Overview

The Subaru Impreza is a 5-passenger compact car with standard all-wheel drive, available as a sedan or a hatchback. It competes with the Nissan Sentra, Honda Civic, Mitsubishi Lancer, and many others. For 2011, the Impreza is offered in eight trim levels, with a wide variety of option packages allowing for maximum customization.

The entry-level 2.5i trim of the 2011 Subaru Impreza features 16-inch wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, some power accessories, and a 4-speaker sound system. Other trim levels gradually add features, topping out at the high-performance WRX STI Limited. The WRX STI Limited features a highly charged version of the standard engine, 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, Brembo brakes, limited-slip differentials in both front and rear, sport suspension and seats, premium leather upholstery, sunroof, and a long list of luxury options.

The standard power plant in the 2.5i and Outback Sport trims of the 2011 Subaru Impreza is a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder boxer engine that produces 170 lb.-ft. of torque. It is mated to either a 5-speed manual (featuring hill-start assist) or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. With manual transmission, the Impreza delivers 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA (26 mpg on the highway with automatic transmission). The WRX's version of that engine produces 265 horsepower and 244 lb.-ft. of torque. It works with a 5-speed manual transmission, and delivers 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The WRX STI's version is coupeed with a 6-speed manual transmission, and produces 305 horsepower and 290 lb.-ft. of torque; its fuel efficiency is 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

Standard safety features on the 2011 Subaru Impreza include anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, traction control, active front head restraints, front side air bags, and side curtain air bags. In government crash tests, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Impreza 5 (out of 5) stars for the driver and front passenger for front-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Impreza highest-possible "Good" ratings in front- and side-impact crash protection.

Starting MSRPs for the 2011 Subaru Impreza range from $17,495 for the base Impreza 2.5i to $37,345 for the WRX STI Limited.