Unless you're under 6 feet tall, don't get excited about the sunroof.
I went to the dealer today. They just got some 04's one with the premium package.

The sunroof is very small. it looks like a 2/3 scale of what a sunroof should be. But, the problem is that the sunroof option takes away headroom to the extent of 2.3"! Yes, that much! It's the WORST loss of headroom that I've ever experienced in any car with a sunroof option.
I'm 6'1" tall with a tall torso. I can NOT sit upright in the seat without my hair rubbing on the roof, and I have about 1/4-1/2" of clearance if that. If I hit a big enough bump I would hit the roof. It's one of the WORST designs I've ever seen in a sunroof headliner. I looked and I see no reason to have to lower the headliner that far.

Also, the new seats sit taller than the previous seats. You don't sit "in" the seats like before. You kind of sit "on" them and it feels like you're up taller than before.
Basically, the seats SUCK now! And, combined with the sunroof, it's pretty much not comfortable at all. Without some serious seat modifications, there is no way I could own this car. This car is now for short and small people.
Hmmm....just like the Japanese. :)

But, the other biggest issue with the sunroof is that your passenger in the front better not be over 5' 11". I sat in the passenger seat to check head clearance. NONE to speak of. When I sat in the passenger seat my head hit the headliner and I had to **** my head to the side to sit. I then had to lean the seat waaaaay back to have any clearance. But then it's uncomfortable cause you have to crank your neck to look forward. I simply can't believe how awful this new design is.
I guess Subaru figures only shorter people like sunroofs. :rolleyes:

I did sit in a non sunroof version and everything is fine there.
I want a sunroof and I want comfortable seats which I can't have now I guess. I'll try and find an aftermarket sunroof that opens over the roof, why didn't Subaru think of that? And, I have to mod the seats.
This is a big pain and I'm bummed cause I really liked the WRX and it's performance. Of course, I could get an 03 which fits me fine and the seats are better. I'm seriously considering the EVO which I can get for
$29,800 which has more room all around, a sunroof, and MUCH better seats
plus better performance.

Why Subaru, why?
:disco:

T

Originally posted by shoWRoX
Why Subaru, why?
:disco:

T

we may never know. :(

1. So many magazines/ tv shows that reviewed the WRX loved the seats in the car, I have no idea why they even had the idea to change them.

2. Why a sunroof would be put in a car made for driving in inclement weather is beyond me.

Originally posted by shoWRoX
...I can NOT sit upright in the seat without my hair rubbing on the roof...
T

You must have big hair:lol:

i say if you are willing to pay 29 for the evo, pay the 30-31 for the sti. :D

I sat in a '04 at the detroit auto show and thought the seats were pretty nice but it did't have a moon roof. But I sure love the moon roof in my rs in the summer.

I sat in an 04 WRX yesterday and thought that the seats were way too wide. When I sit in my RS, I can feel the back and sides of my ribcage being cradled. The new seats were about an inch off on each side.

About the "sitting on" instead of "sitting in" deal, are you sure the seat height wasn't all the way up?

Ross N.

Originally posted by grimlock
I sat in an 04 WRX yesterday and thought that the seats were way too wide. When I sit in my RS, I can feel the back and sides of my ribcage being cradled. The new seats were about an inch off on each side.

About the "sitting on" instead of "sitting in" deal, are you sure the seat height wasn't all the way up?

Ross N.

This may be it. When I got in my '04 to drive home I was wondering what was wrong with everyone to say that these seats were remotely supportive...until I lowered it. It distinctly felt like I was sitting on the seat, not in it. Now it's all good.

I agree that the bolsters are too wide, for me anyway, but I'm pretty small. If they fit me properly everyone else would would be complaining that they were too tight. It sucks sliding around in the seat and I'm actually very suprised that Subaru doesn't put adjustable bolsters on these seats so that everyone can have a similar ride.

Ciao,

MS

Originally posted by shoWRoX
Unless you're under 6 feet tall, don't get excited about the sunroof.
I went to the dealer today. They just got some 04's one with the premium package.

The sunroof is very small. it looks like a 2/3 scale of what a sunroof should be. But, the problem is that the sunroof option takes away headroom to the extent of 2.3"! Yes, that much! It's the WORST loss of headroom that I've ever experienced in any car with a sunroof option.
I'm 6'1" tall with a tall torso. I can NOT sit upright in the seat without my hair rubbing on the roof, and I have about 1/4-1/2" of clearance if that. If I hit a big enough bump I would hit the roof. It's one of the WORST designs I've ever seen in a sunroof headliner. I looked and I see no reason to have to lower the headliner that far.

Also, the new seats sit taller than the previous seats. You don't sit "in" the seats like before. You kind of sit "on" them and it feels like you're up taller than before.
Basically, the seats SUCK now! And, combined with the sunroof, it's pretty much not comfortable at all. Without some serious seat modifications, there is no way I could own this car. This car is now for short and small people.
Hmmm....just like the Japanese. :)

But, the other biggest issue with the sunroof is that your passenger in the front better not be over 5' 11". I sat in the passenger seat to check head clearance. NONE to speak of. When I sat in the passenger seat my head hit the headliner and I had to **** my head to the side to sit. I then had to lean the seat waaaaay back to have any clearance. But then it's uncomfortable cause you have to crank your neck to look forward. I simply can't believe how awful this new design is.
I guess Subaru figures only shorter people like sunroofs. :rolleyes:

I did sit in a non sunroof version and everything is fine there.
I want a sunroof and I want comfortable seats which I can't have now I guess. I'll try and find an aftermarket sunroof that opens over the roof, why didn't Subaru think of that? And, I have to mod the seats.
This is a big pain and I'm bummed cause I really liked the WRX and it's performance. Of course, I could get an 03 which fits me fine and the seats are better. I'm seriously considering the EVO which I can get for
$29,800 which has more room all around, a sunroof, and MUCH better seats
plus better performance.

Why Subaru, why?
:disco:

T

Was this with the seat fully lowered?

Originally posted by getTheMark


This may be it. When I got in my '04 to drive home I was wondering what was wrong with everyone to say that these seats were remotely supportive...until I lowered it. It distinctly felt like I was sitting on the seat, not in it. Now it's all good.

I agree that the bolsters are too wide, for me anyway, but I'm pretty small. If they fit me properly everyone else would would be complaining that they were too tight. It sucks sliding around in the seat and I'm actually very suprised that Subaru doesn't put adjustable bolsters on these seats so that everyone can have a similar ride.

Ciao,

MS

During my VW days there was a common seat mod for the third gen GTIs and Jettas to fix the bolstering problem. Stock VW seats in their VR6 models were somewhat supportive, but the bolstering was too wide (manufacturers do this to make the seat comfortable for their heftier customers).

Anyway, the mod walked you through bending the seat bolsters inwards with 2 phone books and a tie down strap (with a rachet type tightener). Basically you would put one phone book on each bolster (so you don't damage the seat) and then wrap the tie down around it with the rachet at the front of the seat between the books, crank it down until snug, and then crank it once or twice to start bending the bolsters in. Then take it all off, sit in the seat to try it out, put the books and strap back on, crank it again, take it off, try it, etc unil the bolsters were bent in enough for your liking.

This worked on the VW seats because the inner frame for the bolsters were metal. I'm not sure what the Subi's bolster frames are made of though...

Originally posted by shotoyan


During my VW days there was a common seat mod for the third gen GTIs and Jettas to fix the bolstering problem. Stock VW seats in their VR6 models were somewhat supportive, but the bolstering was too wide (manufacturers do this to make the seat comfortable for their heftier customers).

Anyway, the mod walked you through bending the seat bolsters inwards with 2 phone books and a tie down strap (with a rachet type tightener). Basically you would put one phone book on each bolster (so you don't damage the seat) and then wrap the tie down around it with the rachet at the front of the seat between the books, crank it down until snug, and then crank it once or twice to start bending the bolsters in. Then take it all off, sit in the seat to try it out, put the books and strap back on, crank it again, take it off, try it, etc unil the bolsters were bent in enough for your liking.

This worked on the VW seats because the inner frame for the bolsters were metal. I'm not sure what the Subi's bolster frames are made of though...

I've been thinking about trying something like that. I would really like to have the bolsters do their job. Short of putting in sparcos bending seems like the thing to do. I've noticed zippers on the back of the seat and on the headrest section. I looks easy enough to get the cover off, but I won't have time to do it in the next few weeks. I really want to know what I'm bending before I just throw a strap around it.

A note to all who are considering this with the new seats. There are airbags in there somewhere. Straping them and cranking down is not a good idea. Despite all the warnings they are not likely to go off, but you could easily damage them.

MS

This is good info. One thing I like about my 03 is that I can wear a helmet for the track and not hit it on the headliner.

I think the wider seats are for the "larger" Americans. I don't like that. I love how snug the 02-03 seats feel.

And yes lowering the seat makes a huge difference. Go back to the dealership and check if the seat was lowered. That was the first thing I did when I got my car.

I adjusted the seat in every possible direction and it was set to it's lowest position, no go.
In the non sunroof model, the headroom is fine, though the seat still feels higher up than the previous model.

Also, I don't understand this issue of the seat being "too big".
I am big and I fit fine in the 02-03 seats, to me they have great bolsters and padding and feel very nice. The 04 seats have taller thigh bolsters that ARE narrower. I don't see how people say they are wider. :confused:
In fact, one of the reasons I'm sitting so "tall in the saddle" is partly due to the thigh bolsters holding me up and not allowing me to sink into the seat enough.
It may seem to thin people that these seats were made for larger folks, but take it from a larger person, that is NOT true.
Seems that large and small aren't too pleased with these seats.

But, that doesn't explain the awful design of the sunroof and the problem headliner. Why it sits that low I can't say. Also, sitting in the passenger seat is even worse.

T

Didn't they just cram it in there in front of the reiforcement ring? Isn't that why it is so small? That is possibley why it takes up so much headroom as well, they had no room to spread it out so they had to build down.

C'mon people! We all come in different shapes and sizes. Asses are like snowflakes, no 2 are alike. Well, unless you're twins or something.

Anyway, if you don't fit in seat X. Consider trading with someone on this board for seat Y. Get aftermarket seats, heck buy a different car.

Besides the word "suck" is overused enough as is. My seats suck, the bugeyes suck, the foglights suck, my shoes suck...

Trade my 2 pennies for your nickel.

Originally posted by getTheMark


I've been thinking about trying something like that. I would really like to have the bolsters do their job. Short of putting in sparcos bending seems like the thing to do. I've noticed zippers on the back of the seat and on the headrest section. I looks easy enough to get the cover off, but I won't have time to do it in the next few weeks. I really want to know what I'm bending before I just throw a strap around it.

A note to all who are considering this with the new seats. There are airbags in there somewhere. Straping them and cranking down is not a good idea. Despite all the warnings they are not likely to go off, but you could easily damage them.

MS

One thing to note is that the mod worked on the VW seats because the metal "wing" part of the frame that makes up the bolster was a softer (or thinner, can't recall) metal, so when pressure was applied it was the base of this wing that would bend (actually I think this might be some sort of side impact safety feature). I say this because if the seat frame doesn't have this weak point, it may bend in the middle of the seat back. Obviously this is not the intent.

Let us know what you find when you remove the seat cover. I'm very interested in hearing the results. I will try to find the link for the mod and post it here for you to review.

In the brochure they have a "see through" type of picture which shows th sunroof between the center (largest) support structure and still shows a small front beam. I don't have a problem with the small size of the sunroof.
It lets plenty of light and air in. The problem is how low they made the new headliner, which didn't need to be that low. It's amazing how low they made it. I've heard of 3/4" to 1" loss mainly in sunroof options and up to 1-1/2" on the extreme side, but 2.3" is crazy. If they knew they were losing that much
headroom, then they should have designed a "spoiler" type sunroof that opens over the the metal roof instead of into it.
Ah! Thinking on it now, I'll be that's where the problem is. The roof glass goes into the roof so it has to go UNDER the large support beam at the B pillar. They probably had to drop the glass so that it could get under the beam. If you notice on the regular non sunroof WRX, the cieling does dip at least an inch right under the B pillar support beam. So, as the glass needs to clear under that, they had to go even lower. Well, it seems clearer to me know as I think about it. But, it just makes me wonder still why the engineers didn't go over the roof so as to keep the headroom.
Makes no sense, none at all.

T

Especially since the GC8 opened that way, so they have history with it.

i always thought the seats sucked (except for the side bolstering) and i still wish that my car had a sunroof

That is exactly why the headliner is so low. I prefer the sunroof going inside as oppossed to over the roof. Being 5'8" also helps. I like the seats and moonroof just fine. Although I wish they kept the seats 2 tone.

The moonroof goes inside the car otherwise there would be issues with roofracks on the wagon. Oh wait US doesn't get moonroof on wagons :p.... sorry had to rub it in. :lol:

I'm 5'11" with a long torso and the headliner is a bit low. However I'm used to it, because it's roughly equivalent to my old '99 Civic SiR. It's still better than 2000+ Celicas though. My hair sticks out the moonroof if I sit up straight in the Celicas.

The seats aren't perfect. The bolstering is a bit too high to get in and out of comfortably. I haven't found a tilt adjustment yet and this does make it feel like your sitting ON the seat.

Originally posted by shoWRoX
Unless you're under 6 feet tall, don't get excited about the sunroof.
I went to the dealer today. They just got some 04's one with the premium package.

The sunroof is very small. it looks like a 2/3 scale of what a sunroof should be. But, the problem is that the sunroof option takes away headroom to the extent of 2.3"! Yes, that much! It's the WORST loss of headroom that I've ever experienced in any car with a sunroof option.
I'm 6'1" tall with a tall torso.

You sound like you have never sat in a 2nd gen Mitsubishi eclipse. I couldn't fit comfortably and I am only 5' 11" :eek:

Originally posted by shotoyan


One thing to note is that the mod worked on the VW seats because the metal "wing" part of the frame that makes up the bolster was a softer (or thinner, can't recall) metal, so when pressure was applied it was the base of this wing that would bend (actually I think this might be some sort of side impact safety feature). I say this because if the seat frame doesn't have this weak point, it may bend in the middle of the seat back. Obviously this is not the intent.

Let us know what you find when you remove the seat cover. I'm very interested in hearing the results. I will try to find the link for the mod and post it here for you to review.

Here's a simple version of the mod...there was a much more detailed one but I can't find it...

http://www.venommotorsports.com/library/seatmod.asp

I just sat in an 04 sedan with the moonroof. I am 6'3" and there is NO WAY that I can drive the car comfortably. I guess I won't be getting the Premium Package :(

Originally posted by *****


2. Why a sunroof would be put in a car made for driving in inclement weather is beyond me.

That's the greatest excuse I've ever heard :rolleyes: Tell me, have you ever worked at a middle eastern Ministry of Information? :lol:

Originally posted by LYHTSPD
I just sat in an 04 sedan with the moonroof. I am 6'3" and there is NO WAY that I can drive the car comfortably. I guess I won't be getting the Premium Package :(

Sucks, doesn't it?

I did get some info from the dealer though and there are some excellent aftermarket roofs that open over the top of the roof.
Price installed is around $900. Not bad considering how much Subaru wants for it. The PP is $1500. Take about $500 for the spoiler and that means you are paying $1000 for heated seats and a sunroof. Aftermarket you'll lose the heated seats and mirrors, but you'll have the rood and it will be MUCH better with lots of headroom.

Subaru screwed this one up and it does SUCK. :p

T

Originally posted by shoWRoX


there are some excellent aftermarket roofs that open over the top of the roof.
Price installed is around $900.

I'm interested. Where?

I remember seeing some NASIOC users do it before.

shoWRox, i am interested in which roofs the dealer recommended...

If I get the chance I'll call the dealer tomorrow and get the name of the manufacturer. The roofs looked really nice and the "spoiler" style is what I'm interested in as it goes over the roof when open so you loose the least amount of headroom. I like that style because it's fairly quite maybe quieter than the in roof type. I don't like that little "wing" they put in the front of the roof to keep the wind from going down at you. I'd rather feel the wind than listen to the wind rusing over it.

I'll get the info when I get a chance.

T

i had a moonroof on my last car (200SX SE-R) and i harldly ever used in the 5 years I owned that peice of #$&^. If the whole top dont come off or fold down you might as well have a hard top. Yeah...a WRX convertible would rule!


Jon

Originally posted by poppin_fresh
i had a moonroof on my last car (200SX SE-R) and i harldly ever used in the 5 years I owned that peice of #$&^. If the whole top dont come off or fold down you might as well have a hard top. Yeah...a WRX convertible would rule!


Jon

What?? A convertable WRX.. I don't know if there is a point? It's not a roadster..

you ppl are too tall..hahaha:disco: :p :D

thank god im 5'8.:alien:

heh, subaru made haste to comfort the average overweight american :lol:

hence, another reason why the 02-03 wrx model years will hold their value better than the new ones:p

Originally posted by SpeedShift
heh, subaru made haste to comfort the average overweight american :lol:

hence, another reason why the 02-03 wrx model years will hold their value better than the new ones:p

Where did you get that from? Absolutely incorrect. The new WRX has tighter seats in the bottom and doesn't offer the bolstering of the previous model.
The headroom is non existant with the OEM sunroof and the overall space in the WRX is small to begin with. I don't think they went for the larger people what so ever. I'm a big guy and I'm here to tell you the comfort of the new WRX is not better than the previous generation. The seats suck, pure and simple.

As far as resale will be better in the 02-03, I doubt it. The new body style will be more appealing to a broader customer base and given that most people are shorter than 6 foot, quite a bit actually, the new WRX will fit them fine.
With the new changes this car is becoming "smaller" and more cramped.
I'm rethinking this car. I went to test drive the EVO and WOW!
The Recaro seats are simply awesome! They grip correctly with no pressue points. The room in the EVO is bigger than the WRX/STi. There is a LOT of headroom even with a sunroof. There is more shoulder room, let room, and hip. And, the back seats are quite a bit bigger to accomadate the use of having 4 doors in the first place.

I think I'm going over to the dark side. :devil:

T

I think I'm going over to the dark side.

I wouldn't call that going over to the dark side - the EVO8 is one awesome car! (now if only it had the active differentials...)

The Neon SRT4... now that's the dark side (Luke... if only you knew the power of a 2wd econobox...." :lol: )

I sat in one of the '04 WRXs yesterday. You'd think by looking at it, that the bolsters were exactly the same. But yeah, they do feel wider somehow. I have a little more wiggle room in them than I do in my '02. *shrug*

My 04 WRX Wagon doesn't have a moon roof, don't care for them personally, and I need the head room anyway.

I have a moon roof in my other car (2000 BMW 328i). I never use it other than to crack it open and vent hot air while parked. And I can get the same effect by opening the windows slightly, so it's pointless for me.

I've had other cars with moon roofs (one which leaked). It's always been a pain in the @ss.

Or maybe I have just have no moon roof kama?

But I do like the seats in my 04 WRX Wagon. They fit me pretty nice (6'0" 190 pds, am I a fat @ss?). However, I would agree with previous posts that if the seats were a bit lower that would be better.

I'm nit picking anyway. The car is cool!

Im 5'8" and a big guy and I have had no issue with the sun roof and I love the seats. I don't even open the shade cause it's too bright. Of course I live in CT where the sun doesn't shine too often and I'm a vampire...:p

I purchased my 04 wrx last week, and i had previously read this thread. I was concerned that the sunroof would take away much needed headroom and that I would be very uncomfortable. All i have to say is that i am 6'1" and I have PLENTY of head room. I used to drive a 99 integra gsr and i feel like the cockpit is much more roomy in the wrx. Even if i sat straight up and close to the wheel i would still have at least 2 inches of headroom. All im saying is that I suggest that you go down to your local dealer and see for yourself, that is the only way to tell, but for me it was no problem at all.... and btw i think the 04 seats kick ass!!

cheers

Originally posted by o4 wrx
I purchased my 04 wrx last week, and i had previously read this thread. I was concerned that the sunroof would take away much needed headroom and that I would be very uncomfortable. All i have to say is that i am 6'1" and I have PLENTY of head room. I used to drive a 99 integra gsr and i feel like the cockpit is much more roomy in the wrx. Even if i sat straight up and close to the wheel i would still have at least 2 inches of headroom. All im saying is that I suggest that you go down to your local dealer and see for yourself, that is the only way to tell, but for me it was no problem at all.... and btw i think the 04 seats kick ass!!

cheers

I like them too...part of the reason I am shading toward and 04 over searching for the right 03 wagon. But then again I am your typical over weight american...