2004 Subaru Impreza Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

From the TS Sport Wagon to the WRX, the all-wheel-drive Impreza is a practical, fun-to-drive alternative to the typically dull cars that populate this segment of the market.

Pros

A stout 227 horsepower in the WRX, all-wheel-drive grip, a variety of sedans and wagons to choose from, fun to drive.

Cons

Often pricey when compared to its competition, tight rear quarters.

What's New for 2004

For 2004, all Imprezas sport revised front and rear fascias -- gone are the oddball circular headlamps in favor of a more mainstream wedge-shaped design. In addition, all models get upgraded suspension struts (to improve ride quality and steering response), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, a collapsible pedal system, revised gauges and a new stereo faceplate. The WRX and Outback Sport receive projector beam foglights. Inside, WRX models have new sport seats, a central tachometer and darker gray faux metal accents. The TS wagon, Outback Sport and RS sedan add an in-glass antenna, active front head restraints, central power door lock switch and multireflector halogen headlights. Further, the TS now has four-wheel disc brakes. The RS sedan's keyless entry system now has an audible confirmation feature, and keyless entry is now standard on the TS. Finally, the WRX sedan is now available with a Premium Package that includes a sunroof, trunk spoiler, heated mirrors, heated front seats and a wiper de-icer.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

WRX four years on

Written by: super_haggis on 10/17/2008

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	5
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	7

Vehicle

2004 Subaru Impreza WRX AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Reviewed this car back when it was 6 months old. Thought I'd add a long term review. Mechanically reliable. Suspension, steering and engine all as good as the day I bought it. Interior proved to be weak. Developed a rattle in the hatchback 1 year on that the dealer never was able to fix. Rear seat covers had to be replaced under warranty after 2 years due to fraying. Various interior dash rattles have appeared over the years. Basically all due to poor quality interior materials. Fender guards cracked after 3 years and were replaced under warranty. 4 years and the clear coat started to peel from the hood scoop. Given the long term interior wear and rattles. Not sure if I would buy another.

Favorite Features

Good performance. Plenty of space. Mechanically and electrically reliable.

Suggested Improvements

Better quality interior materials. Better quality paint prep and finishing.

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I miss my WRX

Written by: itsjustmeLL on 06/06/2008


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	8

2004 Subaru Impreza WRX AWD 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

I really miss how fun the wrx was to drive and how it handled so well! This is the best bang for your buck if you enjoy having fun when you drive for an affordable cost. I've driven the G35 and 350Z and I like how this one handles and the control I had over it better. It was super easy to drive, parallel park, zoom in and out of traffic, change lanes, etc. I just thought it was time to get something more mature looking since I wear heels and skirts m-f. Another downer was the '91 gas because the turbo and the 20 mpg for such a little car.

Great car with room for improvement

Written by: dronchi on 02/13/2008


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	7

This car is a great compromise. As such however there is no one thing that it does particularly well. For instance, acceleration is great, but the engine is prone to detonation with California 91 octane gas. Handling is decent, but the car feels a bit heavy. Noise levels are fairly low, but the stearing response is somewhat mushy due to soft bushings. If you are looking for a racer, this may not be the car for you. If you are looking for a practical car that is fun to drive then you should take a look at this car. One thing I will say is that I've beaten the crap out of this car by driving like mad most of the time and the care still runs great.

Acceleration (on a cold night), cargo room, handling (good for a wagon), reliability (no problems in 4 years).

Tighter and faster steering, more consistent brakes, reduce engine detonation with 91 octane gas. Minor squeaks and rattles are a bit annoying.

Cheap, reliable AWD

Written by: jdl50cc on 12/09/2007


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	5	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	5	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	7

2004 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

It's hard to say anything negative about this car given the number of features that came for a pretty low price. It's amazingly reliable and seems to run on rails in the rain. Snow performance isn't bad, either. Wish fuel economy were a bit better, but the AWD takes a (worthwhile) toll. Could be quieter but, again, it's an inexpensive vehicle.

AWD, exterior styling, cargo and towing capacity.

Cruise control "on/off" switch should be stalk.

04 WRX wagon - high rpm, low gas mileage

Written by: cbird on 08/11/2007


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	3	Exterior Design:	8

This car is fun to drive, if you keep the rpm up to maintain turbo boost. The cost is your gas mileage, which has ranged from 16 to 20 mpg for me. My biggest complaint is the lack of low end torque, unless you rev the crap out of the engine. I love the interior! The material covering the form-fitting seats is great. Dashboard layout is attractive. While this car is fast and handles fantastically, with my aftermarket wheels and tires, the lack of low end torque has left me wanting. I'll either have to install some mods or get a different car.

AWD, turbo, seats.

This car needs more power off the line.

2004 Subaru Impreza Consumer Ratings & Reviews