2017 Subaru Impreza Review: Dependable & Comfortable Compact Car With No Widespread Problems

Nov 18, 2022

The 2017 Subaru Impreza lasts around 200,000 miles with minor idling and dash issues reported by owners. At $16,100 to $19,225, it’s cheaper than many other small cars while offering a very nice driving experience for the money.

The Good

The cabin is spacious for a compact car, standard all-wheel drive helps in the snow and the safety technology is better than nearly all competitors.

The Bad

There is some engine noise which makes it into the cabin, they’re slower than many competitors and repair costs are high if something breaks.

Is the 2017 Subaru Impreza a Good Used Car?

Overall Rating 8/10 – 2017 is a good year for the Impreza since it offers good reliability paired with outstanding safety tech, giving it a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the low fuel costs, upscale interior, along with the all-wheel drive system.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nicer than other budget-conscious cars, the seats are supportive & comfortable, although cargo space is low.
Reliability 7/10 – There are no widespread problems found on the 2017 Subaru Impreza. Models from 2014–2022 are all good choices with no serious issues.
Performance 5/10 – Performance is slower than other small sedans from the 4-cylinder engine.
Safety 9/10 – The 2017 Impreza is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard safety tech includes a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, reverse automatic braking, lane departure warning & assistance, forward collision warning & automatic braking.
Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 32 MPG, giving 422 miles of range from the 13.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $46 cheaper than average at $166 per month.
Value 8/10 – The 2017 Impreza is cheaper than a lot of other compact car choices on the market, making it a decent value for shoppers.

Positive Owner Reviews

Linsi S

Great car option for the price.

Great car, the gas mileage plus the technology are amazing especially for the price. The only downside of the car is you can't take it into the mountains reliably. Having to upgrade the tires to bring it out to the mountains vs. Driving in-town is a downside.

Lauren L

It has all wheel drive and it rides like a dream.

Dislike- the touch screen freezes sometimes and does not allow my Bluetooth to connect and the presets get deleted. Likes- I love how it rides, the look of it and all the features I got. I love that it has all wheel drive. I love my Subaru!

Elizabeth E

Comfortable reliable Impreza.

Very comfortable. Fast acceleration. Have a few recalls on it that Subaru is fixing. Great gas mileage!! Trunk space is plentiful and the seats fold down to give even more space especially when traveling. I like that it comes with heated seats and the back up camera is large and clear.

Jennifer K

I love that Subarus are able to hold their speed going downhill.

This is a great little car! Has enough power to get moving quickly, yet still gets 26 mpg city. My only complaints would be lack of cargo room. Back compartment is pretty tiny, and it is fairly difficult to change certain settings like the time. Other Subaru models I have had in recent years updated time changes via satellite. This one, for some reason, does not. The clock setting process involves navigating several temperamental menus, and takes more time and effort than it should. All things considered, though, it is a great little car!

Jackie F

Subaru Impreza: an overall really great car.

I absolutely love my Impreza! It drives very well in snow, rain, heat, dirt roads. It is a compact car but can fit much more than you would think. It is easy to install roof racks and looks good with them! It is a bit of a hassle to do oil changes on your own because the jack plate is near the middle of the car, kind of tricky to find. The backup camera is very helpful, especially at night. It is a really fun car to drive and handles very well.

Ronn F

Love Driving My Subaru through the countryside!

The interior design is awesome. Lots of room for carrying groceries and lawn care items in back with seats down. Love the safety features and back up camera.

Sarah M

Subaru Impreza really impresses me!

This car is the best I have had. There are so many premium features, like the rear view camera and the harman audio. It also has nice red trim cloth that gives it a sporty feel. Its runs really smooth since its all wheel drive. The only problem I've had so far, was a bent rim that was expensive to replace. But overall it has not let me down. It's really good on gaston.

Joshua F

Fun to drive, handles right corners and bends extremely well. I feel safe.

Great features in the car. It came with apple carplay, heated seats, sunroof, backup camera, all wheel drive, and 18 inch alloy wheels. Lots of space and nice styling. Lacks power (150 hp) I wish Subaru would have used a bigger engine in the Impreza. I am extremely happy with the manual transmission.

Negative Owner Reviews

Don’t do it!!!

Great AWD. That’s it. Everything else about Subaru’s is bad. Bad motors, bad brakes, bad trannies, horrible running cars in the summer heat. Second new Subaru and this will be my last. 3 sets of brake pads/rotors in 50,000. 6 recalls! Car bucks every time I’m coasting at 55, and this is after they supposedly fixed that recall problem. E brake keeps locking up and pads freeze up routinely making me have to load my car with jugs of water to try to cool them off so it doesn’t catch on fire. Oh, and just like my last one, get used to the constant smell of rotten eggs from their cheap cat converters. Dealership mechanics are useless and I try to avoid them at all cost. Bye bye subaru. Bye bye crappy boxer engines that sound like a 20 year old beater truck. 90 degrees out and they want you to sit and wait for the engine to “warm up” and the light to go off before you drive it.? Junk, junk, junk.

Joseph H

Media malfunction is not impressive on the Subaru Impreza.

First off. The car is suppose to be the luxury version of the model I have and I think there was no thought that went into it. The information screen does not update fast enough. Media takes too long to upload. And I feel that it's not driver friendly.

Kevin

Great in the snow, but burns a quart of oil between oil changes

I’ve had my impreza for 2 years and have 28,000. I noticed at 11,000 that it burns a quart of oil between oil changes(5,000 mile intervals). More so on long trips. Brought the car to my local dealer. Performed 2 oil consumption tests. I was told that subaru of america considers a qt of oil loss acceptable. I’ve had no other issues except that this vehicle gets 2 more mpg than my 2011 outback (25 city, 30mpg hwy). It’s smaller than my 2 toyota corollas that never get less than 32 mpg and burn no oil with over 150,000 miles). It is great in the snow and the manual 5 speed shifts smoothly. I like driving this car , but not confident that I will keep this for 100,000 miles. Perhaps i’ll trade it for a corolla or honda civic and buy winter tires

fern d

Don't ever buy one. Expensive to upkeep and a ton of little annoying issues from day one! Dealer never even called to see how we liked our new $25000 vehicle. I wonder why??

Size and appearance it fits all my needs. Don't love it at all. A fortune for an oil change. Goes through a lot of oil and coolant and you can only use their expensive stuff. Would NEVER buy another Subaru. First car I have even bought in my life that I regretted!

michael W

Love did not make this Subaru.

Loved Subaru cars have driven for decades. This car is very disappointing. The electronic safety features do not work (eyesight), as they self shut off frequently. Radio has had numerous problems just freezes at times, preventing cell phone GPS to work. Unit has been updated several times and even replaced but problems still exist. Rear panel of car spontaneously fell off - was not hit or driven over rough roads, it just fell off. Several squeaks present while driving, much road noise enters passenger compartment.

Mo S

The apple CarPlay function is very interesting and intuitive.

Sometimes the radio system glitches out and it does not register that my apple iPhone is plugged in. I do enjoy the apple carplay functionality and the steering wheel controls. I wish the touch screen was bigger but you have to pay more. I wish the trims on the windows were different, becomes difficult to merge.

Carolyn M

It is a very safe, all-terrain car.

I like the size of the car. I like the room in the cabin. I dislike how slow it is. I dislike the touchscreen functionality.

Kelly S

The review I should have listened to when told me in the first place.

Very stiff steering to get used to for all wheel drive compared to other all wheel drive vehicles. Horrible 4 cyclones engine with ZERO acceleration power, and even worse when just filling up gas tank as you can feel the weight difference. Their brand new 7 passenger SUV with turbo feels like you're driving a little peppy car and the Impreza feels like you're driving a tank. The all wheel drive is great though and all the safety eyesight features.

What Do Critics Say About the Subaru Impreza?

Consumer Reports says the 2017 Subaru Impreza offers a ride quality that puts luxury cars to shame, although owner satisfaction scores are lower than average.
Edmunds rates the Impreza a 3.4/5, praising the spacious cabin, but doesn’t like the loud transmission.
Kelley Blue Book users give the Impreza a 4.2/5, enjoying the sharp handling, but owners don’t like the relatively weak engine.

What Common Problems Does the 2017 Subaru Impreza Have?

Common problems found on the 2017 Subaru Impreza include rough idling, rattling noises in the dash, as well as brake line issues. Overall, these problems are fairly minor compared to other compact cars, however, repair costs are slightly higher than the competition.

Rough idling is the most widespread complaint from Impreza owners at around 35,000 miles. Usually rough idling is caused by issues with a sensor on the engine including the MAF or MAP. Replacing a broken sensor costs around $150, depending on local labor rates.

Rattling noises in the dash also show up on some 2017 Impreza models in the first 10,000 miles. There are a lot of plastic clips which hold the dash together, and they tend to break or come loose as the car ages. Usually it’s under $100 to diagnose and repair the rattling problem.

Brake line issues, including blistering brake lines, have been reported by some Impreza owners at around 30,000 miles. If the lines running from the car to the calipers get damaged by debris hitting them frequently, then they will blister. Replacing the lines costs around $400.

There are 7 recalls on the 2017 Subaru Impreza, which is more than other compact car models from the same year. The most serious recalls cover the PCV valve which can separate, leading to a loss of power, and stalling. Subaru will replace the PCV valve on affected models for free. Other recalls include engine software, lights, as well as the rearview camera display.

How Long Will the 2017 Subaru Impreza Last?

A well-maintained 2017 Subaru Impreza lasts around 200,000 miles, which is about 100,000 miles less than the long-lasting Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than other small cars, costing about $503, according to data provided by Repair Pal.

As a 2017 Impreza reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace CV boots for $400, the A/C lines costing $350, as well as the valve cover gasket which costs around $650.

Maria R

The shocks are not the best, I really have to try and avoid holes on the road. I had to have a part replaced that bent from hitting a nasty pothole.

Sheba m

No it is not reliable. As I mentioned before, I have had to take it the dealership numerous times for technical issues.

Jose M

Not that I have noticed yet but would like to see climate control in the car. And better stock tires.

Ryan M

It's very reliable I haven't had any issues whatsoever I have no complaints I haven't had to put any parts into it whatsoever

Amanda V

Yes it feels reliable. I have not had any major issues. There have been little things like minor issues with the radio. But I have not had any real issues with the car

Dulce A

No I have not had any problems at all I did have a racially on the radio the service techs fixed it fine

Alfred C

Yes, it is very reliable. It continues to run well. It has only had the drivers side door lock replaced.

Janice S

Very reliable and easy to maintain. There was a minor issue with the in-dash screen that was recalled and fixed quite easily. Now I have no complaints.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is very good, offering a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, while there’s a larger 8-inch touchscreen found in the Sport model. Safety technology is outstanding with a standard rearview camera. Subaru’s EyeSight system is available as an optional upgrade. It has automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, rear cross traffic alert, reverse automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keep assistance, forward collision warning, as well as pre-collision braking.

Is the 2017 Subaru Impreza a Good Value?

Yes, the 2017 Subaru Impreza is a good value since it’s decently reliable with good safety features. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $16,100 to $19,225, making it cheaper than a Honda Civic or Mazda3. When new, the price range was $18,395 to $24,595. Depreciation is similar to other small cars, losing about 10% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Subaru Impreza?

There are four models of the Subaru Impreza offered in 2017, from the 2.0i base all the way up to the more luxurious Limited. It’s also available as a four door sedan or five door Impreza hatchback.

2.0i Base is the entry-level model with:

16-inch Steel Wheels
Cloth Upholstery
Power Windows
Folding Rear Seat
5-Inch Touchscreen
Rearview Camera
Android Auto & Apple CarPlay

Premium is a step up, adding:

16-Inch Alloy Wheels
Heated Front Seats
Steering Responsive Headlights
Subaru Starlink Telematics
Automatic Headlights
Power Sunroof
Blind Spot Monitoring

Sport has more features including:

18-Inch Alloy Wheels
LED Running Lights
Sport Suspension
Keyless Entry & Ignition
8-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
Harmon Kardon Stereo System

Limited is the flagship model which adds:

17-Inch Alloy Wheels
Leather Upholstery
Six Way Power Driver’s Seat
Automatic Climate Control
Optional Subaru Eyesight Safety System

Base

152 HP 31 MPG

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Premium

152 HP 31 MPG

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Sport

152 HP 30 MPG

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Limited

152 HP 31 MPG

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What Engines Come In the Subaru Impreza?

The engine found in the 2017 Subaru Impreza is a fairly weak 2.0L 4-cylinder which makes 152 horsepower while getting up to 32 MPG. It’s mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission. Performance is poor, taking 9 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Subaru Impreza Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Subaru Impreza?

The 2017 Subaru Impreza is a very comfortable compact car offering seating for up to five passengers. It’s offered as both a four door sedan and a five door hatchback. Both the leather and cloth seats are comfortable offering good support, although some owners say they’re a bit firm.

Passenger room is great throughout the cabin with plenty of room for taller adults in the rear seats of both the sedan and hatchback.

How Much Storage Space Does the Subaru Impreza Have?

Cargo space is worse than other small cars with enough room for 2-3 suitcases in the trunk of the sedan. There’s more room in the back of the hatchback which has enough space for 5-6 suitcases behind the seats, and over 10 with the seats folded flat.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The fifth generation of the Subaru Impreza was introduced in 2017 and is still being produced in 2022.

2015: Standard rearview camera, cruise control, as well as a 6.2-inch touchscreen. Optional advanced safety package as well.

2016: Subaru Starlink Cloud applications added to all models.

2017: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with new exterior, engines, and technology.

2018: Standard automatic wipers on the Premium, Sport & Limited versions.

2019: More EyeSight safety features added, short-throw shifter added to manual transmission models.

2020: Minor exterior changes with new headlights, standard EyeSight driver assistance on premium & sport models.

2021: Premium model comes with new engine management software.

How Does the Subaru Impreza Compare to the Competition?

The Subaru Impreza is a very good compact car for people in the market for an upscale driving experience and also are interested in some of the most advanced driver safety aids on the market.

The Subaru Crosstrek is another wagon offered by Subaru which costs about $2,000 more. Off-road performance is better in the Subaru Crosstrek since it has more ground clearance, while the Subaru Impreza offers a more upscale interior. We recommend the Subaru Impreza for most shoppers, unless you know you’ll be driving on dirt roads or in the snow where the Crosstrek excels.

The Mazda3 is a compact car competitor, which costs about $500 more. Where the Mazda3 stands out is with a sportier driving experience, while the Subaru Impreza offers standard all-wheel drive. We recommend the Mazda3 since they have lower ownership costs as they age, although both are good compact cars which are both available as sedans or hatchbacks.

Ranks #9 Small Cars by Owners

2017 Volkswagen CC

4.83

2017 Volkswagen Beetle

4.79

2017 Subaru Impreza

4.56

Do Owners Recommend the Subaru Impreza?

Maria R

Yes, I am really enjoying this vehicle. It drives smooth, takes turns very nicely and I get compliments very often.

Sheba m

No it has a lot of problems. I've had to take it to the dealership on numerous occasions, which is disappointing because I always thought Subaru was a reliable car company.

Terrie P

Absolutely. For a small car it is comfortable, sleek, and has amazing features and great safety ratings

Phillip B

A amazing vehicle its spacious and I love it so much it's safe for my kids and has lots of room we went on a long trip and it was comfy and rode great

Brenda T

Yes it is very safe and high-tech and comfortable. I like the way it feels to drive it and I like all the safety features

Jay S

It is very easy to park it is very comfortable the driver's seat s adjustable the radio sound is very good

Darlene L

Yes I have had no major issues with my car. It runs well. I am a big fan of all Subaru’s and will continue buying them

Travis M

My 2017 Subaru Impreza is an excellent vehicle. The handling is as good as any and better than most, it is comfortable, very fuel efficient, easily maintained, and fun to drive. This is my third Subi and I love it.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

LJ on May 12, 2023

Loved my Subaru until 75,000 miles

O ring leaked into my Coolant,Had To replace all my hoses, connectors and caps for radiators. Brake line replaced, AC fan motor replaced, both wheel bearings replaced , hopefully last thing is oil control valve replaced. 5k later hopefully last thing until 2,000 miles bedsides wear and tear items, brakes, tires, windshield wipers

Maira C on June 24, 2021

Seat warmers are the best and now a must have on any car!

Spacious on the inside, great seat heat warmers and easy to drive. Like the interior and exterior of the car. Love the Bluetooth to connect my phone. Great mileage and love the size of steering wheel. I like the model and make. Excellent car to have! Would recommend!

Kristin M on June 23, 2021

2017 Subaru Impreza base 2.0.

Plenty of space, user friendly interface for radio/Bluetooth, good gas mileage, comfortable seats, love the heated seat option. My previous car had more pick up and go, so that is something I am getting use to. The size is perfect for me. It is got great handling. I haven't had any issues during the winter.

Amy G on June 20, 2021

Too much fun to be legal!

The Impreza is a lot of fun to drive. It rides very nicely, responds well when you push on the gas or brakes and handles like it is on rails. The stock media system has excellent sound quality and is set up for Bluetooth as well as auxiliary connections, includes backup camera and full display for maps or whatever else you may need. Bluetooth has completely hands free calling capability and in case you forgot to charge your phone before you left the house there are even several USB ports in the vehicle you can connect to.

Anthony P on June 18, 2021

Best AWD vehicle on the planet.

No problems at all with my vehicle, I stay on top of the routine maintenance. Very sporty car with carbon fiber trim. Very reliable, being an AWD vehicle makes for driving in all types of weather no challenge at all. Seats are heated so that is really convenient in the winter. Sunroof makes driving in the summertime fun. Overall my vehicle is the best thing I have ever bought!

Brittney S on June 14, 2021

Safe, reliable, comfortable and sleek.

This is the first Subaru I have ever owned. The safety features of this car are incredible. Subaru's eyesight technology is reliable and helpful. I love the adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, I love that it has forward collision warning and lane keep assist. Lane keep might be my favorite feature. I did learn that it only works above 40mph. It is smooth in its operation and does not jerk you all over the road. The cloth interior is nice, not cheap looking or feeling. Some of the cloth models still have heated seats, like mine, which is nice in the winter. For a mid-trim 2017, it has more than I could have asked for.

John R on June 12, 2021

Pretty good overall, everyday car.

It is a comfortable ride and has all wheel drive. It is easy to understand the controls for the vehicle and media player. I do not like that there is no back windshield wiper. The seats are comfortable. There is a slightly obstructed view between the windshield and driver door window which can create a mini blindspot. The trunk is large enough for everyday use. Some of the electronics are a finicky.

Mo S on June 11, 2021

The apple CarPlay function is very interesting and intuitive.

Zach Y on May 24, 2021

Reliable and comfortable Subaru Impreza.

I enjoy the external style and look. I appreciate the internal comfort of the seats, wheel, and ease of adjusting instruments. I would prefer if the vehicle could charge items that are plugged in while turned off, but understand that may be a battery preservation stop gap. It drives smoothly, though it could be quieter.

Lisa B on May 21, 2021

I love my 2017 Subaru Impreza.

This car gets fantastic mileage, it is been very dependable and reliable. The seats are not nearly padded enough. It is easy to drive and handle, with the traction control on it helps in inclement weather. The built-in hands-free and reverse camera are great.

Meredith C on May 9, 2021

Cannot fit baby seat and 2 front passenger in car, but great for pets or no kids.

It is super gas efficient. It has comfortable seats, but it is challenging/impossible to fit a grown man and a baby car seat on the same side of the car. The cruise control would deactivate for long periods of time which is super frustrating on the highway. I feel safe riding in it, and it has great safety features. I enjoy the sound system, and I love the Bluetooth. There is a latch system in the backseat, but the seats are so bucketed that it is almost impossible to keep the car seat level. It is a great car overall for college kids or people with pets, but if you are over 4'8' it is impossible to have a baby seat behind you and any leg room at the same time in the front seat. Heaven forbid you have two kids to drive around.

fern d on May 5, 2021

Don't ever buy one. Expensive to upkeep and a ton of little annoying issues from day one! Dealer never even called to see how we liked our new $25000 vehicle. I wonder why??

Jake G on April 29, 2021

Impreza is reliable, safe, and perfect for new drivers!

My Impreza has yet to let me down in anything I do. I never worry about not having enough space to fit all my items in when I travel anywhere. It is easy to keep clean, and is extremely comfortable over long periods. The controls are always very responsive and predictable so I know what to expect and my car's limitations.

Angela W on April 17, 2021

I love my Subaru, but I wish it was harder to break into or steal from.

Super reliable, good gas mileage, safe, sunroofs. I really enjoy my smooth ride and stereo volume. The hatchback is great for moving furniture or an active lifestyle. I enjoy the heated seats. I love the led lights. I wish it was easier to lock the car, you have to click it 3 times and subaru’s get broken into often.

michael W on April 9, 2021

Love did not make this Subaru.

Mariah R on April 2, 2021

I really like the sharp design and color of the car.

The seats in my car are not good for long car trips over an hour or more. The touch screen stereo is hard to clean when the car is on because it glitches. As well the stereo is very glitchy when connected to my phone. Not a huge fan of the headrest positioning either.

Laselle S on March 31, 2021

All wheel drive, spacious vehicle, great for a mom but still sleek looking.

I love Subaru vehicles. I have owned a forester as well and I have always felt very comfortable and safe in Subaru vehicles. I have owned Toyota and dodge before of which both I do enjoy as well but once you've driven a Subaru all wheel drive vehicle, going back to a two wheel drive feels very strange as if you do not have the control and stability of a Subaru with the others.

Jason P on March 29, 2021

The ride quality is wonderful

The back up camera is top notch. The ride quality is wonderful and very smooth. Engine has enough pick up despite the CVT transmission. Radio is the only downside. It has improved with the software updates. Heated seats are wonderful. Plenty of legroom for a tall person

Chelsey B on March 26, 2021

Imperial blue Subaru Impreza.

I like my vehicle, I love the blue color and its simple design. I do wish it had heated seats, and next time I buy a car I will get black seats and not tan because I have dogs now. I also love that it includes apple car play and is all wheel drive for the winter.

Kailani B on March 24, 2021

It is spacious, sleek, attractive, and fuel efficient.

So my car is super spacious and comfortable to drive, the trunk is so spacious for grocery shopping or just shopping in general, and the amenities are heavenly! The backup camera is wonderful, only thing I have to complain about would be when it rains the camera lens is hard to see through but that is a given. Other than that I am pretty happy with it. It is so very important to keep up with maintenance on this car however, it is important to keep track of the miles and oil changes.

Courtney K on March 24, 2021

My red Subaru Impreza is cool.

I love my car, the seats are so comfortable and it has good accessibility. Many things can be adjusted and it has heated seats. However, for a growing family it is small. The paint also seems cheap and easy to get scratches. I feel safe in my car daily.

Sarah R on March 20, 2021

First Car: Subaru Impreza 2017 with Hatchback!

I love my car; it has great technological features inside, gorgeous exterior color, great interior, great speakers, great in the snow, and very comfortable.

Kathy G on March 19, 2021

Why Subaru is a great car.

Subaru is a really great car because it saves on gas and it drives really smooth. I am really satisfied with Subaru because I have not run into any problems so far. It is also a very roomy car and it is a very underrated vehicle. I would highly recommend getting a Subaru.

Emily S on March 18, 2021

10/10 recommend! Love the reliability.

I love this car. This was my first car that I bought and put under my name, and I believe I will have it for years to come! The interior is spacious, the trunk is deceptively large, it's easy to keep clean, and most importantly, its reliable. I have never felt unsafe in this car, even when I blew a tire on the highway, the car maintained control!

Stacey C on February 23, 2021

My car is amazing and it was one of the best things I have ever bought.

I love the AWD and all the safety features. I have the sport model so it's fully loaded and such a smooth ride. I am so glad I decided to buy it. There isn't anything I don't like about the car. It got me home safely in some pretty bad snowstorms and I don't think I'll ever drive another brand.

Sam B on February 19, 2021

Sporty feel superior gas mileage.

Handling is superior to other cars I have owned. Fuel mileage is also superior, I generally get 30 mpg city driving. Interior is beautiful with red stitching detail. Only downside of the car is that it feels slightly underpowered and struggles to get up large hills at times.

Anita P on February 14, 2021

It is incredibly reliable.

I like the interior of the subaru. It has a touch screen that connects with my apple carplay and picks up my Bluetooth automatically when I get in the car. The tinted windows add an extra bonus because they truly keep the inside temperature of the vehicle much lower. There is not a single thing that I dislike about my vehicle. It is the perfect size for me.

Zoe P on February 13, 2021

Low-set, quick-reacting sedan.

The radio turns on no matter what when I turn on the car, which is frustrating; the default setting is on, not off, so I am forced to hear either static or loud music no matter what when I turn on the car. Otherwise, the car is low enough to the ground that I feel comfortable driving in bad weather conditions. The breaks are really touchy which some people do not like but I think allows me to control my driving better.

Sue P on February 11, 2021

That it has quite a good bit of room in the seats aND cargo.

I have a subaru impreza hatchback. It is a small car so is good on gas, but has a big feel aND spacious cargo room because it is a hatchback.

John G on February 8, 2021

A great compact car by Subaru.

Small, but roomy inside. Easy and fun to drive. Mine is a base model. The only additional thing I would suggest is a better sound system.

Willie V on February 5, 2021

One most important thing others should know about the care is It's excellent resale price when I trade it in for a newer model Subaru.

I like the ride of the Subaru and the advanced enhancements such as the eyesight option. I wish it had a bit more room in the back for my dog, but he seems comfortable when he's in the car.

Cassandra S on February 2, 2021

It is a hatchback so I can store more items in the trunk.

There was a recall about a month ago other than that I haven't had to take it into the shop for anything other than oil changes. It drives well and is overall a very durable car. It gets through the winter without any problems. It also has a great safety feature with the braking system, it can sense something in front of the car and will break automatically in emergency situations.

Carolyn M on January 26, 2021

It is a very safe, all-terrain car.

I like the size of the car. I like the room in the cabin. I dislike how slow it is. I dislike the touchscreen functionality.

Christi C on January 25, 2021

Highest safety ranking in its class.

Very safe, handles well, and good fuel economy. Has GPS, backup camera and eyesight. The car is also all wheel drive.

Ryan L on January 23, 2021

Great for a quick drop-off, camping, family trip, or hauling cargo.

Smooth ride - great suspension. Responsive transmission and power steering. Comfortable, cushioned seats for short or long drives. Adjustable seat height for short folks like me. Great storage room. Great for delivery work or family. One of the best car purchases I have made, and will ever make.

Rebecca S on January 22, 2021

Good driving and stylish design.

The car moves very well on snow. It has an excellent start-up again from stop lights. It turns very well and feels secure and weighted for its size. The style is a combo of sedan and sport, very tastefully accomplished. The dash is helpful with starlink and equipped with Bluetooth features all on the steering wheel.

don m on January 22, 2021

The standard transmission models come with a no roll back feature making them much easier to handle when stopping on hills.

The naturally occurring blind spot, over the shoulder, is even harder to see making it difficult to adjust to lane changes.

Cara C on January 20, 2021

I like how safe my car is for me and my family. I enjoy how well it handles.

I like the way it drives and handles. I also like how safe my car is.

Joseph R on January 16, 2021

The car has many warning systems and alert features to keep you safe.

There are only minimal problems with my car. There is not any air conditioning units in the back, and because the interior is mostly black, the car heats up easily when not in use. But the black theme also makes it look unique. The seats are okay; not that uncomfortable, but I have seen better. The performance is good, and I like it.

Mari P on January 16, 2021

Subaru review. Not the best brakes.

The brakes are definitely not the best but the car is only 20k so I cannot complain. It is worth the price.

Madison P on January 13, 2021

Great starter car, especially with 4wd.

Great car for the price. I like that it is four wheel drive, especially in inclement weather. I decided to purchase the hatchback version, which is helpful for transporting things around. I wish that Subaru would start selling the hatchback WRX in the United States again. Would definitely consider upgrading to that! Overall, I am satisfied with my car and have had it for 3 years now.

Allison B on January 13, 2021

Subaru Impreza is a great deal.

I really enjoy my car, it has good gas mileage and I like the interior. It has the basic amenities but everything that I need and it is an affordable car. I really like the look of it and it is surprisingly spacious inside of the vehicle. The car runs really well and, again, the gas mileage is great. My only issue I have had with the car is that there were numerous recalls on the vehicle.

Kaitlyn L on January 12, 2021

Subaru Impreza is the whole package.

I love the Subaru Impreza. I have a 2017 and I absolutely love the exterior. It looks a little sporty with its sleek lines. My model has a fantastic touch screen. It is extremely easy to use and navigation is impeccable. I only wish it had a little more room.

Maggie P on January 10, 2021

My wonderful, reliable car.

I love my car! It is great on gas, it is reliable, it is attractive, it is safe, it is got everything you could possibly want from a car! It is a pretty color. It is just a great reliable car, I know when I get in it in the morning it is going to start up first thing.

Thomas H on January 7, 2021

This is the perfect car for me!

I love my car! The only thing I would change is the trim level. The radio options as well as console displays could be better if I had chosen a better trim level. I would also prefer to have buttons to adjust the seats, but that would have been achieved from a higher trim level as well. It gets great gas mileage, is quiet and has more than enough space for me while also not being a large car.

Kathleen A on January 7, 2021

Safe, reliable car with awesome features.

Very safe, love the blind spot detection, adaptive cruise control, radio and stereo is great. It does well in the snow and all types of weather. Only problem is the radio always turns on whenever I turn the car on which can be annoying if it is too loud when I turned the car off previously. So a very minor thing!!

Zack S on January 3, 2021

I love the mpg this car gets and the safety rating of this vehicle.

I really enjoy my 2017 Subaru Impreza sedan base. It gets amazing mpg in town and on the highway. The best I have gotten is 45-50 mph while on the highway the worst I get is in town at roughly 32 mpg. The only thing that I do not like about my car is the stock speakers for the radio, the seats are externally comfortable for long drives and it has an amazing look to the vehicle.

Nissa M on January 3, 2021

The best car for a first time owner.

I love my Subaru Impreza. I have quite literally never had problems with my car since buying it. Smooth rides and a true economic and friendly car. For a first time car owner, this car is a dream! I highly encourage the car novice and expert alike to purchase this amazing vehicle.

Deborah H on January 2, 2021

Good points to our Subaru.

This vehicle has the necessary engine power to take off like a ford mustang. We get 31 mpg on average and it is all wheel drive, so very efficient in ice and snow. It has room for 4 adults comfortably and we take this car across the country because it is so reliable.

Jake D on December 30, 2020

Great car for exploring the Rocky Mountains.

Vehicle has been great. No issues or problems have occurred since having the car. Comfort is as good as it gets for a car in this price range. The company has been great to work with especially covering any necessary expenses under the warranty. The AWD works great in all conditions.

Kellan U on December 27, 2020

Very reliable, sleek design, but slow acceleration.

I really enjoy that this vehicle is a manual and it has a very sleek design. The interior is really nice however the black dashboard collects dust very quickly and shows a lot. The car is also pretty slow to accelerate and it can be difficult going up steep hills. The car is really reliable so if you are not looking for speed but a reliable car that handles in rough weather conditions this is a good one.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.