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2006 Subaru Impreza Full Review
Date Published: 4/15/08
Also in the 2006 Subaru Impreza Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2006 Subaru Impreza Review
Impreza expands its sporty WRX roster for 2006, and all versions of Subaru's smallest cars get freshened styling and more standard safety features. Impreza offers sedans, wagons, and an SUV-flavored wagon called the Outback Sport. Each has all-wheel drive, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, and a horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine. For '06, base-level sedans and wagons are renamed 2.5i from 2.5 RS. Like the Outback, they have 173 hp, a gain of 10. WRX models gain a base WRX TR sedan and a top-line Limited sedan and wagon. These retain turbo power, but replace a 217-hp 2.0-liter engine with a 230-hp 2.5. The WRX STI sedan returns with 300 hp. Manual transmission is standard. Automatic transmission is available for 2.5i, Outback, and WRX Limited models. WRXs exchange 16-inch wheels for standard 17s for '06; the STI retains 17s. WRXs have a sport suspension, uprated brakes, functional hood scoop, and special seats and trim. The STI has further uprated suspension, brakes, and steering. Front side airbags providing head and torso protection are standard on all Imprezas for '06 vs. just WRX and STI previously. All get a revised nose and taillamps. WRX Limiteds are the only Imprezas with leather upholstery.
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 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.
New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet HHR, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Volkswagen Golf and Jetta.
Our Best Buys include Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.
New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet HHR, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Volkswagen Golf and Jetta.
News
A redesigned Impreza is expected for the 2008 model year. Look for a concept preview at a major auto show in early 2007, with a possible introduction in the second or third quarter. New-model specifics should surface soon, so keep checking back with us.
2006 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
The 2.5i and Outback models have adequate pep with either transmission. WRXs can feel lazy, slow to react to throttle below 3000 rpm, alert, very fast above that. Even-faster STI also suffers some turbo lag, tepid low-rpm response. Optional short-throw manual shifter far more precise than standard linkage.
| 2.5i wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX STI | Class Average |
| 4 | 7 | 8 | 4.4 |
The 2.5i and Outback models have adequate pep with either transmission. WRXs can feel lazy, slow to react to throttle below 3000 rpm, alert, very fast above that. Even-faster STI also suffers some turbo lag, tepid low-rpm response. Optional short-throw manual shifter far more precise than standard linkage.
Fuel Economy
Test 2.5i averaged 20.5 mpg in mostly city driving. In mix of city/highway use, test WRX sedan averaged 24 mpg, STI versions 17.1-18.2 mpg.
| 2.5i wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX STI | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4 | 6.7 |
Test 2.5i averaged 20.5 mpg in mostly city driving. In mix of city/highway use, test WRX sedan averaged 24 mpg, STI versions 17.1-18.2 mpg.
Ride Quality
Bump absorption ranges from acceptably compliant on 2.5i, to very firm on WRX, to almost brutally stiff on STI. On all, thumpy tire slap annoys over tar strips, expansion joints. On upside, highway-speed composure quite good.
| 2.5i wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX STI | Class Average |
| 5 | 3 | 1 | 4.9 |
Bump absorption ranges from acceptably compliant on 2.5i, to very firm on WRX, to almost brutally stiff on STI. On all, thumpy tire slap annoys over tar strips, expansion joints. On upside, highway-speed composure quite good.
Steering/Handling/Braking
More agile than most compacts, helped by great grip, traction of AWD. AWD also negates most torque-steer veering during rapid acceleration in high-powered WRX models. STI console switches alter front/rear power split and, thus, cornering behavior. All have accurate steering, strong stopping power, both honed to fine edge in STI.
| 2.5i wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX STI | Class Average |
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 5.6 |
More agile than most compacts, helped by great grip, traction of AWD. AWD also negates most torque-steer veering during rapid acceleration in high-powered WRX models. STI console switches alter front/rear power split and, thus, cornering behavior. All have accurate steering, strong stopping power, both honed to fine edge in STI.
Quietness
Lots of highway-speed wind noise. Throbby engine drone. Tires roar on coarse pavement, especially WRX and STI. Noise from all sources exceptionally prominent in STI.
| 2.5i wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX STI | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 2 | 4.2 |
Lots of highway-speed wind noise. Throbby engine drone. Tires roar on coarse pavement, especially WRX and STI. Noise from all sources exceptionally prominent in STI.
Controls
Primary gauges, controls fine. Cabin fabrics, plastics, general finish, can't match quality look, feel of rivals from Honda, Volkswagen. Sport steering wheel, metal-look interior trim reinforce racy airs of WRX, STI.
| 2.5i wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX STI | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Primary gauges, controls fine. Cabin fabrics, plastics, general finish, can't match quality look, feel of rivals from Honda, Volkswagen. Sport steering wheel, metal-look interior trim reinforce racy airs of WRX, STI.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
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, though cushions are quite hard. All models have tilt steering wheel, height-adjustable driver seat; still, not all testers find satisfying driving position. Visibility compromised by huge rear spoiler on STI.
| 2.5i wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, 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, though cushions are quite hard. All models have tilt steering wheel, height-adjustable driver seat; still, not all testers find satisfying driving position. Visibility compromised by huge rear spoiler on STI.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Head room OK for those up to 5-ft-11, but knee/leg space very tight behind like-sized front occupants. Hard cushions. Entry/exit hampered by narrow thresholds, modest door openings.
| 2.5i wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX STI | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
Head room OK for those up to 5-ft-11, but knee/leg space very tight behind like-sized front occupants. Hard cushions. Entry/exit hampered by narrow thresholds, modest door openings.
Cargo Room
Sedan trunklid opens wide to moderate-size 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.
| 2.5i wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX STI | Class Average |
| 6 | 2 | 2 | 4.7 |
Sedan trunklid opens wide to moderate-size 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
Impreza is generally priced above Honda Civic and into Volkswagen Jetta territory, but Subaru hasn't elevated refinement and interior materials to match those compact car benchmarks. Still, all-wheel drive is an asset that comes with every Impreza, and the WRX and STI models are fast--if rowdy--fun.
| 2.5i wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX STI | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 2 | 6.2 |
Impreza is generally priced above Honda Civic and into Volkswagen Jetta territory, but Subaru hasn't elevated refinement and interior materials to match those compact car benchmarks. Still, all-wheel drive is an asset that comes with every Impreza, and the WRX and STI models are fast--if rowdy--fun.
Total Score
| 2.5i wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX STI | Class Average |
| 48 | 47 | 42 | 52 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 37 | |
| Average Score | 52 | |
| High Score | 64 |
2006 Subaru Impreza Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/11/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2.5i 4-door sedan | $18,295 | $17,336 | $625 |
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| 2.5i 4-door wagon | $18,295 | $17,338 | $625 |
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| Outback Sport 4-door wagon | $19,195 | $18,156 | $625 |
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| Outback Sport Special Edition 4-door wagon | $19,695 | $18,615 | $625 |
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| WRX TR 4-door sedan | $23,995 | $22,562 | $625 |
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| WRX 4-door sedan | $24,995 | $23,481 | $625 |
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| WRX 4-door wagon | $24,495 | $23,022 | $625 |
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| WRX Limited 4-door sedan | $27,495 | $25,775 | $625 |
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| WRX Limited 4-door wagon | $26,995 | $25,316 | $625 |
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| WRX STI 4-door sedan | $32,995 | $31,044 | $625 |
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
2.5i
Powertrain
2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, front-seat active head restraints, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, 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, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent rear/wiper washer, cargo cover (wagon), automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rails (wagon), 205/55VR16 tires, alloy wheels.
Outback Sport adds to 2.5 RS:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, map lights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, roof rack, raised heavy-duty suspension.
Outback Sport Special Edition adds to Outback Sport:
Comfort and Convenience Features
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler.
WRX TR adds to 2.5i:
Powertrain
2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder 230-horsepower engine, rear limited-slip differential.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Map lights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, 215/45WR17 tires.
WRX adds to WRX TR:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: front-seat active head restraints.
Fog lights, rear spoiler (wagon).
WRX Limited adds to WRX:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated power mirrors, power sunroof, wiper deicer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler.
WRX STI adds to WRX:
Powertrain
2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder 300-horsepower engine, 6-speed manual transmission, front and center limited-slip differentials.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Alcantara upholstery.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: fog lights.
Rear spoiler, xenon headlights, performance suspension, 225/45WR17 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Popular Equipment Group 1
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2.5i wagon
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$316
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$201
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Roof rack, mud guards.
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Popular Equipment Group 2A
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Outback, WRX TR, WRX, WRX Limited, WRX STI
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$298
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$194
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, uprated security-system.
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Popular Equipment Group 2B
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Outback Special Edition
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$202
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$131
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Universal garage-door opener, security-system upgrade kit.
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Popular Equipment Group 4
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Outback, Outback Special Edition
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$170
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$105
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Cargo bin, rubber floormats.
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Popular Equipment Group 5
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2.5i wagon, WRX TR/WRX wagon
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$245
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$151
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Cargo bin, cargo tray, rubber floormats.
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Popular Equipment Group 6
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Outback, Outback Special Edition
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$87
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$53
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Cargo area spotlight, cargo net.
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Performance Group 1
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WRX TR, WRX, WRX Limited
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$765
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$498
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Short-throw shifter, leather-wrapped shift knob, turbo-boost gauge. NA w/automatic transmission.
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Performance Group 2
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WRX TR, WRX, WRX Limited
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$822
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$536
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WRX STI
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$948
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$662
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Short-throw shifter, titanium shift knob, turbo-boost gauge.
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Premium Sound Pkg. 1
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2.5i, Outback, WRX TR
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$579
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$377
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Upgraded speakers, tweeter kit, subwoofer, amplifier.
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Premium Sound Pkg. 2
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2.5i, Outback, WRX TR
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$944
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$613
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Premium Sound Pkg. 1 plus in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
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Protection Group
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2.5i wagon, Outback
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$324
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$199
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Hood protector, rear-window air deflector, axle protector.
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Powertrain |
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4-speed automatic transmission
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2.5i, Outback, Outback Special Edition
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$800
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$734
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WRX Limited
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$1,000
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$917
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Short-throw shifter
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2.5i, Outback, Outback Special Edition, WRX TR, WRX, WRX Limited
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$345
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$225
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WRX STi
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$451
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$338
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NA w/automatic transmission.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Turbo-boost gauge
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WRX TR, WRX, WRX Limited, WRX STI
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$318
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$207
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror
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Outback, WRX TR, WRX
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$183
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$119
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Includes compass.
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In-dash 6-disc CD changer
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2.5i, Outback, WRX TR
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$365
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$236
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Rubber floormats
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2.5i, Outback Sport, Outback Sport Special Edition, WRX, WRX Limited, WRX STI, WRX TR
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$55
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$33
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Trailer hitch
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wagon
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$300
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$195
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Roof rack
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2.5i wagon, WRX/WRX Limited wagon
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$179
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$111
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Rear spoiler
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2.5i/WRX/WRX Limited sedan
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$399
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$300
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2.5i/Outback wagon
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$364
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$237
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Fog lights
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2.5i, WRX TR, WRX STI
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$395
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$257
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2006 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. | 175.8 | 175.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.5 | 66.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.7 | 58.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3016 | 3071 |
| 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 | 2.5 /150 | 2.5 /150 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 173 @ 6000 | 230 @ 5600 | 300 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 166 @ 4400 | 235 @ 3600 | 300 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 22/29 | 20/26 | --/-- |
| 6-speed manual | --/-- | --/-- | 18/24 |
| 4-speed automatic | 23/28 | 21/26 | --/-- |
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 |
| Front Impact, Driver | NA | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | NA | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | NA | 4 |
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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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: None. Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 20.46 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Damon Bell It's pricy compared to some of its rivals, but Impreza's distinctive, sporty character and standard AWD help it stand apart from its competition. John Biel This is a good, but not great, car that would be worth having for the right deal from your friendly, neighborhood Subaru salesman. Rick Cotta Those wanting a compact car with the security of all-wheel drive will find the Impreza a fine choice--unless they're tall and want to put passengers in the back seat. But you pay for the AWD in both initial price and fuel economy, making the 2.5i a rather focused good value. |
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Major Options: None. Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 24.03 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Damon Bell If you're looking for low-end torque/acceleration, look elsewhere, but WRX still manages to deliver performance driving fun and all-wheel drive confidence at a reasonable price. Rick Cotta Though the turbo lag still annoys in around-town driving and this year's stiffer tires don't do the ride any favors, the WRX remains one of my favorite performance compacts. Tom Appel This is a classy and likable little sprite. Handling is sharp, power abundant, and workmanship top notch. Like its 2.0-liter predecessor, this thing's a bear to drive in traffic. Boost kicks in too soon or too late, making constant shifting necessary. Still, Impreza WRX is fun if you have the room to spool it out, and the AWD is a huge bonus. |
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Also in the 2006 Subaru Impreza Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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