2005 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.

- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 6 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport is a subcompact car offered with 3 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo) and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway), 10% better than the 2005 subcompact car average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impreza AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +10% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Impreza Wagon/Outback SPT AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +2% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Impreza AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +5% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Impreza Wagon/Outback SPT AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | -3% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Impreza AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | -4% | $4,100 | 444 |
| Impreza AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -4% | $4,100 | 444 |
| Impreza Wagon/Outback SPT AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | -12% | $4,100 | 444 |
| Impreza Wagon/Outback SPT AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -12% | $4,100 | 444 |
| Impreza AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -14% | $4,550 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Scion tC | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt | 25 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2005 Scion xA | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Hyundai Tiburon | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Toyota Celica | 28 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2005 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2005 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Impreza/Outback Sport years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Impreza/Outback Sport | 32 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 Impreza/Outback Sport | 31 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 Impreza/Outback Sport | 31 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 Impreza/Outback Sport | 30 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 Impreza/Outback Sport | 30 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 Impreza/Outback Sport | 30 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2008 Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2006 Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →