History/Description
For years, the Subaru Impreza has been a popular choice for shoppers after all-season performance, versatility and driving confidence. A lifestyle-oriented model with a reputation for reliability, safety and a ‘go-anywhere-anytime’ attitude, Impreza boasted standard AWD across the board, sedan or five-door variants, and automatic or manual transmissions.
Standard was Subaru’s 2.5-litre boxer four-cylinder engine, which whipped up 170 horsepower. Base 2.5i and 2.5i Sport models were available, as were Touring, Limited and Convenience packages, depending on the year in question. Look for features like a sunroof, automatic climate control, automatic lights, tinted glass and heated seats.
The current-generation Impreza, which launched in 2008 with a restyle, will soon be replaced by an all-new 2012 model. As such, this used-car review will focus on the 2008 to 2011 Impreza.
What Owners Like
Handling and driving dynamics, all-season traction, overall performance and flexibility are all highly rated by the Subaru Impreza’s owner community. Many online Impreza owners say they enjoy a fun-to-drive car that’s stylish, surprisingly roomy and nicely balanced. Ride comfort and overall value complete the list of common owner-stated positives. Apparently, the Impreza is quite a parking-lot donut-monster in the snowy months, too.
What Owners Dislike
A low-budget and ‘plasticky’ interior feel, road noise and a less-than-adequate factory stereo system are among Impreza’s most common complaints. Some owners wish they could raise the driver’s seat to enhance the driving position, and fuel economy can be thirstier than a comparable two-wheel drive car, too.
Common Issues
When test driving a 2008 to 2011 Impreza, be sure to check the windshield for an oily, greasy film that may impede vision. This may be more visible at night, and could indicate a problem with a leaky heater core that’s allowing coolant to ‘evaporate’ onto the windshield.
Check the front footwells for signs of dampness through the carpet, which could indicate a water leak from either a sunroof drain tube or improperly sealed body seam. Damp carpeting could be an invitation for mould and rust as the vehicle ages.
Ensure the air conditioner works properly, blowing cold air within seconds of being turned on. Check the liftgate on 5-door models too, ensuring it releases and latches properly. Check the interior for signs of worn, damaged or missing trim pieces, and be sure to inspect the paint for dents, chips and scratches, which many owners say are easily inflicted.
Otherwise, Subaru’s use of proven engines and transmissions seems to have served them well where reliability is concerned. Earlier head gasket problems seem to have been eliminated for this generation Impreza, and minimal complaints of the major or worrisome variety came up in checks of the usual online resources.
The Verdict: This generation of Impreza didn’t pack any new and radical technology, though it seems to be a solid and reliable performer as a result.
Still, owners are advised to take the used Impreza they’re considering to a Subaru mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection, for peace of mind’s sake. A trained mechanic can quickly check for fluid leaks, the condition of tires and brakes, and for any potentially major issues.
With a ‘thumbs-up’ from a mechanic, owners can expect a reliable and worry-free all-season driving experience for years to come.
