Overview & Reviews

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.

• 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.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 164.00

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  Great car - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Evan - May 8 - 11:33 am

  Take my review with perspective. A 10 in any category is outstanding. For instance, a 10 in performance would be something with Corvette Z06, or better, performance. A 10 in comfort might be a SL500 or Maybach, and a 10 in fuel economy a Prius. With that in mind this is a great vehicle. I moved from a 95 M3 to this vehicle and, within context, am happier about my transportation. The Subaru Outback Sport SE is relatively nimble, efficient and comfortable. It is also very utilitarian by nature and provides a great compromise to those not seeking performance, utility, versatility, and reliability. All in all great car.

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  Like it more every day! - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By JeffNColorado - April 14 - 1:23 am

  Very reluctantly traded my 100% trusty 2002 Toyota for this vehicle. Soon wondered why I had bought the Toy in the first place. This is our third Subaru, the last making it 81,000 miles with no repairs. This Outback is solid, sturdy, and fun to drive. I love the versatility of the wagon; so handy. Construction is excellent; no squeaks or rattles. Have to be patient with it on mountain roads - I just leave it in fourth. Beats my Dads BMW 330xi 4x4 in snow and steering hands down. Fit and finish excellent. Currently 2,642 miles. I drive a LOT on the highway, it is very adequate. Dont expect to pass unless its flat - engine gets wound up and sounds like an over-revved sewing machine.

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  Honda to Subaru, Never going back - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By LLL - April 3 - 9:23 pm

  I had a 99 Honda Civic Si for the past 3 years. It was a great car and fun to drive but it was getting long in the tooth. This WRX is wonderful. The 2006 is much nicer than the 2005. I was sold on the 06 the second I drove it. Drive both the 05 and 06 before you buy. Those few numbers difference in the performance make a huge difference. If you can live with the front end it will grow on you and it is a much nicer car than the 2005 WRX.

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  Lovin it - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By 1lap2go - March 14 - 12:06 am

  This has been a great car. It is so much fun to drive, too bad the law doesnt let me experience this car to its fullest extend. Everything is well thought out. Cant get used to the new model so Ill stick with this one.

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  Monster - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Allan - February 13 - 12:40 pm

  Wow ... this is a monster. The performance is just out of this world. This car sells for $49,000 Canadian, but performance-wise goes toe to toe with such supercars as Ferrari, Porsche, etc. that are 3 to 4 times more expensive. The look on their faces is priceless when they just cant believe that their toys cant beat a Subaru, and a lot of times my STi actually leaves them in the dust (talking here especially about all the Audis, BMWs, Boxters, Mustangs, Firebirds, Camaros, previous generation Corvettes, some models of Ferraris, and the list goes on...). Can you believe that? I wouldnt if I didnt drive an STi. Considering the price this is a toy for a grown up boy, young at heart.

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  Glad That We Selected This Vehicle - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Don Mills - December 28 - 12:46 pm

  After what seemed to be an endless search for a new vehicle we purchased a 2006 Outback Sport with a 5 speed manual transmission. We have been driving it for several weeks and like it better all the time. The fuel economy has been better than we had expected. So far, the worst has been 26.5 mpg and the best 29.6 mpg. This has been in our normal day-to-day driving and does not include any long highway trips. Compared to the new cars that we have owned in the past, the build quality is excellent. We have noticed only one small problem, a defective seam in one tail light unit which allows water to enter while going through the car wash. To drive it is to enjoy it.

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  Im impressed - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By A guy - December 7 - 7:20 pm

  I purchased my 2006 Impreza 2.5i almost a year ago now. So far the car has remained reliable and cheap to maintain. I had a minor problem with the exhaust plumbing that was fixed under warranty, but other than that just oil changes and an alignment. The car has enough power to have spirited acceleration. The turn-in is sharp and precise; good steering feel, shifter is smooth and fluid, seats offer good support. The interior is a good drivers environment with excellent touch points. The car handles very well on both dry and wet pavement.

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  Excellent small wagon - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By IV - November 24 - 2:20 pm

  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 havent 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.

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  Sleeper Wagon - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By D - November 13 - 5:26 pm

  Ive waited a few months to review this car as I thought my initial enthusiasm might diminish. But, it hasnt! 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 (Ill 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 havent heard anything.

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  Dont buy this car!!! - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Patricia Kuehl - October 15 - 12:23 pm

  Soon after purchase of this vehicle, I noticed that the paint degraded wherever bird droppings were, even after a few days. My car is midnight blue. I have attempted to remedy this through my dealership for over one year without resolution. I have not had this problem with my Toyota, Ford or Volvo. In forty years of owning cars I have not encountered this problem, nor such an unsatisfactory response from a company. It is a cute car and fun to drive, but dont be tempted.