2006 Subaru Impreza Trims and Specs

A new name, slight power boost, and a front-end facelift are the changes to the 2006 Subaru Impreza 2.5i sedan, formerly the RS sedan. The base model of the sporty four-door compact features Subaru's standard all-wheel drive and a 2.5-liter flat-4 engine that now hits 173-hp, with 166 lb-ft of torque. A 5-speed manual is standard and 4-speed automatic optional. The AWD is accompanied by a limited slip rear differential, independent suspension, and front and rear stabilizer bars. 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, 16-inch wheels with all-season tires, and dual front-side airbags with dual-stage release are standard. Foglights and skid plates are extra.

Front sport seats complement the sporty feel. Rear seats do not split-fold, but feature a pass-through to the 11 cubic foot trunk. Full power features, wheel-mounted cruise control, a new temperature display, intermittent wipers, a CD player, and a leather-wrapped shifter are nice touches for a base model. Tow hooks are also included, and the 2006 Impreza 2.5i supposedly can tow up to 2000 pounds. A CD changer and security system can be added, along with a rear spoiler and an alloy shift knob. Tight handling and cornering impress drivers, as do the safety ratings and sportiness, but the 23/28 fuel economy could be better and the new front end is not an immediate hit.

With more cargo room than its sedan counterpart, the 2006 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Wagon is a versatile and sporty all-wheel drive compact wagon with a 2.5-liter H4 that gets upgraded to 173-hp this year. It also receives side airbags, a new airplane-inspired front end, and dual-stage deploying front-side airbags. Unlike the sedan, the rear seats in the 2006 Impreza 2.5i wagon split-fold to expand a 27 cubic foot cargo area to an impressive 62 cubic feet. A roof rack, cargo cover, and tow hooks are included, and a trailer hitch (to tow up to 2000 pounds) can be added.

All-wheel drive is combined with a limited slip center differential, independent suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, 4-wheel ABS brakes, and electronic brakeforce distribution. Skid plates, foglights, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror can be added. Front sport seats, a full power setup, wheel-mounted audio controls, a CD player, temperature display, intermittent wipers, and leather knob trim are standard. A security system can be added, along with a rear spoiler and a CD changer. The wagon gets around 23/28 mpg and earns four stars in crash tests. Complaints mention engine and wind noise, poor quality of interior materials, and fuel economy, but most drivers love the handling and AWD performance, along with the ample storage space.