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 51 through 60 of 164.00

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  Too much fun - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Leif_in_seattle - August 7 - 4:13 am

  I’ve been driving my WRX wagon for about two weeks now and I’m more impressed with it every day. The overall road feel and driver interface is amazing. Steering is precise, and acceleration is exhilarating, even before the turbo kicks in. Previous versions of the WRX were plagued by a pronounced turbo lag and lame torque at lower RPMs, but the new 2.5L engine in the ’06 distributes power across a much wider band. It still jumps at 3500-4000 RPMs when the turbo kicks in, but it’s quicker off the line with a much smoother transition into the turbo burst, resulting in a more even, muscular acceleration. The AWD enables it to handle great on all surfaces and under all conditions.

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  What a great car... - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Cabriniman - June 27 - 6:43 am

  This is such a great car! I have been looking for an all-around performer that is easy on the wallet and this is it. I dont know of any other cars in which you get a four door, turbo charged, all wheel drive, reliable, and super fun ride for around $23,000. I test drove a 2005 WRX last summer and was sorely disappointed. Way too much turbo lag. The 2006 virtually eliminates that problem and you have more choices. I love that this car is a "stealth speeder" without the spoiler too. This car has a great ride and handles well. I actually get decent gas mileage too (25-27 regularly). I highly recommend at least a test drive as I was completely blown away with the 2006!

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  Wow. Just wow. - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Matt - May 29 - 6:16 am

  I traded up from a VW GTi VR6, and I am just stunned at how powerful a machine the STi is. The VR6 was no slouch, but the STi is a sports car, not a "sporty car". The acceleration is brutal (in a good way), and can keep up with a BMW M3 and most Porsches. While people get caught up in the acceleration numbers (Car and Driver drove a stock STi from 0-60 in 4.6 seconds), its the handling that sold me. Tight, responsive, you always feel in control of the car. Its true the ride is a bit noisy and stiff, with minimal comforts (the GTi felt more luxurious), but one test drive sold me. I thought the expression "it puts a smile on my face" was a cliche until I drove an STi.

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  Who Needs a WRX? - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Jason M - April 20 - 1:10 pm

  Its official: no one needs a WRX. Im sure the WRX is a blast to drive, but the 173 horses in this base model with a very sporty manual is a great thrill in and of itself. Not to mention, Im $6,000 dollars richer for choosing the base 2.5i. This car handles superbly on roads and highways alike, and is as stable as much bigger cars, what with the engine being so low in the engine compartment. And of course, you get AWD and Subaru reliability. Also to be commended is the basic, no-options package that you get with the car. I did get some accessories myself because of my personal desires, but this car is very nicely outfitted for the entry level segment. I love it! Cant wait to drive it more!

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  RC Review - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By RC - March 5 - 1:16 pm

  I am very pleased with my 2006 Subaru Outback Sport. With the high cost of fuel these days I am glad to have a reliable car that gives better gas mileage, has sufficient room for passengers and cargo, very well designed folding seats, handles very well in tight turns, and can be relied on whatever weather you go through. This is my third Subaru since 2003 and I will recommend this vehicle to friends and family.

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  What a Car - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Capt.EMS - March 4 - 1:16 am

  This is my 4th Subaru (1 outback, 1 legacy, 1WRX, and this vehicle), and this is the best one yet. It handles perfectly, and the gas mileage is unbelievable. I use this vehicle as a first responder car and I have beaten even the police cruisers to calls. There is not a single thing I would improve on the vehicle.

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  2006 STi review - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Rajesh - January 28 - 3:30 am

  Overall a great car under the hood. Performs great, drives good, handles sweet, but mind you, I have only 1000K on it. I have few gripes on the initial quality; front speaker vibrates, wiper wash jet doesnt work, driver side door latch doesnt open. I have to basically roll down the window and let myself out. I think Subaru took the racing pedigree bit too far :- ). I have not taken it past 3000 RPM, will let you know after the engine break in period.

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  Overall a solid little wagon - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By mck - November 18 - 2:53 pm

  I have had the car for about three months now, and am overall quite pleased with it. I wanted something that handled well, got decent mileage, and could haul stuff in a pinch. I narrowed down my search to two vehicles with the other being the Mazda3. The Mazda had less cargo space and will not take a trailer hitch, and lacks roof rails, although it is slightly less expensive and reportedly gets better mileage. I recently subjected it to a 2,500 mile road trip and consistently got just above 31 mpg on the highway (and much of this was through the mountains of North Carolina with the AC on); in the city I got around 25.

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  AWD supercar! - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Fernslinger - November 12 - 8:36 am

  This car is awesome. The handling and acceleration blows cars away at 2-3 times the price. The build quality is great and I love the way it looks. I really enjoy driving this car!

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  Subaru...Love it! - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By soulxchill - October 12 - 7:20 am

  I traded my VW Golf for the Impreza 2.5i sedan. I wanted the WRX but cant swing the cash. For the money, the Impreza 2.5i is outstanding. You can really feel the 170 HP because the car is so light. The boxer engine shifts smooth as silk. The AWD is also excellent. This car handles very well for its class and feels super solid when driving. it really is a blast to drive. I have no trouble getting on the gas at 60mph to blow by someone on the highway, the torque and HP are great. I ask for the power and its there! You really couldnt get a better car for the money.