2012 Subaru Impreza Review
The newly redesigned 2012 Subaru Impreza is offered as a sedan or hatchback, with both available in 2.0i, 2.0i Premium and 2.0i Limited trims, with the Impreza hatchback adding the 2.0i Sport Premium and 2.0i Sport Limited trims; the WRX and STI trims are the high-performance versions of the prior generation. All Impreza’s are equipped standard with AWD. Just a very few of the many standard features of the base Impreza include full power accessories, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a trip computer and more. Upper trims offer buyers a full range of luxury and high tech features, with options packages making it easy to fully customize for individual tastes and requirements.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The 2012 Subaru Impreza offers a wide range of trims and engines to accommodate most every driver’s tastes and needs. With AWD as a standard feature along with excellent safety features, the Subaru Impreza should be a top consideration for anyone who deals with harsh winter conditions.
What’s New For 2012:
The 2012 Subaru Impreza has been completely redesigned, with the exception of the high-performance WRX and STI. Notable changes include updated styling, a more spacious and higher quality cabin, as well as a more fuel-efficient engine.
What is the Predicted Reliability:
The Subaru Impreza received an excellent overall score of 82, which was the highest score in a category that saw the lowest scoring vehicle coming in with a 60. Particularly noteworthy are its absorbent and controlled ride, excellent fuel economy, responsive and secure handling, spacious backseat, straightforward and easy to use controls and good visibility. In a survey of Subaru Impreza owners 71% responded that if they could do it all over again they would still buy the same vehicle.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Subaru Impreza is a 2012 IIHS Top Safety Pick and in government safety tests the NHTSA gave the Impreza an overall score of 4 Stars out of a possible 5; with 5 Stars for rollover crashes and 4 Stars for front/side crashes. The Subaru Impreza is equipped with safety equipment including stability/traction control, front side/side curtain airbags and antilock disc brakes.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ AWD is standard
+ Excellent fuel economy
+ Varied body styles, along with high performance options
Cons
– Cabin quality in WRX/STI is so-so
– Sound systems could be better
– While fuel efficient, 4-cylinder acceleration a bit sluggish
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Subaru Impreza has a slightly higher starting price than the Hyundai Elantra and Ford Focus, but it’s the only one that offers AWD as a standard feature. The Impreza also has a 14.5 gallon tank compared to the Elantra’s 12.8 gallons and the Focus with a 12.4 gallon tank. Fuel economy ratings are higher for the front-wheel-drive Elantra and Focus with 29MPG city/40MPG highway and 26/36MPG respectively, compared to the AWD Impreza with 25/34MPG. Both the Impreza and Elantra have the 148hp engine, with the Focus rated with a higher 160 horses.
What Others Are Saying:
"The Impreza’s electrically assisted steering is calibrated to give the driver a good sense of the road with a reasonable off-center effort buildup. The steering is precise during cornering and requires only a light finger on the wheel to keep it firmly centered between expressway lane markers." –Car and Driver
"The Impreza’s standout quality is its handling. The car took to curves with confidence and managed turns securely…It worked seamlessly on wet pavement, where the tester tracked confidently." –San Jose Mercury News
"The pair of Imprezas we drove both proved to be fine machines for no-nonsense commuters who don’t want to spend a ton of money but still want a new car with all-wheel drive." –Wired
Read more about the 2012 Subaru Impreza, at the Subaru manufacturer.
