2012 Subaru Impreza Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

3.85/5 Average
79 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The regular 2012 Subaru Impreza has been completely redesigned. Highlights include a more fuel-efficient engine, updated styling and a roomier and higher-quality interior. Last year's high-performance WRX and STI variants carry over unchanged. The Outback Sport has been discontinued.

Pros:
Cons:
  • Disappointing cabin quality of WRX and STI
  • STI lacks the dynamic edge of rivals
  • Substandard sound systems.

User Reviews:

Showing 51 through 60 of 79.00
  • I Hate This Car - 2012 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    I had a used 2005 Subaru Legacy that I LOVED but it died (I put a lot of miles of cars quickly because of my commute.) I thought Id be replacing it with something of similar quality when I bought the 2012 Subaru Impreza slightly used with 25k miles. I decided to spend the money on a newer car because of this. First of all, I got into a slowww speed fender bender where the front of my car has all kinds of damage and cracks--the other persons car didnt have even a slight dent or scratch. Youd never know their car was hit and they drove away without my info after surveying the damage-- I think it was a Honda. Also, I drove over a small piece of loose metal laying on the highway which I didnt recognize as something solid until it was too late and it tore up my back bumper as it exited. I realize things like this happen but the amount of damage is way out of proportion. Most vehicles I see have a plate in that area to protect the underside. This Subaru back bumper is nothing but curved under, thin, cheap plastic. Second, this thing burns oil. Imagine my surprise when I was something like 4k miles away from the recommended oil change and my oil light came on. Thirdly, I have never gotten anywhere close to the estimated MPG. I drive at constant highway speeds. My legacy got the same, if not better, gas mileage and the engine had a lot more strength. Fourth, at 73k miles the engine is now making a low, stressed whining sound with acceleration. I had my transmission serviced at the recommended 60k miles. But now Im wondering if its going out. I am fixing the damage to the front and getting rid of this thing before it falls apart completely.

  • Big Disappointment - Oil Burning and Other Problems - 2012 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    This car, with only 26,000 miles on it, has not lived up to my expectations for build quality and reliability. The car burned oil at an alarming rate. One dealer claimed there was nothing wrong, then a second finally agreed there was an issue after the car failed an oil consumption test. They replaced the entire engine under warranty. Also I had an ignition problem, which had to be addressed due to the car not starting. Additionally, the cars battery was defective and had to be replaced. The Bluetooth on this vehicle is terrible, wont connect and has had to be replaced. There are unsettling rattles in the dashboard and excessive wind and road noise. I plan to get rid of this car.

  • Bad Engine/ CVT - 2012 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    Its a o.k. car, wouldnt buy another. Problems with the boxer engine, burns oil. Transmission is weird, brakes when coasting down hill. Outside of car easy to dent, thin metal. Very loud when driving, turn up the tunes. Just had a wheel bearing and the front brakes replaced, cost about $900, so repairs are not cheap. What I do like is that the seats are easy on the back, corners well, and good speakers.

  • 2012 Subaru Impreza - Premium - 4 door - 2012 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    First of all - let me say that when we went looking for a new car we looked at everything in this cars price range. The Subaru ( imho) provides the best value for the dollar and does everything we want it to do. Great power, good fuel economy ( 34 mpg on first tank ) and seems built like a little tank. Easy to get in and out of - huge trunk - great visibility - and all weather dependability. Our car has the CVT and we find it very smooth - the car has done nothing wrong since we bought it - zero defects and looks good sitting in the garage. Were very satisfied !!!!!!!

  • good things and frustrating things - 2012 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    This is our fourth Subaru. We do like the CVT transmission, quiet enough, and the car is peppy. The gas mileage is just what is published. What bothers me? I dont like the leather seats, too cold in the winter, too stiff. With cloth, you dont need seat warmers. In the 25k miles weve owned it, the fog, tail, and headlight bulbs have burned out, and both front half-shafts and the brakes were replaced. The dash has developed an annoying rattle. And twice a year, we need to take it back to the dealer to get the tpms switched between the summer and snow tires. The dealer has to reprogram it. Still a reasonable car, but not quite up to our Subaru expectations.

  • Dont believe the EPA ratings - 2012 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    I totaled a 2010 Yaris in a rainstorm in early June. Its EPA ratings were 28/35. I was looking to find a car with similar ratings, but also wanted a little better styling. I drove a Civic, Accord, and the Impreza. I liked the feel of the Impreza and assumed the EPA sticker (28/36) would lead me to a overall better car. I drive very conservatively and my Yaris gave me 36-38 mpg everywhere. I have driven my Impreza the same and the best I have yet to yield is 28.6. I have 2800 miles on the car so far. The dealership claims it gets better after 4-5k miles. I doubt it. I feel the EPA stickers on these cars should be lowered in order to not mislead consumers looking for a certain fuel economy.

  • Awesome car, love it! - 2012 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    Ive had the car for 2 weeks, Ive got just under 1k miles on it. The bluetooth connection is easy to use with my phone. It passed the "mom" test - she can never understand me on regular headsets, even jawbone. She said I was loud and clear in the car. The front seats are really comfortable, I love the shape of the seat back and the adjustable headrest. Most car seats give me headaches because they dish back for the shoulders and the headrest pushes forward giving me bad posture. This is the first one in a long time that fits me. My husband has plenty room and is comfortable too and hes a big guy. Im averaging 33mpg as i expected, same I was getting with my civic ex.

  • Burns Lots of Oil and Gas - 2012 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    Lawsuit has been settled and Subaru finally agreed that maybe I should not have to add a quart of $8 oil every 2200 miles. Car has about 118,000 miles and has burned oil excessively the entire time (dealer: "its normal oil burn to go through a quart in as little as 1200 miles). Class action settlement extends warranty for 1 year for cars that are already in excess of 100,000 miles. Specifically traded in my previous Subaru to get the 2012 because of the 37mpg highway on the sticker. I NEVER EVER got over 31 mpg and I drive mostly flat highway with constant speeds. Total BS on the 37mpg.

  • Great driving car & great MPG with AWD - 2012 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    I have not had the car for too long, but so far I am really pleased with it. I enjoy the ride, I like how the CVT feels, it is very comfortable for me (I am 6 4"), and so far I am getting great mileage (averaging between 36 & 39 for mostly 40-55mph driving with light traffic and stops). I cant explain the poor mileage some report, unless it has to do with city driving and driving style. I purchased mine after getting to know two others purchased by fiends last winter, and they both report mid-30s or better for MPG. I gave it a five for reliability, but it is obviously too soon to know that. Hopeful!

  • The More I Drive It the More I Like It - 2012 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    I have a base model 5 speed Impreza sedan with over 2500 miles on it, the only options being the all weather mats (which are nice) and a jack for an ipod or something. This is my first Subaru, which I purchased as its the first Subaru that appears to get decent fuel economy. Ive only been in snow a few times, the most being about 5 to 6 inches which presented no problems in spite of the poorly rated tires. Average mileage for mainly stop and go with short highway driving has been 27 mpg to 28 mpg, which seems as rated. I drove sport bikes for over twenty years and dont expect cars that Im willing to pay for to provide the performance levels that I was accustomed to, so for me cars are just comfortable transportation and the Impreza is fine. The Impreza hp is about the same as a Ford OHV Taurus, the torque about 20 lbs/ft less, we.ve done many road trips in a Taurus with a family of five so I expect the Impreza can do the same.

Subaru Impreza Reviews By Year:
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