2004 Subaru Impreza 2.5 TS 2.5 from North America

Summary:

Nice driving experience, but expensive and expected longivity very poor

Faults:

Paint is chipping and rust is already appearing on doorsteps.

Rear brakes lasted 20 000 km although we drive mainly on highways. (My other car rear brakes lasted 90 000 km.)

Fuel consumption is very high for such a small car.

General Comments:

Fun to drive and a charm in winter storms.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd November, 2005

23rd Nov 2005, 13:12

Didn't Toyota buy GM's shares in Subaru? If that is true these cars are only going to get better and right now the impreza is a beast and its fun to drive.

23rd Nov 2005, 17:56

Yes, Toyota bought a stake in Subaru and GM bailed (which is why you won't see anymore Saabarus like the 9-2X).

I hope you are right about quality improving under Toyota in American plants.

The Impreza is a total sleeper and grips the road like mad.

28th Feb 2006, 22:29

No problems with the paint however power windows vibrate and chatter horribly when wet. Needed new front brakes at 19K non warranty! Cooling system developed leak at 22K. Stock cloth seats are already showing signs of driver side wear-thru! Ride is nice, but overall quality of workmanship from their Gumma JP Assy Plant leaves much to be desired. Reminds me of how GM used to build slip-shod cars in the 70's. Dealer has been no help at all. Takes your money then your SOL. This was my first Subaru and it will be my LAST ONE. Next time I will buy a Mazda or a Mitsubishi which are far better made cars than Subaru. Makes one wonder if they covertly pay-off people to write good reviews in Consumer Reports magazine for them.

1st Mar 2006, 13:52

Well of course a car is going to rust if it gets road salt on it and you don't wash it off. It's a fact.

Highway driving puts more strain on brakes because of higher speeds and dragging brakes at those high speeds.

Fuel consumption by a 4 cyl boxer engine that makes upwards of 220hp and 200+ of torque is going to be understandably (can't spell for crap) bad.

It's a very fun car IMO, with serious handling provided by that nonslip AWD system and add a turbo to that 2.5 and you're getting into Big V6 small V8 ranges in terms of specs.

2004 Subaru Impreza 2.5 TS Wagon 2.5 naturally aspirated from North America

Summary:

Performance, AWD and standard equipment an awesome value for money

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car, it has only required scheduled servicing.

General Comments:

This car is quick and it handles well, it has decent torque for a 4-cylinder and is very rev-happy. It has good power, 165 bhp and 166 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is a little slow to downshift. A nice thing about the AT is that it adapts to your driving style.

The all-wheel drive system works well too, it has an electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch that continuously varies torque between the front and rear. This is not "fake AWD", all four wheels are driven at all times. Torque split can be locked by selecting "2" or "1" with the gear lever.

The gas mileage is reasonable for an automatic transmission AWD vehicle. In mixed driving I get a consistent 22 MPG, while on the highway I get 28 MPG, that is, almost 400 miles per tank.

The seats are good, it's quite roomy in the front seats and acceptable in the rear.

Wind and road noise are quite prominent in this car, esp. above 60 mph. This gets tiring on long trips, but it's not a big deal during the daily commute. The suspension is good, the car handles well while still absorbing bumps just fine.

The AC is not quite up to the task during hot and humid days in city traffic. On the highway the AC works well always. The heater works well in the winter time. The engine reaches operating temperature quickly.

The negatives are not big issues, I'd say that for the money (I paid 17000 dollars for a brand-new car) it's a fabulous car. AWD, auto, A/C, power windows, AND good performance for that kind of money? It's a DEAL.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th October, 2005