Subaru
Subaru's compact car. The platform that gave us the WRX and WRX STI. Multiple generations of all-weather, AWD compact transportation.
The Subaru Impreza is a compact car (sedan, hatchback, and wagon body styles) produced continuously since 1992. The Impreza is the volume Subaru compact, with the WRX and WRX STI being the high-performance variants of the same platform. The model has been a foundational platform for Subaru lineup, providing affordable AWD compact transportation in markets globally. The Impreza uses Subaru Symmetrical AWD as standard equipment in most trim levels. Naturally aspirated boxer engines (typically 2.0 to 2.5 liter four-cylinders) power the standard Impreza; the WRX and STI variants add turbocharging. The chassis dynamics are tuned for typical compact car use, with reasonable handling response and good ride quality. The Impreza generations parallel the WRX generations: GC (1992-2000), GD (2000-2007), GR/GE (2007-2011), GP/GJ (2011-2016), and current generation (2017+). Each generation has refined the platform while maintaining the AWD compact car formula. The current Impreza emphasizes fuel economy, safety equipment, and modern infotainment. The Impreza has built a strong reliability reputation in markets that prioritize all-weather capability. Markets like New England, Pacific Northwest, Vermont, and similar regions have particularly strong Impreza followings due to the AWD value proposition. On WhipJury, Impreza submissions appear regularly, both stock examples and modified builds. WRX-style modifications on standard Imprezas (engine swaps, suspension upgrades, body kit modifications) are common.
Impreza submissions span all generations. Modified examples with WRX or STI-derived modifications appear regularly. Stock examples in clean condition do well. The community appreciates the Impreza as the foundational Subaru compact platform.
Impreza is the volume base car; WRX is the turbocharged performance variant. Both share platform fundamentals; engine, suspension tuning, and trim differ. The Impreza is significantly less expensive and more accessible; the WRX is the performance-focused variant.