New Impreza - what are your opinions?

Not bad, for me. I actually like the look, especially the new front.

The older "classic" Impreza was still better looking, I mean the one before the bug-eyed model, which I didn't like very much.

Too bad they discontinued the coupe, which was really nice in the "classic" version. By the way I think no one makes an AWD coupe today, except for maybe some pricey BMW with AWD as an option. Subaru are you listening?

MN

Total remake coming in a year or two I thot I read somewhere awhile back...

I recently traded my 05 WRX for an 05 Legacy GT Limited... I wanted a wagon. While himning and hawing over the deal I drove the new WRX too. I liked it. It had some more power, but really it felt a lot like the previous model. More torque down low where you want it. The new look, in my opinion, is ugly. I should say some of the things I liked, others I didn't. In the end I really liked the Legacy GT Limited because it had all of those "i wish" features that the WRX didn't.

Just my $0.02

Yes plus possibly no more Japanese made Subarus - Legacy and Impreza both assembed here. But that was before the recent news about Toyota maybe taking the unused capacity in Indiana.

Carl

The new look for Subaru is going to sink them. The Tribeca and now the Impreza is just plan ugly. They need to unload these designers and get back untrack. I have owned a 98 Forester, 00 Outback and currently a 03 Forester which will possibly be my last Subie. Waiting to see if they mess up the next generation Forester and Outback.

TRACK? Would that be the Baja track? or the bugeye track? maybe you'd like more plastic side cladding? Face it, Subaru has never been a style leader. I understand many folks make auto buying decisions based on appearances. That's fine. I don't. I love my '06

I don't know why people cannot recognize the beauty in the new design. Yeah, the Tribeca is plain ugly, especially the front, because in an attempt to be bold they overdid it and it became wulgar, not unlike some Chrysler300 product, or GM HHR, or some other comic book type design from GM like the Monte Carlo.

The new Impreza look is different, far more subdued and classy, there is a sophisticated feel to it, at least this is the feel/emotion it evokes in me. If they only had a coupe!

Here's some nice comparison of what I consider ugly and beautiful:

MN

Appearances are a major factor in most peoples purchases and these two new looks will not help Subaru. The Outbacks are good looking cars and the new Foresters are o-kay but I think they slip a little with the new front end. My hope is now that GM has released its claws from Suburu, that maybe now Toyota will help improve the Subaru breed. (Better Quality and Looks)

Side note. What is wrong with the Chrysler 300 in the looks department? It's one classy car.

To me it looks totally bastardized- excuse me for being explicit in my opinion.

Yes, it tries to look classy, and Mercedes like, but actually is a crossbreed between some gangster armoured type looking vehicle (the slim glass all around), and a heavy-duty delivery truck (the ugly oversized front grill), and a sports car (large sports wheels).

What is it? An attempt at a cross-over limousine, or another 'comic book' type design this time not from GM, but from Daimler-Chrysler, itself a crossbreed company of sorts?

MN

The New Impreza is almost as BUTT UGLY as the B9 Tribeca, which should get the "Edsel Award" for the most ugly new car to come out in recent memory.

I really have to wonder if the engineers at FHI are getting too much MSG in their soup at lunch, or if Bird Flu is starting to set in and someone has a fever in the Body Style Design department.

I wish that they'd make something like a Ford F-150 body with a Subie Drivetrain under the hood. Even better a Subie/FHI Pickup with an optional H-8 (8 Cyl HO) that's the size of a Dodge Ram. Now that is a Truck I would drooul for !!!

Now THAT would be a keeper!

It just looks like the low-ends Seat Ibiza from the front and Opel Vectra from behind.

Nothing classy here. The new Impreza is a total mistake.

JS

Interesting how everyone has a comment on the 'new impreza' but none of the discussion seems to be about the variable valve timing, the shorter throw shifter, the move to 17" wheels, the 4 pot calipers front and 2 pots rear, the air pump replacing the front cat conv., the alloy lower control arms, the 235ftlbs of torque moved down 400 rpm to 3600 or any of the other changes for this model. Instead you sound like a bunch of women discussing shoe fashion. I don't think Subaru needs your business. You'd probably complain that the ride is a little too stiff, or the car's a little too noisy. It's probably too fast for you as well. My advice - stay away.

;^)

Carl

The front grill styling resembles Alpha Romeo, and in my opinion is much better.

You're just in love with the old look. I don't blame you, but the new Impreza is also good looking just different, maybe a bit too bold looking for some.

MN

I was never crazy about the old look. Just always hoped for something better. Looks is a major consideration in buying a new car. You can have everything else just right with all the greatest features but if it is ugly, you get no attention.

That's why Jaguar stayed in business through decades of winning the annual Most Likely to Strand You at the Side of the Road competition.

With some vehicles, its important what the dealership's service department loaner cars look like. You will spend plenty of time in those, hope they get the attention you want.

There are vehicles I could afford that I think look great. I just don't need any garage queens or artsy slugs or unreliable rolling sculptures.

Carl