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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Subaru Impreza

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Overview

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2013 Subaru Impreza Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.7

The 2013 Subaru Impreza is a versatile and fuel-efficient line of compact sedans and hatchbacks that have standard all-wheel drive for superior traction and starting prices under $20,000. The Impreza lineup could be called bi-polar. Regular models earn high marks for fuel economy that reaches up to 36 mpg on the highway, while the performance-oriented WRX and WRX STI stand out for their powerful engines and competition successes. Whether you want to save fuel or burn rubber, the 2013 Impreza lineup offers impressive bang for the buck, though you can find even higher value and/or fuel efficiency in front-wheel-drive-only compacts such as the Chevrolet Cruze, Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte.

You'll Like This Car If...

The Impreza is a good choice for those seeking practicality, reliability, good fuel economy and the all-weather traction benefits of all-wheel drive. Those seeking a bargain performance car can find it in the WRX or the even more potent - but pricier - WRX STI.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If all-wheel-drive isn't a big factor in your buying decision, there are other compact sedans and hatchbacks that offer more features for less money. Also, the Impreza's simple interior borders on plain, and the WRX STI's ride is more than just firm and will be downright uncomfortable for some.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

6.7
Driving Dynamics

6.6
Comfort & Convenience

6.6
Design: Interior & Exterior

6.2
Value

6.7
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#15

out of 18

MPG

#9

out of 14

5-Year Cost

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Consumer Rating

8.2 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2013 Subaru Impreza Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

After a revamp for 2012 the Subaru Impreza receives only minor changes for 2013. Base 2.0i models have an upgraded audio unit with Bluetooth, and Premium, Limited and Sport Limited models with navigation receive a rear-view camera. WRX and STI models are unchanged except for a new color choice.

Driving the Impreza

2013 Subaru Impreza Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Subaru's calling card has long been the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that is standard in almost all its cars. The system puts power to wheels according to need and greatly helps...

the car maintain control on varying road surfaces. Drivers who live in locales where it snows love these cars for their surefootedness. The new engine and continuously-variable transmission (CVT) introduced for 2012 models carry over for 2013 Imprezas. The CVT improves fuel economy commendably, but makes acceleration feel a bit leisurely. WRX and STI models retain their turbocharged engines and are available only with manual transmissions. The WRX is fast; the STI is even faster and has additional settings to adjust the center differential for optimum power distribution to the wheels. The STI's extra dose of power and handling come at the expense of ride comfort, and you might want to get a good chiropractor if you plan to travel long distances in it. The WRX better blends performance and ride comfort, though its shifter feels a bit rubbery.

Favorite Features

FUEL ECONOMY
High fuel economy and all-wheel drive rarely go hand in hand, but the Subaru Impreza offers both. Models with CVT automatic transmissions are rated at up to 36 mpg on the highway.

TURBOCHARGED ENGINE
The high-performance 4-cylinder engines in the Impreza WRX and STI models create much more power than the engine in other Impreza models. The result is blistering acceleration and passing power.

2013 Subaru Impreza Details

2013 Subaru Impreza Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Simple and easy-to-use would be the best way of describing the Impreza's interior. Plain may be another. Everything here is functional, and most operations are easy to accomplish, except for the buttons for heating the front seats on models so equipped - they are awkwardly located below the driver's-side armrest. Impreza models can be made more cozy with leather-trimmed upholstery. Passenger room is good for four adults and cargo space is especially generous in 5-door hatchback models, which can swallow more than 52 cubic feet of stuff with the rear seats folded.

Exterior

The new sheetmetal that arrived with last year's revamp could be called "polite," with not many attributes to ruffle feathers. Among the most prominent features are the "hawk eye" headlights and prominent wheel arches. The 5-door hatchback versions are graced with a gently sloping roof and available cargo racks. WRX and STI models retain the previous generation's body styles and further stand out with aggressive features, including a hood-mounted air intake, deep side sills, trunk-mounted wings on sedans and four exhaust pipes.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Three major trim levels are available on the 2013 Subaru Impreza: 2.0i, 2.0i Premium, and 2.0i Limited. Base models are equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, power windows and doors, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, keyless entry and 4-speaker AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary and USB inputs and Bluetooth audio streaming. Higher-trim models include the automatic transmission, leather seating, larger wheels, heated front seats, automatic climate control and a 6-speaker audio system with HD Radio for receiving digital broadcasts. Two well-equipped wagon-only versions, the 2.0i Sport Premium and Sport Limited, have 17-inch wheels and fog lights. WRX and STI models have more powerful engines and stiffer suspensions, and the WRX STI has Brembo high-performance brakes.

Optional Equipment

Options for the Impreza include a CVT automatic transmission on models not already so equipped, power moonroof, voice-activated navigation system with 6.1-inch touch screen, cold-weather package with de-icer and heated seats. Other cold-environment accessories include a battery warmer and engine-block heater. WRX and STI performance models can be upgraded with satellite radio, short-throw shifter and turbo-boost gauge.

Under the Hood

All 2013 Subaru Impreza models except the WRX and STI use a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine connected to a 5-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission. The CVT in all but base models has paddle shifters for manual shifting. At 148 horsepower, the engine is adequate to get the car up to speed, but not in a great hurry. WRX and STI models use a larger, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that has been turbocharged to make 265 or 305 horsepower, respectively; these are fast cars. The WRX has a 5-speed manual transmission and the STI a 6-speed manual. The Subaru engines are of a type known as "boxer," in which the cylinders are arranged horizontally and opposed to each other, with the pistons moving somewhat as a boxer punching. These engines have a low center of gravity, which enhances handling, and are also known for ruggedness, durability and performance. Impreza models with the 2.0-liter engine can run on regular unleaded, while WRX and STI models require premium unleaded of 91-octane or higher.

2.0-liter boxer-4
148 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
145 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/34 mpg (sedan, manual), 25/33 (wagon, manual), 27/36 mpg (automatic)

2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4
265 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
244 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/25 mpg

2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4
305 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
290 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/23 mpg

Pricing Notes

A base 2013 Subaru Impreza sedan has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) just under $19,000 plus an additional $300 fee for Partial Zero Emissions packages on cars sold in California and some other states. Five-door hatchback models are $500 extra. A well-optioned Impreza can reach about $25,000. 2013 WRX performance models start over $26,000, and the fire-breathing WRX STI is around $35,000 and can reach about $40,000 loaded. On the low end, the Impreza's price is in the realm of other compact sedans and hatches, including the Mazda3, Toyota Matrix, Chevy Cruze and Ford Focus. Prices for WRX and STI models straddle that of the VW Golf R, and the WRX is in line with the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Check KBB.com's Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are playing for the Subaru Impreza. In the long term, the Impreza's resale value is predicted to hold up very well, above most competitors and in line with the Mazda3.

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2013 Subaru Impreza Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.2

Out of 10

Based on 27 Ratings for the 2012 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.4/10

Quality

8.7/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

8.1/10
Comfort

8.1/10

Styling

7.8/10

Great WRX

By NEVRLAT (AZ) on Wednesday, July 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Fun to Drive and Fast!!!!"

Cons: "Transmission needs work. Needs to be smoother!!!!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"The WRX is a very Fun car to drive. Very reliable. The power from the 2.5L turbo charged Boxter Motor is very responsive and quick. When you need to go it will go!!! The only bad thing I will have to say is the transmission 5spd. It is very difficult to shift from 2 to 3rd at times. Not very smooth for having a car costing $30k and built in 2013. Other than that the car is very impressive to look at and is a fun car to drive from day to day and weekend driving."

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2013 Impreza WRX Plasma Blue Sedan

By Mochi (FL) on Wednesday, July 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "AWD, performance, different, quality, roomy, safe"

Cons: "Factory speakers"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I chose my WRX because I felt like it was the most car I could possibly get for the money. I test drove everything- the BRZ/FR-S, the Focus ST, the Civic SI and a bunch of others. How can anyone complain about the gas mileage of an AWD sports car with 260 HP... It gets 18-25 MPG and I average about 23 without sacrificing any fun. I used to care about MPG until I test drove this. It's 20$ more per fill up than my old 2009 Focus, and let me tell you, the smiles per miles are much higher! To my surprise, my insurance only went up 15$ and I'm 22. It's always raining here and I don't fear puddles, this car is planted to the ground. It's very smooth and solid, not too stiff like the other cars and road noise is not an issue. Interface is very simple & the A/C is amazing. I no longer get taken advantage of by traffic and merging on the highway is a breeze. High speeds do not phase this car, it is smooth even at 100+. You don't see many of these and if people aren't asking me what it is, they are otherwise revving their engines at me, haha! I wanted a car that I wouldn't get tired of & everyday it makes me smile. Enjoy life, driving is a privilege but it definitely doesn't have to be mundane!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Best college car ever!

By Gbowl (WV) on Thursday, July 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Good mpg great seats and love the Bluetooth"

Cons: "$$, needs lockable trunk, need standard camera"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I just got my Impreza premium for my graduation and I was thrilled. I need that AWD for going back and forth to my college and home and with the bad winters we have this was the perfect choice. My favorite thing is Bluetooth phone and audio streaming so i never have to plug my phone in again to hear my music on the highway and with the new law banning talking on the cell while driving this is great. The seat are really nice and conform to your body making a 2hr drive to the capital a breeze. Also for a compact car the rear legroom is awesome all my friends are really tall and they still have plenty room back there for the carpooling. I wish they would have a touch screen standard on the premium models for the price. But all in all a great car!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Great design/real improve over prior years

By GrahamboOSU on Sunday, July 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,700

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Price, fun to drive, interior"

Cons: "Mileage, stock speakers"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 6

"The good: This is my first Subaru. I cross shopped the Elantra GT, Mazda3 and Ford Focus and choose the Subaru, because of the space inside and interior feel on the limited. Overall I've been very happy with the car. Reliability has been great with zero issues. The leather in the limited trim seems to wear well with proper car. At low speed traffic the car really feels low geared and peppy. No one mentions this, but the suspension really soaks up bumps and uneven pavement. The result? A quiet smooth ride IMHO. The Bad: I ordered my Marine Blue from a local dealer in Sep. 2012 and took delivery in Dec. 2012. Hopefully this is not happening to people now, but Subaru underestimated interest (big time!). Gas mileage has been just average. I've gotten 24-27 in town depending on how I drive. Mileage on the highway is great and is easily 34-36. There's a bit more sway and lean when cornering (fix with bigger sway bar set?). While not unusable the stereo is pretty bad. The good thing is that the speaker upgrade is simple and straight forward."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Great design/real improve over prior years

By GrahamboOSU on Sunday, July 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,700

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Price, fun to drive, interior"

Cons: "Mileage, stock speakers"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 6

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Worst Mistake I Ever Made

By Heather (PA) on Sunday, May 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 9,200

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 1/10
Comfort: 1/10

Pros: "Too many cons to find anything favorable."

Cons: "Poor mpg, LOUD road noise, LOW curb clearance"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I did my homework, or so I thought, for three full months. Trusted the literature among many different brands, and test drives. Two sole reasons brought me to the 2012 Subaru Impreza Ltd. One, AWD, and two, fuel rating of 27/36 or 30 combined. NOT! I have this car one full year and in 42 fill ups, receive a 25.4 combined. Terrible. The 16 yr old SUV I traded in received more. Other downsides are it is so low curb height, 5.7 inches clearance, I am always bottoming out on driveways to retail stores. Need to drive around to find another way in. Makes me cringe when I go in or out of an entrance. Then its wider than my former vehicle, but somehow its less space. Glove compartment only holds their two manuals, that's it. Side door pockets are one fourth the size of the door. Console has all the connections in the base, so can't hold my CDs. I need a separate tote to hold what should be in the console and glove compartment. Bought the limited edition, leather seats, whole nine yards and cannot stand it any more. So loud to drive, too much road noise. Navigator is not user friendly like the top known brands. Difficult to use. I bought this car in hopes of keeping it 15 years, but am going to do all I can in the next two weeks to trade it in before I hit 10,000 miles. That is my goal. Subaru has not been any help on the fuel consumption, says it shows no problem."

7 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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