2005 Subaru Impreza: Road Test
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2005 Subaru Impreza ▼
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- MSRP: $18,095 -$32,295
- Invoice: $16,862 -$30,105
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Our road test for the 2005 Subaru Impreza includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Subaru Impreza from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Subaru Impreza, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Subaru Impreza help you decide if a 2005 Subaru Impreza is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2.5 RS wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX wgn, man. | WRX STi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 4.1 |
WRX models account for healthy share of Impreza sales. They're quick--6.4 sec 0-60 mph for test manual-transmission sedan--but suffer some turbo lag, tepid low-rpm throttle response, as does STi. Subaru pegs STi at about 5 sec 0-60, and acceleration is explosive once boost arrives. Other Imprezas have adequate pep with either transmission. AWD negates torque-steer--an unwanted pulling to the side in hard acceleration--in any model. We recommend optional short-throw manual shifter; it's far more precise than standard linkage.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2.5 RS wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX wgn, man. | WRX STi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 6.7 |
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 RS wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX wgn, man. | WRX STi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 4.6 |
No float or wallow at highway speeds, but no Impreza deals well with sharp bumps. Thumpy tire slap annoys over tar strips and expansion joints. STi almost brutally stiff.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2.5 RS wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX wgn, man. | WRX STi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 5.4 |
More agile than most compacts, helped by AWD, accurate steering. WRXs corner with poise, modest body lean, but grip in turns could be better. STi even more nimble, with console switches to alter front/rear power split and thus cornering behavior. STi stops on a dime. Other models have good stopping power, but pedal feel on test cars was numb, with inconsistent modulation. STi performance tires unlikely to provide much snow traction.
QUIETNESS
| 2.5 RS wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX wgn, man. | WRX STi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 |
All suffer throbby engine drone under acceleration, tire roar on coarse pavement. Noise from all sources prominent in STi.
CONTROLS
| 2.5 RS wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX wgn, man. | WRX STi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Primary gauges, controls are fine. Ditto fabrics, plastics, general finish, though Imprezas can't match quality look, feel of class-leading Volkswagen Jetta/Golf. Sport steering wheel, metal-look interior trim reinforce competition breeding of WRX, STi.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2.5 RS wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX wgn, man. | WRX STi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Six-footers have OK head room, but rearward seat travel limited for the long-legged. WRX, STi add bolstered bucket seats for secure lateral location in aggressive cornering. All models have tilt steering wheel, height-adjustable driver seat, though not all testers find satisfying wheel/seat/pedal relationship. Sedan visibility suffers from wide rear roof pillars, made worse on STi by huge spoiler.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2.5 RS wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX wgn, man. | WRX STi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.6 |
Slightly roomier than like-size compacts. Head room OK for those up to 5-ft-11, but knee/leg space tight behind like-size front occupants. Entry/exit hampered by narrow thresholds, doors that should open wider.
CARGO ROOM
| 2.5 RS wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX wgn, man. | WRX STi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 3.9 |
Sedan trunklid opens wide to moderately sized hold. Wagon swallows most anything a car like this is expected to carry. Sedans except STi have rear center pass-through, wagons a more-useful 60/40 split folding seat. Interior storage a bit lean.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2.5 RS wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX wgn, man. | WRX STi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5.8 |
Impreza is generally priced above Honda Civic and into Volkswagen Jetta territory, and Subaru is striving to elevate workmanship and refinement to justify this line'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 RS wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX wgn, man. | WRX STi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49 | 49 | 55 | 45 | 48.6 |
Total Score: 50
Scores for all Compact Cars
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