2005 Subaru Impreza Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
A new RS Sport Wagon joins the Subaru Impreza lineup in 2005, replacing last year's TS Wagon. It is similar to the RS sedan, but with more...
A new RS Sport Wagon joins the Subaru Impreza lineup in 2005, replacing last year's TS Wagon. It is similar to the RS sedan, but with more cargo room and a 60/40 split-fold rear seat. The 2005 Impreza is an all-wheel drive sedan or wagon in both 2.5RS, RS Sport, and the performance oriented WRX. The RS sedan appearance is based on the World Rally car and features a 2.5.-liter, 165-hp, flat-4 engine with a standard 5-speed manual or a new 4-speed automatic. The WRX is a turbo version of that same engine, but hits 227-hp. There is also the compact SUV-like Outback Sport wagon, which uses the non-turbo engine. A 2005 Special Edition of this wagon adds more interior conveniences and a rear spoiler.
In 2005, the Impreza WRX gets new 16-inch wheels, a new center console and dash, as well as standard automatic climate control. The new RS Wagon has a sport suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, a wraparound rear window, and 61 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are folded. For the RS Sedan, a Sport Package offers much of what's on the WRX, including ground effects, sport seats, leather wheel, body-colored mirrors, and alloy pedals. All 2005 Imprezas have all-wheel drive, ABS brakes, power features, cruise control, keyless entry, and daytime running lights, and dual front airbags. Only the WRX comes standard with front and side bags.
The 2005 Impreza is a compact car that's fun to drive, whether for weekend pleasure or city commutes. It is reliable, safe, and packs a lot of features at an affordable price. Owners love the WRX acceleration and and power. All-wheel drive provides added security. Handling is always rated well. Disappointments include a small rear seat, notable turbo lag, clunky shifting with the 5-speed, and below average fuel economy.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2005 Subaru Impreza have a lot of enthusiasm for their cars, appreciating the performance, particularly the AWD capability, especially in snowy conditions. Many found the car fun to drive with good handling, although some would like more power. On the downside, there have been complaints about build quality, such as rattles and issues with the sound system, which some drivers replaced. The car's acceleration is sometimes seen as lacking, and a few noted that the interior design could be more exciting."
The car had bodywork that look like a five-year-old did it. No clean title. Needed a head gasket job. The car has been in an accident on the right side Which was also not transparent in the Carfax. The rim is bent and the rear from the accident. The car was basically not sellable
October 7, 2021I like the inclement weather handling of this car it is far superior turning in snow than a longer wheel base and the ride is very similar. It is comfortable for four passengers and the reduced hatch space still allows for lots of stuff. Mileage is not way up there compared to similar sized cars, but its worth having the extra power. Keeping up with fuel economy simply requires changing out the coils, plugs, wires and fuel filter and solves most rough idle and diminished performance issues and these can be done yourself with no trouble. The design and assembly of this car is well done with a place for everything in the engine compartment and adequate space that makes it easier to dig in and repair things - for instance, I can replace the plug wires without much trouble. This is my fourth Subaru and so far my favorite.
July 10, 2014This is my first car, and I absolutely love it. It comes out of the box with better performance than your general econobox. However, if you wish to make it peppier, the options for aftermarket parts are definitely there. Perhaps it's main pro is that for a under 20k car it comes with AWD, which is a great heltp in winter time if you live in Chicago like me. It's decently fast, and it can turn pretty well too. It's definitely above average if hyou're looking at a commuter car. All that and you can use 87 octane as well. So it's super cost-effective. Gas mileage is 22 MPG Street and 28 MPG Highway. While not great it is abvoe average. For the power you get, it's great. Like any street-car it has plenty of low end grunt. It has enough to get you past thae car ahead of you on a lane merge. For the tuner, it presents a challenging project, as power does not come easily to the 2.5RS like it does for the beefier brothers, the WRX and the WRX STi.
January 15, 2008What owners say
The car had bodywork that look like a five-year-old did it. No clean title. Needed a head gasket job. The car has been in an accident on the right side Which was also not transparent in the Carfax. The rim is bent and the rear from the accident. The car was basically not sellable
October 7, 2021I like the inclement weather handling of this car it is far superior turning in snow than a longer wheel base and the ride is very similar. It is comfortable for four passengers and the reduced hatch space still allows for lots of stuff. Mileage is not way up there compared to similar sized cars, but its worth having the extra power. Keeping up with fuel economy simply requires changing out the coils, plugs, wires and fuel filter and solves most rough idle and diminished performance issues and these can be done yourself with no trouble. The design and assembly of this car is well done with a place for everything in the engine compartment and adequate space that makes it easier to dig in and repair things - for instance, I can replace the plug wires without much trouble. This is my fourth Subaru and so far my favorite.
July 10, 2014This is my first car, and I absolutely love it. It comes out of the box with better performance than your general econobox. However, if you wish to make it peppier, the options for aftermarket parts are definitely there. Perhaps it's main pro is that for a under 20k car it comes with AWD, which is a great heltp in winter time if you live in Chicago like me. It's decently fast, and it can turn pretty well too. It's definitely above average if hyou're looking at a commuter car. All that and you can use 87 octane as well. So it's super cost-effective. Gas mileage is 22 MPG Street and 28 MPG Highway. While not great it is abvoe average. For the power you get, it's great. Like any street-car it has plenty of low end grunt. It has enough to get you past thae car ahead of you on a lane merge. For the tuner, it presents a challenging project, as power does not come easily to the 2.5RS like it does for the beefier brothers, the WRX and the WRX STi.
January 15, 2008I Love the style of the car. I love how people always say "how many pounds of boost you running?" But even without a turbo the car is very impressive. I think the cars are very well put together compared to some cars I have owned in the past. I owned two Subarus and I would definally buy another one.
February 18, 2010ilove everything about both cars! easy to work on (i have broken almost everything on my MY02WRX), reliable (almost all stock parts on my MY05RS) and both handle like they are on rails..the fun factor is off the charts!@
January 17, 2011Slow, squeaky, looks faster than it is, cheap to own until something goes wrong, but I love it and its a great New England commuter. Wish it was a little faster and had less body roll, but it fit the bill.
November 29, 2011i have a 2005 sports package and i love the car. it hasn't failed me and it still kicks. it has 130,000 miles.... no joke. It picks up fast i wish there were more upgrades for it and it was a DOHC. Other than that it's kept up with a lot of 6 cylinder and 8 cylinder cars. i love it!!!
June 23, 2009Performance - Handles great in the corners, Acceleration is good could use more power especially on the hills, good braking. Build Quality - is good had few none regular repairs done, rather then that all good Appearance - Love her body style, id say personally that is my favorite yr. Interior is really nice too, simple and to the point. Fun Facts - For now its all stock, so definitely can be improved with some after market or WRX parts. Love taking her through the canyons, i definitely enjoy driving it.
October 23, 2011It was basically like new when i bought it. now i just need to put an exaust kit, intake kit, and a new paint job/ body kit. Other than that its really great to drive it. Wish i had money for a WRX though...maybe next car. LOL
February 22, 2010exhaust sounds sweet and awd is great for off roading. fun to drive in the snow beast in mud and jumps from pavement to dirt like a champ. most of it has to do with the driver but we wont go there.
October 8, 2009Trims & specs
Base MSRP $18,820 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 165 hp H4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $18,820 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 165 hp H4 | Cargo Capacity 11.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $19,720 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 165 hp H4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $20,220 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 165 hp H4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain AWD |
