Subaru Impreza

Price Paid:  $0.00 from 0

Year / Model Reviewed:
2008 sedan

Weaknesses:
now using the plastic legacy motor

Summary:
garbage after the 05 it was all down hill.

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Price Paid:  $26670.00 from Schaumburg Subaru

Year / Model Reviewed:
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX

Strengths:
Great handling; AWD and traction control; sharp looking exterior; responsive acceleration; sporty interior; perfect blend of a sports car and everyday comfortable sedan; a good amount of power for a decent price; dual exhaust (the mazda speed 3 doesn't have that!); just enough bells and whistles to keep you happy without being too overwhelming.

Weaknesses:
Even though traveling at highway speeds is smooth, there is a considerable amount of road noise when you get up to around 60MPH. The shifter feels natural (the short throw aspect is actually very nice), but the clutch is extremely stiff, making it hard to judge how quickly you can let off of it. Also, the engine is very quiet at idle, and I usually use engine sound rather than the tach to determine the rate at which I can let off the clutch and give it gas, so sometimes it's hard to determine if I'm giving it enough gas getting going in 1st. (I've actually killed it a few times because I can't hear the engine well) I don't know if you can consider this a weakness, but it's a tad annoying.

Summary:
This review is actually for the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX:
When it was time to buy a new car, I was looking for a car with a little power that wouldn't put a crazy dent in my wallet. I wanted a manual transmission car, so I was looking mainly at this car, the Mazda Speed3, the Honda Accord, and the Nissan Altima. Many people compare this car to the Speed3, and let me tell you, this car was the better choice. Yes, the speed3 is just as powerful, and it's got enough torque to put you into the back seat, but the Speed3 thinks that everything about it should be geared toward racing. The Impreza knows it's fast, but it still gives you that comfortable feeling you'd want in a car that you're in everyday while going to work. When it's playtime, though, this car delivers, and that's what's so good about it. It delivers when needed; it doesn't shove it down your throat the whole time you're driving it.

Similar Products Used:
Mazda Speed3

Price Paid:  $25400.00 from Robert's

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 Impreza WRX sedan

Strengths:
Great looking inside and out. Improvements over past years in terms of exterior looks. Sets keep driver and front passenger in place. I waited until the WRX came out with some of the creature comforts - i.e., sunroof, heated seats, side mirrors and windshield. MOMO steering wheel adds a classy touch.

Weaknesses:
Paint seems a bit thin. Carpeting cheap looking. Reception of radio has a lot to be desired.

Summary:
This car is amazing to drive. Immediate response when you need accelerate and handling to fantastic. I looked at a number of cars around the same price range and nothing compared.

Similar Products Used:
VW GTI 1.8T

Price Paid:  $26000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2003 wrx

Summary:
There is tubo lag on a turbo charged vehicle,that is the time frame when acceleration to a specified rpm is reached the the turbo delivers boost, if boowt is deliverd to quickly engine damage may occur, turbo lag is the technical term for such a drivability concern..

Price Paid:  $23500.00 from Galles/Davis

Year / Model Reviewed:
2003 Subaru Impreza WRX

Strengths:
Acceleration, handling and price. Because of the dealer $3000 discount I was able to add the rear spoiler, turbo boost gauge, carbon fiber dash kit, short throw shifter, security system, upgraded stereo with subwoofer and upgraded speakers for the regular sticker price of the vehicle.

Weaknesses:
I haven't really found a weakness yet. I did add the rear spoiler because it improves the rear of the car tremendously.

Summary:
I actually had intended to buy a new Nissan 350Z. My local dealer had advertised 2003 WRX's at $3000 below sticker price. I went and drove the car and had to have it. I had a 1969 Camaro Z28 and a 1970 Mustang Mach 1 years ago and this is the most fun car to drive since those muscle cars. I am still breaking it in but the handling and the rush when the turbo kicks in is a blast. I recommend this car to anyone wanting top notch performance at a reasonable price.