Verdict
B
Family Hatch · Japan · 1992-Present
Subaru Impreza
Subaru Impreza — spec data and generation history.
Years
1992-Present
Generations
5
Segment
Family Hatch
Subaru's compact / family car - five generations and the basis for the WRX rally legend (separated to its own page). The non-WRX/non-STI Impreza is the lower-profile variant. GC (1992-2000) was the original - GC8 fastback / saloon. GD (2000-2007) was the bug-eye / blob-eye era. GE/GH (2007-2011) and GP (2011-2016) softened, going to hatchback only. GT (2016-2023) Subaru Global Platform. Current generation (since 2023) UK gets nothing - Subaru pulled the Impreza from UK sales after the GT, focusing on Crosstrek (Imp-based crossover) instead. UK relevance now is the GC/GD turbo and naturally-aspirated cars. The plain Impreza was always the WRX without the badge.
What changed
Era-to-era deltas
GC 1992-2000 → GD 2000-2007
BHP (NA) +15 bhp
MPG +3 mpg
GD 2000-2007 → GE 2007-2011
Body Hatch only
MPG +5 mpg
GE/GH 2007-2011 → GP 2011-2016
MPG +8 mpg
Cabin Mildly improved
Generations
Click any generation for the full deep dive
1992-2000
GC
→
2.0 NA - 115 bhp, 0-62 in 11.0s.
Verdict
C
BHP
115
0–60
11.0 s
Top
109 mph
MPG
25 mpg
Used
$1,000-$4,400
- + Permanent AWD on most versions
- + Original Impreza body design
- − Rust kills them
- − EJ20 head gaskets
2000-2007
GD
→
2.0 NA - 125 bhp, 0-62 in 11.0s.
Verdict
C
BHP
125
0–60
11.0 s
Top
112 mph
MPG
27 mpg
Used
$1,900-$6,400
- + Bug-eye / blob-eye / hawk-eye eras
- + Saloon and Sport Wagon estate
- − EJ25 head gasket failures
- − Rust still
2007-2011
GE
→
2.0 NA - 148 bhp, 0-62 in 9.7s.
Verdict
C
BHP
148
0–60
9.7 s
Top
121 mph
MPG
28 mpg
Used
$2,500-$7,000
- + Hatch only - more practical
- + Boxer Diesel arrived UK
- − Saloon dropped (UK)
- − EJ25 head gaskets
2011-2016
GP
→
2.0 NA - 148 bhp, 0-62 in 9.8s.
Verdict
C
BHP
148
0–60
9.8 s
Top
121 mph
MPG
33 mpg
Used
$5,100-$13,000
- + FB20 Boxer petrol replaces EJ
- + Lineartronic CVT debut
- − CVT drone
- − FB20 oil consumption
2016-2023
GT
→
2.0 e-Boxer - 150 bhp, 0-62 in 10.8s.
Verdict
B
BHP
150
0–60
10.8 s
Top
119 mph
MPG
33 mpg
Used
$15,000-$28,000
- + Subaru Global Platform stiffness
- + e-Boxer mild-hybrid added 2020
- − Subaru pulled Impreza from UK 2023
- − CVT drone
Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
1992-2000 - GC
- Rust on rear arches and wings
- EJ20 head gaskets
- Front strut top mounts
2000-2007 - GD
- EJ25 head gasket failures
- Subframe corrosion
- Steering rack knocking
2007-2011 - GE
- EJ25 head gaskets persist
- Wheel bearings noisy
- Diff bushes wear
2011-2016 - GP
- CVT shudder cold-start
- FB20 oil consumption
- Eyesight calibration issues post-2014
2016-2023 - GT
- CVT failure (rare)
- Eyesight calibration
- Stop-start battery weak
Rivals
Mitsubishi Lancer · Volkswagen Golf · Ford Focus · Mazda 3