Subaru Impreza Best and Worst Years: Which Model Years Are Worth Buying?

The Subaru Impreza is the only compact car with standard all-wheel drive on every trim — but the difference between the best and worst model years is the difference between a $14,000 AWD bargain and a $14,000 money pit with a $3,000 CVT repair ahead. The Subaru Impreza has spanned five generations since 1993, and year selection matters more here than almost any other compact car. Best years like the 2018 have near-zero NHTSA complaints while worst years like the 2012 have 5x the complaint rate — both are Imprezas, but they deliver completely different ownership experiences. This guide covers Frank’s top pick (2018), the best Gen3 years, best Gen4 years, best Gen5 years, the EJ25 vs FB20 engine comparison every Impreza buyer needs, years to avoid, reliability by year, best value picks, generation comparison, how the Impreza stacks up against competitors, and a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

I’ve bought, inspected, or helped friends buy over 50 used cars in 20 years — and the Impreza is one I recommend specifically for buyers who need AWD on a compact car budget. Here’s which years are actually worth your money.

Why Is the 2018 Impreza Frank’s Top Pick?

The 2018 Subaru Impreza is Frank’s top pick because it combines the mature Subaru Global Platform with near-zero NHTSA complaints, available EyeSight driver assist, and a refined CVT that resolved the 2017 first-year teething problems — all with standard AWD at used prices under $17,000. The 2017 launched on the new platform with 7 recalls: PCV valve separation that could destroy engines, ECM and ignition coil failures, and fuel line vaporization in cold weather. One model year later, Subaru fixed every one of those issues.

EyeSight driver assist is available on Premium and Limited trims — pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. IIHS awarded the 2018 Impreza a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The Subaru Global Platform delivered a 70% stiffer body structure compared to the Gen4 chassis, improving crash performance and reducing road noise.

Every Impreza comes with AWD standard. A Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic charges $1,400-$2,000 for AWD when it’s even available — and neither offered it until 2019. The 2018 Impreza with standard AWD starts where competitors charge extra.

A 2018 Impreza with 50,000 miles lists around $14,000-$17,000. Compare that to a 2017 with 7 recalls and similar pricing — the 2018 is the obvious choice. The 2017 was the first year on the new platform. The 2018 fixed the PCV valve separation issue (recall 19V744000) that could destroy engines. One year apart, completely different risk profiles.

I helped a coworker choose between a 2017 and 2018 Impreza last year — both were $15,500 with similar miles. The 2017 had two open recalls. The 2018 had zero issues in two years of ownership from the previous owner. That $0 price difference bought peace of mind.

Frank’s Verdict: BUY — TOP PICK. The 2018 Subaru Impreza is the best model year across all five generations. Near-zero complaints, mature platform, available EyeSight, standard AWD — at $14,000-$17,000 with 50K miles, it’s a bargain.

The 2018 is the best Gen5 pick — but older generations have strong options too, especially if you want to avoid the CVT entirely.

What Are the Best Gen3 Impreza Years? (2007-2011)

The best Gen3 Subaru Impreza years are the 2009, 2010, and 2011, which refined the 2008 first-year design problems and offer the last Impreza models with a traditional 4-speed automatic — no CVT to worry about. The 2008 launched with a new hatchback-first design but brought 297 NHTSA complaints and 15 recalls. Gen3 models after 2008 resolved most of those issues.

The key advantage of Gen3 Imprezas is transmission choice: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Neither is a CVT. For buyers who distrust the Lineartronic CVT — and I understand that skepticism — the Gen3 is the newest Impreza generation without one.

A 2009-2011 Impreza with 120,000 miles runs $5,000-$9,000. That’s standard AWD for under $10,000 — and with a conventional automatic, not a CVT.

The EJ25 head gasket is a known issue on every Gen3 Impreza. Ask if it’s been replaced. If done with MLS (multi-layer steel) gaskets, the fix is permanent. If not done, budget $1,500-$2,500. The EJ25 is an interference engine with a timing belt due every 105,000 miles — belt failure destroys the engine. Budget $500-$900 for that service, often combined with head gasket work.

Is the 2009 Subaru Impreza a Good Used Buy?

Yes, the 2009 Subaru Impreza is a solid budget AWD buy — it’s the first Gen3 year with significantly lower complaint rates after the 2008’s disastrous launch, and it’s the cheapest way into a modern Impreza with no CVT risk. Complaint rates dropped dramatically from the 2008’s 297 to moderate levels. The 5-speed manual is the best transmission choice for reliability.

At $5,000-$8,000 with 100,000-150,000 miles, the 2009 Impreza is affordable AWD that won’t surprise you with a $4,000 transmission bill. I helped a friend buy a 2009 Impreza with 110,000 miles and a manual transmission for $6,500 in 2022. Three years later, the only repair was a wheel bearing at $400. That’s the kind of ownership story I want for every buyer.

Verify head gaskets have been replaced or budget for the repair. On a $6,000 car, a $2,000 head gasket job is a significant percentage — but once done with MLS gaskets, the engine is solid for another 100,000+ miles.

Is the 2011 Subaru Impreza Worth Buying?

Yes, the 2011 Subaru Impreza is the best Gen3 pick — it’s the most refined pre-CVT model year with the lowest complaint rates in the generation, and it offers a conventional automatic or manual transmission with standard AWD. The 2011 is the last Gen3 year, meaning every early design issue was resolved.

Between the 2009 and 2011, I’d pick the 2011 if you can find one with documented maintenance — it’s the most refined Gen3 with all the early issues worked out. The 2009 is the backup if the 2011 is priced too high or has higher mileage. Both are solid choices for buyers who want a mechanical automatic or manual.

What Are the Best Gen4 Impreza Years? (2011-2016)

The best Gen4 Subaru Impreza years are the 2015 and 2016, which fixed the 2012-2013 catastrophic oil consumption and CVT shudder problems — making them the sweet spot for buyers who want a modern Impreza with improved fuel economy at used car prices. Gen4 introduced two major changes: the FB20 engine replacing the EJ25, and the CVT (Lineartronic) replacing the conventional automatic.

The 2012 and 2013 were disastrous. The FB20 consumed oil at 1 quart per 1,000-3,000 miles due to a piston ring design flaw. The CVT hesitated, shuddered, and left owners stranded. NHTSA received 332 complaints for the 2012 alone. Subaru extended the warranty to 8 years and 100,000 miles for 2012-2015 models to cover the oil consumption problem. Updated piston rings in 2015 resolved the issue.

A 2015-2016 Impreza with 80,000 miles runs $10,000-$14,000. The jump from 23 MPG combined (EJ25 with automatic) to 31 MPG combined (FB20 with CVT) saves roughly $600-$800 per year in fuel. That’s the trade-off: better MPG with CVT but higher transmission risk in early years.

Is the 2015 Subaru Impreza a Good Used Buy?

Yes, the 2015 Subaru Impreza is a strong mid-budget AWD pick — Subaru updated the FB20 piston rings to fix the oil consumption plaguing 2012-2014 models, and EyeSight driver assist became available for the first time on Premium and Limited trims. Oil consumption reports drop dramatically starting with the 2015 model year.

IIHS awarded the 2015 Impreza a Top Safety Pick rating. At $10,000-$13,000 with 70,000-100,000 miles, the 2015 sits in the depreciation sweet spot. The 2015 is where the Gen4 Impreza became genuinely reliable. The CVT was refined, the oil consumption was fixed, and EyeSight added real safety value. For $3,000 less than a 2017, you get essentially the same day-to-day reliability.

Is the 2016 Impreza Worth Buying Used?

Yes, the 2016 Subaru Impreza is worth buying used — it matches the 2015’s reliability with identical engineering, and it’s now deep in the depreciation sweet spot at $10,000-$14,000 with AWD standard. The 2016 is the last Gen4 year, meaning it’s the most refined version of that platform.

Between the 2015 and 2016, pick whichever has better maintenance records and lower miles. Both are solid. The 2016 sometimes costs $500-$1,000 more for no meaningful reliability difference — save the money for your maintenance reserve.

What Are the Best Gen5 Impreza Years? (2017-Present)

The best Gen5 Subaru Impreza years are the 2018, 2019, and 2020, which fixed the 2017’s first-year platform issues — the 2018 is Frank’s overall top pick for the entire Impreza lineup. Gen5 brought the Subaru Global Platform (SGP), delivering a 70% stiffer chassis with improved crash protection and reduced NVH. EyeSight became standard on Premium and higher trims.

The 2017 was the problem child. Seven recalls hit the first-year Gen5: PCV valve separation that required engine replacement if caught late, ECM and ignition coil failures that could stall the engine, and fuel line vaporization in winter. By 2018, every one of those issues was resolved.

Starting 2022, the WRX became a separate model from the Impreza. This guide covers the standard Impreza only — not the WRX or STI.

Is the 2019 Subaru Impreza a Good Used Buy?

Yes, the 2019 Subaru Impreza is an excellent used buy — it builds on the 2018’s strong foundation with standard EyeSight on Premium trims, minimal NHTSA complaints, and prices that have dropped into the $16,000-$20,000 range with 30,000-50,000 miles. The fuel pump recall (21V587000, shared with Toyota) is minor and easily checked by VIN.

If the 2018 is out of stock or has higher mileage, the 2019 is an identical car for reliability purposes. I’d take either one without hesitation. The only reason the 2018 gets my top pick is the lower price at similar reliability.

Is the 2020 Impreza Worth Buying Used?

Yes, the 2020 Subaru Impreza is worth buying used — it has the fewest complaints and recalls of any Gen5 model year, with only one recall (fuel pump, shared across the industry) and near-zero owner-reported problems. The 2020 is the safest Gen5 pick from a recall standpoint.

If you can stretch your budget from a 2018 to a 2020, you get an even cleaner ownership record — but the 2018 at $14,000-$17,000 is the better value. The 2020 at $16,000-$20,000 buys marginal improvement for $2,000-$3,000 more.

EJ25 vs FB20: Which Impreza Engine Is Better for Used Buyers?

The FB20 engine in 2012+ Imprezas is the better choice for used buyers — it eliminated the EJ25’s head gasket failures and replaced the timing belt with a maintenance-free timing chain, though early FB20 models from 2012 to 2014 had their own oil consumption problems. Two reliability eras define the Subaru Impreza, and understanding both is essential before buying.

EJ25 (2000-2011 Impreza): The 2.5-liter flat-four uses a timing belt on an interference engine — belt failure at any mileage past the 105,000-mile service interval means engine destruction. Head gasket failure between 80,000-130,000 miles is the defining issue. The horizontal boxer layout allows coolant to pool at gasket seams, deteriorating the composite gaskets Subaru used from the factory. Replacement costs $1,500-$2,500 and is often bundled with timing belt and water pump service.

FB20 (2012+ Impreza): The 2.0-liter flat-four uses a timing chain with no scheduled replacement — a major cost savings over the EJ25. Oil consumption plagued 2012-2014 models at 1 quart per 1,000-3,000 miles due to a piston ring design that prioritized fuel efficiency over oil retention. Subaru extended the warranty to 8 years and 100,000 miles for 2012-2015 models. Updated piston rings from 2015 onward resolved the issue.

If buying a 2000-2011 Impreza, ask if head gaskets have been replaced. If done with MLS (multi-layer steel) gaskets, the fix is permanent and the engine is good for another 100,000+ miles. If not done, budget $2,000 for the repair.

The FB20 is a better engine for used car buyers. No head gasket worry, no timing belt expense. Avoid 2012-2013 for oil consumption, and the FB20 is a low-maintenance powerplant.

One note on AWD maintenance that applies to both engines: all Imprezas are AWD, and all four tires must match in tread depth. Mismatched tires can damage the center differential — a $1,000+ repair. Budget $100-$200 extra per tire replacement compared to a front-wheel-drive car.

Which Subaru Impreza Years Should You Avoid?

The 2008, 2012, 2013, 2006, and 2007 Subaru Impreza are the five model years to avoid — each has complaint rates 3-5x higher than surrounding model years, with repair costs that can exceed the car’s value.

The pattern is clear: avoid first-year models of any new Impreza generation. The 2008 (Gen3 launch), 2012 (Gen4 launch), and 2017 (Gen5 launch) all had first-year problems that Subaru fixed within 1-2 years. If you buy the second or third model year of any generation, your risk drops dramatically.

Two reliability eras define the Subaru Impreza: head gaskets (EJ25, 2000-2011) and CVT problems (FB20, 2012-2015). Both were fixed — but only if you buy the right years.

How Reliable Is the Subaru Impreza by Year?

The Subaru Impreza reliability varies dramatically by generation — the 2018-2020 Gen5 and 2015-2016 Gen4 models earn 8-9/10 ratings, while the 2008 Gen3 launch and 2012-2013 Gen4 launch years score 3/10 based on NHTSA complaint density and repair cost severity.

RepairPal rates the Subaru Impreza 3.5 out of 5.0 with an average annual repair cost of $653 — essentially at the $652 industry average. That ranks 35th out of 46 compact cars. That’s a brand-level average across all model years. The 2018 and the 2012 are completely different cars in terms of what they’ll cost you.

J.D. Power gives the Impreza decent marks for initial quality, but their ratings don’t weight complaint severity the same way. My rating focuses on one metric: how likely is this specific model year to cost you unexpected money? The 3/10 years will. The 8-9/10 years won’t.

What Is the Best Used Impreza for the Money?

The best used Subaru Impreza for the money depends on your budget — the 2009-2011 wins under $9,000, the 2015-2016 wins at $10,000-$14,000, and the 2018 wins at $14,000-$17,000, with each tier offering the best reliability-to-price ratio in its range.

Total cost of ownership tells the real story. A $7,000 2011 Impreza with $653 per year in repairs costs $8,959 over three years. A $13,000 2015 Impreza with the same repair cost is $14,959. Both are predictable. A $7,000 2012 Impreza with a $4,000 CVT failure costs $11,000+ in year one — wiping out the price advantage.

The AWD value proposition changes by geography. In northern states, the Impreza’s standard AWD justifies its higher price and repair costs over a Corolla or Civic. In southern states where AWD isn’t needed, the Corolla is objectively cheaper to own by $200-$300 per year.

Keep 15% of your budget in reserve for first-year repairs. A $15,000 budget means $12,750 for the car and $2,250 in the repair fund. For EJ25 models (2009-2011), that repair fund is critical — it covers a head gasket replacement if the previous owner skipped it.

Which Impreza Generation Is Most Reliable?

The Gen5 Impreza (2017-present) is the most reliable generation overall with the lowest complaint rates per unit sold, followed by the mature Gen4 (2015-2016), while the Gen4 launch years (2012-2013) sit at the bottom — though every generation has at least one model year to avoid.

The ranking changes dramatically when you include first-year models. Gen5 drops when you count the 2017. Gen4 drops to last when you count 2012-2013. Mid-generation years are always more reliable than launch years — that’s the single most important lesson in used Subaru Impreza buying.

Two engine eras define your decision. Pre-2012 Imprezas have the EJ25 head gasket risk but a proven conventional transmission. Post-2012 Imprezas have the FB20 with no head gasket concern but CVT risk in early years. Pick your era based on which risk you’d rather manage — and which budget tier you’re shopping in.

How Does the Impreza Compare to Other Compact Cars?

The Subaru Impreza ranks below the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Mazda3 in RepairPal reliability scores — but none of those competitors offer standard AWD on every trim, which makes the Impreza the clear choice for buyers in snow and rain markets.

The numbers don’t lie. The Impreza has the highest annual cost and lowest RepairPal score in the compact segment. Its unique value proposition is standard AWD. If AWD is not needed — you live in a mild climate, rarely see snow or heavy rain — the Corolla or Civic are objectively cheaper to own by $200-$300 per year.

If AWD is required, the Impreza is the segment leader. No other compact car offers AWD standard on every trim. The Corolla and Mazda3 added optional AWD in 2019, but those models cost more when equipped with AWD and have less AWD experience than Subaru’s 50+ years of symmetric all-wheel drive engineering.

For buyers who want the Subaru Outback best and worst years coverage, that guide follows the same generation and engine framing. The Outback shares the EJ25 and FB engine platforms — many of the same reliability patterns apply. The full used Subaru buying guide covers all current models.

What Should You Check Before Buying a Used Impreza?

Check these seven items before buying any used Subaru Impreza — each targets a specific problem documented in this guide that varies by engine era and model year.

1. Check NHTSA recall status by VIN. Verify PCV valve recall (19V744000) on 2017-2018 models and fuel pump recall (21V587000) on 2019-2020 models. Both are free dealer repairs. An unrepaired PCV valve separation can destroy the engine.

2. On 2000-2011 models: ask if head gaskets have been replaced. Look for coolant stains on the engine block seams and check the coolant reservoir level. External leaks at the gasket line are visible with a flashlight. If done with MLS gaskets, the fix is permanent. If not done, budget $1,500-$2,500.

3. On 2012-2016 models: check oil level cold after the car sits overnight. If the dipstick reads low after sitting, the FB20 oil consumption problem is still active. Subaru’s extended warranty covers 2012-2015 models for 8 years and 100,000 miles — check if coverage remains.

4. Test the CVT through all speed ranges on a 20-minute drive. Feel for shudder between 15-30 MPH, hesitation during acceleration from stops, and whining noise above 40 MPH. These symptoms indicate CVT wear on 2012+ models. A failing CVT costs $3,000-$6,000 to replace.

5. Verify all four tires match in brand and tread depth. Mismatched tires on AWD Imprezas damage the center differential — a $1,000+ repair. Subaru recommends no more than 2/32-inch tread depth difference between any two tires. If tires don’t match, the previous owner may have neglected AWD-specific maintenance.

6. On 2000-2011 models: confirm timing belt replacement at 105,000-mile intervals. The EJ25 is an interference engine where belt failure destroys the engine. Ask for receipts. If the car has 100,000+ miles with no belt service history, walk away or negotiate a $500-$900 discount for the upcoming service.

7. Request complete service history with oil change intervals. Subaru’s boxer engines run hotter than inline engines due to the horizontal cylinder layout and need consistent oil service. Gaps in oil change records on high-mileage cars suggest deferred maintenance that accelerates wear.

These aren’t random suggestions. Each item maps to a specific Impreza problem pattern by engine era. A 2018 needs items 1, 4, 5, and 7. A 2009 needs items 2, 5, 6, and 7. A 2012 needs items 3, 4, 5, and 7. Match the checklist to the model year you’re inspecting.

A thorough used car buying guide covers the universal checks that apply to every car, not just Imprezas — title history, accident reports, and financing strategies.