Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash-tested the 2008 Impreza, and the car earned a Good overall rating — the highest possible score — in frontal-offset, side-impact and rear crash tests (non-WRX seats). Those results apply to the 2009 model, too, according to IIHS.

Standard Impreza safety features include antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags, an electronic stability system and active head restraints for the front seats.

    See also:

    Parking on a grade
    Always block the wheels under both vehicle and trailer when parking. Apply the parking brake. You should not park on a hill or slope. But if parking on a hill or slope cannot be avoided, you shoul ...

    Satellite radio reception
    Satellite radio signals are best received in areas with a clear view of the open sky. In areas where there are tall buildings, trees, tunnels or other structures that may obstruct the signal o ...

    Ride & Handling
    My first drive of the 2012 Impreza was on dry, warm pavement, where both the 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels lent a comfortable ride. (I didn't drive the base 15-inch steel wheels.) You're always awa ...