Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
17 -19 City / 23 -25 HWY
Horsepower
265 -305
Seats
5
Front passenger 3/4 w/ wheels turned.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Brian S
Subaru WRX, quick and fun to get around in.
Subaru is an exceptional vehicle. A stock turbo car off the lot pushing about 250 hp cannot go wrong. Very reliable vehicle and perfect for a small family or a single person. Very fun and easy to modify. Aside from the WRX I will be sticking with Subaru for years to come!
accountCircle Ashwin C
2012 WRX daily driver impression.
The vehicle is a lot of fun and easy to maintain. There are some significant repairs at around 100k miles, but it had been an excellent car for me since I have owned it starting in 2014. Fuel economy is approx 20-24 mpg combined on premium fuel. I would certainly recommend this vehicle to friends and family, especially in cold weather climates.
accountCircle Hunter J
Great vehicle all around. AWD, durable and fast.
This vehicle is amazing if you love a lower profile, fast, and all around structured vehicle. Subaru's reputation with the WRX models remains unmatched. The lifespan on these vehicles is amazing with good upkeep on the vehicle. All Subaru vehicles come with All Wheel Drive providing least amount of troubles with most weather as well as weight distribution on the vehicle. The car performs how you want it to all through the 5th gear feels a mile away you get use to it over time.
accountCircle Francis T
Fast, reliable, and great performance.
Purchased pre-owned at 70,000 miles and have had 10,000 problem free and fun miles. With regular oil changes, I haven't had a single issue. The ride can be harsh at low speeds but well makes up for it in control and handling. Great daily driver for those who want something that can handle a commute to work and a sprint back home.
accountCircle matt m
Subaru is an all wheel drive 4 door hatchback which is very roomy
I drive a 2012 Subaru wrx sti hatchback and love it. It has a high safety crash test rating and rides smooth on the highway and still looks sporty
accountCircle Donovan T
WRX: fun to drive if taken care of properly.
Ringland failure in engine is common for this year of WRX, aside from that problems are relatively minor and with proper care they can run for a very long time. Would look into upgraded tires and suspension for better comfort while driving. A quick tune to remove the rev hang from 1st to 2nd is also a must.
accountCircle Melissa G
Car facts. Drives good and good on gas, great mileage.
Engine and oil change, keep air in tires and size of the car, four door, and price of car from dealership, color and interior and exterior, the way the car drives and mileage. The sound of car and look also feel of car. Good headlights and brake lights.
accountCircle Nick A
Subarus and the pacific northwest, the best option for Washington.
Subaru's AWD system is amazing. Living in the paw, both Subaru I have had have never left me stranded in the snow or ice or slush. The performance was also a major consideration when buying. I wanted something on the cheaper with but still had some ponies so the sti was an easy choice. I've had my fair share of mechanical problems, but with 130000 miles it just comes with the territory of getting a car you'll love forever.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Trevor M
Bottoms line I have enjoyed this car but I am in need of a truck.
I have a love hate relationship with my WRX. I enjoy the performance, but not happy about the transmission replacement. Week 5 speed transmission. The car has just over 100,000 miles on it and the engine is still running strong. The paint of the car didn't hold up that well.

Subaru WRX Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
WRX Wagon
265 HP 21 MPG 5 Seats
car
WRX Sedan
265 HP 19 MPG 5 Seats
car
WRX Premium Wagon
265 HP 21 MPG 5 Seats
car
WRX Premium Sedan
265 HP 19 MPG 5 Seats
car
WRX Limited Wagon
265 HP 21 MPG 5 Seats
car
WRX Limited Sedan
265 HP 19 MPG 5 Seats
car
WRX STI Sedan
305 HP 19 MPG 5 Seats
car
WRX STI w/Navigation Sedan
305 HP 19 MPG 5 Seats
car
WRX STI Wagon
305 HP 19 MPG 5 Seats
car
WRX STI Limited Sedan
305 HP 19 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2012 Subaru WRX Owner Reviews

4.69
13 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 77%
4 stars 15%
3 stars 8%
2 stars 0%
1 star 0%
accountCircle Donovan T on May 12, 2021
WRX: fun to drive if taken care of properly.
Ringland failure in engine is common for this year of WRX, aside from that problems are relatively minor and with proper care they can run for a very long time. Would look into upgraded tires and suspension for better comfort while driving. A quick tune to remove the rev hang from 1st to 2nd is also a must.
accountCircle Brian S on January 30, 2021
Subaru WRX, quick and fun to get around in.
Subaru is an exceptional vehicle. A stock turbo car off the lot pushing about 250 hp cannot go wrong. Very reliable vehicle and perfect for a small family or a single person. Very fun and easy to modify. Aside from the WRX I will be sticking with Subaru for years to come!

Ranks #3 Small Cars by Owners

The 2012 Subaru WRX has an average owner rating of 4.69 out of 5 which ranks it #3 of 36 other Small Cars.

1
car
4.8
2
car
4.76
3
car
4.69

Ranks #14 Small Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2012 Subaru WRX has a combined MPG of 36 which ranks it #14 of 36 other Small Cars.

1
Tie
car
42 MPG
1
Tie
car
42 MPG
14
car
25 MPG

Is The 2012 Subaru WRX A Good Car?

Very good vehicle. Great in the snow, fun to drive, and thru owning this vehicle I've made a lot of car friends who drive the same or similar vehicle.
Peter W.

How Reliable Is The 2012 Subaru WRX?

Yes its reliable just as long as you keep up on the up keep, aka regular maintenance, of the vehicle.
Peter W.

Is The 2012 Subaru WRX A Good Value?

When I bought it, I got it at a steal of $18500. I bought it used but at the time it had low mileage and it was a great deal.
Peter W.

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Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Not Rated

Rollover

Side

Not Rated
*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Not Rated

Side

Not Rated

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety