History of Subaru Impreza

Think of the Subaru loyal? Not more than many others. It is a shame, because while slow and noisy, they were cool, especially the all-wheel drive versions, and especially in the winter.

In the early 1990s, but Subaru needs a car that looked a little less eighties and better cope with competition from Japanese rivals compact. Enter the Impreza, the loyal replacement model was 1993. It was sold at the fair until the car is not a moment too soon disappear (not to be mean or anything) after 1994.

This week's column shows the history of the Impreza in 2002, Subaru decided it was time for North Americans have a taste of the rally-bred WRX turbo on sale in Europe and Japan for a certain number of years. It has also been updated to the year of the Subaru Impreza of the door for the first time, creating a Conundrum for many, they want the car to the gobs of grip and miraculous power, but has trouble getting past his bug-eyed front .

At least some people in this way. Most of them must have had on him, because the WRX sold like crazy, and in turn, made the rest of the Impreza line-up much cooler than in the cross-eyed glory. The strangeness was of short duration, but the Subaru Impreza of 2004, a more traditional to appease the masses. That same year, the bad guys, one step away from a rally circuit WRX STi was introduced.

In 2006, the Impreza has been restyled again. The car also received security updates, such as Subaru changed the face of airbags in two phases, and cars not WRX finally side airbags. These vehicles are equipped with the optional automatic transmission, also got more and more all-wheel drive than the previous system of self-Tranny's.

What is the trend of Subaru, the Impreza used against four-cylinder horizontally. In non-WRX cars, there was a 2.5-liter version with 165 horses, until 2006, when production increased to 173 hp. The WRX uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged 227 horsepower until it is replaced by a 2.5-liter turbo unit, also in 2006. The largest engine won only three horses, but greater gains posted in the torque - 235 lb.-ft., up from 217 in the 2.0-liter engine. The range-topping STi with 300 hp, 2.5-liter turbo.

Transmission choices were a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic and non-turbocharged WRX models. The STi is offered only with a six-speed manual.

Trim changes with these names few years, but what remains is the fact that the two basic models WRX and could be done in sedan or wagon, while the STi is sold only as a sedan. The Outback Sport is a pure choice, combining a large number of the vehicle with the coating to recall that the largest, based Legacy Outback.

Reliability is good, but there are some hot spots, which to be aware.

The 2.5-liter engine is known for head gasket failure. It is a very common problem, but so far seems not to recognize Subaru as a design error. However, it seems that mainly non-turbo engines. Consumer Reports also noted the problem of transmission in both turbo and non-turbo Impreza. Although I can not find specific information online, I think the clutch and gearbox is not caused by over-enthusiastic "driving the source of these complaints.

Despite the problems of note, Consumer Reports recommends the Impreza as a solid selection of used vehicles, and car reliability above the average rating for most models in 2002.

On safety, Impreza sold only from 2002 to 2005, good results in the models U. S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests, earning four and five stars for driver and front passenger protection, respectively, in frontal collisions. He also received four stars for the protection of occupants in the front seat side impact tests, but these early cars were not tested for rear passenger side impact protection.

2006 and 2007 models, which have been tested for safety back side, scored four stars in this category.

From the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2002-2007 Impreza has scored the highest "good" in frontal offset crash test, while the 2006 and 2007 models - the only side airbags are standard across the line - was a " good "for front and rear passengers occupants in side impact tests.

While the powerful engines of the standard Impreza and all-wheel drive were prominent features in its class, the same characteristics of their impact on fuel consumption. Non-turbo cars, fuel consumption Energy Guide within the range 10.0-11.0 l/100 km in the city and 7,0-8,0 l/100 km on the highway, where the vehicle is equipped with a manual or automatic transmission.

In a WRX, communications between 11.4 and 12.2 l/100 km city and 8,0-8,5 l/100 km on the road, again depending on the choice of manual or automatic gearbox.

For STi, official figures are 13.4/9.1 l/100 km (city / highway).

My car penchants for my choice Impreza hatchback model. I tend to stay away from high-performance cars, in general, particularly because they tend to suffer more of the former owners.

However, the suggestion that the WRX is less sensitive to the head of the difficulties included a call for the selection, although considerably more expensive than non-turbo model as a used car. A 2005 WRX wagon is a value of $ 14,225, while the 2006 version of the same door of $ 19,075.

Compared with other compact used, the Impreza is expensive. Factor in the all-wheel drive, reliability and high resistance to strong influence, even if these small Subarus and begins to resemble a powerful good value for those who want the performance and practicality in a car. Furthermore, you can really look forward to winter driving one of these cars. Four-wheel drive, the whole world?