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
- Common Issues
- Average Prices
- Comparable Alternatives
- Models and Specifications
- 1992-2001 Subaru Impreza First Generation
- 2000-2007 Subaru Impreza Second Generation
- 2007-2014 Suburu Impreza Third Generation
- 2011-2016 Subaru Impreza Fourth Generation
- 2016-Present Subaru Impreza Fifth Generation
- FAQ
- Sources
- How to Import a Subaru Impreza
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
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
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
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
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
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) |
FAQ
If you are looking to buy a Subaru Impreza, you should go for the WRX or WRX STI, the highest spec Imprezas you can buy. With prices starting at around $10,000, a Subaru Impreza WRX or WRX STI is among the best sports cars you can buy.
A Subaru Impreza will last for 200,000 to 250,000 miles before you start replacing the major engine, suspension and drivetrain components. But this is only possible if you maintain your Impreza regularly, especially the EJ engines, which develop a ton of issues if not appropriately maintained.
You can easily fit 16-inch wheels on a Subaru Impreza without cutting or rolling the fenders. 17-inch wheels are manageable but will run against the fenders when cornering hard.
A Subaru Impreza will last 13 to 17 years from the time of production before you’ll need to replace the major engine, suspension and drivetrain components. This translates to 200,000 to 250,000 miles of driving.
At the production time, the base-spec models with naturally aspirated EJ engines made 100 to 150 horsepower. The WRX and WRX STI made over 200 horsepower from the turbocharged EJ engines.
The Subaru Impreza wasn’t built with any towing capabilities. Still, you can tow between 1500 and 2500 pounds depending on the year of manufacture. Older models have a lower maximum towing capacity than later models.
2007-2011 Subaru Impreza. The 2007-2011 Subaru Impreza had the most recalls due to engine issues and has the lowest Impreza reliability rating at 1/5.
Any Pre-2000 Subaru Impreza has a 13.2-gallon fuel tank, and after 2000, the fuel tank size was increased to 15.9 gallons until 2008. Subaru Imprezas made between 2008 and 2012 have a 16.9-gallon fuel tank which was later reduced to 14.5 gallons after 2012 and 13.3 gallons after 2017.
All Subaru Impreza Generations were produced and assembled in Japan except the second-gen Impreza, assembled in the US from 2001 to 2007.
The Subaru Impreza is a compact Sedan produced by Subaru from 1992 to date with various models, including the Impreza WRX and WRX STI, which are performance spec models of the Impreza used in different motorsports including the WRC.
2007-2007. Apart from great looks, the GD/GG Subaru Impreza is considered one of the most reliable compact sedans. The WRX and WRX STI engines can push 400 horsepower with stock engine internals if you want a little extra power.
Most Subaru owners and experts will tell you not put any engine except a Subaru engine in an Impreza, which is true. The engine bay of the Subaru Impreza was designed to fit a boxer engine only, and fitting any other motor can be a pain. However, engine swaps on Imprezas have been done before, and nothing should stop you from trying.
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.
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