Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza is a family of compact sedan and hatchback models (including the WRX and WRX STI performance models), featuring horizontally opposed four-cylinder engines and (in most cases) all-wheel drive. The Impreza has maintained a more rugged, performance-focused image than most comparable vehicles. Other vehicles in the Impreza's corner of the market include the Mazda Mazda3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Suzuki SX4 Crossover, and Volkswagen Golf/Jetta.

Back when the Impreza was first introduced, in 1993, it looked more conventional, like a rival to the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic and featured a modest 110-horsepower, 1.8-liter horizontally opposed (flat) four-cylinder engine. In 1995 a coupe model was added to the lineup, which already included a sedan and wagon, and more sport was added with both a larger 135-horsepower, 2.2-liter engine and new Outback Sport model. All-wheel drive was made standard on all Subaru models for 1997.

Subaru first started teasing its success on the international rally stage with the sporty new 2.5 RS coupe, introduced for 1997, and the 2.5 RS sedan, which followed in 2000. With the stronger 165-hp engine, larger wheels, and a sport suspension, along with a big hood scoop and other cosmetic upgrades, the RS models found a strong following from small-car enthusiasts in winter-weather states.  

The year of most dramatic change for the Impreza was 2002. That's the model year when Subaru brought the turbocharged Impreza WRX (covered with its higher-performance STI variant in a separate review) model to the lineup, but it's also when the automaker rolled out a thoroughly redesigned Impreza. The new sedans and wagons introduced then had revised sheetmetal, with a new front end (including distinctive oval headlamps) and new wheels, along with improved safety, a redesigned instrument panel, and new materials inside. Though at first Subaru introduced just a few models: the 2.5 RS sedan and comparable 2.5 TS wagon, and the Outback Sport wagon. In 2004, the Impreza got a new front-end appearance again, with smooth rectangular headlamps instead, and there were a few other cosmetic changes. Model trims were renamed in 2006, with 2.5i sedan and wagon models and Outback Sport wagons remaining.

Throughout these years, the Impreza boasts sturdy construction, all-weather capability, and a responsive driving character that's unlike that of any other small car. The boxer four-cylinder engine is torquey and responsive, and steering and handling is excellent, with the engine's low center of mass combined with all-wheel drive providing impressive stability and poise. Downsides, however, include a rather cramped rear seat and high levels of engine and road noise compared to most other small cars. Outback Sport models don't have a dramatically different ride height, in the way that the larger Outback and Legacy differ, but they do have a different suspension calibration and a host of more rugged cues—some of them functional.

For 2008 the Subaru Impreza family was completely redesigned, with a significantly larger sedan model and new five-door hatchback replacing the former wagon. With an evolution of the base 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter flat four and Subaru's all-wheel drive systems along with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions, the Impreza's powertrains were proven. However the new Impreza boasted much-improved standards of refinement, better interior space (with a backseat truly usable by adults for the first time), and framed doors. Through 2011, fuel economy from Subaru's flat-four engines remained unimpressive, however, with base versions of the Impreza returning just 20 mpg city, 27 highway.

A new turbocharged 2.5GT model was introduced for 2009, offering some of the thrill of the turbocharged WRX, with a 224-hp version of the engine, and a four-speed automatic. The idea behind the model was to appeal to those who aren't necessarily driving enthusiasts but want more power. But the model was discontinued for 2011.

Subaru gave the Impreza a significant refresh for 2012. With a sleeker look and all-new sheetmetal, plus a slightly longer wheelbase and reconfigured interior, the 2012 Impreza has more backseat space than before; Subaru also put a lot of effort into upgrading materials and making the interior more refined in feel--although we found that wind and road noise are still issues at times. An all-new, 148-hp, 2.0-liter flat four, combined with Subaru's Lineartronic CVT, allowed EPA highway ratings of up to 36 mpg, while manual versions didn't fare as well.