Subaru Impreza

Overview: Is the Subaru Impreza a Good Compact Car?

The Subaru Impreza blends standard all-wheel drive with affordable pricing for a compelling compact car formula. Offered as a sedan or hatchback, the Impreza seats five passengers and has an efficient flat-four Boxer engine that sends torque to all four wheels. The Impreza is all about reinforcing value, while top trims have many comfort and convenience features. Subaru enjoys a solid reputation for safety and foul-weather capability, but older Imprezas (1999-2011) have a history of head gasket troubles.

The Impreza has been sold in the U.S. since 1993, but this overview covers more recent editions:

• Third-generation Subaru Impreza: 2008-2011
• Fourth-generation Subaru Impreza: 2012-2016
• Fifth-generation Subaru Impreza: 2017-2023
• Sixth-generation Subaru Impreza: 2024+

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Subaru Impreza cars for sale.

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Related: Here Are The Subaru Impreza Years To Avoid

Key Features

The Subaru Impreza offers:

• Four-door sedan and five-door hatchback/wagon compact body style (varying by year)
• Flat-four boxer engine
• Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) or five-speed manual transmission
• Symmetrical all wheel drive (AWD)

Trims

Older Imprezas were available in base, Sport, Premium, Outback Sport, and WRX trims. Subaru would later drop the Outback Sport and WRX versions into stand-alone models (the Legacy-based Outback and the Impreza-based WRX). The Impreza lineup was streamlined into

base, Premium, Sport, and Limited variants. The launch of the sixth-generation Impreza for the 2024 model debuts a new trim range: base, Sport, and RS.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

There’s no escaping the Impreza’s compact cabin, which is fine for front-row passengers but noticeably tighter for those in the rear seat. Base trims from earlier years focus on essential technology like stereos, anti-lock brakes, and airbags. However, newer premium editions have more comfort and convenience features like keyless entry, a power moonroof, remote start, Harman Kardon audio, and a power driver seat. There’s also driver assist tech like automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and cross traffic alert. Hatchback variants supply up to 55.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo room with rear seats folded.

Review: How Long Do Subaru Imprezas Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan

How It Drives

Outside of the WRX variants, the Impreza focuses more on fuel economy than rapid acceleration. The boxer engines at the heart of every Impreza can be more engaging when teamed with a manual transmission. The built-in all wheel drive system enhances traction in slick conditions and provides confidence-inspiring handling.

Safety

The Subaru Impreza received four- or five-star overall ratings (out of five) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Reviews

According to Kelley Blue Book, Subaru Impreza reviews average 4.3-4.5 out of 5 stars for the third through fifth generations. Owners cite reliability and value among the Impreza’s best traits.

Learn More: Subaru Impreza Ground Clearance: What To Know

FAQs

What's the cheapest Subaru Impreza?

New or used, an Impreza in base trim is usually the least expensive option, especially if it’s equipped with a manual transmission. The Subaru Impreza price for a used example starts under $10,000, according to CoPilot marketplace information. Subaru Impreza MSRP for the 2024 model year starts at $23,000.

Is a Subaru Outback a Legacy or an Impreza?

Subaru's Outback crossover SUV shares a platform with the Legacy sedan.

Is the Subaru Impreza high maintenance?

Consumer Reports gives the Subaru Impreza very mixed reliability ratings. Some model years get top scores, while others have low dependability rankings.

Is the Subaru Impreza bigger than a Subaru Crosstrek?

No. The Crosstrek uses the same underlying architecture as the Impreza but adds a suspension lift, body cladding, and unique styling to create a more rugged compact crossover SUV alternative. Interior dimensions remain largely similar.

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