For 2011 the compact Subaru Impreza remains an offbeat choice for buyers seeking an alternative to the ubiquitous Civic or Corolla. The smallest Subaru sees strong sales in Northern regions, where its standard all-wheel-drive comes in handy, and among performance-oriented buyers who find the turbocharged Impreza WRX model to be a real kick.
Subaru offers the 2011 Impreza as either a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback. Despite America's longstanding preference for cars with a trunk, the Impreza hatchback sells quite well, undoubtedly due to the utility provided by its cavernous cargo area. Both Imprezas are rather conventionally styled compared to Subarus of yore. A smoothly integrated front fascia flows nicely into a sharply raked windshield, and the side panels feature a creased character line that runs the length of the car. While inoffensive and handsome, the regular Impreza just doesn't have enough styling flair to set it apart from the pack. The sporty WRX model, however, gets enough flares, scoops and spoilers to look like it means business.
The 2011 Impreza comes in a myriad of trim levels. The base model is dubbed the Impreza 2.5i and at under $18,000 is competitively priced to do battle with the big boys from Honda and Toyota. Despite its low price the Impreza 2.5i gets such standard niceties as power windows and locks, a single-CD stereo and six airbags. Stepping up to the 2.5i Premium trim nets buyers 16-inch alloy wheels, an upgraded stereo with 6-CD changer and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The outdoor-themed Impreza Outback Sport raises the suspension for better ground clearance and also adds 17-inch wheels and a roof rack. The penultimate Impreza is the 2.5GT, which adds a turbocharged engine along with such interior goodies as automatic climate control and heated seats. Finally, the Impreza WRX gets an even more powerful turbo motor plus a new-for-2011 body kit with flared fenders and a more aggressive front bumper. Premium and Limited versions of the WRX are also available and further upgrade the level of equipment on offer.
Despite the proliferation of trims, the 2011 Impreza's mechanical packages are quite straightforward. The 2.5i, 2.5i Premium and Outback Sport all feature the same naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. In keeping with Subaru tradition, this motor features an unusual horizontally opposed Boxer arrangement that keeps the center of gravity low. With 170 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque, the base motor provides plenty of oomph, provided you select the right transmission. The standard five-speed manual gearbox offers sprightly acceleration and smooth, progressive engagement. Unfortunately, buyers who can't drive stick will be forced to accept a four-speed automatic transmission that is missing a gear or two compared to the competition and saps power significantly.
Subaru graces the 2011 Impreza 2.5GT trim with a turbocharged version of the base flat-four that churns out 224 hp and 226 lb-ft of torque. While the increase in thrust is welcome, the lack of a manual transmission in this trim means buyers are stuck with the plodding four-speed automatic. Those looking for maximum performance from their Impreza will want to step up to the WRX trim. For 2011 this turbocharged demon serves up 265 hp and 244 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration is breathtaking, provided the highly strung turbo motor is kept on the boil. The only transmission offered in the Impreza WRX is the slick five-speed manual, but unfortunately with so much power on tap this gearbox also suffers from a lack of ratios.
All-wheel drive is a Subaru hallmark, and all 2011 Imprezas are equipped with the company's excellent Symmetrical AWD system. Manual-transmission models use a viscous center differential that sends power simultaneously to all four wheels, increasing the front/rear torque split when slippage is detected. Imprezas equipped with the four-speed automatic rely on a slightly different system that utilizes a computer-controlled clutch to deliver power to the wheels that have the most traction. With either system the Impreza offers impressive grip on slippery surfaces.
With a standard four-wheel independent suspension plus the road-gripping traction of AWD, it's no surprise that the 2011 Impreza corners confidently. The front strut-type and rear double-wishbone suspension endows all Impreza trims with buttoned-down handling. Its low center of gravity and extra traction means that even a base 2.5i corners with far more enthusiasm than an average economy car. The Impreza Outback Sport gets a jacked-up ride height to deal with the occasional foray off-road, while the sporty WRX gets stiffer shocks and large anti-roll bars at both ends.
The 2011 Impreza's interior features plenty of sensible design and is pleasantly rendered in high-quality materials. Ergonomics are straightforward, and the clearly marked ancillary controls are a breath of fresh air. The seats are quite comfortable and firmly bolstered, especially in the performance-oriented WRX, though the low-down driving position takes some getting used to. The high level of standard equipment means even Impreza 2.5i owners won't feel as if they're driving a stripped-down penalty box.
Standard safety equipment in the 2011 Impreza includes front, side and curtain airbags, along with advanced seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters. All Imprezas feature four-wheel disc brakes with ABS plus standard stability and traction control. In government crash testing both the Impreza sedan and hatchback earned five stars for the driver and passenger in frontal impacts. In a simulated side impact, the Impreza received a five-star rating for the front seats and a four-star rating for the rear.
With its combination of value and performance, the Subaru Impreza is a worthy competitor to more established small cars. The determining factor for buyers is likely to be the all-wheel-drive feature. Buyers residing in sunnier climates should realize that the added weight and friction of the AWD system hampers the Impreza's fuel economy, which, at 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, is less than stellar. Those who live in the snow belt, however, will find the extra traction to be worth its weight in gold.
We just bought a 2011 Subaru Impreza from Jordan- we got it home and went to have it inspected- it now needs a few thousand dollars worth or work just to pass inspection!! I can no longer get in touch with the seller- what can I do?!! We want the car but feel that we were scammed with the problems
Lost the only set of keys to our 2011 Impreza. Locksmith came out opened the car and cut and programed two new keys. Security alarm will not reset. Tried the three turn in the ignition but no joy.
My tranny grinds more and more going into 5th.tranny has about 80k km on ii Bought it used and double clutching doesn't seem now much. Im thinking the tranny oil is original. Wondering if a oil change will prolong the life of the transmission or is it time for a replacment? Thxs
Un conocido me vende un subaru impreza que siempre he querido pero no tiene motor que motor de 4 cil le puedo poner?
Can I add a turbo on a 2011 Subaru Impreza outback sport
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 80 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brake width: 0.94 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Dash trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: aluminum and leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: front and rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: storage organizer · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: center
Engine
Alternator: 90 amps
Exterior Features
Bumper underguard(s): front and rear · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto off
Mirrors
Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Arm Type: upper and lower control arms · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 80 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: aluminum and leather
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: center
Engine
Alternator: 90 amps
Exterior Features
Bumper underguard(s): front and rear · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: metallic · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Headlights: Auto off
Mirrors
Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Arm Type: upper and lower control arms · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brake width: 0.94 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: alloy and leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: center
Engine
Alternator: 90 amps
Exterior Features
Bumper underguard(s): front and rear · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Headlights: Auto off
Mirrors
Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Arm Type: upper and lower control arms · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 12
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · IPod auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: alloy and leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: front and rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: center
Engine
Alternator: 90 amps
Exterior Features
Bumper underguard(s): front and rear · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto off
Mirrors
Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Arm Type: upper and lower control arms · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 12
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: aluminum and leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: center
Engine
Alternator: 90 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Bumper detail: front underguard · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: two-tone · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: Auto off
Mirrors
Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Arm Type: upper and lower control arms · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 6
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer