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.
Current Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza is offered as a sedan or four-door hatchback. The latter essentially replaced the former wagon and has more of a European flavor to its design. But overall, the styling for this Impreza is not as dramatic as in past generations. Both body styles come in 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5GT, WRX, WRX Premium and WRX Limited trims, while the hatchback also comes in Outback Sport, WRX STI and WRX STI Special Edition trims.
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 automatic-only Impreza 2.5 GT models receive a turbocharged version of that engine with 224 hp and 226 lb-ft of torque. The WRX gets a further boosted version of the 2.5 GT's 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 2.5i comes with full power accessories, keyless entry, air-conditioning, cruise control and a four-speaker stereo with CD player while opting for the Premium trim adds alloy wheels and upgraded audio. 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. In addition to the turbo engine, the 2.5GT includes larger (17-inch) wheels, a firmer suspension, a sunroof, heated front seats and automatic climate control. The WRX comes with specialized wheels, tires and suspension tuning for increased handling ability and also has most of the Impreza's options as standard, while the Limited version adds leather seating and a sunroof. The STI gains more muscular body panels, an upgraded suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes and aggressively bolstered sport seats. The STI can also be had in limited production (only 125 units total) Special Edition trim which features the wheels and firmer suspension from Japan's STI spec C model, and in exchange for a sticker price about $2,000 less than the standard STI decontents the car with halogen headlights, a four-speaker stereo, a single-CD player and manual climate control.
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. Though acceleration of the 2.5i model is adequate, 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 costs considerably more. 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. 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 threw in 41 extra horses for good measure. The former "half-baked" tuning of the engine and suspension essentially lived on as the automatic-only 2.5GT. The following year brought a new grille design, a Limited trim level for the WRX and Special Edition trim/packages for certain models.
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.
First generation - "GC"/"GF"/"GM"
Trim levels were LX, GL and Sport. LX models were front-wheel drive, and powered by a 1.6-litre engine; these were four-door only. GL trim levels were either front-wheel drive (Subaru badged these 2WD) or all-wheel-drive (badged AWD); cars launched in 1993 had a choice of 1.6 and 1.8 flat-4 engines, the 1.6 being available with 2WD, the 1.8 an AWD version only. From 1996, the 1.6 and 1.8 versions were dropped (in the European market), and replaced by a 2.0-litre engine. Sport versions had alloy wheels, and a 2.0-litre engine only. These were "warm hatch" versions which were similar to the WRX, albeit less adorned.
In 1994, Subaru introduced Subaru Technica International (STi) versions of the Impreza in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) and European Domestic Market (EDM). These models were upgraded from the WRX in many categories, including blueprinted performance-tuned engines, transmissions, and suspensions. The STi versions of the Impreza were immensely successful in rallies and popular among street racers. The first STi models featured higher power ratings than the WRX, while later versions of both WRX and STi were rated at 280 PS (206 kW; 276 bhp) due to the Japanese manufacturers' informal agreements around power ratings. Its top speed was electronically limited at 180 km/h (110 mph) and it had a 0–100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds in the UK Impreza Turbo 218 PS (160 kW; 215 bhp) version. 2006 WRX STI claimed 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. RA (Race Altered) versions of the WRX and STi were also available in the Japanese market. Targeted for race and rally, the RA versions were generally lighter in weight; featuring reduced soundproofing, manual windows, no air conditioning, and added racing features such as more robust engines, driver controlled center differentials, and shorter gearing.
Special editions of the Impreza were very common in Japan and Europe, many coinciding with a significant World Rally Championship victory. These editions included the Series McRae, 555, Catalunya, Terzo, RB5, P1, and 22B, the latter still considered by many to be the ultimate Impreza of all time with its wide arched rally style body.
During this generation, Subaru made a limited edition Impreza Sport Wagon called the CasaBlanca,] which had a retro front and rear end treatment, which was inspired by the popular kei car Subaru Vivio Bistro styling package and Subaru Sambar Dias Classic. The Sport Wagon was also offered with the WRX turbocharged engine, and was called the Gravel Express.
The Impreza received an external facelift for the 1997 model year, followed by an interior redesign in 1998, using the new redesigned dashboard from the Forester.
The European 1999-2000 turbo model received further upgrades in the form of more parts from the STi range. The front brakes became Subaru branded 4-pot calipers with 294 mm discs, the wheels having become 16-inch (410 mm) lightweight alloys from 1998 - previously 15-inch (380 mm), vented rear discs, the Sti 4 high level wing was fitted to the saloon, Sti style front bucket seats and firmer suspension. The phase 2 engine now fitted developed 160 kW (218 PS; 215 bhp), an increase of 5 kW (7 PS; 7 bhp) over the previous model.
The story of the North American Impreza is much different than the rest of the world. North American markets never received a turbocharged version of the first generation Impreza (it was heavily rumored in 1998 and 1999). Subaru never had a performance image in North America, so Subaru initially offered the Impreza with the 1.8L engine only, with either front- or all-wheel drive; a 2.2-liter engine became optional in 1995. Subaru later decided to emphasize all-wheel drive, making it standard on every Impreza (and Legacy) from 1997 onwards.
There was a minority that knew of the Impreza's accomplishments overseas and was very interested in having a high-performance Impreza. To test the waters for a full-fledged turbo model Subaru showcased a turbocharged version of the Impreza at various car shows around the country. The vehicle was named the 2.5RX and is now located in Subaru of America's Cherry Hill, NJ storage facility. Subsequently the 2.5RS performance model was introduced in 1998 (the same year the 1.8-liter engine was dropped). A naturally-aspirated 165 bhp (123 kW; 167 PS) 2.5L DOHC engine and larger brakes, borrowed from the Legacy, were fitted into the coupe body with gold-colored 16" five-spoke wheels. The 2.5RS also featured several external cues from its overseas brethren such as hood vents, a hood scoop, and a rally-inspired rear spoiler. The 1999 model featured several changes: the newly designed "Phase II" SOHC version of the same 2.5L engine featured a slightly higher peak torque (225 N·m (22.9 kgf·m; 166 ft·lbf) vs. 220 N·m (22 kgf·m; 160 ft·lbf)), the wheels turned to a standard silver, the interior got an update, and US versions became visually similar to their Japanese contemporaries with an updated front bumper borrowed from the Japanese Version 6 Impreza WRX STi. 2.5RS models became available in sedan form in 2000.
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Second generation - "GD"/"GG"
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| Production | 2000–2007 |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Ōta, Gunma, Japan Lafayette, Indiana USA |
| Body style(s) | 4–door sedan 5–door station wagon |
| Layout | Boxer Front engine / four wheel drive |
| Engine(s) | 1.5 L 125hp (EJ15)100HP 2.0 L 125hp (GX) 2.5 L 165 hp H4 (2001-05) 2.5 L 173 hp H4 (2006-07) 2.0/2.5 L Turbo-charged 227 hp H4 (WRX 2002-07) 2.5 L Turbo-charged 300 hp H4 (WRX STi 2004-07) |
| Transmission(s) | 4–speed automatic 5–speed manual 6–speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 99.4 in |
| Length | 173.4 in (2002–03) 173.8 in (2004-05) 175.8 in (2006–07) |
| Width | 66.7 in (wagon, 2006–07 sedan) 68.1 in (2002–03 sedan) 68.5 in (2004-05 sedan) 67.3 in (Outback Sport) |
| Height | 58.5 in (2002–05 wagon) 57.7 in (2005–07) 56.7 in (2002–05 sedan) 60.6 in (2004-07 Outback Sport) 60.2 in (2002-03 Outback Sport) |
| Related | Subaru Forester Saab 9-2X |
Subaru introduced the "New Age" Impreza to the world market in 2000. The second generation Impreza was intended to be larger, safer, stiffer, more refined, and more responsive. For many enthusiasts, the changes in the new car made it less desirable because it was heavier and slower with less of a raw edge to it. The WRX Sedan had a 20 mm wider track than its predecessor to aid handling, while the wagon remained the same. The coupe model was no longer available. The disliked headlamp styling of the New Age Impreza was polarizing, but the improvements to the car brought greater mainstream acceptance.
For quick and easy reference to the different exteriors, some Subaru Impreza owners use nicknames based on the headlights. Each relates to a creature that has similar looking eyes: 2000-2002 are 'bug eyes' / 2002-2005 are 'crocodile' or 'blob eyes' / 2004-2007 are 'hawk eyes'.
In the United States, release of the basic 227 bhp (169 kW; 230 PS) 2.0 L turbocharged Impreza, the WRX, did not occur until the 2002 model year, and the Impreza WRX STi was delayed until the 2004 model year. The US version of the STi includes various departures from the Japanese and European counterparts, such as a turbocharged 2.5 L EJ257 engine, rather than the twin scroll turbo 2.0 L engine sold elsewhere. All 2006 American Imprezas use some form of the 2.5 L EJ25 engine since naturally aspirated and turbo charged are available. Start from 2003, the US-spec Impreza was built in Lafayette, Indiana USA for celebrate ten years of Impreza and solving the import problems.
All 2006 Imprezas, including the performance models, have been redesigned again with the controversial "jet intake and wings" grille first debuted on the Subaru B9 Tribeca crossover SUV, along with new headlights (nicknamed 'hawk eyes'), taillights, and bumpers. Opinion on this style is split, but is generally regarded as better applied on the Impreza than the Tribeca. The grille design was dropped in the 3rd generation Impreza, due to the restyling. The 2.5 RS was dropped from the line up, and replaced by the base model 2.5i.
The most basic Impreza in Japan is 1.5 i with 1.5 liter EJ15 SOHC engine. The 1.5 R comes with the 1.5 L DOHC engine with AVCS, but is only available with automatic transmission, whereas the 1.5i model is available with either automatic or manual transmission. For both models, AWD and 2WD versions are available. Option packages for either the 1.5i or 1.5R include wheel type, size, bucket seats, and white LED illuminated gauge meters. Starting with model year 2006, the EJ15 was replaced with the new EL15
In 2005, Subaru made their AVCS standard on all engines used in the Impreza.
For export market, the all-wheel drive 1.6 TS is offered in Singapore and other Asian countries. The 1.5 sedan is normal body similar to the Sports Wagon. The TS shares wide body with WRX and WRX STI.
2004
Models offered in Australia in 2004 included the GX (2.0 L engine, this model has become the baseline Impreza in Australia), RV (2.0 L engine, styled for active lifestyles, similar to the USA-spec Impreza Outback Sport), RS (2.5 L engine, sport model) along with the WRX and STi version thereof. The RX model has been abandoned in Australia, and its position in the Impreza line-up has been subsumed by the GX (which had formerly been a sparsely outfitted budget model). A variant of the RS for Australia is the RS-X, which whilst technically not a naturally-aspirated version of the WRX as is often claimed, does feature many WRX components, including wheels and brakes, in a package powered by the 2.5 litre drivetrain.2005-2007
In late 2004 a new range was released; including the entry-level 2.0i (formerly GX), RV, 2.0R (formerly RS), WRX and WRX STi models. The 2.0R changed from a 2.5 L engine to a slightly more powerful 2.0 L engine; while the turbocharged WRX changed from a 2.0 L engine to a 2.5 L engine. The automatic transmission was dropped from the WRX, despite the popularity of the sports shift automatic in other Subarus such as the Outback. In 2006 the automatic transmission was added to the Limited package, which includes heated leather seats, power mirrors, heated wiper blades and a sunroof. Side airbags were added as standard across the range. Subaru Impreza WRXs have been bought by French Gendarmerie for its Motorway patrols. At the New York Auto Show, Subaru introduced a new WRX. 2002-2003 Subaru Impreza sedan (US) |  2006-2007 Subaru Impreza 2.5i sedan (US) |  2005-2007 Subaru Impreza wagon (EU) |  Subaru Impreza 1.6 TS used by the Singapore Police Force |
Third generation - "GE"/"GH"/"GR"
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| Production | 2007–present |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Ōta, Gunma, Japan Lafayette, Indiana USA |
| Body style(s) | 4–door sedan 5–door hatchback |
| Layout | Boxer Front engine / all wheel drive |
| Engine(s) | 1.5 L 107 hp H4 2.0 L 150 hp H4 2.5 L 170 hp H4 (2.5i) 2.5 L Turbo-charged 224 hp H4 (WRX (2008) & GT (2009-present)) 2.5 L Turbo-charged 265 hp H4 (WRX (2009-present)) 2.5 L Turbo-charged 305 hp H4 (WRX STi (2008-present)) |
| Transmission(s) | 4–speed automatic (w/SPORTSHIFT manual-mode) or 5–speed automatic (w/SPORTSHIFT manual-mode) (WRX STi A-line only) or 5–speed manual or 6–speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 103.1 in (2620 mm) |
| Length | sedan: 180.3 in (4580 mm) hatchback: 173.8 in (4415 mm) |
| Width | 68.5 in (1740 mm) |
| Height | 58.1 in (1475 mm) Outback Sport: 58.3 in (1481 mm) |
| Curb weight | 1,394 kilograms (3,073 lb) |
| Related | Subaru Forester Subaru Exiga |
2008
The new base model Impreza is slightly longer, wider and has a longer wheel base. The dashboard in the Impreza is much more open and is easy to configure. Two Subaru traditions have been ended with the new Impreza: the parking light switch atop the steering column is no longer present, and for the first time the windows have frames to improve NVH levels.
2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i hatchback (US)
In the United States market (the US and Canadian markets were the only ones to receive the sedan until it made its Japanese debut in fall 2008 as 'Impreza Anesis') for the 2008 model year, the model range consists of the 2.5 liter, 2.5i and Outback Sport and the 2.5 liter turbocharged WRX. Both the 2.5 and the 2.5i are electronically limited from surpassing 190 km/h (120 mph). The EJ253 engine carries over from the previous generation to power the 2.5i and the EJ255 engine carries over from the previous generation (although it now uses many external engine components from the Legacy GT) to power the turbocharged WRX trim levels. In the Canadian market, the base Impreza 2.5i model received upgrades for the 2009 model year, including rear disc brakes, electronic stability control and traction control, and body-colored door handles, features previously only found on the 2.5 Sport and more expensive trims. The North America Impreza has no mention of an approved towing capacity while identical models in other markets have an official tow rating. The US-built Impreza will continue assembly, but the WRX STi has paused - due to the economical problems.
From September 2007 the Impreza range in Australia has been changed with models designated R, RX, RS and WRX. Initially only hatch models were offered. The R, RX and RS all share the same engine - a new 2.0 L, with 110 kW (150 PS; 148 bhp) @ 6400 rpm and 196 Nm @ 3200 rpm. Subaru recommends that the new engines be run on 95 RON premium unleaded fuel. Another noticeable difference from the Japanese Impreza is the removal of the "Engine Start" button from the Australian model. The iconic WRX has largely unchanged engine power output of 169 kW (230 PS; 227 bhp) and 320 Nm from its 2.5 L engine. As with previous versions, there will only be a manual version of the WRX. The weight of the car also has been lightened (by ~50 lbs) to just 1400 kg, and gives the WRX a 0–100 km/h time of 5.8 seconds. In contrast, curb weight of the standard Impreza model is ~60 lbs heavier, although still lighter than the WRX trim level.
In Israel, the Impreza is denoted as the B3, and three styles are offered: the B3 1.5, with a 1.5 liter engine, the B3 2.0 and the B3 2.0 Sport, both with 2.0 liter engines. Four-door and five-door models are available for each engine type, ranging from the basic R class, to the medium RX and top RXI class. No 2.5 liter engine option is available.
The latest-generation of the WRX STI which is built as "wide body" hatchback only debuted in the Tokyo Auto Show in October 2007. The release date for a US launch was in March 2008. The WRX STI chassis code is GR, different from the GH used for the "standard body" hatchback WRX chassis. The Japanese WRX STI is powered by 2.0 liter improved EJ207 engine with twin scroll turbo, while the American and other export models has 2.5 liter EJ257 with single scroll turbo. The Impreza WRX STI features a Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD).
Facelift Model
In the 2010 New York International Auto Show, Subaru unveiled the 2011 model year "wide body" Impreza WRX Sedan and Hatchback, as well as the Impreza WRX STI 4 door Sedan. The new STI Sedan features high rear spoiler similar to the old STI.
Safety
Safety of the car has been increased with range wide inclusion of Stability/Traction control as standard in some markets. In early September 2007, the IIHS crash-tested the 2.5i 5-door Impreza and gave it the highest ranking available due to the test results the car achieved, continuing Subaru's reputation for producing cars that consistently earn the institutes highest rating.The Impreza also achieved a 5 Star Safety Rating, and a 4 Star Pedestrian Safety rating in the ANCAP crash tests.
Diesel
A boxer diesel engine, called the Subaru EE, for European Impreza models was introduced at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The diesel Impreza was made available for sale in several European countries in early 2009, with the 2.0 litre turbodiesel engine of 150 horsepower. Two models are available as of July 2009, 2.0 TD and 2.0 TD Sport, which is better equipped.Reputation
Subaru uses the Impreza chassis for the mechanical underpinnings of the Forester, a small crossover SUV designed to compete in the segment comprising the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape.As a result of GM's investment in Fuji Heavy Industries and ownership of Saab, the badge engineered Saab 9-2X used the second generation Impreza wagon, released in 2005 (given the rally-derived "Saab Rally Wagon") which was discontinued in 2006 due to the dissolution of the Subaru-GM partnership.
Subaru sold a cosmetically altered (in the neoclassic style) sedan and wagon in Asia called the Subaru Casa Blanca.
Motorsports
Immediately following the first overall WRC event win for both the fledgling Subaru team and its young driver, the late Colin McRae aboard a Group A Legacy on the 1993 Rally New Zealand, the Scotman's team-mate and childhood idol, 1981 World Rally Champion, Ari Vatanen of Finland, went on to finish second in the debut rally of the first ever factory Impreza. New recruit for the following season, 1990 and 1992 World Champion, Carlos Sainz brought the Impreza its inaugural victory on the 1994 Acropolis Rally.
The Impreza brought Subaru three consecutive WRC constructors' titles (1995–1997, the latter season the first for the newly introduced World Rally Car class) and a driver's championship for McRae in 1995, the late Richard Burns in 2001, and the Norwegian, Petter Solberg in 2003.
Another evolution of the Impreza WRC made its debut in the 2007 Corona Rally Mexico. Unfortunately, the team had several major problems with reliability as the car experienced mechanical difficulties in almost every rally from its first.
Subaru debuted an Impreza WRC in hatchback form for the first time from the 2008 Acropolis Rally onwards, on which event Solberg scored a second place finish.
On 16 December 2008 Subaru announced that it would withdraw from the World Rally Championship due to economic problems.
However, the Subaru Rally Team USA is still competing in the Rally America National Championship. Also, there are still several teams using Subaru models in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.
Safety
In Australia, the 1993-2004 Subaru Impreza was assessed in the Used Car Safety Ratings 2006 as providing "average" protection for its occupants in the event of a crash. In frontal-offset and side crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the United States, the second-generation Impreza earned "Good" ratings. 2005-2007 models also earned a "Good" rating for rear crash protection (head restraint design) placing it at the top of IIHS small car ratings.The third generation MY2008 Impreza continued the tradition and also earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety highest rating for "Good" in each individual test, earning an overall score of "Good".
The third generation MY2008 Impreza hatchback received five stars (34.66 out of 37 points) for occupant protection and a four star pedestrian rating under testing by ANCAP
