10th Place: Subaru Impreza

Overview:

The Impreza has long been one of the quirkier economy sedans. With its standard all-wheel-drive system -- a class exclusive, now that the Suzuki Aerio sedan has been replaced by the front-wheel-drive SX-4 Sport -- it is a favorite among consumers who need the system's all-weather capability. But the system also makes the Impreza a niche car, because of the cost and fuel consumption it adds to the car. The Impreza's new redesign has attempted to make it more mainstream, with more conventional styling and a more spacious interior, but if you don't need AWD, there is little reason to buy it. Consumers who do need it will find a very pleasant car that's nicer than its predecessor, but consumers who need AWD in their economy sedan would have bought the Impreza anyway.

Driving the Impreza:

The Impreza rides very comfortably, absorbing bumps well without sacrificing control. It handles nimbly, though there could be less body roll. The steering is responsive and provides good feedback. Overall, the Impreza is more fun to drive than most competitors. The large 4-cylinder engine delivers strong acceleration by economy car standards, though it never feels as strong as the engine's specifications would suggest, and the engine can be loud and coarse under acceleration. Wind and road noise are nicely subdued at least, and the engine is quiet at cruise. Gas mileage is poor for this class, thanks to the size of the engine and the all-wheel-drive system.

Inside the Impreza:

The Impreza's front seats are reasonably spacious, well, sized, very well-shaped, and quite comfortable overall. The rear is well-shaped and roomy enough, but too low. The interior is attractive and well-assembled, but could use more soft-touch materials. The gauges are large and clear, and the instruments are well-placed and easy to use. Drivers sit comfortably and have very good visibility. Entry/exit would be easier with higher seats, but it is simple enough overall. The trunk is the smallest in the group, but it is well-shaped.

Impreza pricing:

The Impreza is one of the priciest cars in this group, at $17,908, thanks in part to the cost of the standard all-wheel-drive system. It also includes active head restraints at that price.

Conclusion:

The Impreza now behaves like a highly competent mainstream economy car that only includes its AWD as a bonus. But with its high price and low gas mileage that come as a result of that AWD, it remains a niche car for people looking for a relatively inexpensive sedan with AWD, but those people will find a more comfortable and more spacious Impreza than before.

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