Used 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Premium PZEV Hatchback Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Premium PZEV Hatchback.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Oil Burner, MPG not as advertised
movingon1, Liverpool, NY, 03/15/2014
2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Premium PZEV 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
I bought the hatchback with a manual because I was looking for versatility with good mileage.
Functionality wise, I'm happy. I'm 6'2" and the car is comfortable on long road trips and you can fit a surprising amount of stuff in the back, especially with the seats down. Also, the car is amazing in the snow.
BUT- as others mentioned, the car has started burning oil at 30,000 miles! … Almost 2 quarts between oil changes. Add to that the well known not-as-advertised MPG, and I am thinking about trading it in. I have logged every single tank on Fuelly. In the winter, 22 city, 27 highway. In the summer, 25 city 30 highway. It's rare to do better than 30 on the highway, but I drive 70-75.
Subaru's half baked effort
Jack, Bakersfield, CA, 04/23/2017
2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Premium PZEV 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
After owning the vehicle for 5 years and putting 10K miles (weekend/beach car) I have mixed feelings about the vehicle (I've owned over 30 vehicles in the past thirty years). Consumer Reports voted it higher than Mazda 3 and there was lots of hype around the new Impreza that year. THE BAD: low to the ground for an AWD (a handicap when at the beach or camping), noisy and coarse … sounding engine, exposed electrical wires in the engine bay (not very neat), no engine sound deadening panel under the hood, slow in first and second gear, hard shifting 5 speed transmission, huge windshield absorbing lots of sun (thus heat), fabric on seats (very thin material) that collects dog hair (and it won't release it), noisy climate fan, no temperature or fuel gauge (light and digital read out only), questionable paint quality, delicate exterior body parts, roughly 8 fl. oz. oil consumption per 1,200 miles (acceptable according to Subaru). THE GOOD: nice looking, nice suspension, good visibility, great resale value, happy with the dealer, glad it is out of our garage.
Sweet HB
kanjii, Oakland, CA, 01/13/2012
2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Premium PZEV 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Loved the car when I first test drove it with the CVT tranny, but wanted the 5 speed manual. Very happy with the decision. I love the secure feel of AWD and the car is roomy inside. Stereo was OK when listening to the stations, but much better sounds from CDs and MP3. Exterior is beautiful and the rims are awesome. Engine is good, not a racy type of engine at all. Throttle response is … slow, but still fun to drive, especially around curves. The Yokohama tires hold the dry pavement great, but will know soon about the wet and snow.
Update 3/12/2021: It's been almost 10 years now since I purchased it on Xmas eve 2011. Overall it's still a fun car to drive. Haven't had any bad problems except oil consumption, which I immediately let my dealer know. Had the short block changed twice I believe. Currently have 72k on her and had the yellow oil light come on once in the past 30k on new block. Currently on an oil consumption test again. But that's the only problem with this Impreza. Paint and metal of the car is weak and soft, and 1st to 2nd gear is bad, but handling is great. Adding a rear spoiler made this one hot looking Subie and swapping out the rear sway bar for a STi one made it more fun to drive.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Premium PZEV Hatchback
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Standard all-wheel drive
- Pro:2.0i's good fuel economy
- Pro:high-quality and spacious interior for 2.0i
- Pro:wickedly quick WRX and STI models.
- Con:Disappointing cabin quality of WRX and STI
- Con:STI lacks the dynamic edge of rivals
- Con:substandard sound systems.
Full Edmunds Review: 2012 Subaru Impreza Hatchback
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2012 Subaru Impreza in Ohio is:
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