Subaru Impreza

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $22000.00 from Carter Subaru

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 Impreza RS

Summary:
After 35000 I've had to have the clutch replaced, the air conditioning stopped working, had an electrical problem where the headlights went out, and has been in and out of the shop a couple times now with problems overheating, also it blew the head gasket, all together if I wouldn't have gotten the extended warranty it would have cost me around $8500 in repairs

Strengths:
Good handling, goes well in the snow, has great visibility, great car when its working

Weaknesses:
Serious mechanical problems, its extremely common that the clutch needs to be replaced on imprezas before 40000 miles

Price Paid:  $19000.00 from Somerset Subaru, NJ

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 impreza outback sport

Summary:
I wanted a manual, realiable (read: Japanese) AWD vehicle priced under $20000, and this pritty much left me with the Impreza (Rav4 and the Matrix had weaker engines, and looked wimpy overall). My Otback Sport handles great. It feels like it's on rails. At the same time, it's not as stiff as roadsters, i.e. the car can be used for long trips, and daily commutes. Handling in snow is very good: I've helped to pull out many huge SUVs during a recent snowstorm here in Long Island. A perfect vehicle for an single outdoorsman/a family of two active people. No problems at 25000, but will see. Overall, the greatest all-around vehicle if you are on a budget. HOWEVER, avoid the Outback Sport version and go for the regular Impreza. You overpay $1000 for the outback trim lines and a digital thermometer, but end up paying 50% more insurance. If you have an extra $3000, go for the Forester: you get a bigger vehicle with the same mileage (well, it's heavier too)

Strengths:
Handling, versatility, reasonably strong engine for the small car, snow perfomance.

Weaknesses:
1. BEWARE: insurance cost for the outback sport is ~50% higher than for a regular Impreza since it's considered a sports car. Insurance for the outback sport is the same as for a full outback/Forester. 2. poor mileage. 3. several minor nuisances, e.g. fuel tank lid would not open, cup holder is positioned stupidly above the stereo (AFAIK Subaru did nothing about this in the 2004 model - hello?) 4. More noisy than regular sedans, sonething that takes time to get accustomed to.

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $19000.00 from Somerset Subaru, NJ

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 impreza outback sport

Summary:
I wanted a manual, realiable (read: Japanese) AWD vehicle priced under $20000, and this pritty much left me with the Impreza (Rav4 and the Matrix had weaker engines, and looked wimpy overall). My Otback Sport handles great. It feels like it's on rails. At the same time, it's not as stiff as roadsters, i.e. the car can be used for long trips, and daily commutes. Handling in snow is very good: I've helped to pull out many huge SUVs during a recent snowstorm here in Long Island. A perfect vehicle for an single outdoorsman/a family of two active people. No problems at 25000, but will see. Overall, the greatest all-around vehicle if you are on a budget. HOWEVER, avoid the Outback Sport version and go for the regular Impreza. You overpay $1000 for the outback trim lines and a digital thermometer, but end up paying 50% more insurance. If you have an extra $3000, go for the Forester: you get a bigger vehicle with the same mileage (well, it's heavier too)

Strengths:
Handling, versatility, reasonably strong engine for the small car, snow perfomance.

Weaknesses:
1. BEWARE: insurance cost for the outback sport is ~50% higher than for a regular Impreza since it's considered a sports car. Insurance for the outback sport is the same as for a full outback/Forester. 2. poor mileage. 3. several minor nuisances, e.g. fuel tank lid would not open, cup holder is positioned stupidly above the stereo (AFAIK Subaru did nothing about this in the 2004 model - hello?) 4. More noisy than regular sedans, sonething that takes time to get accustomed to.

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $12500.00 from Liberty Subaru in Or

Year / Model Reviewed:
1995 Legacy L Sedan - FWD

Summary:
I bought the car used and wanted it for the AWD (says it on invoice). I had to get it quickly (totalled my cheapo Geo Prizm). I took it to my mechanic who said it was a good deal. Found out later the car was actually FWD not an AWD car. Liberty Subaru wouldn't put anything in writing or help with the situation with any viable option. Lawyers said it wasn't worth pursuing. However... the car... It has 158K on it. I replaced the rear brakes (@$300), part of the catalytic converter this year (@$400) and done regular maintenance. It now needs rear struts (@400). Time to get rid of it. But, it has the original front brakes/struts and still gets me around without a hitch. I've been getting @30mpg or more (highway driving). I may have a more expensive problem now which is why I'm getting rid of it. People say Subarus are expensive compared to Civics, Toyotas, and other cars. Well, those other cars don't come standard with ABS and AWD (my 2004 sport really will have AWD). Yes, they are more expensive to maintain but they last. I have the same clutch, same front brakes, same front struts and no rust! I compared the Impreza TS Sport Wagon, the "baby" back, and the Legacy Wagon. Engine's the same in all, wheel size varies, standard features INCLUDING interior room is all about the same! I know the seats will be awful but I'll deal with it (why hasn't Subaru fixed that yet... they're infamous for their lousy seats and lumbar ONLY comes in the Legacy Outback). I'm hoping for a long, healthy life with my next Subaru. Oh YEAH - IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL PROBLEM, Subaru will give you up to $300 free to fix the car to meet your needs. That's cool and unheard of.

Strengths:
clutch brakes roominess mpg sturdiness

Weaknesses:
catalytic converter may have started dying at 90K is it really burning oil meaning major engine problems? not enough horse!

Similar Products Used:
Geo Prizm ('93) crap Chevy/Toyota venture Dodge Challenger (Mitsubishi engine) - ok - now the Eclipse

Price Paid:  $18000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 Imprezza Outback

Summary:
Overall the car is an excellent value. It has more than adequate power and braking. The interior is also pretty good, although the cup holders could be a little better. The ABS system isn't the greatest either. I absolutely love the rubber matt in the hatch area and the cargo net. All of my toys fit in it nicely (bike/skis...). No problems at all yet with 46000 miles (2.5 years). I would buy it again. One negative is the noisy engine. There is quite a lot of lifter noise as well as some gear whine (center differential maybe). The additional ground clearance in the Outback version is great, but it does deteriorate the handling a bit.

Strengths:
4 Wheel drive, temperature gauge, hoursepower, flat torque curve, big and bright fog lights, utilitarian features (great for outdoors activities), and comfortable seats.

Weaknesses:
Gas mileage suffers a bit from the 4 wheel drive (I have a manual trans with the full time non-electronic 4wdr) and the roof rack. Interior is starting to creak and squeak a little.

Similar Products Used:
Toyota Corolla Wagon, Corolla Sedan, Dodge Stealth, Mazda Miata, Nissan Sentra Wagon