2005 Subaru Impreza Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.64/5 Average
198 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The 2.5 RS now has drive-by-wire electronic throttle control and a new four-speed automatic transmission. The dashboard center stack/console has been redesigned with improved cupholders and fancier metallic trim. The 2.5 RS wagon, which boasts the RS sedan's upgraded suspension tuning, alloy wheels and sport seats, has replaced last year's 2.5 TS wagon. The WRX picks up automatic climate control, redesigned alloy wheels and body-color ground effects. Smoke-tinted headlight lenses and revised exterior colors round out the changes.

Pros:
  • A stout 227 horsepower in the WRX, all-wheel-drive grip, a variety of sedans and wagons to choose from, fun to drive.
Cons:
  • Tight rear quarters, limited availability of side airbags.

User Reviews:

Showing 51 through 60 of 198.00
  • YeeeeeeHaaaaaa - 2005 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    THIS THING IS A ROCKET SHIP! It so so quick and so fast that it is scary. I equate it to holding a calm cat that just got scared and is digging in to get the hell out of Dodge. Once break-in is over (even before!)you will not want to drive this thing without a radar detector present. The closest you will get to a supercar under $100,000. There are very few vehicles in the US that can challenge the STi, anywhere!

  • Better than my Boxster S - 2005 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    A lot of bang for the buck. This car replaced my 02 Porsche Boxster S, what a difference! For $26,000 less I got more horsepower and torque, better handling, fewer squeaks and a lot less attitude at the dealership. Bottom line, when you add up all of the peformance items that come standard, it would cost you thousands more to turn any other sports sedan into anything close to the STI, plus its all covered by a 36,000 mile warranty. Instant track car.

  • I cant wait to get into this car! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    After driving trucks and minivans for about ten years, I am having a ball with this car. I actually look forward to getting into it and sometimes go the "long way" just to have more time in it. I just completed a 760 mile drive in one day and it was a "piece of cake." I was refreshed when I arrived and had a great time while driving. The turbo lag takes some getting used to, especially after bigger engines, but this car does get up and goes when you want it to, especially at higher speeds. (We wont talk about how fast that long trip went.....) I need room to carry people and things and this car is perfect for that. Four people work in it. The drivers seat is really comfortable

  • Finally - 2005 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    I love this car. This car holds corners while on the gas, like a go-kart. It can be scary sometimes. I get stares all the time. This car looks and feels like a race car. I heard it has 237hp at the wheels. If thats true, I do not want to feel 300whp. In the rain, you can shoot off a green light but watch out if you have to stop fast. Your rear may go sideways but it will straighten out. In Florida you can modify this car because the roads are flat and straight. Up north there are hills, corners, tight spaces, so stock is very much plenty. I pick this over the EVO because my wide shoulders fit in the STI seats.

  • Prime "hidden" sports car - 2005 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    Exceptional covert turbo station wagon. Greatly priced for the performance and features Subaru offers. Slight lag when below 3000 rpm and turbo seems to fail when in 5th gear. Good overall visibility, good comfort (drivers seat could be a bit higher for better visibility, esp. over hood scoop), handling is by far the best and smooth, center of gravity is slow and makes the ride feel extremely safe, sound system quality excels, fuel economy is good but fails with A/C and turbo acceleration. Interior room is larger than expected. Updated exterior is stylish and yet subdued. As my second Subaru purchase, I am more than satisfied with the Subaru quality of AWD and exceptional service.

  • What a blast but... - 2005 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    I have only had my new WRX for one week and I must admit I love driving again! Seats are comfortable, wheel feels great in your hands and the power of the engine makes me smile everytime. The only issue I am having is trying to shift into reverse... not very easy. Some quick searches on other sites found that I am not the only one with this issue. Obviously I still love the car and just hope the shifting is one of those subie quirks!

  • Good value and fun to drive - 2005 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    Base model hatchback hauls a lot more than I expected. Where I work its all large SUVs and full-size 4WD trucks but I have had no problems with clearance through mud and snow and I stick to the road a lot better (and faster) than they do with way better mileage. Base model has enough power for real world and car is pretty rock solid. Did have a rock take out my air conditioning (dealer then put a screen under the grill) and windshields dont take rocks too well, seem to crack easier than they should. All in all, way more fun than a truck or SUV with much lower operating costs. When the 2008s arrive I intend to buy one.

  • Best sports car for the money - 2005 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    This is the second WRX that I have owned. It has been driven in heavy snow and rain w/ original tires and has never let me down.

  • Fun Car - 2005 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    Purchased an 05 WRX, absolutely love it. The all wheel drive definately sets it apart from other cars in its class. If you want a fun and comfortable car to drive i would recommend looking into a WRX.

  • Impressive Impreza! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    I just bought my 2005 Impreza 2.5 RS 5 speed. I bought this car because i needed something that was good in bad weather especially snow. It had to be good to decent on fuel because i do some driving for work. I didnt want a blah car either and i didnt want to spend over 3 grand on it. well, i got the car with 157k miles for 1500 bucks! very clean in and out! one owner since new and serviced by the dealer. I have put about 800 miles on it so far and i have to say, I LOVE IT! We just had about a foot of snow and this thing was unstoppable! Handles really good , driving position is good, shifting is good though i think the shifter should be taller. Its comfortable and nice to drive. The engine makes a great sound, i dont think i have an after market exhaust but man does it sound great! The brakes are not that great. The pedal doesnt grab right away, you have to get your foot in it to brake. I have heard this is common with these cars. The interior is nice, plain jane but not dull looking at all. It gives you a sporty feel when driving it even though you know its an econo box. The seats are nice and just comfortable enough. The trunk is huge! Takes potholes and other road imperfection really well. The doors feel really light. I guess this is done for reduce weight and better fuel economy because of the all wheel drive system. The radio is horrible! doesnt not have good reception. The ac is ok and the heat is really hot! I some how find myself wanting to drive it more. Ive owned and own pretty cool cars and this subie is just as much fun to drive! There are a few things i have discovered that owners must pay attention to. Change oil regularly, change your coolant every 2 years and make sure your battery terminals have no corrosion on them. This is to help avoid the head gasket issues these cars have. This car had that taken car of including a new ac compressor. I read that it is best to use subaru coolant etc instead of your conventional coolants. I would recommend this car to anyone as long as you do your home work. Its the best alternative to owning a big, gas guzzling suv. It was between a subaru and a nissan xterra but i really do feel i made the right choice! I could have gone with a front wheel drive vehicle but i really wanted 4x4 or all wheel drive and this subaru in my honest opinion is the best choice hands down! Update: previous owner didnt replace timing belt tensioner, it slipped, ruined the heads. Luckly, my friend knew of a Subaru geek and the heads were rebuilt, ported, new valves, cleaned all carbon build up, cleaned pistons and piston walls, new belt and pulleys. Runs amazingly! More pep and pulls through out the rpm gauge. Its fantastic.......but Im bored. Not enough performance. Not many blizzards here in new jersey so whats the point? Awd and fine tuned handling is a high plus on this car. I should have spent the money on the wrx.

Subaru Impreza Reviews By Year:
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