Used 2005 Subaru Impreza Consumer Reviews
Smile
I haven't stopped smiling since the day I picked it up. I ordered White w/ silver wheels so I could be inocuous yea right, with a 'superbird spoiler' and a hood scoop the size of the Holland Tunnel. VERY fast, stops as good as it goes too. Excellent handling with tons of 'gawking factor'. I get comments everywhere. You'd have to spend two or three times as much $ to achieve this level of automotive panache (Mitsu Evo excepted), and even then the STi would cause serious embarrassment for the "high rollers". This is the very serious car with extremely high limits that can get you out of trouble as easily as it got you into it. It invites serious driving and
STi Performance with RS Style
I previously owned an Intrepid with roughly the same MPG, but nowhere close to the responsiveness, handling or acceleration of the Japanese Monster. Prior to purchasing the STi I did a little research on the Evo MR. For the price and resale value, you just can't beat the Subie. Granted the Evo has a slight advantage in most categories, the Impreza is much more fun on a daily basis and as a daily drive. IMO if you are looking for a strictly track car get the MR, if you plan on having a life outside of direct competition, you better bet the STi takes the win. Subaru has an awesome track record, unlike most of its Japanese-American counterparts.
- Outback Sport WagonMSRP: $7,88860 mi away
- Outback Sport WagonMSRP: $2,98886 mi away
- Outback Sport Special Edition WagonMSRP: $1,995208 mi away
Subaru Redeemed
I owned nothing but Surarus from 1972-87 and then went back in 2002, buying a Legacy Outback. The car was virtually impossible to drive smoothly in low gear (manual) and I complained to Subaru for three years. They offered a small compensation amount and just before Christmas it bucked one too many times so I was off to the dealership. I had some trepidation and tested this model in every possible situation before buying. I have had it a month and found it a delight--stable, spunky and fun to drive. I use it for commuting, errands and a very occasional 4-5 hour trip. I am once again a very happy Subaru camper and highly recommend the car for size, performance, and versatility.
Fun to drive
This car is awesome to drive. It is fun, and provides good handling and feel for the road. Not recommended for driving over bumpy roads, unless you want a sore behind. A bit rough, definitely not a luxury car. The interior is cheap; for my car, the seat material was wrinkling up (got it fixed through warranty), drivers visor mirror fell off, stock armrest extension not secured well to the car (quite fragile), and several other issues. This car was definitely meant to be modded (modified).
2.5 years
I've had my WRX wagon for 2+ years, 20K miles. No repairs other than scheduled maintenance. Two minor factory recalls. Clutch feel is not the best and sometimes there is a little "judder" before car warms up. Some complain of turbo lag, but this is not a problem for me. Just keep the revs up and power is always there. Shifter could be smoother, especially into reverse. I hear short throw shifter is better.Handles very well and is fun to drive. Wagon design is very practical and with roof racks can haul lots of stuff for a car this size. Gas mileage 17 city 26 highway. This is a good car.
Gets better with every year!!!
This is my second subaru, my first was a subaru impreza 1993 sedan(which is still chugging along at 205,000 miles which I sold to a close friend), and I can not say enough wonderful things about it. First of all, all the small little things that use to bother me they have fixed, okay so it has been over ten years but still, for example they don't have those stupid cup holders that use to pop out of the dash and I always use to bump and spill my coffee everywhere. However, they have kept the good stuff like the rimless windows, really like those.
Outstanding all-around car
Fast, reliable, excellent utility. I can haul snowboards to the mountains and take it to a track day and still have a blast. Easily customized. Reprogram the ECU for an easy ~25hp bump. Driveability improves as boost comes on sooner. Short shifter kit also suggested. I only get 22mpg on mixed commute.
Great little AWD vehicle for the Money
I have been wanting a Subaru for a few years now and finally got a great deal on the 05 2.5 RS Sport Wagon. I just love it, it is roomy, fun to drive, and great handling. I especially like the seats how they just hug your body. Good going Subaru.
great car and fun to drive
Trying to keep it under 4000rpms for the 1st 1000 miles. I researched about 4-5 cars the past 8 months and it all came back to the WRX, a little more than i wanted to spend but I just love the car.
'05 STi review
This car is awesome! I have a commuter car but I always want to drive my STi. It is so hard to keep the miles down because you will always want to drive it. I've taken it to autocross and drag events and out performed all new cars around the 30k price range. I don't consider myself an awesome driver but behind the wheel of this car you sure feel like it!
the best
This is the best really car ever made!!!!!! "Know other car can win" "Mess with the best die like the rest!" this is my dream car since i have been watchind wrc 1996
great car
its a fun car i own 3 so far and they all drive better than hodas
Great car, poor lumbar support
If you're looking for a fun-to-drive car that's inexpensive, yet fast "out of the box" -- look no further. Yes, an Evo is faster, but you can get a dealership down to $23/24K with research and careful choice of options. Also, I wonder if Mitsu Co. will be around in a decade. For anyone who has a long commute, I would heartily recommend buying lumbar support. Otherwise, after the 1K break-in period, this all-wheel drive turbo fun machine will have you grinning at every driving opportunity. That is, if you can drive a manual transmission. I'm 6 foot with a 32 inch inseam, and have no problem fitting into the driver's seat. The pedals are set for heel-toe driving, so get tapered shoes.
like a porche, 1\3 the price
If it was stolen today, I would be back at the dealship tomorrow trying to get another. Which might be tough, considering Subaru only makes 5000 a year. Great Car. Head turner, and the limited numbers makes its value hold strong.
I FEEL LIKE AN ADDICT
This car is so addicting that it draws you to the driver's seat and says let's go! The unbelievable power that is pumped out of this four banger is incredible, the car handles corners like it was a straight away, it stops on a dime picks it up, then gives you change. I cant believe the amount of respect this car gets no one wants to race you in fear of humiliation. This is absolutely the funnest car I've ever drove! (P.S. I didn't even notice there was a stereo.) Worth every penny!
The Beast!!!!!!!
What a phenomenal car. It handles like a Porsche and accelerates like one too. It's reliable and you can have four people in it as well. Good size trunk. Fun factor in this car is an absolute 10!!!!!
Oh So fun!
I love my STI. The best performance for your money!
Crystall Grey Metallic
05 STi replaced my previous 02 WRX wagon. I was leaning toward buying Lancer Evo, but 05 models fixed all handling problem 04 model had.
WRX STI overview
I thought this was a great little sportscar so i bought it. As it turs out it was aalot more than just that, it was more
My First New Import
At this point I couldn't be happier with this little wagon. We also own a 05 Pontiac Vibe which we've owned for about a year so it's neat to be able to compare the two. The Impreza excels over the Vibe in handling and performance but lacks in interior features and room. Both are winners in my book.
Unbelievable car
Worth double the sticker price. Even or better than the Porsches at the Racetrack and you can take four people up to the snow too.
excellent
The car is faster then my old fully modified skyline R34. and the handling is better then any 4WD I have driven in my life
Perfect Car
I've had this car for 5 months now and have nothing but great things to say. It preforms like a champ. The wagon gives extra head room in the back seat and plenty of room to carry stuff in the back. It's the perfect car for anyone in a snowy environment or someone who just wants performance that'll make you smile ear to ear.
White Light
My white STi is the most fun car I've ever owned. It turns heads with the crowd in the know, and of course, looks like a sleeper that blows the doors off 95% of the other cars out there. But, it's a practicle every day driver, and that is important to this woman who's on the go a lot. The car handles supremely, cornering like it's part of the pavement. After owning a Durango, and constantly feeling like it was going to tip over, this is such a relief as to make me giggle when I'm cornering on Colorado mountain roads. Getting to the speed limit in no time is also fun, but I have to admit, staying there is tough and I gotta break free now and then. Overall? The car is exceptional and fun!
I am in love with this car
I have been a huge fan of the 2000 impreza RS and was very disapointed with the re-designed exterior in 2002. Now, I have to say, I like the 2005 styling even more than both (even without the hood scoop). Not to mention that this car handles like its riding on rails and has plenty of power. This car is my first brand new car and I am a total subaru fanatic now. Also, this is one of the most inexpensive cars subaru makes. It was less expensive than some used 2002 WRXs and only a couple thousand more than a used 2001 RS I was looking at. Overall, I have fallen in love with this car and look forward to driving it everyday.
Great all around car
I live in New England and this car does it all. Bought it brand new with zero miles and now has almost 100k and still going strong. No major troubles. Just your BASIC oil change and filter. 300 hp, how can I complain? Gas mileage is good also for a vehicle with 300 hp. You don't buy the car for the gas mileage it gets, but that's just me. Things that are bad with this car are to be expected. It's a sub 35k car brand new. For the price, it cant be beat in terms of performance, reliability, comfort, and space as a package. You cant expect this car to be your high end 90k price tag amg Mercedes. It's a Subaru...
Lots-a-fun
This is my 7th Subaru. All except the '98 RS coupe got to 200k miles. VERY tossable. Now we have 30k on it and only a few mods. Silencer removal, Prodrive 17's with M3's, K&N, front and rear braces. Future mods on order include braided lines, Hawk HPS pads, front & rear skid-plates from Primitive Racing, and full synthetic Redline conversion. Went playing in 12" of unplowed wet snow for 1.5 hours. Took 4 hrs to get the snow off it. Worth the work! Buy it -Have fun.
hella good
god i love this car. it is so sexy looking and it is so fast. it handles really good.
What a blast but...
I have only had my new WRX for one week and I must admit I love driving again! Seats are comfortable, wheel feels great in your hands and the power of the engine makes me smile everytime. The only issue I am having is trying to shift into reverse... not very easy. Some quick searches on other sites found that I am not the only one with this issue. Obviously I still love the car and just hope the shifting is one of those subie quirks!
YeeeeeeHaaaaaa
THIS THING IS A ROCKET SHIP! It so so quick and so fast that it is scary. I equate it to holding a calm cat that just got scared and is digging in to get the hell out of Dodge. Once break-in is over (even before!)you will not want to drive this thing without a radar detector present. The closest you will get to a supercar under $100,000. There are very few vehicles in the US that can challenge the STi, anywhere!
Good Time!
The car has been great. My only negative is the OEM tires. The tires have not held up as well as I would have hoped for. I can only go on them for another 5000 miles before I will have to purchase new ones. Besides that the car is a great time. It will toss you back in your seat under hard acceleration and stops on a dime. Overall the car is amazing!
Fun to drive
Tons of fun to drive. It lives up to its billing - a true modern-day heir to the pony-car tradition. I would not trade this in for a Porsche Boxster even if they were the same price!
Best sports car for the money
This is the second WRX that I have owned. It has been driven in heavy snow and rain w/ original tires and has never let me down.
Just awesome
Upgraded from a standard WRX and it's a totally different ball park. Not for the faint of heart. Fun, practical, daily driver.
2005 Aspen White STI
New for the 2005 STI: new Helical Front limited slip differential new power steering oil cooler new wider 8" wheel (replaces 7.5") new rear wheel arch flares, body colored (because the new 8" whl?) new Immobilizer key, 3 supplied. Needed to start car new climate control new air filtration new smoked headlight lens new re-designed keyless remote fob new seat cushion side bolster material new center console cupholders, replaces the one by the center vent new sam/fm/CD changer w/ bass, mid, treble adjustments, 6 spkrs new door armrest redesigned, now cloth, includes mirror controls new colors I love this car!!
Truck replacement
I was looking for a car to replace my truck so I got the Subaru and a utility trailer. The Subaru with AWD is much better than my truck in 4WD in the snow. The Subaru gets 24-27MPH the truck got 17-18. They are equal speed. I can tow up to 1500 pounds including the weight of the trailer which is all that I need for house hold chores and toy (ATV/Dirtbike) hauling. The mechanics of this car are solid. I am not easy on it and nothing has failed me. I even went 80,000 before replacing the brakes and 50,000 before the tires. This car handles so well in the snow that it is not even fun.
Bargain AWD funster with space for stuff
Had the car for 5 months now. The turbo takes a little getting used to compared with the VR6 torque of my old VW Jetta. You have to spin the engine to get the best from it. Build quality seems to be on a par with VW too if a little plasticky. Hopefully the electrics are better. Time will tell. The 4wd is great in the California downpours we have been experiencing of late. It holds the road like a limpit. Compared it with the new Jetta VR6, Audi 1.8T quattro, Nissan 350Z and Altima when I shopped. Offered the best bang for the buck when hauling 4 and want a manual gearbox.
So worth the money
I went from a 2003 Jeep Wrangler V6 with 6 inches of lift ... got tired of it (gas mileage and speed). I wanted another fun car to replace it. Needed AWD and wanted a turbo. STI is the perfect choice. Total sleeper too, everyone that is ignorant totally underestimates the sickly speed and acceleration. All cars should bow down to the STI ( I hate the import craze, that is, taking a cheap car and investing money into it that you will never recoup. This car is FAST stock and you don't need to add stupid aftermarket stuff).
Great Car
This is a very fast car that has impressive handeling and styling in the interior. Will match just about anything on the street performance wise.
Fast and practicle fun
Very predictable handling and holds on tight to wet roads. Handling in the snow is very good after the summer only tires are changed to mud and snow tires. Auto temp control works well. There is actually enough room in the back seat for an adult human of average size, but not for an extended trip. Trunk space is good with room for golf clubs and groceries. Ride is tolerable to good,except on a real rough roads, you wont lose your teeth. Lots of road noise from the tires, but much better with with the M/S tires. The rear wing is annoying and attracts alittle more attention than I care for. Gas mileage is around 22-24 for me but I drive conservative. I look forward to driving it every time
Great Car
I commute 60 miles per day and was looking for economy car with a hatchback. I was considering the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Si Wagon and the Subaru Impreza. I debated the WRX, but the turbo defeated the purpose of gas economy. The 2.5 engine has plenty of power for this little car and it zips along fine. I commute over a mountain pass everyday. I live at 7,000 ft. and used to be white knuckled when driving my old 4x4 truck in the snow. Not the case with the Impreza; handles great in winter weather. After driving it for 7,000 miles, I must say that I have had not one problem with it. Its reliable, has great power, handles great, feels safe on the road, and was an excellent choice.
Awesome ride a must own
We got it 2 days ago and I keep getting people coming up to me saying it's a beautiful car! Fun to drive, plenty of power despite not having a turbo all in all for the price you cant go wrong.
Post 1,000 mile impression
4 cylinders and a turbo... It is absolutely incredible what Subaru has accomplished with this car. "Slotcar" type handling and tons of power. Acceleration, lane changes, passing, and stopping are effortless; you just "think it"... and it happens. Most fun Ive had in a car in a long time. I almost get a "predatory twinge" while driving this car.
Finally
I love this car. This car holds corners while on the gas, like a go-kart. It can be scary sometimes. I get stares all the time. This car looks and feels like a race car. I heard it has 237hp at the wheels. If that's true, I do not want to feel 300whp. In the rain, you can shoot off a green light but watch out if you have to stop fast. Your rear may go sideways but it will straighten out. In Florida you can modify this car because the roads are flat and straight. Up north there are hills, corners, tight spaces, so stock is very much plenty. I pick this over the EVO because my wide shoulders fit in the STI seats.
4 months with an '05 STI
I traded an '03 Acura RSX Type S for this car, what a change! Where the RSX was an indiffenent performer in the upper gears, the STI gives each one its own personality. I have the short throw shifter, which is stiff and notchy compared to the RSX, but when you punch it in 3d or 4th, WOW! Surprisingly, I think the boxer engine is smoother than the Acura's, so much so that I enjoy holding it in the mid to upper rev range - and what a great sound it makes! The ride is stiff, almost overly so, but there's more noise insulation than in the RSX, so it's actually quieter. Fortunately the roads around Tucson are mostly asphalt. The cornering is phenomenal, I
WRX Sti Is a Serious Performer
Over the years I have owned and driven a few cars. The WRX STi rates the highest in it's class. The power in this car comes on smoothly and the handling and brakes are superb. The exterior styling is subtle yet agressive enough to give it a race car look. The interior feels and looks like a true sports vehicle. The seats are confortable and the controls are well laid out for proper reading and operation. Before purchasing my STi, I researched it for a year and compared it to the EVO, RX-8 and Nissan 350Z. All these cars were truly amazing in their own right but the STi just seemed to have better quality finish and construction with higher grade interior materials. This is a fun car.
Love My Subaru!
I drive 2.5 to 3 hours a day back and forth to work in New England weather. This is my second Subaru and in the 3 years of ownership I have never broken traction in bad weather. I have never felt safer on the road! I love my Subaru!
2005 STIBABY
Is the most fun car I've ever owned. I tread my 03 350Z Track and 04 BMW M3 in for this car.
An Amazing Machine
This car is simply amazing. I looked at getting an 03 E46 M3, a 99 C2 Carrera or this beast. Because of my height the Porsche was too uncomfortable and the M3 although amazing, was too uninvolving and everyone has one. So on came the STi. The power delivery, handling and breaking are amazing. I love the way it looks, and the rear wing is there for a reason, at 100mph it adds 50 pounds of downforce to the rear - the car was built with one thing in mind - performance in all areas. If u like performance cars that handle like their on rails, can show up $100,000+ cars and have around $30,000 to spend, look no further, u will not be disappointed. I am so happy with my purchase...
I love my car!
I have had my Subaru for 9 months now and love it just as much as the day I bought it. My decision came down to the Mazda 3 and Impreza, and I definitely made the right choice. This car gets me through North Dakota snow and blizzards with no problem, excellent traction and stopping power on icy, wet and dry roads. Good ground clearance. I wouldn't mind 40 or so extra HP, but it is very capable. Always starts even on the coldest days. MPG averaged 25-30 last summer but is <20 in winter. But, I would expect that with any vehicle.