2004 all the way...not so sure about the sedan
...but 2004!
http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/Kurt_W/14025.jpg
I'm kinda leaving mine alone for now and its gone into reclusion with the SVX for the winter. Fun cars to own. Not always fond of the shifter though.
As for the looks, I always liked the WRX since it came out here, but the bugeye look didn't do it for me. The only bugeye I liked was the yellow 03 wagons, and even then, after the 04's came out, I didn't like the bugeyes enough to buy one. To me the 04's look more aggressive, if not a little droopy.