Subaru Impreza Review

2011 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sedan

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  • 2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Hatchback View photos
    2010 Subaru Impreza Hatchback Used TMV from $16,257 Find Used Inventory
  • 2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sedan View photos
    2010 Subaru Impreza Sedan Used TMV from $15,838 Find Used Inventory
  • 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Station Wagon View photos
    2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Used TMV from $33,137 Find Used Inventory
  • 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Station Wagon View photos
    2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Special Edition Used TMV from $28,991 Find Used Inventory
  • 2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Hatchback View photos
    2009 Subaru Impreza Hatchback Used TMV from $14,689 Find Used Inventory
  • 2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5GT Sedan View photos
    2009 Subaru Impreza Sedan Used TMV from $14,308 Find Used Inventory
  • 2009 Subaru Impreza Exterior View photos
    2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Used TMV from $26,379 Find Used Inventory
  • 2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Station Wagon View photos
    2008 Subaru Impreza Hatchback Used TMV from $12,912 Find Used Inventory
  • 2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sedan View photos
    2008 Subaru Impreza Sedan Used TMV from $12,556 Find Used Inventory
  • 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Station Wagon View photos
    2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Used TMV from $23,535 Find Used Inventory
  • 2007 Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan View photos
    2007 Subaru Impreza Sedan Used TMV from $11,529 Find Used Inventory
  • 2007 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Wagon View photos
    2007 Subaru Impreza Wagon Used TMV from $11,529 Find Used Inventory
  • 2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Sedan View photos
    2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Used TMV from $20,360 Find Used Inventory
  • 2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Limited Sedan View photos
    2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Limited Used TMV from $20,972 Find Used Inventory
  • 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX Limited 4dr Sedan AWD View photos
    2006 Subaru Impreza Sedan Used TMV from $9,672 Find Used Inventory
  • 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STi 4dr Sedan AWD w/Gold-Painted Wheels View photos
    2006 Subaru Impreza STi Used TMV from $18,262 Find Used Inventory
  • 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX 4dr AWD Shown View photos
    2006 Subaru Impreza Wagon Used TMV from $9,672 Find Used Inventory
  • 2005 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS 4dr Sedan w/Sport Package View photos
    2005 Subaru Impreza Sedan Used TMV from $9,499 Find Used Inventory
  • 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STi 4dr Sedan w/Silver-Painted Wheels View photos
    2005 Subaru Impreza STi Used TMV from $16,476 Find Used Inventory
  • 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX AWD 4dr Sport Wagon View photos
    2005 Subaru Impreza Wagon Used TMV from $9,055 Find Used Inventory
  • 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX AWD 4dr Sedan View photos
    2004 Subaru Impreza Sedan Used TMV from $8,755 Find Used Inventory
  • 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi 4dr Sedan View photos
    2004 Subaru Impreza STi Used TMV from $14,322 Find Used Inventory
  • 2004 Subaru Impreza Exterior View photos
    2004 Subaru Impreza Wagon Used TMV from $7,863 Find Used Inventory
  • 2002 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS AWD 4dr Sedan View photos
    2003 Subaru Impreza Sedan Used TMV from $8,001 Find Used Inventory
  • 2002 Subaru Impreza TS AWD 4dr Sport Wagon View photos
    2003 Subaru Impreza Wagon Used TMV from $6,919 Find Used Inventory
  • 2002 Subaru Impreza Exterior View photos
    2002 Subaru Impreza Sedan Used TMV from $7,052 Find Used Inventory
  • 2002 Subaru Impreza Exterior View photos
    2002 Subaru Impreza Wagon Used TMV from $5,764 Find Used Inventory
  • 2000 Subaru Impreza 2 Dr RS AWD Coupe View photos
    2001 Subaru Impreza Coupe Used TMV from $5,962 Find Used Inventory
  • 2001 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS AWD 4dr Sedan View photos
    2001 Subaru Impreza RS Used TMV from $6,499 Find Used Inventory
  • 2001 Subaru Impreza L AWD 4dr Sedan View photos
    2001 Subaru Impreza Sedan Used TMV from $6,106 Find Used Inventory
  • 1999 Subaru Impreza 4 Dr Outback Sport 4WD Wagon View photos
    2001 Subaru Impreza Wagon Used TMV from $6,269 Find Used Inventory
  • 2000 Subaru Impreza 2 Dr RS AWD Coupe View photos
    2000 Subaru Impreza Coupe Used TMV from $4,537 Find Used Inventory
  • 2000 Subaru Impreza 2 Dr RS AWD Coupe View photos
    2000 Subaru Impreza RS Used TMV from $5,455 Find Used Inventory
  • 2000 Subaru Impreza 4 Dr L AWD Sedan View photos
    2000 Subaru Impreza Sedan Used TMV from $4,524 Find Used Inventory
  • 1996 Subaru Impreza 4 Dr Outback 4WD Wagon View photos
    2000 Subaru Impreza Wagon Used TMV from $4,830 Find Used Inventory
  • 1998 Subaru Impreza 2 Dr RS 4WD Coupe View photos
    1999 Subaru Impreza Coupe Used TMV from $3,481 Find Used Inventory
  • 1998 Subaru Impreza 2 Dr RS 4WD Coupe View photos
    1999 Subaru Impreza RS Used TMV from $4,326 Find Used Inventory
  • 1999 Subaru Impreza 4 Dr L 4WD Sedan View photos
    1999 Subaru Impreza Sedan Used TMV from $3,770 Find Used Inventory
  • 1999 Subaru Impreza 4 Dr L 4WD Wagon View photos
    1999 Subaru Impreza Wagon Used TMV from $3,879 Find Used Inventory
  • 1998 Subaru Impreza 2 Dr RS 4WD Coupe View photos
    1998 Subaru Impreza Coupe Used TMV from $2,982 Find Used Inventory
  • 1997 Subaru Impreza 2 Dr L 4WD Coupe with Alloy Wheels View photos
    1998 Subaru Impreza RS Used TMV from $3,829 Find Used Inventory
  • 1998 Subaru Impreza 4 Dr L 4WD Sedan View photos
    1998 Subaru Impreza Sedan Used TMV from $3,108 Find Used Inventory
  • 1996 Subaru Impreza 4 Dr Outback 4WD Wagon View photos
    1998 Subaru Impreza Wagon Used TMV from $3,161 Find Used Inventory
  • 2000 Subaru Impreza 2 Dr RS AWD Coupe View photos
    1997 Subaru Impreza Coupe Used TMV from $1,863 Find Used Inventory
  • 1997 Subaru Impreza 4 Dr L 4WD Sedan View photos
    1997 Subaru Impreza Sedan Used TMV from $2,415 Find Used Inventory
  • 1997 Subaru Impreza 4 Dr L 4WD Wagon View photos
    1997 Subaru Impreza Wagon Used TMV from $2,467 Find Used Inventory
  • 2000 Subaru Impreza 2 Dr RS AWD Coupe View photos
    1996 Subaru Impreza Coupe Used TMV from $1,473 Find Used Inventory
  • 1999 Subaru Impreza 4 Dr L 4WD Sedan View photos
    1996 Subaru Impreza Sedan Used TMV from $1,984 Find Used Inventory
  • 1996 Subaru Impreza 4 Dr Outback 4WD Wagon View photos
    1996 Subaru Impreza Wagon Used TMV from $1,898 Find Used Inventory
  • 1995 Subaru Impreza 2 Dr LX 4WD Coupe View photos
    1995 Subaru Impreza Coupe Used TMV from $1,406 Find Used Inventory
  • 1999 Subaru Impreza 4 Dr L 4WD Sedan View photos
    1995 Subaru Impreza Sedan Used TMV from $1,476 Find Used Inventory
  • 1996 Subaru Impreza 4 Dr Outback 4WD Wagon View photos
    1995 Subaru Impreza Wagon Used TMV from $1,858 Find Used Inventory
  • 1999 Subaru Impreza 4 Dr L 4WD Sedan View photos
    1994 Subaru Impreza Sedan Used TMV from $1,414 Find Used Inventory
  • 1996 Subaru Impreza 4 Dr Outback 4WD Wagon View photos
    1994 Subaru Impreza Wagon Used TMV from $1,522 Find Used Inventory
  • 1999 Subaru Impreza 4 Dr L 4WD Sedan View photos
    1993 Subaru Impreza Sedan Used TMV from $1,189 Find Used Inventory
  • 1996 Subaru Impreza 4 Dr Outback 4WD Wagon View photos
    1993 Subaru Impreza Wagon Used TMV from $1,400 Find Used Inventory

In the small car segment, the Subaru Impreza is often overshadowed by more popular nameplates. There are two primary reasons for this: the Impreza's higher-than-average pricing and a lack of brand awareness regarding Subaru vehicles. But things are changing and Subaru's sales have been surging in recent years as consumers are discovering that the Subaru Impreza can be an excellent choice among compact cars.

The Impreza's most notable edge is its distinctive powertrain, as this model has always been available with all-wheel drive. This provides it with extra traction in slippery conditions and, on higher-horsepower models, works in combination with the Impreza's well-sorted chassis to provide entertaining handling. The Impreza has always been powered by its unusual horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, which emits a distinctive growl during acceleration. Competitive in most other respects save fuel economy, the Impreza is an excellent alternative choice for a new or used small sedan, wagon or hatchback.

Current Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza is offered as a sedan or four-door hatchback. Both body styles come in a dizzying multitude of trims: 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, WRX, WRX Premium, WRX Limited and WRX STI. The hatchback adds the Outback Sport to the mix, while the sedan gets a loaded WRX STI Limited.

The 2.5i and Outback Sport models have a horizontally opposed 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It's rated at 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, and comes with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. The WRX gets a turbocharged version of that engine that puts out 265 hp and 244 lb-ft, and a five-speed manual is mandatory. The STI ups the turbocharged output even further to 305 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, and it boasts a six-speed manual. All engines send their power to all four wheels via the standard all-wheel-drive system.

The Impreza Outback Sport has a slightly raised suspension for better ground clearance and a two-tone exterior paint scheme. Performance versions of the Impreza run from mild to wild. Besides its turbocharged boxer engine, the WRX comes with muscular body panels, specialized wheels, tires and suspension tuning for increased handling ability and also has most of the Impreza's options as standard. The STI gains even more aggressive styling flourishes, an upgraded suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes and aggressively bolstered sport seats.

In reviews, we've found that this Subaru Impreza provides enjoyable levels of performance. Thanks to all-wheel drive, there's plenty of traction, particularly in wet weather conditions. Acceleration of the 2.5i model is adequate, though the four-speed auto is disappointing in a segment when most other small cars have five or six speeds. Enthusiast drivers will be happier with the WRX, which is almost as quick as the pricier STI and handles very well. The STI raises the performance bar slightly, but not really enough to justify its price. Road noise is elevated at highway speeds, but otherwise the Impreza makes for a comfortable driving companion.

Used Subaru Impreza Models
The current Subaru Impreza represents the car's third generation that debuted for 2008. Compared to the previous-generation, this Impreza is notable for its roomier and more upscale interior.

Already, there have been some significant changes. The WRX was initially tuned for ride comfort rather than handling prowess, and the result was a half-baked hot hatch that drew unfavorable comparisons to the Toyota Camry. Responding to these complaints, Subaru firmed up the WRX's suspension for '09 and increased the original car's output by 41 extra horses. The former "half-baked" tuning of the engine (224 hp and 226 lb-ft of torque) and suspension essentially lived on as the automatic-only 2.5GT offered for 2009 and '10.

A new grille design arrived for 2010 along with a Limited trim level for the WRX and Special Edition trim/packages for certain models. The 2008-'10 WRX lacked the current car's STI-inspired styling cues, which were added for '11. STIs prior to that year were also only available as a hatchback.

Collectors should note that the STI could be had in limited-production (only 125 units total) Special Edition trim for 2010, which featured the wheels and firmer suspension from Japan's STI spec C model. In exchange for a lower sticker price, the Special Edition was decontented with halogen headlights, a four-speaker stereo, a single-CD player and manual climate control.

The second-generation Subaru Impreza was sold from 2002-'07. It was available as a five-passenger sedan or a wagon. Mechanically, the two body styles were similar. At its debut, this Impreza was sold in the following trim levels: 2.5 RS sedan, WRX sedan and wagon, 2.5 TS Sport Wagon and Outback Sport wagon.

Powering non-WRX models was a 2.5-liter engine making 165 hp. The WRX had a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine making 227 hp. Transmission choices included a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Imprezas of this period were reasonably well equipped, with the most features and performance-oriented hardware coming on the WRX.

Though all years of this Impreza are highly regarded, there are some changes to be aware of. Models made for 2004 and later benefited from a variety of feature updates, including revised front-end styling, updated suspension components for a better ride quality and more convenience features. For 2006, Subaru updated the Impreza's front styling again and introduced updated engines. The renamed 2.5i trim levels came with 173 hp, while the WRX sedan and wagon gained a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing 230 hp.

From 2004-'07, Subaru also sold the ultra-high-performance Impreza STI. This special variant of the sedan came with a 300-hp version of the 2.5-liter turbo engine, a six-speed manual transmission, an even stiffer suspension and powerful Brembo brakes. It also had exclusive features like a driver-adjustable center differential and a water sprayer for the intercooler.

At the time, we found the second-generation Subaru Impreza to be one of the best performance cars available for the money. Though lacking the most up-to-date features and suffering from an increasingly dated interior design, this generation had a fun-to-drive personality that kept it competitive with more modern performance hatchbacks and sedans. The STI, meanwhile, was capable of out-accelerating and out-handling many dedicated sport coupes of the time.

Considering the glorious halo associated with this second generation, it might be somewhat surprising to learn that the Subaru Impreza had a rather meek American debut for 1993. The first-generation model was available as a sedan or wagon and came equipped with a 1.8-liter flat-4 good for just 110 hp. All-wheel drive was optional, not standard. There were three trim levels: base, L and LS. The LS (later renamed LX) came with more equipment, including a standard four-speed automatic transmission and antilock brakes.

Subaru made its first major changes to this generation for 1995. Additions included a two-door coupe model, the Outback wagon and a larger 135-hp 2.2-liter engine option. The larger engine was available only with a four-speed automatic, however. This situation was rectified in '96 when the five-speed manual became available for the 2.2-liter. That year, Subaru also made the larger engine standard on all trims except the low-budget Brighton coupe.

The first-generation Subaru Impreza continued to improve in its later years. For 1997, Subaru brought out an improved Outback model, increased the power output of the 2.2-liter, made AWD standard and dropped the LX trim. A year later, the desirable Impreza 2.5 RS debuted. Though not as powerful as the turbocharged WRX versions that Subaru was selling in other parts of the world, the coupe-only 2.5 RS came with a 165-hp 2.5-liter engine, a sport-tuned suspension, a non-functional hood scoop and 16-inch wheels. It also tied in nicely to the Impreza's success in the World Rally Championship during this time. No more significant changes were made to the Impreza, though a 2.5 RS sedan did arrive for 2000.

Read the most recent review for 2011 Subaru Impreza

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