2004 Subaru Impreza: Road Test
Archived Review
2004 Subaru Impreza ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $18,020 -$31,120
- Invoice: $16,602 -$28,695
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Subaru Impreza
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2004 Subaru Impreza includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Subaru Impreza from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Subaru Impreza, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Subaru Impreza help you decide if a 2004 Subaru Impreza is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| 2.5 TS wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX wgn, man. | WRX STi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 4 |
Subaru says STi runs 0-60 mph in about 5.0 sec, which feels about right; acceleration is explosive once boost arrives. Regular WRXs are also quick--6.4 sec for a test manual-transmission sedan--but suffer the same turbo lag and tepid low-rpm throttle response as STi. Other Imprezas have adequate pep with either transmission. AWD negates torque-steer pull in any model. Optional short-throw manual shifter a joy to use; standard version not quite as slick.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2.5 TS wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX wgn, man. | WRX STi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 6.6 |
Test WRX sedan averaged 20.5 mpg in mixed driving and performance testing--respectable for the rapid acceleration. Extended-use 2002 WRX wagon averaged 21.0 mpg over 17,264-mi. test, which included mostly highway travel. Test STi averaged 17.1-18.2 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving. No opportunity to measure with other models. WRX, STi require premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2.5 TS wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX wgn, man. | WRX STi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 4.4 |
STi is almost brutally stiff, WRX more compliant. Other models better still, but no Impreza deals well with sharp bumps. Thumpy tire slap annoys over tar strips and expansion joints.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2.5 TS wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX wgn, man. | WRX STi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 5.3 |
Imprezas more agile than most subcompacts, helped by AWD and accurate steering. WRXs corner with great poise, modest body lean, but tire grip could be better. STi is even more nimble, with superb brakes, though performance tires aren't likely to fare well in snow. Other models have good stopping power, but pedal feel on test cars was numb, with inconsistent modulation.
QUIETNESS
| 2.5 TS wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX wgn, man. | WRX STi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 |
Road and engine noise prominent in STi, much lower in other models, though all suffer throbby engine noise under acceleration and tire drone on coarse pavement.
CONTROLS
| 2.5 TS wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX wgn, man. | WRX STi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Primary gauges and controls are fine. Ditto fabrics, plastics, general finish, but Imprezas lack the quality look and feel of class-leading VW Jetta/Golf. Sport steering wheel, metal-look interior trim reinforce competition breeding of WRX and STi.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2.5 TS wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX wgn, man. | WRX STi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Six-footers have OK head room, but rearward seat travel limited for the long-legged. All models have tilt steering wheel, height-adjustable driver seat. WRX and STi add bolstered bucket seats providing secure lateral location in aggressive cornering, though not all testers find a satisfying wheel/seat/pedal relationship. Visibility hurt on sedans by wide rear roof pillars, made worse on STi by huge spoiler.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2.5 TS wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX wgn, man. | WRX STi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
Slightly roomier than like-size subcompacts. Head room OK for those up to 5-ft-11, but knee/leg space tight behind like-size front occupants. Entry/exit hampered by fairly deep step-down, narrow thresholds, and doors that should open wider.
CARGO ROOM
| 2.5 TS wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX wgn, man. | WRX STi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 3.9 |
Sedan trunklid opens wide to a moderately sized hold. Wagon swallows most anything a car like this would normally carry. Sedans except STi have rear center pass-through, wagons a more useful 60/40 split fold seat. Interior storage a bit lean.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2.5 TS wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX wgn, man. | WRX STi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 5.6 |
Impreza is generally priced above Honda Civic, in Volkswagen Jetta territory, but workmanship and refinement are not up to Subaru's "premium small car" billing. Still, AWD is an asset for any model, and the STi and WRXs are fast--if rowdy--fun.
Total Score
| 2.5 TS wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX wgn, man. | WRX STi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47 | 48 | 54 | 42 | 48.4 |
Total Score: 48
Scores for all Compact Cars
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
