Subaru's new Impreza won the prestigious 2000-2001 Car of the Year Japan Special Award, and was also picked as one of the "10 Best Cars," which are the finalists for the Car of the Year distinction.

The Special Award winner is chosen from all passenger cars produced and launched in Japan between November 1, 1999 and October 31, 2000. Chosen by a committee of automotive experts, critics and journalists, the Special Award recognizes outstanding product concepts and mechanical features. The committee had much praise for the Impreza, which it called, "a sports sedan with the greatest attention to driving pleasure we've seen in recent years. We were also impressed by the safety offered by its highly rigid body."

The Car of the Year Japan is now in its 21st year, while the Special Award has been presented since 1990. Often among the "10 Best Car" finalists, this is the first time Subaru won the Special Award.