1993-2001 Subaru Impreza Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Subaru Impreza. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Subaru Impreza.

1993-2001 Subaru Impreza Review

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).

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.

1993-2001 Subaru Impreza Road Test

Pros	Cons

Airbags, dual (later models)	Acceleration (early AWD models)

Optional antilock brakes	Rear-seat entry/exit

All-wheel drive (AWD models)	Rear-seat room

Instruments/controls	Cargo room

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.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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:	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.

1993-2001 Subaru Impreza Reliability

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: The engine may be hard to start after sitting in cold weather because ice forms on the fuel injectors. (1993-96)

Hard starting: ImprezaNo-start or hard starting after sitting overnight in may be due to ice forming on the fuel injector tips. (1993-98)

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

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.

1993-2001 Subaru Impreza Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1993
Impreza	$1,000-1,500	$600-900	$100-200
Impreza AWD	$1,300-1,800	$800-1,100	$200

1994
Impreza	$1,100-1,600	$700-1,000	$100-200
Impreza AWD	$1,500-2,000	$1,000-1,300	$200-300

1995
Impreza	$1,200-1,700	$700-1,000	$100-200
Impreza AWD	$1,600-2,400	$1,100-1,600	$200-300
Impreza Outback	$1,900-2,600	$1,300-1,800	$300-400

1996
Impreza	$1,400-2,300	$900-1,500	$200-300
Impreza LX, Outback	$2,100-2,800	$1,500-2,000	$400-500

1997
Impreza	$1,700-2,700	$1,100-1,800	$300-400
Impreza Outback	$2,700-3,400	$2,000-2,600	$600-700

1998
Impreza	$2,200-2,900	$1,600-2,100	$400-600
Impreza RS, Outback	$3,300-4,000	$2,600-3,200	$800-1,000

1999
Impreza	$2,800-3,600	$2,100-2,700	$600-800
Impreza RS, Outback	$4,200-4,900	$3,400-4,000	$1,400-1,700

2000
Impreza	$3,500-4,400	$2,800-3,500	$900-1,200
Impreza RS, Outback	$5,200-6,000	$4,400-5,100	$2,100-2,400

2001
Impreza	$4,700-5,600	$3,900-4,700	$1,800-2,100
Impreza RS, Outback	$6,200-7,100	$5,400-6,200	$2,700-3,100

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.

1993-2001 Subaru Impreza Specs & Safety

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	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	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.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1999 Impreza 4WD	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%. Side-impact 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%.

Built In: Japan

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

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Also in the 1993-2001 Subaru Impreza Review:

Subaru Impreza

Subaru Impreza Road Test

Subaru Impreza Reliability

Subaru Impreza Prices

Subaru Impreza Specs & Safety

Subaru Impreza Photos

Subaru Impreza Full Review