1993-2001 Subaru Impreza: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Subaru Impreza
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1993-2001 Subaru Impreza and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- All-wheel drive (AWD models)
- Optional antilock brakes
- Instruments/controls
- Airbags, dual (later models)
Cons
- Acceleration (early AWD models)
- Cargo room
- Rear-seat entry/exit
- Rear-seat room
Vehicle Highlights
Replacing Subaru's aging Loyale, the subcompact Impreza came in 4-door sedan and station wagon form, with standard front drive or optional permanently engaged all-wheel drive. Sales began in spring of 1993. Both body styles came in L or step-up LS trim, and seated five. A driver-side airbag was standard; antilock braking standard on the LS. Sole engine at first was a horizontally opposed 1.8-liter 4-cylinder, developing 110 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard on base/L models; electronically controlled 4-speed automatic optional on the L (but standard on LS).
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Subaru Impreza AWD sedan automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 39 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1993-2001 Subaru Impreza. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1993-2001 Subaru Impreza.
Year to Year Changes
1994 Subaru Impreza:
Dual airbags went into 1994 Imprezas, and antilock brakes became available on L models (still standard on LS).
1995 Subaru Impreza:
A 2-door coupe joined the other body styles for '95, and station wagons now came only with all-wheel drive. A 2.2-liter engine, borrowed from the Legacy, became available in 1995 models (automatic transmission only). Coupes and sedans came in three price levels: base, L, and LX (formerly called LS). Wagons came in L, LX, and a new Outback edition. Base and L cars had the 1.8-liter engine. Top-line LX models included the 2.2-liter engine with automatic and all-wheel drive. Targeting outdoor-oriented buyers, the Outback wagon had 2-tone paint, a roof rack, and mud guards.
1996 Subaru Impreza:
In line with Subaru's growing emphasis on all-wheel drive, a "value-priced" Brighton AWD coupe joined the lineup, with 5-speed manual shift and the smaller (1.8-liter 4-cylinder) engine. Outback wagons now had the 2.2-liter engine and AWD as standard equipment. Base models were gone, leaving the L coupe and sedan as the sole front-drive offerings.
1997 Subaru Impreza:
Front-drive and LX models disappeared, but the remaining Imprezas gained a bit of power and a mild facelift. All versions now had all-wheel drive. Automatic transmissions were limited to 2.2-liter models. A more aggressive Outback "sport-utility wagon" debuted, with a raised suspension, wider wheels with 15-inch tires, plus a bold hood scoop and vents.
1998 Subaru Impreza:
Imprezas enjoy a mild redesign for '98. Gone is the 1.8-liter engine. New interiors feature larger gauges, new seat fabrics, and revised door panels. Also new is a 2.5 RS model. It comes only as a coupe and gets the 2.5-liter 165-horsepower engine from the larger Legacy model and a rear wing, gold-colored alloy wheels, a non-functional hood scoop, and a sport suspension.
1999 Subaru Impreza:
Still the only small car with standard all-wheel drive, Impreza returned with few changes among its five models.
2000 Subaru Impreza:
A sportier 2.5 RS sedan joined the lineup, with all-wheel drive like all Subarus and a 2.5-liter engine.
2001 Subaru Impreza:
No significant changes were made for 2001. A new model was waiting in the wings for '02.
Our road test for the 1993-2001 Subaru Impreza includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1993-2001 Subaru Impreza and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1993-2001 Subaru Impreza is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
With the 2.2-liter engine, acceleration of an AWD model is more than adequate with a manual transmission and adequate with automatic. Simply put, a 1.8-liter model lacks sufficient snap when you need to merge into expressway traffic or pass other cars on the highway. The 2.5-liter on the RS is probably the best all-around engine, providing ample acceleration and good passing power. All engines sound gruff and feel rough with manual shift. Our 1993 test wagon with AWD and a 5-speed felt sluggish from startup, while an AWD sedan with automatic was downright slow. We averaged 24.8 mpg overall with the early AWD wagon--very nice for an AWD car. Interior space is comparable to that of a Honda Civic, Geo Prizm, or Toyota Corolla. That means sufficient space for four adults. But rear leg space is barely adequate if the front seats are pushed back. Tall drivers might want more seat travel to get farther from the steering wheel and pedals. Visibility is good to all directions. Cargo space isn't so great, even in the wagon. Rear entry/exit wins no prizes, either, as doors are quite narrow at the bottom and don't open very wide. Dashboards are logically laid out, with controls grouped around the gauge cluster--easy to find and operate. On the downside, using the pull-out cupholder blocks access to the stereo controls.
Value for the Money
With the exception of available AWD, the Impreza fails to stand apart. Later models might be more tempting--especially the Outback Sport wagon or the 2.5 RS coupe.
With the exception of available AWD, the Impreza fails to stand apart. Later models might be more tempting--especially the Outback Sport wagon or the 2.5 RS coupe.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Subaru Impreza AWD sedan automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 39 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Subaru Impreza includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Subaru Impreza .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Dashboard lights:
The hydraulic motor for the ABS system runs with the key turned off, which illuminates the ABS warning light on the dash. (1993-96)
Engine misfire:
Bucking and jerking at slow speeds on all-wheel-drive cars is due to a defective transfer clutch. (1993-97)
Engine mounts:
Due to the multitude of configurations (bolt holes, accessory attachment points, etc.), cylinder heads for 2.5L engines are extremely difficult to interchange, oftenmaking the simplest solution replacement of the engine. (1995-01)
Engine noise:
The knock sensors in the cylinder heads may fail, which can cause pinging under load. (1993-95)
Hard starting:
ImprezaNo-start or hard starting after sitting overnight in may be due to ice forming on the fuel injector tips. (1993-98)
Hard starting:
The engine may be hard to start after sitting in cold weather because ice forms on the fuel injectors. (1993-96)
Transmission problems:
Flawed parking rod may allow vehicle to roll when placed in the Park. Rod must be replaced. (2002-2001)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $725 |
| Alternator | $410 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $850 |
| Brakes | $350 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $565 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $730 |
| Exhaust System | $260 |
| Radiator | $285 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $470 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $180 |
Our price chart for this generation Subaru Impreza details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2001 | |||
| Impreza | $3,300-4,200 | $2,600-3,300 | $800-1,100 |
| Impreza RS, Outback | $4,500-5,300 | $3,700-4,400 | $1,600-1,900 |
| 2000 | |||
| Impreza | $2,600-3,600 | $1,900-2,700 | $500-800 |
| Impreza RS, Outback | $3,700-4,500 | $3,000-3,600 | $1,100-1,300 |
| 1999 | |||
| Impreza | $2,100-2,900 | $1,500-2,000 | $400-500 |
| Impreza RS, Outback | $3,100-3,800 | $2,400-3,000 | $700-900 |
| 1998 | |||
| Impreza | $1,800-2,500 | $1,200-1,700 | $300-400 |
| Impreza RS, Outback | $2,700-3,400 | $2,000-2,600 | $600-700 |
| 1997 | |||
| Impreza | $1,500-2,400 | $1,000-1,600 | $200-300 |
| Impreza Outback | $2,400-3,100 | $1,700-2,200 | $500-600 |
| 1996 | |||
| Impreza | $1,300-2,100 | $800-1,300 | $200-300 |
| Impreza LX, Outback | $1,800-2,600 | $1,200-1,800 | $300-400 |
| 1995 | |||
| Impreza | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Impreza AWD | $1,500-2,100 | $1,000-1,400 | $200-300 |
| Impreza Outback | $1,800-2,400 | $1,200-1,600 | $300-400 |
| 1994 | |||
| Impreza | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Impreza AWD | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1993 | |||
| Impreza | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Impreza AWD | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Subaru Impreza include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 99.2 | 99.2 | 99.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 172.2 | 172.2 | 172.2 |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.1 | 67.1 | 67.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.5 | 55.5 | 55.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2400 | 2420 | 2750 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 11.1 | 11.1 | 62.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.2 | 13.2 | 13.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.2 | 39.2 | 39.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.1 | 43.1 | 43.1 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.7 | 36.7 | 37.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.5 | 32.5 | 32.4 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||
Powertrain Options and Availability
For the first two seasons, only one engine was available: a 1.8-liter, horizontally opposed 4-cylinder, making 110 horsepower. A larger (2.2-liter) "flat" engine, borrowed from the larger Legacy, became available in 1995. Midrange (L) models could have either a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic, but the LS/LX came only with automatic and base/Brighton Imprezas only with manual shift. Engine outputs grew slightly in 1997, the 1.8 liter engine adding five horsepower and the 2.2-liter two. Legacy's larger 2.5-liter could be had in the Impreza 2.5 RS. It made 165 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. By 1997, front drive models were gone, and all Imprezas had all-wheel drive.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc H4 | 1.8 / 109 | 110-115 | 110-120 | 5-speed manual: 25/31 4-speed automatic: 24/30 |
5-speed manual: 24.3 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc H4 | 2.2 / 135 | 135-137 | 140-145 | 5-speed manual: 22/29 4-speed automatic: 22/29 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 24.7 |
| dohc H4 | 2.5 / 150 | 165 | 162 | 5-speed manual: 22/28 4-speed automatic: 22/28 |
5-speed manual: 24.7 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Subaru Impreza include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Impreza 4WD |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | -- |
| Front Impact, Passenger | -- |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1993-2001 Subaru Impreza directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1993 AWD:
Fuel-filler system does not comply with federal leakage requirements.
1994-95:
Inadvertent airbag deployment could occur after undercarriage contact of tow hooks with curbs, dips, speed bumps, etc.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Buying a
Used Car?
Used Car?
Start your research
with a CARFAX® Report
with a CARFAX® Report
No VIN Available?
Order a CARFAX®
Report Package
Report Package
