance-tuned engines and upgraded transmissions and suspensions.

The high-performance STI cars became a popular choice for street racers and were immediately successful in rallies. The automaker produced 100 cars per month, with mostly mechanical modifications to the standard WRX, It was the only version built by installing STI parts at the end of the standard car assembly line.

Subaru also offered an STI version of the Type RA sans many amenities with reduced weight and cost. The STI RA produced 271 bhp.

Related: This Is What A 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX Is Worth Today

The first-generation WRX cars offered impressive performance competing with some of the quickest muscle cars of that era. The Subaru’s 237 horsepower accelerated the WRX from 0 to 60 mph in just over 5-seconds. In the same period, the C4 Corvette turned in a time of 0-to-60 in just under 6-seconds.

The little sedan outperformed the big boys and did it for an estimated one-fourth of the price (although an exact cost comparison is difficult since the Japanese car didn’t make it to the States).

Acceleration in a straight line was not the only characteristic that made the WRX an excellent performance car. The famous Subaru symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and the front and rear strut suspension gave the car exceptional handling. The lightweight WRX provided maximum grip through the curves even at high speeds.

Perhaps the most significant event during the first generation of WRX production was the introduction of the 22B STI, created to celebrate Subaru’s 40th anniversary and the company’s third consecutive manufacturer's title. Produced only between March and August of 1998, many enthusiasts consider the car to be the best Impreza ever produced and for some, the best Subaru vehicle ever made.

Subaru made significant improvements to the 22B over the standard WRX STi model featuring the new EJ22G engine with an increase in displacement by 0.2 liters. Other upgrades included forged pistons, an air-to-air intercooler, more boost, new intake pipes, and a new exhaust.

The performance statistics compiled by several sources show the 22B accelerated to 100 km/h (62 mph) from 4.2-seconds to 4.7-seconds. The limited edition STI also hit 160 km/h (100 mph) in as little as 13.1-seconds, reached a quarter mile in 13.5-seconds, and achieves a top speed of 247 km/h (154 mph).

Related: Tearing Up The Track With A Nissan 350Z And A Subaru Impreza WRX

The interior of the standard first-generation WRX models included features typical of most Japanese cars of the era. Amenities included power windows, power steering, centralized door locks, adjustable tilt steering, keyless entry, and air conditioning. Made for the Japanese market, all WRX cars came with right-hand drive. The WRX Type RA, built for racing, achieved its lighter weight by eliminating most of the standard features.

Related: 2000-2007 Subaru Impreza WRX: Costs, Facts, And Figures

A first-generation Subaru Impreza WRX models imported from Japan by a previous owner are available in the U.S. on the resale market for less than $10,000. Models from Japan in decent condition with a manual transmission are available through an agency for less than $20,000 not including import and licensing fees.

If you are looking to purchase a clean first-generation STI, the limited availability and high demand mean you will most likely have to pay in the six-figure price range.

Jeff has a degree from U.C. Berkeley in Mechanical Engineering. He has a passion for automobiles and has written hundreds of published articles on every facet of the automobile industry. He has written articles on a variety of subjects including travel destinations, sleep disorders, electrical equipment, heat exchangers, and construction. Jeff has also written a book about a two-year experience as a volunteer living in Italy. His favorite pastimes include travel, reading, golf, tennis, and surfing.