Used 2010 Subaru Impreza Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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This is The Low End Product, but not so bad
historybuff13, 02/12/2015
updated 02/13/2023
2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
44 of 48 people found this review helpful
Before I begin I just want to say I have owned 2 Foresters and they are both great cars. I bought this Imprezza used from a dealer in 2014 with under 36000 miles. I thought it was a great deal because of the milage. I have owned it for less than 3 months and I am now scheduled for my 3rd service appointment to fix the turn signal. I have read that Subaru cut corners on this model to save money and actually made the wire harness too short so that it pulls loose. I really like my dealership and in general I like Subarus, but I cannot recommend this model. I will actually be purchasing a new car this year, but I am no longer considering the Crosstrek, as it is just another Imprezza. Update: My local dealer did eventually get the turn signal fixed (at no charge). After several years the car has exhibited no other problems. I am actually considering a Crosstrek again, but will not be in the market for a couple more years. At this point I think I would recommend it. Update 2 - I'm purchasing a 2019 Subaru Forester. Update 3 - I did purchase a 2019 Forester and I really like it. My daughter has the 2010 Imprezza and its had no major issues. Update 4 - I just purchased a Subaru Crosstrek and am very happy with it. My daughter still owns the 2010 Imprezza and it has been mostly trouble free Update 5 (February 13, 2023) - Still very happy with my 2021 Crosstrek and my daughter still drives her 2010 Imprezza (now 13 years old) and has had no major issues.
- Performance
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- Value
Great Commuter
Dude, 08/07/2010
2010 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This really is a great commuter car, the Outback Sport has great handling, descent engine and generally good looking car. The transmission is the only week point I have noticed, the peak torque in the boxer engine comes on at 4000 RPM, but the long gears(4 speed auto) drop to below 3000 on the shift. They could have added 2 more gears to this transmission keeping it in the upper rev range for fast acceleration when needed. The stereo blows, but I listen to Slacker of Pandora through my Blackberry most of the time and it actually sounds pretty good. I would upgrade the stereo but I think I would rather trade the car in for the 3.6 Liter 5 Speed Auto Legacy Premium in a couple years.
2010 Subaru Impreza for sale near you
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- 2.5i Premium 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $7,995152 mi away
- WRX Premium 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $13,900249 mi away
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New Car Engine Vibration
Mike 5150, 03/18/2010
2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
9 of 12 people found this review helpful
I am very concerned about the engine vibration at idle on this car. It is very disconcerting to be sitting in a car with just over 1,000 miles on it and feel the engine vibrate. I called Service and the guy said that the Boxer engines tend to do this due to the alignment of the pistons. A look at the Subaru website says that a characteristic of the Boxster engine is REDUCED engine vibration. I look forward to presenting the Service adviser with this information tomorrow morning. Reliability is a big selling point for Subaru, but I am extremely concerned about mine.
Reoccurring theme : Head Gasket blown at 85K
Another Subaru blown head gask, 10/10/2019
2010 Subaru Impreza WRX Limited 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Let's see my Subaru Outback 2010 just blew head gasket : 85K. Now Subaru Impreza 2010 just blew head gasket : 85K. Will I ever buy another Subaru : NO
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Not as good as 2006?
Leszek, 08/28/2010
2010 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
This is a replacement of my 2005 Impreza Sport (manual). Some things are better, some are worse. Better instrumentation overall (but where are some gauges that used to be there idiot lights are for idiots). I like the engine, it seems to be a bit more responsive, but the rest of the sport designation is not as good: greater roll (not as firm suspension? Higher center of gravity?), the seats are too comfortable: for wide people. The bucket seats are sized to fit much bigger person and dont embrace as tightly. When combining that with increased roll in turns, the feeling of tight control is not there. Gearbox, while smooth could use different ratios and one more gear.
Watch out for neck pain!
GDG, 08/19/2010
2010 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 10 people found this review helpful
I just purchased anew 2010 Subaru Impreza Outback and was really excited - first new car in over a decade. I had a Subaru in the 90's and loved it. My new car looks great but the driver's seat and headrest are horrible, the headrest extends forward too far causing neck strain, pain and nausea for me if I drive more than 30 minutes at a stretch. Can't find a solution to this, may need to return this car.
Makes me happy
subaru1234567, 11/09/2009
2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I got the manual, I'm really happy with it. I'm a taller guy and usually hit my head on the roof of most small cars when I sit straight up or lean forward, not the impreza, plenty of room. After test driving a Mazda3, Elantra, Civic, and Toyota Matrix, and renting all sorts of economy cars all summer, I was surprised at how much more powerful it felt, how much better it handled and how much nicer the interior looked than most of the other cars in this price range. It feels great on the highway and the steering feels tight, handles nice around corners, the other cars I test drove felt sloppy. The seats and seating position are more comfortable than most small cars which tend to feel awkward.
Car Love
JungleLover in Utah, 11/29/2009
2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
A perfect car for me! Living in Park City, the AWD is amazing - remember, not all AWD cars are created equal. The seats are comfortable, and having the 60/40 seat folding is great for loading mountain bikes, skis, or anything you might need to get out and play. The shifting is really easy in the manual and is fun and speedy to drive around. It's a beautiful car and inexpensive in relation to comparable cars and what you get. Averaging 31mpg (I drive conservatively and coast wherever possible).
Timely Purchase
Andrey, 12/21/2009
2010 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We live in Northern Virginia, which doesn't get a lot of snow, however, it still does get some, and we do travel up north to PA and upstate NY, so we felt we needed to replace one of our rear- wheel drive vehicles with something either FWD or AWD. We just 'lived through' the blizzard of 2009, and the car performed wonderfully while the snow was still falling.. zipping by those so called "SUVs" which don't necessarily have AWD (do your research!). We put on around 100miles just driving around snow, and also took a skiing trip, which we wouldn't have attempted without this car. The heated seats, heated wiper areas were pretty nice to have in snow too. Car is fun to drive, even with 170HP.
It's a Gem
JaredSalinger, 03/01/2010
2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought it new just before the beginning of winter. The all wheel drive and low center of gravity make winter driving about as secure as I have ever experienced in a car. The quality, inside and out is like that of cars I have had that cost much more. I bought this car as a second car, and did not want to spend a lot of money. At first, I thought Subaru cars were too expensive. Now that I have one, I wonder why they are not more expensive.
She Storms the Highway in LA
Kristen, 03/11/2010
2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The car is like a really spunky kitty cat. I researched cars for a long time, and this car is really cool. Lots of features, affordable, safe and I love driving her. She's rally even if she's not a wrx or sti I still feel like I'm driving a tank with heat. Very nice, Subaru in a world of Honda and Toyota. And, yes I get better gas mileage than said- about 26 combined. I can't wait to take her on a road trip. I am no longer scared of driving in the rain in LA that's for sure!
Great do-it-all with minimal compramise.
GTP_Kent, 08/03/2010
2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
2.5i premium Impreza, automatic, silver ext. black int. So far it's a great car with a near perfect mix of everyday practicality and enthusiasm (shared use for two drivers). HP and Torque are good across the entire rev range, steering is responsive, suspension is just right. Manually shifted auto is great fix for so-so automatic. Ext. styling is handsome but subdued. Int. styling is nice and despite concerns for hard plastics the materials are good for those who have kids or other damage prone occupants. Bottom line: more sporty than any Toyota, more power than Hondas, more grip than anything, and an excellent community of owners to support anyone with questions or concerns. A great choice.
Love it!
Jim, 08/09/2010
2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Excellent value. Love AWD, styling, comfort, and performance. Drove an Audi A4 Quattro 1.8 AWD for 6 years (140,000) miles and was looking for an AWD replacement at a reasonable price - the Impreza was it. Have had it for 1.5 weeks and 500+ miles and love it. Averaging better than 27 mpg combined city/highway - better than my Audi.
Do I really need a car this fast?
WesK, 11/03/2010
2010 Subaru Impreza WRX 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
What other vehicle can rip the roads and have as much space as a mini-van inside? At 10% throttle, you have a car that almost behaves like a well mannered commuter vehicle in traffic. Step on the gas, and you will probably be breaking any speeding law in less than one second.
Shortcomings
Martin, 04/21/2010
2010 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is my 3rd Subaru, I had a 97 Outback and have a 2004 Forester. This new 2010 Outback Sport disappoints. The driver seat height adjuster is ill designed and it has to be pumped up almost every time car is used. It is too long and too high, so contact with it is inadvertently made, thus lowering the seat. The front headrests are raked too far forward and constant head contact is annoying and a distraction while driving. Subaru will not correct these faults. They say "thank you for bringing it to our attention". The silver outboard dash vents reflect in the outside rear view mirrors. I had to paint them flat black. The radio is mediocre.
Downsizing.
Ngnear, 07/29/2010
2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Sold a Honda Pilot to get the 5-door Subie due to a longer commute after moving. Boy, everyone was right about the stereo. It stinks! But I was expecting it after reading the reviews here. Ride is comfortable. Handling is decent, much better than the Pilot but not as good as my previous Prelude SH. Decent power though. Gas mileage is 27mpg mostly freeway. A little low on mpg but wanted the AWD so it's a trade-off. Only had it for 2 weeks. No regrets about getting the Subie. Will update once the the weather gets wet in the Fall.
Not thrilled-my first and only Subaru
not a subaru fan, 01/07/2010
2010 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 5 people found this review helpful
This is my first Subaru and I bought it because I live in a colder climate and have a 25 mile commute to work everyday so I wanted a vehicle with AWD but still wanted a car - not a truck style SUV. After looking at the few choices on the market and reading the reviews I chose this and was very excited at first but now am getting more and more frustrated with the inconsistencies of this vehicle. First I thought all cars now had automatic locks - apparently not - no automatic headlights either but yet I have heated seats and heated wipers! I got a free Sirius package but like others have said - the sound quality is horrible. The wipers, even when heated, freeze up constantly front and back.
Not impressed
Susan, 10/21/2017
2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 13 people found this review helpful
High maintenance cost. Won't make 100,000 miles
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- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2010 impreza Outback sport
aherrmann17, 04/24/2011
2010 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 59 people found this review helpful
This car burns oil. The scheduled maintenance for my region is every 7500 miles for an oil change. The outback sport however decided to develop rod knocking due to lack of oil in the engine. CA state law does not allow a car to burn 4.5 quarts of synthetic oil in 7500 miles. Highly dissatisfied with this car. I would not recommend it to anyone.
The WRX is a really fun car to drive!
WRX in ABQ, 11/08/2009
2010 Subaru Impreza WRX 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just under 1,000 miles so far, which means I can start going a little higher on the revs. That's scary, because even at 4k-5k, the acceleration is phenomenal! Outstanding pick up at low mph or highway level. Very smooth. Got two window roll-downs from other drivers on my first day saying it looks great and asking how it drives. That just doesn't normally happen. I wish the front under-fender (I'm not really an expert, so I'm sure that's not the name) were a little higher for curbs, but I think I can get that changed. Averaging 24 mpg so far, but I've been driving it pretty hard, lots of city, and it's still breaking in. Most fun car I've ever driven. Can't wait to take it skiing!
Fun and fast!
VJD, 11/20/2009
2010 Subaru Impreza WRX 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Finally drove a new, with 6 miles on it, pearl white 2010 WRX HB equipped with the SPT shortshifter and exhaust. Within a few minutes I knew this was the car for me. Excellent low end power, handling and road feel. Plus it has AWD. Finally found a replacement for my long gone '04 R32.
The miles are racking up
jtheiral, 01/11/2010
2010 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been in the market for a new car for the past few years. My job has me continually visiting cities throughout the nation which gives me the fantastic opportunity to test drive numerous rentals. I ended up settling with Subaru Impreza Outback Sport as the car that would best fit my lifestyle and best value. I decided that having AWD was a requirement that I needed to have. I also was looking for some good fuel economy since I due rack up the miles. I have had the car for two months and already have put over 7k miles on it. I am very impressed with its surefooted ability on ice and snow. The interior is quiet but rougher roads can cause some unacceptable road noise within inside.
2010 WRX 5-Door Satin White
rudy, 01/15/2010
2010 Subaru Impreza WRX 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Prior to purchasing this car I test drove the new GTI, Speed-3, and the Mini Clubman S. However one drive int he Subaru WRX and the decision was easy. The Subie impressed me right away with it's combination of incredible power and AWD grip. The interior is well done too. The sport seats are perfect and the cockpit looks awesome with the glowing red gauges and white needles that sweep upon start up. The engine revs very smooth and transmits little to no vibration at idle. The steering communicates good feedback with the road and offers a very tight turn radius. In the back the 19 cubic feet of cargo area allow for this car to be both a utility vehicle and a weekend toy.
Fun to drive
Eric, 01/22/2010
2010 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I go up into the mountains a lot and this car is perfect! It has a very comfortable ride to it and has enough power to get around in the mountains. It sticks to the roads and handles extremely well in the snow. The manual is a must and makes it really fun to drive. I am very happy with my purchase.
Great All Around Car!
OKWRX2010, 02/01/2010
2010 Subaru Impreza WRX Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Drove lots of cars to compare; '10 GTI, '10 Legacy 2.5GT, '10 A3, etc and ended up with my 2nd WRX. Had an '02 before and loved it...5 cars later I'm driving another one that is much more expensive unfortunately, but also much more car all-in-all. Can't beat the performance, comfort, AWD, and utility of the WRX in this price range, nothing comes close. I love the design and interior of the GTI and admit it's interior is especially much better than the WRX for the money, but the lack of power, AWD, and cargo space made it fall behind too far. Just had a big ice/snow storm and car performed flawlessly!! I'm very happy with my choice.
Brings Pleasure Back to Driving
JasonK43, 06/09/2010
2010 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I forgot what pleasure can be had out of driving a car until this Impreza came along. For a 2.5 N/A engine, this thing is peppy! Great handling, good speed and excellent ride at high speeds. It's my third week with the car and I already have over 2,300 miles because I can't stop finding excuses to take this baby out! Love the standard wheels on the Outback Sport, as well as the seat warmers and two-tone paint (I got the silver). Few minor changes I would make to this car, but other than that, this car is such a joy. Gas mileage has been better than EPA estimates! (How often does that happen?) Avg. 29.5 Hwy, 22 City
Practical Yet Fun
Jake F., 07/18/2010
2010 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am overall very pleased with this car. The build quality seems excellent for this class. The doors give a quality thunk when you close them and all switches/levers feel durable. The performance of the 2.5 is adequate and when combined with the 5spd the result is a zippy little car. The suspension soaks up the bumps very nicely (better than my 04 Impala I traded for it) and I live near some very rough roads so that is appreciated. I am a large person (275 lbs) and I find the interior comfortable and roomy enough. Even though it is summer, I have already used the AWD to climb up a rain soaked muddy drive and it performed flawlessly. I'm almost looking forward to the ND winter.
It's a thing of beauty
Jim, 08/02/2010
2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Granted only 200 miles on this 2010 2.5 hatchback (auto), but I love it. Sort of fell into the purchase, but very happy. Very nice styling, good features, performance pretty good - outstanding value overall. Put some 140,000 miles on a 2001 Audi A4 (1.8) Quattro - and I don't see the Subaru as a let down at all.
Cure for the Corolla
GTP_Kent, 08/06/2010
2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Time will tell on many of the subjects of this review (build quality, reliability, etc). Engine, 4 Wheel Independent Suspension, Steering, Handling, all of the above are great in this car. Utility with the hatchback is great. Grip with the AWD is incredible under any conditions (wet, uneven surfaces, poorly kept roads, etc). The 4speed auto isn't great but the manual shift mode takes care of that with ease. Exterior appearance is subdued but handsome. Interior looks are good and materials are great for occupants who are damage prone. Great all around car with few draw backs.
Least reliable car I have ever heard of
Ben, 07/08/2021
2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle had 2 engines fail on me, the factory one died at 100k and the replacement died after about 5k more. Besides this, I constantly had electrical issues (radio not working for periods of time, car not starting randomly) and a couple times where the car would flood itself with gas on trips where I drove over 100miles without stopping. I gave 2 stars due to the fantastic AWD system that never left me stuck in snow, even while living in Buffalo NY. Stay far away.
Lots of good, and a little bad
mtbiker278, 03/31/2010
2010 Subaru Impreza WRX Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car to replace my overworked Honda Civic. This car has more than enough power and grip to satisfy most people. It makes driving fun again. I've been netting 26MPG the first couple of tanks. The hatchback is very roomy, but the rear window does cut it down some. The interior has the feel of an igloo cooler, but when you're driving you tend to forget about it. Stereo isn't that great, but like others have said you buy this car to enjoy driving it. Getting into the upper RPM range sounds like you're taking off in a jet even without the optional exhaust. This car has made my daily driving errands enjoyable, and I can't wait to hop in it again.
Love my Subie!
ret, 10/12/2009
2010 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is my first Subie after years owning German cars. I am really surprised at this little package of fun & all-wheel-drive. It is very comfortable and seems much bigger when sitting in it then I expected. I also had my eye on the Mazda 3 but was sold on the AWD.
New impreza outback sport
malcolm, 11/05/2009
2010 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
First, why have two different vehicles both named, "outback"? With the impreza, you wind up getting Outback parts that don't fit your car. Cheap radio---10 speakers, if you can find them--Probably the worst sounding radio one will ever find in any automobile. Paint is so soft, just looking at it will start it to peel! Passenger seat is so low, it actually hides the passenger from view. Does not have the fit, finish and refinement of other cars in its class. You are purchasing a working-mans auto, for basic transportation. No thrills here, but the 170 HP engine is a bit surprising, due to his high torque #s. You get what you pay for....and this automobile is down market.
So far so good...
fredbrit, 02/07/2010
2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
What a great vehicle loaded with tons of cool features, including safety and innovative powertrain design. I didn't buy it because of good gas mileage (come on... it's AWD), superior finish and top quality materials, or because it's a head turner. I believe this car delivers acceptable performance and reliability, superior safety, adequate comfort, and great driving tools all for about $20,000! I'm very glad I got mine!
2nd Subaru
2nd Subaru, 02/24/2010
2010 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my 2nd Subaru after owning a 2007 Outback for 13 years. I've been in some really cool places like the hot springs in Strawberry Park near Steamboat, CO in January. Ive driven to the top of mountains in snow so deep you could hardly walk in it. If you want a reliable car that sticks to the ground, Subaru is a good choice. Their all wheel drive system seems to be a cut above the competition and they are reasonably priced considering the reliability. I hated to see my old Outback go but no car last forever.
Great Car
Mark T, 05/14/2010
2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
So far I've had it 3 weeks, and have a little over 1500 miles on it. Have taken a trip through Adirondack Mountains and averaged 30.1 miles and city driving is about 26. It's a great car for 20k, sunroof, premium stereo, fog lights, heated seats, winter package,alloy wheels and AWD. Looked @ a lot of other cars, Honda Fit Sport, Scion, Toyota, Nissan, etc, nothing and I mean nothing came close. Dealership was great to work with. Thanks Tony.
Best car I have ever owned
Andy Wilkinson, 05/23/2018
2010 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 5 people found this review helpful
I highly recommend the 2010 Outback Sport.