Subaru chose to continue their longstanding use of the boxer engine in the Impreza. According to Subaru, their configuration of the engine inline with the transmission minimizes body roll due to the lower center of gravity compared with offset engines in most other vehicles.

Although it doesn't do well in our rankings, the 2018 Subaru Impreza is a decent used car. In the competitive compact car class , however, "decent" isn't enough to stand out from the crowd. The 2018 Impreza has a solid list of strengths: Standard with all-wheel drive.

The 2023 Impreza comes standard with legendary Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 2.0-liter 4-cylinder direct injected SUBARU BOXER® engine that produces 152-horsepower and 145 lb. -ft. of torque.

2017 - Present Subaru Impreza (5th Generation) The 2.0-liter, four-cylinder boxer engine was updated with a direct injection system, and now made 152 horses. Transmissions available were a five-speed manual or continuously-variable (CVT) automatic.

Subaru cars are known for their use of a boxer engine layout in most vehicles above 1,500 cc. The Symmetrical All Wheel Drive drive-train layout was introduced in 1972.

Subaru is the only auto manufacturer that uses a boxer engine in every vehicle. Porsche uses a boxer engine in a few models, but not all. The boxer engine's flat layout allows engine output to flow directly into the transmission, which reduces inefficiencies and results in better fuel economy.

According to many tests and user reports, Subarus can go between 150,000 and 200,000 miles and last for more than 15 years without any problems.

The Impreza's base engine is fine for the daily commute or driving around town, but it feels underpowered on the highway, and acceleration is slow. Stepping up to the RS' 182-horsepower engine provides more confidence on the highway, but it still won't pin you against your seatback or win many races.

As best as we can tell, the name Impreza comes from the Italian root word, impresa, which means badge, or motto.

They're reliable. Give your car the maintenance and love it deserves and it'll last a very long time. Because it's an AWD car, and there are plenty of hatchbacks and wagons, subarus tend to be bought by people who like outdoor stuff, so a lot of owners have that in common.

Five-seat compact sedan or four-door hatchback.

The only large overseas factory for Subaru is located in Lafayette, Indiana. Capable of building well over 300,000 vehicles annually, Subaru of Indiana Automotive, or SIA, is where the Ascent, Outback, Legacy, and Impreza are all built for the American market.

Subaru continues its commitment to innovation and doesn't end with reliable engineering and safety features. The company's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is one of the most advanced AWD systems on the market, providing superior traction and handling in all weather conditions.

Those that were aware of Subaru tended to be farmers and others that made that made their living off the land, and they tended to buy Subarus due to their reputation for toughness, reliability, and the fact that all its models – from the Justy to the Legacy – came with permanent four-wheel drive.

Subaru has a well-known reputation for building reliable vehicles that hold onto their quality for many miles to come. And like many drivers who buy their vehicles, you have 200,000-miles of adventures planned. Another reason why Subaru vehicles outshine the competition is how versatile they are.

In terms of reliability, the entire Impreza lineup is far from perfect. As per RepairPal, the Subaru Impreza has a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, about as decent as it gets. When shopping for this compact sedan, you need to know which Subaru Impreza years to avoid to make the most out of your investment.