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2005 Subaru Impreza Full Review
Date Published: 4/15/08
2005 Subaru Impreza Review
Interior revisions and two new appearance-enhanced models highlight 2005 for the smallest Subarus. Imprezas come as sedans, wagons, and as the SUV-flavored Outback wagon. Each has all-wheel drive, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, and a horizontally opposed 4-cyl engine. The 2.5 RS sedans and wagons and the Outbacks have 165 hp. The WRX sedan and wagon are turbocharged for 227 hp and have a sport suspension, functional hood scoop, and special seats and trim. The WRX STi sedan has 300 hp and upgrades to suspension, brakes, and steering over regular WRXs. The STi comes only with 6-speed manual transmission; all other models have a 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic. Front head and torso side airbags are standard for WRX and STi, unavailable otherwise. The STi has 17-inch wheels, all other models have 16s. For '05, Imprezas get upgraded interior materials, a new center console and door panels, and exchange a 4-spoke steering wheel for a 3-spoke design. WRX and STi gain automatic climate control and, along with the 2.5 RS Sport, an in-dash CD changer. New for '05 is the 2.5 RS Sport sedan with WRX-style lower body trim, seats, steering wheel, and audio system. Also new is the Outback Sport Special Edition with rear spoiler, interior upgrades, and CD changer.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise the smallest passengers cars. These vehicles range from tiny economy models to slightly larger popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons.

Our Best Buys include the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.
News
Impreza gets a new nose for 2006 that adds slightly to overall length. The grille is restyled a la Subaru's B9 Tribeca SUV, with a triangular center section and flanking "wing" air slots, a graphic nod to Subaru's former aircraft business. No word yet on other changes, but they should be minimal, as a fully redesigned Impreza is rumored for '07, possibly with a different name. More news as we get it, so keep checking back with us.
2005 Subaru Impreza Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (WRX, STi) Rear-seat room
All-wheel drive Rear-seat entry/exit
Brake performance Ride
Control layout
Steering/handling
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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
Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score
34
Average Score
48
High Score
63
2005 Subaru Impreza Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/17/2005
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2.5 RS 4-door sedan $18,095 $16,862 $575
2.5 RS 4-door wagon $18,095 $16,864 $575
Outback Sport 4-door wagon $18,995 $17,683 $575
Outback Sport Special Edition 4-door wagon $19,495 $18,141 $575
2.5 RS Sport 4-door sedan $19,095 $17,781 $575
WRX 4-door sedan $24,895 $23,098 $575
WRX 4-door wagon $24,395 $22,640 $575
WRX Premium Pkg. 4-door sedan $26,395 $24,475 $575
WRX STi 4-door sedan $32,295 $30,105 $575
Price note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Subaru of America. Prices may vary in areas served by independent distributors.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
2.5 RS
Powertrain
2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat (wagon), trunk pass-through (sedan), power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent rear/wiper washer (wagon), cargo cover (wagon), floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rails (wagon), 205/55VR16 tires, alloy wheels.
Outback Sport adds to 2.5 RS:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Outside-temperature indicator, cargo tray.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: illuminated visor mirrors.
Fog lights, roof rack, raised heavy-duty suspension.
Outback Sport Special Edition adds to Outback Sport:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler.
2.5 RS Sport adds to 2.5 RS:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
WRX adds to 2.5 RS Sport:
Powertrain
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Front side airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, interior air filter.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: illuminated visor mirrors.
Rear spoiler (wagon), fog lights, sport suspension.
WRX Premium Pkg. adds to WRX:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof, heated front seats, heated power mirrors, windshield-wiper deicer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler.
WRX STi adds to WRX:
Powertrain
2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: trunk pass-through, floormats, fog lights.
Rear spoiler, xenon headlights, performance suspension, 225/45WR17 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Popular Equipment Group 1
RS wagon
$309
$196
Roof rack, mud guards.
Popular Equipment Group 2
Outback, Outback Special Edition, WRX, WRX Premium, WRX STi
$415
$270
Automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, security-system upgrade.
Popular Equipment Group 3
Outback, Outback Special Edition
$170
$111
Interior air filter, armrest extension, cargo net.
Popular Equipment Group 4
Outback, Outback Special Edition
$170
$105
Cargo bin, rubber floormats.
Popular Equipment Group 5
RS wagon, WRX/WRX Premium wagon
$245
$151
Cargo bin, cargo tray, rubber floormats.
Popular Equipment Group 6
Outback, Outback Special Edition
$107
$66
Cargo area spotlight, cargo net.
Popular Equipment Group 7
RS wagon
$241
$157
Interior air filter, armrest extension, cargo net.
Performance Group 1
WRX/WRX Premium manual
$752
$490
Short-throw shifter, leather-wrapped shift knob, turbo-boost gauge.
Performance Group 2
WRX/WRX Premium manual
$814
$531
WRX STi
$928
$649
Short-throw shifter, titanium shift knob, turbo-boost gauge.
Premium Sound Pkg. 1
RS, Outback
$576
$376
Upgraded speakers, tweeter kit, subwoofer, amplifier.
Premium Sound Pkg. 2
RS, Outback
$1,096
$766
Premium Sound Pkg. 1 plus in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Protection Group
RS wagon, Outback, Outback Special Edition
$303
$188
Hood protector, rear-window air deflector, axle protector.
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission
2.5 RS, 2.5 RS Sport, Outback Sport, Outback Sport Special Edition, WRX, WRX Premium Pkg.
$800
$733
NA WRX STi.
Short-throw shifter
RS, RS Sport, Outback Special Edition, WRX, WRX Premium
$345
$225
WRX STi
$439
$330
NA w/automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Interior air filter
RS, RS Sport, Outback, Outback Special Edition
$71
$46
Turbo-boost gauge
WRX, WRX Premium, WRX STi
$310
$202
Performance Gauge Pack
RS, RS Sport, Outback, Outback Special Edition, WRX, WRX Premium
$725
$518
WRX STi
$740
$529
Oil-pressure gauge, voltmeter, vacuum gauge (RS, Outback), turbo-boost gauge (WRX). NA WRX STi.
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
Outback Sport, Outback Sport Special Edition, WRX, WRX Premium Pkg., WRX STi
$183
$119
Includes compass. NA RS, RS Sport.
In-dash 6-disc CD changer
RS, Outback
$520
$390
Leather shift knob
RS/RS Sport/Outback/Outback Premium Edition/ WRX/WRX Premium w/manual transmission
$97
$63
RS/RS Sport/Outback/Outback Premium Edition/ WRX/WRX Premium w/automatic transmission
$112
$73
Rubber floormats
2.5 RS, 2.5 RS Sport, Outback Sport, Outback Sport Special Edition, WRX, WRX Premium Pkg.
$55
$33
NA WRX STi.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Trailer hitch
wagon
$295
$192
Security-system upgrade kit
2.5 RS, 2.5 RS Sport, Outback Sport, Outback Sport Special Edition, WRX, WRX Premium Pkg., WRX STi
$232
$151
Roof rack
RS wagon, WRX/WRX Premium wagon
$179
$111
Rear spoiler
RS/RS Sport/WRX sedan
$399
$300
RS/Outback/Outback Special Edition wagon
$363
$236
Fog lights
RS
$317
$207
2005 Subaru Impreza Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Subaru Impreza 4-door sedan Subaru Impreza 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 99.4 99.4
Overall Length, in. 173.8 173.8
Overall Width, in. 68.1 66.7
Overall Height, in. 56.7 58.5
Curb Weight, lbs. 2972 3024
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 11.0 61.6
Standard Payload, lbs. -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 15.9 15.9
Seating Capacity 5 5
Front Head Room, in. 38.6 39.7
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.9 42.9
Rear Head Room, in. 36.7 37.3
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 33.0 33.7
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  sohc H4 Turbocharged dohc H4 Turbocharged dohc H4
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.5 /150 2.0 /122 2.5 /150
Horsepower @ rpm. 165 @ 5600 227 @ 6000 300 @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 166 @ 4000 217 @ 4000 300 @ 4000
Availability Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
     
5-speed manual 23/30 20/27 --/--
6-speed manual --/-- --/-- 18/24
4-speed automatic 22/28 19/26 --/--
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Subaru Impreza 4-door sedan Subaru Impreza 4-door wagon
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 5/60,000 --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: Japan
Drivewheels: all-wheel drive
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