Intro: For those with an active lifestyle, looking to master a curvy back road, or simply looking for a sensible compact car, the 2011 Subaru Impreza will surely fit the bill. Available as either a sedan or hatchback, the Impreza offers all wheel-drive capability, and a wide array of accessories for activities ranging from mountain biking to kayaking.
Trims for the Impreza are Base and Premium. In addition there are two models not covered in this Top 200, the performance oriented WRX, and the rugged Impreza Outback Sport.
Performance: The Impreza is powered by a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine sending 170 horsepower and 170 pound feet of torque through either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission to Subaru's symmetrical all wheel drive.
Fuel Economy: Here are the highest and lowest EPA estimates for fuel economy:
Features: Our test Premium model featured fog lights, dual exhaust, and 16-inch 12-spoke alloy wheels. Inside it featured leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel, leather wrapped shift knob and an auxiliary audio/video input.
The moonroof and navigation package adds fog lights, 10-speaker stereo with CD player and Sirius satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 7-inch high resolution touch screen. This interface connects to a GPS navigation system in addition to functions such as fuel consumption, acceleration statistics, and even a basic calculator!
Safety: Standard safety features include 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, electronic brake force distribution, vehicle dynamics control; Subaru's advanced frontal airbag system, and side impact airbags.
Pricing/Warranty: Base MSRP for the 2011 Subaru Impreza sedan is $17,495. A Premium hatchback with the automatic transmission starts at $19.995. The Impreza is backed by a 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Summary: Be it the sporty styling, the versatility of the hatchback, or the superior handling of all wheel drive, the 2011 Subaru Impreza is a compact car that can meet many needs, while providing an exciting and reliable source of daily transportation.