2005 Subaru Impreza i 2.0

Summary:

Good car, but can be greatly improved

Faults:

Nothing so far.

General Comments:

I am privileged to have owned two cars that I am genuinely happy with.

I traded my Corolla in for this Impreza, and seldom find myself missing the Corolla. The Impreza is a newer buy, and therefore in many ways a better buy. However, this being the sedan, it is not quite as versatile as my previous car.

AWD is something that you very rarely take into consideration when buying a car. The car has great handling, and is quite comfortable on long drives.

The downside is that it is slightly heavier on fuel. On the long road the fuel economy is round about 9L/100Km, and in city it is 11L/100Km.

The gear ratios is pretty good, but I think it could have been better.

The interior is cheap plastic, something I am a little disappointed with, especially if you compare it to other Japanese make or European makes.

On the freeway the car is relatively quiet. This being the base model, you can't expect high quality.

Good car in most areas, but I think for the same money you could get something that would be more economical, better looking, and handle almost as well as the Subaru.

Thank you.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 13th May, 2008

16th Jun 2010, 18:46

I have been driving my 1993 Impreza for 9 years this month, & bought a 2001 2 litre 20N 5 door 2 years ago.

The 20N has much improved power steering & good disc brakes on all 4 wheels, & definitely a nicer gearbox, but I wish Subaru hadn't altered the body. The newer car feels cramped, & if you park the car in the sun with the windows closed for security, all that interior plastic outgasses an unpleasant toxic smell.

That's why I prefer to drive the older car, which is a 2 WD 1600. It was an auto, which was gutless, so I did the following mods, which made it into a great car: 5 speed g/box, Nardi WRX steering wheel, Liberty mags, 1999 front seats with turn wheel adjusters & console box. It does 40mpg/14.16 ks/litre.

2005 Subaru Impreza RV 2.0

Summary:

Enjoyed owning it, but will enjoy fare-welling it better

Faults:

Dodgy wheel alignment - out of alignment every six months and scrubs out tyres. Dealer has had it checked and re-done, but it still goes out of alignment and the current tyres howl horribly.

'Gurgling' noise from somewhere when taking off. Dealer says it's the heater, annoying, but not serious.

One off mysterious puff of blue smoke when starting.

General Comments:

Auto is crap! Huge lag when changing neutral to drive or reverse - embarassing when taking off at the lights if you have been idling in neutral. Own a 43 year old Mercedes which is better - in fact the old Merc is perfect.

A slug!!! Gotta floor it to get any sort of performance.

Handles beautifully.

Looks the goods. Snazzy alloys - 7 spoke and metallic blue with tint. Avoid dark colours as they show every scratch and bit of dirt.

Very relaxing and comfortable to drive. Took it from Perth to Sydney return - 4 300 km each way and it was a joy to drive and both drivers and the dog had no complaints.

Trading it for a '08 MANUAL Forester an altogether much better vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th October, 2007