Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2012 Subaru Impreza
With an overall Carivo score of 6.7/10, the 2012 Subaru Impreza earns a Good rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 7.6/10, while Performance at 5.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.6/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 7.6/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 5.0/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 5.4/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $13,760–$18,095, 18 MPG, seating 5, the Subaru Impreza sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Value lands at 7.3/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 14 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2012 Subaru Impreza, but it needs the right buyer. Its technology and performance scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2012 Subaru Impreza ranks #1224 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 7% of the segment. Its 6.7/10 overall score is 0.8 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $13,760 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 50%.
Across the Impreza model years we've scored, the 2012 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category
✗ Where it falls short
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
Fuel economy at 18 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2012 Subaru Impreza (6 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the…
Electrical system 13/10/2016 · 16V738000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary…
Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification 01/07/2015 · 15V419000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012 model year Subaru Impreza 4-Door and Station Wagon vehicles (except WRX/STI models) manufactured April 21, 2011, to February 16, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the Occupant Detection System (ODS)…
Electrical system 25/02/2013 · 13V061000
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT…
Service brakes, hydraulic / Pedals and linkages 29/11/2011 · 11V562000
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 IMPREZA SEDANS AND WAGONS (EXCEPT WRX/STI MODELS), MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 21, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 15, 2011, AND LEGACY AND OUTBACK VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 23, 2011.…
Showing 5 of 6 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Common Questions — 2012 Subaru Impreza
Is the 2012 Subaru Impreza reliable?
We rate the 2012 Subaru Impreza's reliability 7.6/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2012 Subaru Impreza have?
6 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2012 Subaru Impreza worth buying?
It scores 6.7/10 overall, ranking #1224 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 7% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2012 Subaru Impreza cost?
The 2012 Subaru Impreza starts at $13,760 and ranges up to $18,095 across trims (MSRP when new). At 18 MPG, expect roughly $2,917/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Owner Essentials — Subaru Impreza
Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
Once a month: which brands moved up or down our reliability rankings, new recalls worth knowing, and the smartest-money model years. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
You're in — first report lands next month.
Similar Sedan to Consider
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
