2004 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: Owner Pros and Cons by geoffbcohen

Handling

Handles like its on rails. Very sure footed.

Reliability & durability

Japanese made, supposedly reliable. No problems yet.

Fuel economy

I get 23-26mpg around town, 28-30 highway, which I consider very very good for an AWD car. I get same fuel economy as many non AWD cars.

Cargo capacity

Wagon provides lots of cargo room without being a massive station wagon. Rear seats fold flat.

Safety & braking

Subaru has many good safety features. 4 wheel disc brakes not available on many other subcompacts in this price range.

Interior styling

Interior is nothing special. Cup holders not too great. Seats kind of uncomfortable.

Price or payments

Expensive compared to other comparable subcompacts, but you get AWD, many safety features, and high resale value.

Ride smoothness

Suspension is firm so it handles well, absorbs bumps better than say a Carolla, but you know when you hit a pothole.

Powertrain performance

Old 4 speed auto transmission is not the smoothest or greatest, but supposedly can handle much abuse.