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 11 through 20 of 164.00

• 

  Fast Car - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By midlifeonthecheap - September 25 - 2:13 am

  I looked at various cars: 05 Mustang GT, 06 BMW 3 series, Mazda 6. I drove the 05 WRX and liked it. When I drove the 06, it was love at first drive. Torque Monster! Love the motor! On the tollway, in 5th gear at 2500 rpm, no need to downshift - goose it and away you go. This is not a rubber band on/off motor. I like the new look; the body still is a bit dated looking to my eyes. The front wheels seem set back too far. I have yet to find the "let go" limits in this car. I will need some time in a big empty parking lot because it has a tenacious grip on the road. Very neutral feeling, I believe when it does let go it will slide on all fours instead of over or understeering. Happy so far.

• 

  Impreza 2.5i M5 Wagon - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By ZB - July 8 - 10:00 am

  This is an update to my first submission on 9/12/2005. We have since acquired 116,000 trouble free miles on our 2006 2.5i M5 Impreza Wagon. There have been zero mechanical issues with the vehicle since purchased new. Fuel economy ranges from 28 - 32 mpg in mixed driving. Brake pads and rotors were changed twice once at 64k and once at 100k miles. Timing belt,battery,water pump, struts and springs replaced at 109k miles. Overall we have been very happy with our Subaru and intend to keep this vehicle for another 150k miles. We are so happy with Subarus we bought an 08 for my wife and I inherited this car.

• 

  Subaru WRX - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By mary lou - July 2 - 1:20 am

  I drive a 2005 WRX, awesome car! AWD handling, extreme acceleration, and very solid for a small car.

• 

  Adequate - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By trizz - June 13 - 6:53 am

  Overall, I am happy with the car. Pros: Its a good reliable safe car, has enough space in the back for anything I need to haul around, its a blast to drive, AWD is great for New England, the build quality and reliability are good. I gave reliability a tentative 8, that may wind up a 10 but I wont know for some years. Cons: The seats are a bit awkward, its smaller inside than my last car, no sunroof, gear ratios are a little low for my taste.

• 

  Fun and practical - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By lamtrc - May 23 - 11:00 pm

  200hp+ cars nowadays are a dime for a dozen, but not many get it all in one package. The WRX Wagon is compact enough for city dwellers, yet it can swallow a couple extra pieces of luggage or that big-screen tv. Please try that with the new Civic Si. AWD for extra traction in rain or light snow. Roof-rack for a kayak or ski trip. It is no M5 or Corvette, but performance and handling are superb for the price. Cant find anything else like that for $25,000. Unless you are into brands, forget about that 325xi wagon and get the WRX. Then, put the money that you just save in a mutual fund account. One big drawback for young buyers is high insurance costs.

• 

  Absolutely Love this Car! - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By WRXracer256 - March 25 - 10:20 am

  I have had this car for about 3 and a half years and it now has 55,611 miles on it. I must say that this car is a beast. I love how it handles, accelerates, and brakes. It works wonderfully in the NJ snowstorms and can launch to 60 in under 5 seconds. The mileage is ok, but thats what you get for a turbocharged vehicle. I get about 18MPG all around on 93 Octane (Shell V-Power). I have driven this car around the country and have never doubted its reliability once. It has never left me stuck and has always brought me to point B safely. I recommend this car to everybody who enjoys a 5SPD and whiplash inducing thrust.

• 

  Great car but Pain in the back - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By rjsps40 - November 5 - 10:53 pm

  I bought my car used in February with 52,000 miles on it. I havent driven it very far just around town/errands, etc. I took a 2 hour trip in the car and all the niceties in handling/reliability paled as the seat was so uncomfortable, a week later am still experiencing low back pain.

• 

  Survival among the SUVs - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Skibum - August 18 - 10:06 am

  I needed a vehicle that would not be run off the single open lane on the NY Thruway during snowstorms. My FWD VW Golf was inadequate, and did not want to buy an SUV. Settled on the AWD Subaru Impreza and have not looked back. Good power with the stickshift; 25 mpg on daily commute; some 28 mpg racing up from NJ to Vermont. Had more occasion to drive through rain and mud than through snow this winter, though - handled all equally magnificently. A blast to drive, indeed! Good heater the few cold days we had. Accessories of foglights, trailer hitch, and ski rack have come in useful - most everything else already built in! Excellent websites exist for all kinds of Subaru-related info.

• 

  Could have had a bigger car - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Jimmy Pelaez - March 24 - 10:46 pm

  We have been pleased with the experience at the dealer but after 550 miles we are finding out that the poor gas mileage for the size of the car is very poor. We have not been close to the mileage that is advertised. Barely get 16 to 18 MPG. My other SUV with a V8 gets the same mileage. Not happy with that.

• 

  06 SE Outback Sport - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Erin - March 15 - 4:50 am

  I just traded in a 2.5 XT Forester for this 06 Outback Sport. I love the car. The Forester isnt truly a fair comparison due to size and HP differences. But overall, I am pleased with the Outback Sport. I love Subarus and probably will never drive anything else but they need to fix the seats in the Outback Sport, they are a little narrow (I am not large by any means but found them tight on long trips). I also had a whistling that occurred when I exceeded about 60 mph. I figured it was the roof rack (I added on a Yakima). That doesnt happen on other Subies that I know of.