What are the negatives of the Subaru Impreza?
The Subaru Impreza is a popular compact car known for its all-wheel-drive system, reliability, and practicality. However, like any vehicle, it has its drawbacks. In this article, we’ll explore some of the common negatives associated with the Subaru Impreza to help you make an informed decision if you’re considering purchasing one.
1. Limited Engine Power
One of the most frequently mentioned drawbacks of the Subaru Impreza is its underwhelming engine performance. The base 2.0-liter engine, while reliable, produces only about 152 horsepower. This can make the car feel sluggish, especially during highway merging or when carrying a full load of passengers and cargo. Drivers seeking a more spirited driving experience may find the Impreza lacking in this department.
2. Fuel Economy Could Be Better
While the Subaru Impreza offers the advantage of standard all-wheel drive, this feature comes at the cost of fuel efficiency. Compared to other compact cars in its class, the Impreza’s fuel economy is slightly below average. For example, competitors with front-wheel drive often achieve better mileage, making the Impreza less appealing for those prioritizing fuel savings.
3. Road Noise and Cabin Insulation
Another common complaint about the Subaru Impreza is its cabin noise. On highways or rough roads, the car tends to let in more road and wind noise compared to some of its competitors. This can detract from the overall driving experience, especially on long trips where a quieter cabin is preferred.
4. Limited Cargo Space
While the Subaru Impreza is available in both sedan and hatchback versions, its cargo space is not as generous as some rivals. The hatchback offers more versatility, but even then, it falls short of competitors like the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla in terms of overall storage capacity. This can be a drawback for families or individuals who frequently need to transport larger items.
5. Higher Maintenance Costs
Subaru vehicles, including the Impreza, are known for their unique Boxer engine design and all-wheel-drive system. While these features provide benefits, they can also lead to higher maintenance and repair costs compared to more conventional vehicles. For instance, repairs involving the Boxer engine may require specialized knowledge, which can increase labor costs at repair shops.
6. Infotainment System Issues
Some Subaru Impreza owners have reported issues with the infotainment system, including occasional glitches or slow response times. While Subaru has made improvements in recent years, these problems can still be a source of frustration for tech-savvy drivers who expect seamless connectivity and functionality.
Conclusion
The Subaru Impreza is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable, all-wheel-drive compact car. However, it’s important to weigh its drawbacks, such as limited engine power, average fuel economy, and higher maintenance costs, against its strengths. By understanding these negatives, you can determine whether the Impreza aligns with your needs and expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the pros and cons of the Subaru Impreza?
Highs Cheap and cheerful transportation, practical cabin, standard all-wheel drive. Lows Function-over-form design, no longer offers a manual transmission, RS could use more power. Verdict The Impreza sets itself apart from rivals with standard all-wheel drive but doesn't feel as modern.
Do Subarus hold their value?
Kelley Blue Book: Subaru nabbed “Best Resale Value” awards in 2020 and 2021, and models retained around 14% more of their original value compared to other brands. Consumer Reports: Consumer Reports rated Subaru as their #1 pick for best brands of 2022, thanks to exceptional reliability and road test scores.
Is the Subaru Impreza high maintenance?
A Subaru Impreza will cost about $6,129 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This is more than the industry average for popular sedan models by $168.
What is the main problem with a Subaru Impreza?
Common problems with the Subaru Impreza include engine issues, sudden and abrupt acceleration, transmission failure, and air bag problems.
Why did Subaru stop making Impreza?
Subaru told Autoblog during the Impreza's reveal that it was indeed a financial decision. The hatchback outsold the sedan by a 3-to-1 ratio, and with the Crosstrek outselling every Impreza by the same ratio, well, do the math. The Premium and Limited trims were also axed, leaving the Base and Sport trims.
Is the Subaru Impreza a reliable car?
The Subaru Impreza Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 33rd out of 36 for compact cars.
Why does Subaru have a bad reputation?
Issues such as engine problems, failing oxygen sensors, Takata airbag recalls, transmission concerns, and rodent-attractive wiring can affect various Subaru models.
What is high mileage for a Subaru Impreza?
Impreza: The Subaru Impreza is a compact car available in both sedan and hatchback body styles. Despite its smaller size, the Impreza is built to last, with many drivers reporting longevity and reliability well beyond 200,000 miles.
Is it expensive to maintain a Subaru Impreza?
The average annual repair cost for a Subaru is $617, which means it has above average ownership costs.
What is the life expectancy of a Subaru Impreza?
between 200,000 miles and 250,000 miles
The new 2024 Subaru Impreza is a long-lasting sedan or hatchback with an excellent life expectancy. You can project it to go somewhere between 200,000 miles and 250,000 miles, giving it a projected lifespan of 13 to 17 years if it's driven about 15,000 miles per year.
