2.0i 4dr All-Wheel Drive Hatchback
2012 Subaru Impreza

2012 Impreza Photos
Subaru found itself in an interesting position when the North American auto market imploded back in 2009. While most manufacturers were busily darting about trying to stop their sales from bleeding out, the quirky Japanese automaker actually posted gains in both market share and earnings during the recession. It was a dark time for most dealers. Salesmen began eying the fairest compacts on their lot for sacrifice in an attempt to appease the sales gods that had abandoned them, and showrooms began devolving into tribal law in earnest. Meanwhile, we're guessing many Subaru dealers watched through gold-rimmed monocles from across the street with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. But what happens when the national financial ship rights itself and social order is restored once again? Will buyers still shun emblems of excess and continue to opt for practical, economy-minded Japanese all-wheel-drive wagons and compacts? If the 2012 Subaru Impreza is any indication, the company may be concerned its products aren't quite mainstream enough to retain conquests acquired through the dark days of '09. The 2012 Impreza is more comfortable, quieter and offers a more attractive interior than ever before, but those gains come with sacrifices that risk alienating the model's longtime fans, ourselves included. For better or worse, Subaru has held onto the company's tradition of embracing unconventional styling. We've never loved the automaker's products because of their bodywork, and the 2012 Impreza sedan isn't out to buck that trend. Designers have blessed the four door with an aggressive face that's far from anonymous. Large, scowling headlamps lie beneath a nicely contoured hood and are split by an attractive hexagonal grille. The front fascia features a large lower air inlet with sizable fog light bezels set far toward each corner. And speaking of corners, engineers have rolled in the squared-off aero edges popularized by hybrid models like the Toyota Prius, Chevrolet Volt and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. We're willing to chalk up the sedan's questionable lines as par for the course from a company responsible for the likes of the curious SVX and infamous Tribeca. From the front, the 2012 Impreza looks more like a baby Legacy than an anonymous compact. Unfortunately, that impression wanes as soon as the vehicle is viewed from the side. In profile, the 2011 Impreza simply looks awkward, particularly in sedan guise. Individual elements like a strong character line that transitions seamlessly into the taillights and expressive, exaggerated fender arches look good when taken individually, but make for a muddled finished product when combined. There's simply too much going on here for this design to be considered clean. Combine those issues with the standard 16-inch alloy wheels on our 2.0 Premium tester and a too-tall ride height, and you have a perfect recipe for awkward pie. Whereas compacts like the Ford Focus and Chevrolet Cruze serve up sheetmetal that looks either more stylish or more mature than we've come to expect from the segment, Subaru seems committed to the unpleasantness of bygone compact design. But, …
Full Review
Subaru found itself in an interesting position when the North American auto market imploded back in 2009. While most manufacturers were busily darting about trying to stop their sales from bleeding out, the quirky Japanese automaker actually posted gains in both market share and earnings during the recession. It was a dark time for most dealers. Salesmen began eying the fairest compacts on their lot for sacrifice in an attempt to appease the sales gods that had abandoned them, and showrooms began devolving into tribal law in earnest. Meanwhile, we're guessing many Subaru dealers watched through gold-rimmed monocles from across the street with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. But what happens when the national financial ship rights itself and social order is restored once again? Will buyers still shun emblems of excess and continue to opt for practical, economy-minded Japanese all-wheel-drive wagons and compacts? If the 2012 Subaru Impreza is any indication, the company may be concerned its products aren't quite mainstream enough to retain conquests acquired through the dark days of '09. The 2012 Impreza is more comfortable, quieter and offers a more attractive interior than ever before, but those gains come with sacrifices that risk alienating the model's longtime fans, ourselves included. For better or worse, Subaru has held onto the company's tradition of embracing unconventional styling. We've never loved the automaker's products because of their bodywork, and the 2012 Impreza sedan isn't out to buck that trend. Designers have blessed the four door with an aggressive face that's far from anonymous. Large, scowling headlamps lie beneath a nicely contoured hood and are split by an attractive hexagonal grille. The front fascia features a large lower air inlet with sizable fog light bezels set far toward each corner. And speaking of corners, engineers have rolled in the squared-off aero edges popularized by hybrid models like the Toyota Prius, Chevrolet Volt and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. We're willing to chalk up the sedan's questionable lines as par for the course from a company responsible for the likes of the curious SVX and infamous Tribeca. From the front, the 2012 Impreza looks more like a baby Legacy than an anonymous compact. Unfortunately, that impression wanes as soon as the vehicle is viewed from the side. In profile, the 2011 Impreza simply looks awkward, particularly in sedan guise. Individual elements like a strong character line that transitions seamlessly into the taillights and expressive, exaggerated fender arches look good when taken individually, but make for a muddled finished product when combined. There's simply too much going on here for this design to be considered clean. Combine those issues with the standard 16-inch alloy wheels on our 2.0 Premium tester and a too-tall ride height, and you have a perfect recipe for awkward pie. Whereas compacts like the Ford Focus and Chevrolet Cruze serve up sheetmetal that looks either more stylish or more mature than we've come to expect from the segment, Subaru seems committed to the unpleasantness of bygone compact design. But, …
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Retail Price

$17,995 MSRP / Window Sticker Price
Engine 2.0L H-4
MPG 25 City / 33 Hwy
Seating 5 Passengers
Transmission 5-spd man w/OD
Power 148 @ 6200 rpm
Drivetrain all wheel
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