2006 Subaru Impreza Consumer Reviews Page 7

Sleeper Wagon

Written by: D on 08/10/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

I've waited a few months to review this car as I thought my initial enthusiasm might diminish. But, it hasn't! I still look forward to driving my car everyday. This vehicle has the perfect mix, with the practicality of a wagon but the performance of a rally car. AWD is a major safety and performance point (I'll have a hard time ever going back to 2WD, if I ever do). I put in the STi short throw shifter and would absolutely insist on it for any WRX owners out there. Subaru roof rack allows for bike rack and Rocket Box, while cargo area kennels a large dog easily. Roof rack whistle was a problem on past Subarus, but they seem to have fixed the problem as I haven't heard anything.

Favorite Features

Performance, bucket seats, aftermarket Subaru subwoofer under my seat! STi short throw shifter, wagon space, six disc in dash stereo, great Bridgestone rubber! I really like that Subaru offers aftermarket performance parts. My next upgrade will probably be the sway bar kit.

Suggested Improvements

Upgrade the stock shifter to the short throw kit. MP3 jack in the stereo. Offer the sunroof as an option instead of as a part of the Limited Package. Design the rear differential protector to be compatible with the cat back exhaust.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Excellent small wagon

Written by: IV on 08/06/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

I have owned the car for a month and it has 1,200 miles on it. With more highway than city driving, I get between 28 and 31 mpg. I consider this excellent for an AWD vehicle and much better than what some of the other reviewers report. (This was a big unknown in my decision to purchase the Impreza). I test drove the Mazda 3 hatch twice and it felt 'heavy' compared to the Impreza (the Impreza is actually heavier). The 2.5i wagon has sharp handling and the ABS works well, I haven't had a chance to test the benefits of AWD in inclement weather. The cargo space is not huge but more than adequate, great with rear seats down. The sound of the boxer engine requires getting used to.

Favorite Features

I like the sharp handling; the 2.5i base wagon has more than adequate power for my needs. The engine works well at high RPM; fun to drive. AWD, anti-lock brakes and side air bags for added security. I find the exterior styling attractive. The utility of a hatch is difficult to beat (small car).

Suggested Improvements

As other reviewers have indicated: better stereo with MP3 player; better quality materials for the interior - plastic scratches very easily, better quality cloth for the doors. Subaru should include overhead map lamps as standard. Eliminate small rattles (one coming from the handles above doors).

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BOXER GOES WILD

Written by: KEVIN on 08/03/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

I was looking for an 05 used but #1, I couldn't find one locally and #2, was concerned with previous treatment such a car might receive. So I had pretty much given up the idea. Then I test drove a used 06. WOW I just could not believe what I was doing with this car. My family has owned Subes for 20 years and none of them were any thing like this. I just could not contain my enthusiasm. I drove past the dealership twice before the salesman made me turn in, it was 3 hours later though. We couldn't agree on price so I was left yearning for that smile the STi plastered on my face. Then I bought a new black STi. As my wife says "I love my car"

Favorite Features

6 gears, 300 horses,300 lb.ft. of torque, Subaru quality engineering, incredible brakes. Great lights. Great back country road rocket.

Suggested Improvements

I'm an engineer so I know for every mod there is a corresponding compromise, but I think some sexier styling for the body would be good for the performance and the looks. I still like the way mine looks. The 06 styling says to me get in if you think you can handle it.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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I love this Impreza

Written by: John H on 07/31/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

I wanted a 4WD or AWD due to the location of my house. So I test drove the BMW 325xi &330xi. Both are really nice cars but way over priced. So I decided to get the Impreza and save the money for the kid's college. This car handles as good as the BMW. It puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. I just want to drive it for no reason because it's so much fun to drive. I put in the aftermarket real xenon headlights; now everything is much brighter at night. The stock headlights are quite bright but it's still a big difference with the xenon. Now, I sneak out at night just to drive on the curvy roads in my town.

Favorite Features

Boxer engine, handling, AWD, projector headlights, torque and it looks really good and sporty

Suggested Improvements

5 or 6 speed automatic transmission on the base WRX (my wife can't drive stick). Vanity light. Better stock stereo. Stock stereo is really really cheap. I replaced it with Eclipse stereo and Eclipse speakers. Lower the car about 1 inch so the wheelwell gap is less.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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overall impression

Written by: road ninja on 07/26/2006

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Very fun to drive. Now put on 3,500 miles. Awesome road handling. Nice heavy duty suspension - handles off road bumps incredibly. Decent fuel mileage avg. 26mpg. Front bumper is too low - bottoms out if not careful. Exterior paint chips too easily - front plastic bumper absorbs road debris. Very jerky manual transmission when maintaining slow speed. 1st gear take off power is very weak, yet in all gears when passing 3500rpms acceleration picks up! Upgraded sound system is ok, not impressive; the stereo reception is not the best. Low fuel warning light is inconsistent. Some wind noise, overall love the vehicle am content. still worth the purchase - good price. AWD system is great!

Favorite Features

Body style/interior, on/off road handling!, 2-3-4 gear acceleration. AWD system.

Suggested Improvements

Improve upgraded sound system, add an exterior antenna for better reception, improve 1 gear starting out acceleration, smooth out jerky transmission, beef up the paint job durability, get rid of wind noise, Yet a very nice car still.

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Best Car I,ve driven

Written by: Blubaru on 07/16/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

This car is soo much fun to drive compared to my 2001 Legacy L. My 2006 Impreza 2.5i's performance and handling just bring a big smile on my face each and every time. I really do try to find reasons to drive this car. My wife was so impressed that she too got a 2006 Impreza 2.5i wagon.

Favorite Features

Projector lights,16" wheels, front spoiler cause it does not look like it's just strictly a bumper and all standard features.

Suggested Improvements

Lights near the rear view mirror, light in the rear storage of the wagon (hard to see when the seats are in place in event of a flat tire change). Extra 12v socket maybe in the center console for charging PDA or other portable device battery.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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TR is disappointing

Written by: JBiz on 07/15/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

For 23k the TR WRX is a very fast car. 0-60 in approximately 6 seconds. It's very fun to drive and I love all of the attention I get while driving it. If i had the chance to buy it all over again...I would upgrade to a Limited. I don't think I have enough love to spend $30k on an STi. I'd rather own a BMW if I were to spend $30k+.

Favorite Features

I gotta love the speed. There's nothing like blowing the doors off of the civics and other cars pieced together. The 17 inch wheels aren't that bad either. Upholstery is very nice. There's no lame designs that make you think of McDonald restaurant decor like many, many other cars.

Suggested Improvements

First the TR needs a stereo. The 4 speaker, 80 watt stereo is worse than what Hyundai's have. Folding rear seats would help. Heated side mirrors (they skimp on cheap mirrors they put on the Limited. How much are you really saving me?). Hood scoop needs a screen for protection. Rear end slips with oem suspension.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Finally

Written by: jagboypotts on 07/10/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

I moved to the US 2 years ago and have bought 7 cars since. A Porsche 911 was impressive, a 2006 GTi lasted 3 months, various other boring stuff. An '05 Legacy gave me a hint of what I really needed. The STi is a average motorwar car, it uses more fuel than I expected. It's also everything a sports car should be, effective, fun, fast and makes you want to get in and drive just for the joy of it. Unlike the 911 you don't need to worry all the time, SUVs don't cut you off for fun, you just sit in your blue and pink world and smile at the sheer joy of a sorted chassis and engine that sounds like its CD would go platinum. As for when the snow comes. LOVE IT.

Favorite Features

Handling. No frills, just engine, gearbox, drive train, braking performance and quality. Marketing influenced consumers will hate it.

Suggested Improvements

Better stereo or leave a hole in the dash and buy your own. It doesn't show but it weighs too much, don't let Newton know or he will spoil our fun. None the less, it has to hurt economy, brake wear and ultimately performance.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Built to get you anywhere, anytime.

Written by: lvnwntr on 07/10/2006

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport Special Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Leasing the car for $270/mo. Planning a trip of 2000 miles through Canada with 3 other people. Great for hauling the stuff that won't fit in my Impreza sedan. Have cargo basket for roof rack and am planning for a hitch and aluminum cargo carrier for the back.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Factory needs to make 17-18" wheels and serious off-road capable tires standard. No excuses on something that tows 2000 lbs.

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Overall a solid little wagon

Written by: mck on 07/07/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

I have had the car for about three months now, and am overall quite pleased with it. I wanted something that handled well, got decent mileage, and could haul stuff in a pinch. I narrowed down my search to two vehicles with the other being the Mazda3. The Mazda had less cargo space and will not take a trailer hitch, and lacks roof rails, although it is slightly less expensive and reportedly gets better mileage. I recently subjected it to a 2,500 mile road trip and consistently got just above 31 mpg on the highway (and much of this was through the mountains of North Carolina with the AC on); in the city I got around 25.

Favorite Features

The wagon handles well, especially on wet pavement and on dirt roads, and the ride is smooth for a compact car.

Suggested Improvements

I have to agree with most of the other reviews regarding rear leg room and the sub par stereo. I would also add that the air conditioning could be more powerful. I gets the job done but does not cool the car down as quickly as I would like.

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