2006 Subaru Impreza Review





Get More For Your Trade-In
Edmunds' Expert Review
- A stout 230 horsepower in the WRX, standard all-wheel drive, a variety of sedans and wagons to choose from, excellent handling, tight construction.
- Tight rear quarters, slow downshifts from automatic transmission.
What’s new
For 2006, the Subaru Impreza benefits from a styling refresh, new trim levels and minor mechanical updates. On the outside, there's a new three-section grille and swoopier headlights, subtly restyled fenders for the sedan and new taillight clusters. New trims include a less expensive WRX TR sedan and an upscale WRX Limited sedan and wagon. The 2.5 RS trim level becomes the 2.5 i. Mechanically, the WRX's engine goes from 2.0 liters to 2.5 liters of displacement and now makes 230 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque. Other Imprezas get a horsepower boost from last year's 165 hp to 173. The WRX line also gets aluminum front suspension links, standard 17-inch wheels, upgraded brakes with red four-piston calipers up front, and a quicker steering ratio.
Edmunds says
From the 2.5 i wagon to the WRX, the all-wheel-drive 2006 Subaru Impreza is a practical, fun-to-drive alternative to the typically dull cars that populate its segment of the market.
Vehicle overview
Are you looking for a small car or wagon? Just about every automaker offers one. How are you to choose? Well, if you want your car to be more than just basic transportation, consider the Subaru Impreza. It's been on the market for over a decade now, but only in the last several years has it gained the kind of style and performance that make it such an appealing vehicle. When it was last redesigned in 2002, the Subaru Impreza not only gained more room and features, it spawned a high-performance model known as the WRX. Packing a turbocharged engine and a sport-tuned suspension, the Impreza WRX can keep pace with many cars costing thousands more. It's even available as a wagon.
If the Impreza WRX doesn't suit your needs, there are other trim levels available, including the Outback Sport, a more rugged version for buyers who want extra utility without having to pay for a full-blown Outback. All trim levels offer well-laid-out interiors, numerous options and solid build quality. Standard all-wheel-drive continues to be the Impreza's drawing card, and a healthy price reduction on base models this year makes buying the 2006 Subaru Impreza a pretty irresistible proposition.
Performance & mpg
Powering all 2.5 i and Outback Sport models is a 2.5-liter, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that makes 173 horsepower. A more powerful engine can be found in the WRX sedan and wagon. This turbocharged 2.5-liter mill (also a flat four) kicks out an impressive 230 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices are a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is standard on all Imprezas.
Safety
All Subaru Impreza models have standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes. Side airbags are standard on all models. In government crash testing, the Subaru Impreza earned four stars (out of five) for driver safety in frontal impacts and five stars for front-passenger safety. Five stars were awarded for front-seat side-impact safety. The IIHS named the Impreza a "Best Pick" in frontal-offset testing.
Driving
There's no question that the 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX sedan and wagon are an absolute blast to drive. Previously, the WRX's power delivery was soft at low rpm but the new 2.5-liter turbo provides more bottom-end pull and an even deeper midrange. Handling is superb thanks to a well-tuned suspension and standard all-wheel drive. Although not nearly as fast, the 2.5 i sedan and wagon are equally enjoyable to toss around on a twisty road. The Outback Sport may have a sportier look, but the less expensive 2.5 i wagon is the better handler.
Interior
Though by no means a match for the cockpit of a Jetta, the Impreza's dash is modern enough in appearance, and the materials used are of good quality. For cargo, the wagons can hold 27.9 cubic feet of stuff, or 61.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat.
2006 Subaru Impreza models
The Subaru Impreza is available in sedan and wagon body styles and a wide array of trim levels. The 2.5 i sedan and wagon have 16-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, air conditioning, sport seats with height adjustment for the driver, a CD player, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and power windows, locks and mirrors. The Outback Sport wagon adds two-tone paint, heavy-duty suspension tuning and a bit more ground clearance, foglamps and cargo tie-downs. The Outback Sport Special Edition sedan and wagon build on these features with a premium audio system, in-dash CD changer, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather steering wheel and shifter, and a rear spoiler.
The high-performance Impreza WRX comes in three different versions: WRX TR, regular WRX and WRX Limited. The TR features a functional hood scoop, limited-slip rear differential, stiffer suspension, bigger brakes and unique wheels. The standard WRX adds STi ground effects, foglamps, aluminum pedal covers, automatic climate control, premium audio with CD changer and performance-design seats. The luxury-oriented Limited features leather seating, heated seats and mirrors, and a moonroof.

Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Subaru Impreza.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
- Side Impact TestGood
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
People who viewed this also viewed
4.037037 average Rating out of 54 reviews. |
Starting at $22,550 |
See Inventory |
4.6666665 average Rating out of 9 reviews. |
Starting at $23,145 |
See Inventory |
4.357143 average Rating out of 14 reviews. |
Starting at $25,895 |
See Inventory |
Used 2006 Subaru Impreza Overview
The Used 2006 Subaru Impreza is offered in the following submodels: Impreza Sedan, Impreza WRX STI, Impreza Wagon. Available styles include WRX STi 4dr Sedan AWD w/Gold-Painted Wheels (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M), WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M), Outback Sport 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A), WRX STi 4dr Sedan AWD w/Silver-Painted Wheels (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M), 2.5 i 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A), WRX 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M), WRX Limited 4dr Sedan AWD w/Beige Interior (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A), WRX Limited 4dr Sedan AWD w/Off-Black Int. (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A), WRX Limited 4dr Sedan AWD w/Beige Interior (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M), WRX Limited 4dr Sedan AWD w/Off-Black Int. (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M), Outback Sport Special Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A), WRX Limited 4dr Wagon AWD w/Off-Black Int. (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A), 2.5 i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A), WRX Limited 4dr Wagon AWD w/Beige Interior (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A), WRX Limited 4dr Wagon AWD w/Beige Interior (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M), 2.5 i 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M), Outback Sport 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M), WRX TR 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M), WRX Limited 4dr Wagon AWD w/Off-Black Int. (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M), 2.5 i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M), and Outback Sport Special Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M). Pre-owned Subaru Impreza models are available with a 2.5 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 300 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2006 Subaru Impreza comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed manual, 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic. The Used 2006 Subaru Impreza comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What's a good price on a Used 2006 Subaru Impreza?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2006 Subaru Imprezas are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2006 Subaru Impreza for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2006 Subaru Impreza.
Can't find a used 2006 Subaru Imprezas you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Subaru Impreza for sale.
Find a used Subaru for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Subaru Impreza for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Subaru for sale.
Should I lease or buy a 2006 Subaru Impreza?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Subaru lease specials
Check out Subaru Impreza lease specials
Related Used 2006 Subaru Impreza info
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Lincoln MKZ 2009
- Used Ford Expedition EL 2004
- Used Maserati GranTurismo 2015
- Used Buick Cascada 2016
- Used Dodge Journey 2011
- Used Cadillac ATS Coupe 2018
- Used MINI Hardtop 4 Door 2018
- Used Ram 2500 1999
- Used Cadillac Escalade ESV 2014
- Used Mitsubishi Lancer 2015
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Dodge Challenger 2021
- 2021 Ram 2500
- 2023 Kia Seltos News
- Lexus RC 350 2021
- 2021 Sprinter
- 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV News
- MINI Countryman 2022
- 2021 Porsche Cayenne
- 2023 Porsche Cayenne News
- 2021 BMW X6 M
Other models to consider
- 2021 WRX
- 2021 Subaru Outback
- 2021 Subaru Impreza
- 2022 Subaru WRX
- 2021 WRX
- 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
- 2021 Subaru Legacy
- 2021 Subaru Ascent
- 2021 Subaru WRX
- 2021 Subaru Impreza
Research similar vehicles
- Audi RS 6 2021
- 2022 A4 allroad
- 2021 Panamera
- Porsche Panamera 2022
- Volvo V90 Cross Country 2022
- Volvo V90 Cross Country 2021
- 2022 Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon
- Audi A6 allroad 2021
- 2023 Countryman
- 2022 Porsche Taycan
Recommended
- Lexus IS 350 2004 Wagon Consumer Review
- Nissan Altima 2017 Review
- Lexus RX 330 2004 Pictures Interior
- Chevrolet Bolt Ev 2022 Pictures Colors
- Nissan NX 1991
Other models
- New Ford F-250-Super-Duty for Sale in Bismarck, ND
- New Mercedes-Benz Metris for Sale in Des Moines, IA
- New Mercedes-Benz Eqs for Sale in Perth Amboy, NJ
- New Toyota Avalon for Sale in Parker, CO
- New GMC Sierra-1500-Limited for Sale in Rosemead, CA
- New Kia Sportage-Hybrid for Sale in Albany, OR
- New Jeep Grand-Cherokee for Sale in Canton, OH
- New Subaru Ascent for Sale in Shawnee, KS
- New Audi A7 for Sale in Titusville, FL
- New Mazda Mx-5-Miata-Rf for Sale in Alexandria, LA
- New Mercedes-Benz Cls-Class for Sale in East Lansing, MI
- New Kia Telluride for Sale in Edinburg, TX
- New Lexus NX-350H for Sale in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
- New Mercedes-Benz Gls-Class for Sale in Azusa, CA
- New BMW 2-Series for Sale in Lake Forest, CA
- New Ford Transit-Connect-Passenger-Wagon for Sale in Arcadia, CA
- New BMW 8-Series-Gran-Coupe for Sale in Menifee, CA
- New Kia Niro-Ev for Sale in Smyrna, TN
- New Lexus Es-350 for Sale in Kenosha, WI
- New Volvo XC60 for Sale in Youngstown, OH
- New BMW X2 for Sale in Ormond Beach, FL
- New Chevrolet Camaro for Sale in Arvada, CO
- New Mercedes-Benz Metris for Sale in Albany, NY
- New Jeep Cherokee for Sale in Newark, CA
- New Mazda Mx-5-Miata for Sale in Diamond Bar, CA
- New Jeep Grand-Cherokee-L for Sale in Encinitas, CA
- New Genesis G70 for Sale in Pasco, WA
- New Lexus NX-350 for Sale in Morgan Hill, CA
- New Fiat 500X for Sale in Oak Park, IL
- New Nissan Altima for Sale in Plainfield, NJ