Paint is chipping and rust is already appearing on doorsteps.
Rear brakes lasted 20 000 km although we drive mainly on highways. (My other car rear brakes lasted 90 000 km.)
Fuel consumption is very high for such a small car.
Fun to drive and a charm in winter storms.
I have a 2004 Impreza RS with 13,000 miles on it and haven't had those problems. Can't speak to the rust issue (I live in California), but paint has not chipped and the brakes are fine. Dealer service has actually been amazing as well, better than my previous BMWs and Mercedes. Prices have been in line with Honda and Toyota, something that was good to see as Subaru now see itself as being more "upscale" (check out the prices on a loaded Legacy or B9 Tribeca).
I will say the interior is pretty cheap relative to other Japanese makes and plastic parts break off. And the electrics are very strange, although nothing that will strand you.
As for gas mileage, what can you expect from an AWD car with mud and snow tires (as Subaru calls them), even a "small" one?
Don't know about long term reliability, but in the 1 1/2 years I've owned it only minor things have gone wrong. The next version of the Impreza (2008 model) is allegedly going to be made in America and I would be leery of buying one then (see the reviews here for the made-in-America Tribeca for proof).
Didn't Toyota buy GM's shares in Subaru? If that is true these cars are only going to get better and right now the impreza is a beast and its fun to drive.
Yes, Toyota bought a stake in Subaru and GM bailed (which is why you won't see anymore Saabarus like the 9-2X).
I hope you are right about quality improving under Toyota in American plants.
The Impreza is a total sleeper and grips the road like mad.
No problems with the paint however power windows vibrate and chatter horribly when wet. Needed new front brakes at 19K non warranty! Cooling system developed leak at 22K. Stock cloth seats are already showing signs of driver side wear-thru! Ride is nice, but overall quality of workmanship from their Gumma JP Assy Plant leaves much to be desired. Reminds me of how GM used to build slip-shod cars in the 70's. Dealer has been no help at all. Takes your money then your SOL. This was my first Subaru and it will be my LAST ONE. Next time I will buy a Mazda or a Mitsubishi which are far better made cars than Subaru. Makes one wonder if they covertly pay-off people to write good reviews in Consumer Reports magazine for them.
Well of course a car is going to rust if it gets road salt on it and you don't wash it off. It's a fact.
Highway driving puts more strain on brakes because of higher speeds and dragging brakes at those high speeds.
Fuel consumption by a 4 cyl boxer engine that makes upwards of 220hp and 200+ of torque is going to be understandably (can't spell for crap) bad.
It's a very fun car IMO, with serious handling provided by that nonslip AWD system and add a turbo to that 2.5 and you're getting into Big V6 small V8 ranges in terms of specs.
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