★★★★★

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

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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 the 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 on the market:

Models and Specifications

1992-2001 Subaru Impreza First Generation

Subaru Impreza First generation

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-litre, 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, the “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-litre engine was introduced in the WRX model, and the 1.8-L model dropped the following year. The WRX STI. 2.5RS models became available in sedan form in 2000.

Specifications

Production 1992-2000
Body type 2-door coupe ,4-door sedan   5-door hatchback
Engine transmission 1.5 L EJ15F4, 1.6L EJ16F4, 1.8L EJ18F4, 1.8L EJ18F4(t/c) 2.0l EJ20F4, 2.0 L EJ20 F4 (t/c) 2.2 L EJ22 F4, 2.5 L EJ25 F4
 Transmission 5-speed manual,  4-speed automatic
Length 4,340 mm (170.9 in)
Width 1690mm  (66.5In)
Height 1405 mm (55.3 in)
Weight 1220kg

2000-2007 Subaru Impreza Second Generation

Subaru Impreza Second Generation

The “New Age’ Impreza was introduced in Japan in August 2000. Its size was larger than the previous one. The width size of the sedan increased by 40 mm (1.6 in) while that of the 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.

Production 2000-2007, 2001-2007 in US
Body type 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback
Engine transmission 1.5 L EJ15 H4
1.6 L EJ16 H4
2.0 L EJ20 H4
2.0 L EJ20 H4-T
2.5 L EJ25 H4
2.5 L EJ25 H4-T
 Transmission 4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
6speed TY856WH3MA/TY856WH4MA/TY856WW6MA manual
Length 4,415 mm (173.8 in)
Width
Sedan: 1,730 mm (68.1 in)
Wagon: 1,695 mm (66.7 in  
Height
1,425 mm (56.1 in)  
Weight 1,360 kg (2,998.3 lb)
Wheel base 2,525 mm (99.4 in

2007-2014 Suburu Impreza Third Generation

Third Generation of Subaru Impreza

Subaru unveiled this third Generation of Subaru Impreza on 2nd April 2007 at a New York Auto Show. The unveiled models comprised 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 the introduction of window frames to improve harshness, noise, and vibration.

Specifications

Name Pre-facelift Subaru Impreza sedan
Production 2007–2011
2007–2014 (WRX
Body type 4-door sedan (narrow, GE)
4-door sedan (wide, GV)
5-door hatchback (narrow, GH)
5-door hatchback (wide, GR)
Engine transmission 1.5 L EL15 H4 (gasoline)
2.0 L EJ20 H4 (gasoline)
2.0 L EJ20 H4-T (gasoline)
2.0 L EE20 H4-T (diesel)
2.5 L EJ25 H4 (gasoline)
2.5 L EJ25 H4-T (gasoline)
 Transmission 4-speed automatic
5-speed automatic
5-speed manual
6-speed TY856UB1KA manual
Length 2 Sedan: 4,580 mm (180.3 in)
Hatchback: 4,415 mm (173.8 in,620 mm (103.1 in)
Width 1,740 mm (68.5 in)
Height
1,475 mm (58.1 in)  
Weight 1,394 kg (3,073 lb)
Wheel base 2,620 mm (103.1 in)

2011-2016 Subaru Impreza Fourth Generation

Fourth-generation Subaru Impreza

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 to the driver, thus helping maintain safe distances while on highways.

Specifications

Name Subaru XV
Subaru XV Crosstrek (2013-2015)
Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru WRX
Production 2011–2016
2012–2017 (XV)
2014–present (WRX)
Model years 2012–2016
2012–2017 (XV)
2013–2017 (XV Crosstrek)
2015–present (WRX)
Body type
4-door sedan (GJ)
5-door hatchback (GP)
4-door sedan (VA)
Engine transmission 1.6 L FB16 H4 (gasoline)
2.0 L FB20 H4 (gasoline)
2.0 L EE20 H4-T (diesel)
2.0 L FA20F H4-T (gasoline)
2.5 L EJ257 H4-T (gasoline)
2.0 L EJ207 H4-T (gasoline)
 Transmission 5-speed manual
6-speed manual
CVT automatic
Length
Sedan: 4,580 mm (180.3 in)
Hatchback: 4,414 mm (173.8 in)
XV: 4,450 mm (175.2 in)
WRX: 4,595 mm (180.9 in)
Width 1,740 mm (68.5 in)
XV: 1,750 mm (68.9 in)
WRX: 1,795 mm (70.7 in)
Height 1,465 mm (57.7 in)
XV: 1,570 mm (61.8 in)
WRX: 1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Weight 1,320 kg (2,910 lb)
Wheel base 2,644 mm (104.1 in)
XV: 2,635 mm (103.7 in)
WRX: 2,650 mm (104.3 in)

2016-Present Subaru Impreza Fifth Generation

Subaru Impreza Fifth Generation

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 litre 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 in 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

Name
Subaru XV
Subaru Crosstrek
Production 2016–present
2017-present (XV)
Model Year 2017–present
2018-present (XV)
Body type 4-door sedan (GK)
5-door hatchback (GT)
Engine transmission 1.6 L FB16 H4 (gasoline)
2.0 L DAVCS FB20D 152 hp (113 kW) H4 (gasoline)
2.0 L FB20D e-Boxer Hybrid H4
 Transmission 5-speed manual
6-speed manual (XV)
CVT automatic
Length Sedan: 4,625 mm (182.1 in)
Hatchback: 4,460 mm (175.6 in)
XV: 4,465 mm (175.8 in)
Width 1,775 mm (69.9 in)
XV: 1,800 mm (70.9 in
Height
Sedan: 1,455 mm (57.3 in)
Hatchback: 1,480 mm (58.3 in)
XV: 1,615 mm (63.6 in)
Weight 1,386–1,433 kg (3,056–3,159 lb)
Wheel base
2,670 mm (105.1 in)

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.

Christopher Weydert
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