Is the Subaru Impreza a Reliable Compact Car?

If you’re shopping for a compact car for driving in Corinth, Texas, ensuring its reliability is crucial for tackling daily commutes and weekend getaways. The Subaru Impreza is a popular option, but how trustworthy is it? Read as we determine the reliability of the Subaru Impreza by reviewing performance data, ownership experiences, and industry ratings to help you decide if it’s the right vehicle for you.

The Reliability of the Subaru Impreza: An In-Depth Analysis

Front of Blue Subaru Impreza WRX by Erik Mclean is licensed with Pexels License

Subaru cars typically last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles (10 to 20 years) with proper care. Most Imprezas reach 150,000 to 200,000 miles before major issues surface; that’s 13 to 17 years if you drive an average of 15,000 miles per year.

RepairPal gives the Impreza a 3.5/5 for reliability, ranking 33rd out of 36 for compact cars. J.D. Power rated the 2022 model an 80 out of 100 for quality and reliability. The BOXER engine and standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system help keep things running smoothly, plus high-strength steel construction handles potholes well.

You’ll spend about $653 per year on Impreza repairs, which is slightly more than the $526 average for similar cars. The first 10 years cost $590 more than typical sedan maintenance. Significant repair odds jump from 2% in the first year (about $261) to 18% by the 10th year (around $951).

Comparing the Subaru Impreza With Other Compact Cars

Compared to the average car, the Impreza appears solid. So, how long do Subaru Imprezas last? These cars have a 9.9% chance of reaching 250,000 miles, surpassing the typical car’s 8.6% odds. An impressive 96% of all Subarus sold over the last decade are still on the road today.

The 2025 Impreza starts at $24,360 and comes standard with AWD, a feature that front-wheel-drive competitors, such as the Nissan Sentra, don’t offer at all. The AWD system helps on slick Texas roads after sudden downpours. Drivers give Imprezas 4.3/5 stars versus the Sentra’s 4/5. The Impreza offers 20.4 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Sentra offers only 14.3 cubic feet.

Safety stats give the Impreza another edge. It nails five-star ratings in front and side crash tests, while the Sentra settles for four stars in frontal crashes. The Impreza comes standard with EyeSight technology, matching the Sentra’s Safety Shield 360. The Impreza features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an 11.6-inch touch screen, surpassing the Sentra’s wired setup and smaller display.

Valuing the Subaru Impreza: Depreciation and Resale Insights

The Impreza shines at holding value. After five years, these cars depreciate by 32%, retaining approximately $19,311 in resale value. A new Impreza priced at $28,373 loses 13.6% of its value in the first year, holding onto 86.41% of what you paid. After 10 years, it keeps 47.63% of its original value, with total depreciation around $14,859. The 2023 model year has a 79.12% retention rate, but 2024 models win the value crown, keeping 86.41% of their value and selling for around $23,943 used.

Subaru Impreza Safety Ratings and Features

Safety is where the Impreza excels. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 2025 model a five-star overall safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named last year’s model a Top Safety Pick. Subaru has earned 74 Top Safety Pick+ awards from the IIHS since 2013.

Every Impreza comes with EyeSight Driver-Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alerts, precollision braking, automatic emergency steering, and blind-spot detection, to help you navigate Corinth’s traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Subaru Impreza

Are you still concerned about the reliability of the Subaru Impreza? Read our answers to a few commonly asked questions about the Impreza.

What Are the Most Common Problems With the Impreza?

Frequent issues over the years include leaky head gaskets, electrical problems affecting the tire pressure monitor, gauges, and USB ports, and faulty airbags.

What’s the Best Year for a Subaru Impreza?

Go for these winners: 2007 models scored 81/100 from J.D. Power, 2016 models got 80/100 with only 10 complaints, and 2021 models earned a solid 79/100.

Which Years Should You Avoid?

Steer clear of 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2013 if possible. The 2008 models have the most owner complaints, while the 2012 models are more expensive to repair and have six separate NHTSA recalls.

What Maintenance Is Necessary To Keep an Impreza Reliable?

Regular oil and filter changes, along with keeping up with required service intervals for components such as the air filter, fuel filter, brake system, spark plugs, and cooling system, will keep your Impreza running at its best. Don’t ignore weird noises or warning lights.

Your Reliable Choice for Corinth Driving

With AWD capability, good safety ratings, and impressive features, the Subaru Impreza is worth considering. Would you like to find out if an Impreza is the perfect match for you? Come check out our Impreza inventory and take one for a spin. Our team at Huffines Subaru Corinth is familiar with the local driving conditions and can help you find the ideal setup for your specific needs. Get in touch with us today to learn about current deals.