Subaru Impreza: JDM Buyers Guide

If you are looking for a high-quality vehicle that offers excellent durability, safety, and reliability, then you should probably consider buying the Subaru Impreza. The Impreza is a compact car that has been manufactured by Subaru since 1992 and is now in its fifth generation. This legendary Japanese model was introduced to replace the Leone, and this saw the EA series engines replaced with the EJ series. Since its launch, the Impreza has been available in both, a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback configuration

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• All-wheel-drive traction combined with high HP (STi version)
• Legendary rally car heritage
• Practical. Available as a 4 door Sedan or Wagon.
• Good value
• Parts availability due to North American version

Cons

• Lower quality interior materials
• Be careful when tuning to over 400hp

Common Issues

The Subaru Impreza WRX and STi are some of the most reliable JDM cars you can import.

Average Prices

Subaru Impreza prices vary widely between the base model, WRX model and the STi model but overall these are high value for money vehicles.

View all Subaru Impreza vehicles listed for sale.

View just the Subaru Impreza STI for sale.

Comparable Alternatives

The Impreza isn’t the only hot AWD compact in the market:

• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
• Audi A4, S4 and RS4

Models and Specifications

First Generation (1992 – 2001)

This first generation of the Impreza vehicles was offered in either Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and in a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback. It had a 1.8-liter, dour cylinder engine. Like many Subaru built cars, the Impreza was equipped with a flat engine. The initial Subaru Impreza engine choices included the 1,6L, 1.8L, and 2.0L engines.

The Outback Sport was introduced to North America in 1994, and in 1995, “L” sports wagon, which was an updated version of Impreza with a slightly lifted suspension and similar mechanical and performance functions, was introduced.  For the first time in 1995, Subaru introduced a more powerful 2.2 L engine option, and in 1997, a 2.5-liter engine was introduced among the WRX model, and the 1.8-L model dropped the following year. The WRX STI. 2.5RS models became available in sedan form for 2000.

Specifications

Second Generation (2000 – 2007)

The “New Age’ Impreza was introduced in Japan in August 2000. Its size was larger than the previous one. The width size of sedan increased by 40 mm (1.6 in) while that of wagon increased by 5 mm (0.2 in). The coupe body in the first generation did not reappear in the second generation.

The STI models in this generation featured more powerful turbocharged engines of 2.0- L and 2.5- L outside Japan.  The WRX model featured the 2.0-L turbocharged engine until 2005 when it adopted the 2.5-L turbocharged engine.

Third Generation (2007 – 2014)

Subaru unveiled this third Generation of Subaru Impreza on 2^nd April 2007 at a New York Auto Show. The unveiled models comprised of the naturally aspirated Impreza and the turbocharged WRX versions.  Initially, this new Impreza was offered as a five-door hatchback, but the unveiling saw these generations being discontinued.

In this series, the Impreza was designed as slightly longer, wider and with a longer wheelbase. With the third generation, two traditions were stopped; it saw the removal of the parking light switch atop the steering column and introduction of window frames to improve on harshness, noise, and vibration.

Specifications

Fourth Generation (2011 – 2016)

This generation of Subaru Impreza was unveiled in 2011 but was sold later in 2011 as a 2012 model year vehicle.  Though it remained nearly the same size as the previous model, this new model was lighter, more efficient, and had better packages than the previous one. It had a longer wheelbase, thus providing more interior room for passengers.  It had an impressive rear head and legroom, thus providing more comfort. 

One of the most notable technologies incorporated into this generation is EyeSight technology. It’s a technology that uses human-like stereoscopic vision to judge distances and give warning on the driver, thus helping maintain safe distances while on highways.

Specifications

Fifth Generation (2016 – Present)

This new generation of Subaru Impreza, consisting of Impreza Sedan and hatchback was unveiled in 2016. The new Impreza is powered by a revised version of the FB2.0 liter direct-injection boxer. This new engine was meant to improve acceleration and flexibility in power delivery. However, reviewers feel that this model tends to fall short of other competitors on the feature of acceleration power.

The Subaru EyeSight safety feature is still available in this generation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have been incorporated.  It’s the first Japanese vehicle to ever include a pedestrian airbag in its design. The car is regarded as among the safest cars and scored a high safety score in the Japan New Car Assessment Program.

Specifications

Sources

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_Impreza
• https://www.car-buying-strategies.com/Subaru/2020-Impreza.html
• https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/subaru/impreza
• https://www.carthrottle.com/post/engineering-explained-7-reasons-why-you-should-buy-a-subaru-impreza/
• https://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/any-reason-why-i-shouldnt-buy-a-subaru-impreza/
• https://www.bobwadesubaru.com/subaru-vs-toyota-brand-comparison.htm.
• https://www.edmunds.com/subaru/impreza/2018/review/
• https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/subaru-crosstrek-impreza-recall/

How to Import a Subaru Impreza

Read our ultimate guide, How to Import a Car from Japan.

Can you make this guide better? Are you a huge fan of the Impreza? If so, please contact us.