2006 Subaru Impreza Consumer Reviews Page 5

This car is IT

Written by: mike06tr on 12/04/2006

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Impreza WRX TR 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Man I love this car. After wanting one for few years, when the 06 with the 2.5 came out I jumped on it. With a couple minor bolt ons I am just as fast as cars costing twice as much. 13.30 1/4 mile@ 101mph not bad for $23k. My last car was a 460hp Mustang so I like power.

Favorite Features

The engine. Really pulls when the boost comes in.

Suggested Improvements

Better tires, radio, and shifter.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Too much fun

Written by: Leif_in_seattle on 12/04/2006

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Impreza WRX 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I’ve been driving my WRX wagon for about two weeks now and I’m more impressed with it every day. The overall road feel and driver interface is amazing. Steering is precise, and acceleration is exhilarating, even before the turbo kicks in. Previous versions of the WRX were plagued by a pronounced turbo lag and lame torque at lower RPMs, but the new 2.5L engine in the ’06 distributes power across a much wider band. It still jumps at 3500-4000 RPMs when the turbo kicks in, but it’s quicker off the line with a much smoother transition into the turbo burst, resulting in a more even, muscular acceleration. The AWD enables it to handle great on all surfaces and under all conditions.

Favorite Features

This car is not for everyone, but for those seeking an under $25k ride that provides thrilling performance, AWD capability and day to day practicality it would be tough to do better than the Impreza WRX wagon. Best features: Handling, acceleration, AWD, appearance, small wagon practicality.

Suggested Improvements

Road noise, fuel economy, insurance cost, no iPod input, no sunroof available (except with Limited model).

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WRX STi still a contender

Written by: vallor on 11/21/2006

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Impreza STi 4dr Sedan AWD w/Silver-Painted Wheels (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I've been driving this beast since February. The all-wheel drive both improves handling, as well as more stable footing in snow and ice...nice, if you cross the Sierras sometimes in the winter, as I do. This machine is rally-inspired, and it shows. It took a little while to get used to the rear wing -- but you know, I'm seeing other auto manufacturers adding big rectangular wings to their offerings, too...so it's suddenly "trendsetting", heh. Finally, I can't stress enough the value of having performance tires on this vehicle -- almost always, it is its tires that are the performance bottleneck. I've shod my STi with Kumho ASX, which seemed good compromise for performance and winter driving.

Favorite Features

All wheel drive, exceptional power, excellent handling. I'm told that the STi has had the roof strengthened for rollcage protection, but I haven't investigated it yet. Finally: the boxer engine removes almost all torque issues when accelerating.

Suggested Improvements

Whatever Mitsu is doing with the Evo. Squared. Also: would be nice if dealer set suspension up for driving style of buyer. Mechanical improvements: I can't think of any -- it is what it is. The Kumho ASX tires quiet the ride down a bit from the stock Potenzas...the ride is a bit stiff, too.

3 out 6 people found this review helpful

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2007 STI is a Very Nice Ride...

Written by: John on 11/08/2006

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Impreza STi 4dr Sedan AWD w/Gold-Painted Wheels (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

This is my second Subaru in 3 years, and I am sold on these cars. I had a 05 WRX wagon prior to this, and I loved it. This car however is in a whole 'nother league. Everything has been tightened up, and it handles like it's on rails. Of course with handling you give up comfort, but who cares. For a bone stock car this thing is really fast. I can see why this thing hangs with M3's. It's no slouch.. The Brembo brakes are a huge improvement over my WRX. Mileage around town stinks, but on the freeway it is not bad (around 25 @ 80). Stereo stinks, but I have a double din nav that is going in shortly. Only complaint is the wing. Not a big fan. Plus, cops and idiots seem to be drawn to it.

Favorite Features

Xion lights, Brembo brakes. 6 speed, 300 HP.

Suggested Improvements

Stock stereo is a joke. Smaller rear wing. M+S tire option at purchase.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Happy Owner

Written by: Josh on 11/04/2006

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Impreza STi 4dr Sedan AWD w/Silver-Painted Wheels (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

When I first purchased my STi it was perfect. Now 6 months later I can't get enough. This is the first vehicle I ever owned which made me not want to go home and park it. It's very satisfying, very addicting and is better than a drink at the end of a hard work day. Not a dull moment. Believe it or not, I am a family man whose family enjoys going everywhere in it.

Favorite Features

AC is great with climate control always on. Fairly quiet ride even though the car is permanently glued to the road. The engine sounds mean when idling with stock exhaust. I really enjoy getting 29 MPG with cruise control on at 68 MPH and 300 HP to boot.

Suggested Improvements

The factory should tint the back three windows to reduce tailgater glare. Needs better intercooling during 100 degree summer months.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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I Love My Subie!--Greeley, CO

Written by: Landon-21 years old on 10/27/2006

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Impreza 2.5 i 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

W O W ! This is a great car for the money. Compared to other 4 door sedans under $20,000 this one knocks the doors off the competition. This car is so practical and fun and well its a great car. I hope that if you are looking for a car that you definitely consider Subaru. By the way I get 21 city & 26 hwy, so decent gas mileage also especially considering it is an automatic and has AWD.

Favorite Features

GREAT handling, nice power for such low HP, fun to drive, sturdy suspension, AWD, very simple interior (plain & to the point), decent stereo, awesome looks, reliability, 3 low gears, fun on curvy mountain roads, deep trunk, bright lights, well done sport seats, and it is a really sweet lookin' car.

Suggested Improvements

Well if you want more power, step it up to the turbo or STi I guess, TOO FUN to drive which makes me drive it more than I probably should and so therefore I tend to go through a lot of gas...but that's about all. Hope to see you on the road drivin' a Subie.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Hello Safe Drivers: Get the LEGACY

Written by: anne on 10/13/2006

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Impreza 2.5 i 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Race-car drivers can ignore this. Smart, safe drivers should get the Legacy. My Buick skid on a wet road and crashed badly. Wanted Subaru Legacy for AWD and safety features, but decided to save money and get Impreza. AWD is great. No one regrets buying Legacy. Gas mileage is better in small car, but Legacy is the better car.

Favorite Features

AWD, side air bag, good breaks, good crash-test rating. The combination of fuel-efficient 4-cylinder with really good horse-power. tight curves are great.

Suggested Improvements

My car insurance thinks this car is a race car (probably got my 2.5 confused with the WRX model) but I can't even go 70mph in it without car rocking from wind! Car needs to be lower to the ground maybe to make it "heavier"? May not be best idea to get COMPACT car from an *SUV* dealer.

4 out 25 people found this review helpful

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Great performer/handler, fun/practical

Written by: Mike on 10/12/2006

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Impreza WRX Limited 4dr Sedan AWD w/Off-Black Int. (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Power and handling are excellent, but if you're used to a torquey V6 (Maxima in my case), the turbo-4 power delivery takes getting used to. WRX is, and feels, small and light. Sound system seems weak to me, but probably because my Maxima's was pretty good. Same with interior. It looks good, but after a while it feels a little econo, and there are rattles. My Maxima NEVER rattled. This car looks hot. Styling, wheels, spoiler, side sills. The Limited package could include more. Up in Legacy GT price range, but Legacy is probably a better buy. Outstanding all-around car (very fun!), but if you have a Maxima (or similar) and want a Subaru, Legacy GT might be a better choice.

Favorite Features

Power - Handling - Styling/appearance - All-wheel drive utility/handling - Overall fun-to-drive factor - Feels small/light while driving - Extremely "practical" and day-to-day livable for what is essentially a sports car. - Interior feels econo, but at least it looks good.

Suggested Improvements

More from the Limited package. Maybe STI's HID's, more powerful sound system, remote keyless trunk release, etc. With the Mazda 3 offering nav, Impreza should compete, ESPECIALLY in Limited trim. Eliminate interior rattles. Folding back seat. Suspension could be tighter (Mazdaspeed 3).

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Best Bang for the Buck

Written by: Mikey Mike on 10/02/2006

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Impreza WRX 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I have only owned the car for 1 week as of today and I am very impressed. I am trading down from an Audi TT roadster 225hp (lease). I don't even consider it trading down, since the Subaru out performs my Audi (seriously). I purchased the car as a 2006 left over so I got a great deal on it ($21,000). If you are looking to buy a sports car with the functionality of a wagon look no further. 0-60mph in the low to mid 5 second range in for under $25k...enough said. I am so happy with this car.

Favorite Features

Acceleration! Handles well.

Suggested Improvements

Stereo needs to be upgraded and interior is very plain and there is a little body roll, but I can't complain because it more than makes up for it in all-around performance.

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My car went boom

Written by: STigoesboom on 09/20/2006

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Impreza STi 4dr Sedan AWD w/Silver-Painted Wheels (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I buy cars to race and to tune them. I have worked on Lambo's to Kia's. My brother owns a shop in Delaware where I do all of my work and dyno tuning. I was very surprised when then engine practically blew up with minor tuning (nothing internal and factory turbo). After talking with other people who have tried this seems to be a common occurrence. My suggestion... buy the car if you want a fairly quick car that is going to be left stock. You want to tune your car and make it special to you...buy something else.

Favorite Features

A good car straight off the block. The second spoiler was a needed improvement.

Suggested Improvements

Subaru knows most people are going to do minor tuning...make the engine so it can take a little more power. If not, have options you can get from the factory with a factory warranty!

9 out 24 people found this review helpful

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