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2007 Subaru Impreza Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2007 Subaru Impreza Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2007 Subaru Impreza Review
Impreza offers sedans, wagons, and an SUV-flavored wagon called the Outback Sport. Each has all-wheel drive and a horizontally opposed 4-cyl engine. Base-level sedans and wagons are 2.5i models. Like the Outback, they have 173 hp. WRX models are turbocharged. The WRX TR sedan and WRX Limited sedan and wagon have 224 hp. WRX STI and STI Limited sedans have 293 hp. Manual transmission is standard. Automatic transmission is available for 2.5i, Outback, and WRX Limited models. WRXs have a sport suspension, uprated brakes, functional hood scoop, and special seats and trim. The STI has further uprated suspension, brakes, and steering. ABS and front side airbags providing head and torso protection are standard on all Imprezas. Leather upholstery is exclusive to WRX and STI Limiteds, where it's standard.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 100 inches or longer.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, and Mazda 5.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Versa, and Pontiac G5.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, and Mazda 5.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Versa, and Pontiac G5.
News
Look for a redesigned 2008 Impreza to appear as a thinly disguised concept at the April 2007 New York Auto Show. Showroom cars follow by fall, perhaps with a new name. Spy photos of test prototypes suggest styling patterned on the larger Legacy/Outback models, but without the triangular grille Impreza added for '06. In something of a surprise, the high-performance WRX STI becomes a 4-dr hatchback packing a rumored 330 hp, this to trump the expected 300 ponies of Mitsubishi's redesigned 2008 Lancer Evo X. We should have more news soon, so keep checking back with us.
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2007 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 turbo lag. 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 | 4.6 |
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 turbo lag. 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 city/highway driving, test WRX sedan averaged 24 mpg, STI versions 17.1-18.2.
| 2.5i wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX STI | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4 | 6.5 |
Test 2.5i averaged 20.5 mpg in mostly city driving. In city/highway driving, test WRX sedan averaged 24 mpg, STI versions 17.1-18.2.
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 | 5.3 |
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, great stopping control, both honed to fine edge in STI.
| 2.5i wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX STI | Class Average |
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 5.8 |
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, great stopping control, 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 | 4.4 |
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 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 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 | 5.6 |
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-size 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 | 4 |
Head room OK for those up to 5-ft-11, but knee/leg space very tight behind like-size front occupants. Hard cushions. Entry/exit hampered by narrow thresholds, modest door openings.
Cargo Room
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 more useful 60/40 split folding seatbacks. Interior storage a bit lean.
| 2.5i wgn, auto. | WRX sdn, man. | WRX STI | Class Average |
| 6 | 2 | 2 | 4.8 |
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 more useful 60/40 split folding seatbacks. Interior storage a bit lean.
Value within Class
Impreza is generally priced above Honda Civic and into Volkswagen Jetta territory, but these Subarus lack the 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 |
| 5 | 4 | 2 | 6 |
Impreza is generally priced above Honda Civic and into Volkswagen Jetta territory, but these Subarus lack the 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 |
| 49 | 47 | 42 | 52.9 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 52 | |
| High Score | 60 |
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2007 Subaru Impreza Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 11/14/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2.5i 4-door sedan | $17,995 | $17,171 | $625 |
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| 2.5i 4-door wagon | $17,995 | $17,173 | $625 |
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| Outback Sport 4-door wagon | $19,195 | $18,267 | $625 |
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| Outback Sport Special Edition 4-door wagon | $19,695 | $18,726 | $625 |
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| WRX TR 4-door sedan | $23,995 | $22,673 | $625 |
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| WRX 4-door sedan | $24,995 | $23,592 | $625 |
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| WRX 4-door wagon | $24,495 | $23,134 | $625 |
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| WRX Limited 4-door sedan | $27,495 | $25,887 | $625 |
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| WRX Limited 4-door wagon | $26,995 | $25,427 | $625 |
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| WRX STI 4-door sedan | $33,495 | $31,618 | $625 |
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| WRX STI Limited 4-door sedan | $33,495 | $31,618 | $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, 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
Automatic climate control, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital-media player connection, satellite radio, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass.
WRX TR adds to 2.5i:
Powertrain
2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder 230-horsepower engine, rear limited-slip differential.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, map lights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, sport suspension, 215/45WR17 tires.
WRX adds to WRX TR:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital-media player connection.
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.
Dual rear spoilers, xenon headlights, performance suspension, 225/45WR17 tires.
WRX STI Limited adds to WRX STI:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, power sunroof, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: dual rear spoilers.
Single rear spoiler, fog lights.
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, WRX TR, WRX, WRX Limited, WRX STI
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$385
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$250
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, 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, WRX STI Limited
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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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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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$735
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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, WRX STI Limited
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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, WRX STI Limited
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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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$519
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$390
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Satellite radio
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WRX, WRX Limited, WRX STI, WRX STI Limited
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$422
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$317
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Rubber floormats
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2.5i, Outback Sport, Outback Sport Special Edition, WRX, WRX Limited, WRX STI, WRX STI Limited, 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 Limited sedan
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$399
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$300
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2.5i/Outback/Outback Special Edition 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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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 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 | 57.7 |
| 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 | 224 @ 5600 | 293 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 166 @ 4400 | 226 @ 3600 | 290 @ 4400 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 22/29 | 20/27 | --/-- |
| 6-speed manual | --/-- | --/-- | 19/25 |
| 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 | 4 | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 4 | 4 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 | 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
Locate a Dealer
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Also in the 2007 Subaru Impreza Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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