2001SubaruImprezaSubaru Impreza2001 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS AWD SedanCoupeSedanAWDJapanRS models get carbon fiber patterned interior trim, a CD player, and embroidered floor mats.All-wheel drive, scrappy personality, bulletproof reliability record, fun to drive.Tight rear seat, no ABS option for L models, a bit pricey.The Impreza was originally built to battle the Ford Escorts, Toyota Corollas and Chevy Cavaliers that sold so well to young adults, but a zippy advertising campaign touting the underpowered Impreza as "What to Drive" alienated traditional Sube buyers and turned off the young adults it was supposed to attract. Sales of the Impreza were less than successful, and Subaru scrambled to find a solution. Wonder of wonders, the company decided to reacquaint itself with its legendary all-wheel-drive system. Subaru emphasizes AWD in every ad, article and brochure you can lay your hands on. Ah yes, "The Beauty Of All-Wheel Drive." This AWD model is available in coupe, sedan, wagon, and Outback Sport format. Traditional front-wheel-drive editions have been banished from the roster. Two trim levels are offered- the base L models and the racy 2.5 RS. Inspired by Subaru's success in the World Rally Championship, the 2.5 RS combines the performance and handling of a race car with the comfort and convenience of a modern Japanese coupe. Additional factory options include short throw shifters, titanium shift knobs, and strut tower braces to reduce body flex in corners. Normally only available in the aftermarket, these trick options show that Subaru knows who its customers are and how they like to drive their cars. Overall, we find much to like about the Impreza. We've driven 2.5 RS and L Coupe models, and thoroughly enjoyed them. All Imprezas behave like street-legal rally cars, and they're a hoot to toss around. Fling one into a corner, and it clings to the pavement. Imprezas are a blast to drive hard and fast, and the all-wheel-drive system performs brilliantly on a variety of road surfaces. Each Impreza model is available with an $800 automatic transmission. Interiors are comfortable (though the side glass feels a bit too close) and steering and braking are communicative. There is one thing that bothers us about the Impreza lineup, and that's the lack of an antilock brake option on the L model. To get ABS, you must order the 2.5 RS. This doesn't make much sense coming from a company touting safety in its advertising. The Impreza's impressive road manners and clean styling make it an interesting alternative for those looking for something distinctly un-Honda Civic-like. Its full-time all-wheel-drive system also makes it a shoe-in for those needing sure-footed winter transportation. Although we love the performance of the current 2.5RS, buyers might want to think twice about getting one now. A fully redesigned version with a turbocharged engine debuts next year and it should be a real screamer. Acura IntegraFord FocusSaturn S-SeriesVolkswagen Jetta336,000560,000336,0005UnlimitedNANANA42.5 litersHorizontally Opposed165 hp @ 5600 rpm166 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm172.2 in.67.1 in.55.5 in.2825 lbs.99.2 in.38 in.36.7 in.52.6 in.51.8 in.51 in.53 in.43.1 in.32.5 in.11.1 cu.ft.StandardNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested15.9 gal.21 mpg / 28 mpg23 mpg / 28 mpg334 mi. / 445 mi.366 mi. / 445 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$17,868$19,4957.35%$495N/A3% of the Total MSRPL AWD COUPE (5M): 2.2L H4 SOHC SMPI 16-valve engine; 5-speed OD manual transmission; 75 amp alternator; full-time 3.9 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust; front independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, rear independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs; power rack-and-pinion steering with engine speed-sensing assist; front disc/rear drum brakes; 15.9 gal. capacity fuel tank; rear wing spoiler, side impact bars; front and rear body-colored bumpers; black bodyside molding; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen auto off headlamps; driver's and passenger's power remote black folding outside mirrors; 15" x 6" steel wheels; P195/60HR15 BSW A/S tires; steel spare wheel; air conditioning, rear heat ducts; AM/FM stereo radio, seek-scan, cassette player, 4 speakers, manual retractable antenna; power door locks, remote hatch/trunk release, remote fuel release; 1 power accessory outlet, front lighter element(s), driver's foot rest,smoker's' package; instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, in-dash clock, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, battery, key in ignition, low fuel, door ajar; driver's and passenger's front airbags; tinted windows with driver's 1-touch down; fixed interval front windshield wipers, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 5, front bucket seats with adjustable headrests, center armrest with storage, driver and passenger seats include 4-way adjustment, easy entry; rear bench seat with fixed headrests; front height adjustable seatbelts; cloth seats, cloth door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full color-keyed carpet floor covering; interior lights include dome light; steering wheel with tilt adjustment; passenger's side vanity mirror; day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, locking glove box, front cupholder, instrument panel bin,dashboard storage, driver's and passenger's door bins; carpeted cargo floor; black grille, black sidewindow moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and black door handles.
2.5 RS AWD COUPE (5M) (in addition to or instead of L AWD COUPE (5M) equipment): 2.5L H4 SOHC SMPI 16-valve engine; full-time viscous limited slip differential, 4.11 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust with tailpipe finisher; sport ride suspension; 4-wheel antilock disc brakes; front power sliding and tilting glass sunroof; body-colored bodyside molding rocker panel extensions; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights; driver's and passenger's power remote body-colored folding outside mirrors; 16" x 7" silver alloy wheels; P205/55VR16 BSW A/S tires; AM/FM stereo radio, seek-scan, cassette player, single CD player, 4 speakers, manual retractable antenna; cruise control; front sports seats with adjustable headrests, center armrest with storage, carbon fiber dashboard insert, leather-wrapped gearshift knob, carbon fiber door panel insert; additional interior lights include front reading lights; leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt adjustment and body-colored doorhandles.
SEDAN (5M) (in addition to or instead of COUPE (5M) equipment): Child safety rear door locks.
WAGON (5M) (in addition to or instead of SEDAN (5M) equipment): Front and rear body-colored bumpers with rear step bumper; fixed 1/4 vent windows; rear window wiper; 60/40 folding rear bench seat and cargo cover.