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

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  Killer Grocery-Getter - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Ted - May 30 - 7:36 pm

  I previously owned an 03 Mustang Cobra with over 500 HP, so I was a little concerned about taking a 200-horse beating ...however... this car is amazing. It handles like its on rails, and the brakes will bloody your nose. I am happy I made the trade!

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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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  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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  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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  Better than before - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Michael Squeo - August 14 - 7:26 am

  Last car was an 02 Outback. The 06 has a much better engine and the transmission gearing on the 5-speed is much improved. It looks like they took about 350 - 400 RPMs off at 70mph, which makes for a better ride and improved mileage. By 1500 miles I hit 29 mpg and Im hoping to hit 30 soon. The black and grey cloth interior is absolutely beautiful. EVERYONE comments about it. With the black exterior the car looks sharp. The standard exhaust system even sounds better, especially at low RPMs. There is no better bargain on the road today. Why no one else is building well priced AWD vehicles continues to amaze me.

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  Best Car Under 40k - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By rpol8052 - June 13 - 6:20 pm

  I bought this car as a "fun to drive commuter"...what a choice i made, This car is so fun that no matter where you are you just want to go over 100MPH. I have had other nice cars but I will never trade this car EVER!

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  WHEELS DOWN - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Sharon - March 16 - 8:23 am

  I traded in a Land Rover and I am ecstatic about my new Subie! The gas mileage alone makes me want to drive more. I customized it with my Yakima rack system and a few stickers and it is now ready for the trek across the country. I cant wait for the drive.