The Subaru Impreza is a popular compact car that has been in production since 1992. It’s a reliable vehicle for families and business owners, who rely on it daily for transportation. Today, we’re going to discover the history of this vehicle and outline common problems that you may experience when driving it for an extended period of time. We’ll also look into the cylinder heads on the Subaru Impreza, and why drivers regularly report issues with this part.
Impreza History and Vehicle Profile
Since 1992, the Subaru Impreza has been manufactured by this popular Japanese automobile company. It was first produced as a replacement for their Leone vehicle and is now in its sixth generation. The Subaru Impreza is offered in both four and five-door options, with a sporty look to the vehicle. Over the years, it has been used in rally racing and by police forces worldwide, showing the versatility of this vehicle.
The five-door option has been available since 2008. Previously, the company also offered a coupé between 1995 and 2001. There are many different upgrades on offer for drivers, so you can work to make this the ideal vehicle for your unique needs. The vehicle has been rated the lowest-depreciating sedan after five years in 2019 by iSeeCars, showcasing the value of this car.
What Are The Engine Specs For a Subaru Impreza?
The 2023 Subaru Impreza has a 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine. This gasoline engine has been updated over the years, and some models have a 2.5 L H4 engine or 2.2 L turbo H4 engine.
Common Problems with the Subaru Impreza
While the Subaru Impreza is a very reliable vehicle for most drivers, there are some issues you need to be aware of when considering investing in this vehicle. Oil leaks and issues due to a lack of oil changes are very common, which can result in burning or a thick black smoke. Some drivers note that their brake pedals are unresponsive at times, making them feel very soft to touch. On the models which have a continuously variable transmission, you may find that the car suddenly accelerates, which can be a safety risk. These are the most common problems to keep an eye out for, but the model year you purchase will have a huge impact on whether you are likely to experience them.
Subaru Impreza Model Years to Avoid Buying
When it comes to the model years to consider buying, we recommend avoiding the 2008, 2012, and 2015 vehicles. The 2012 model year consistently is rated as the worst of the options, with six recalls and endless expensive issues for owners to fix. On the other hand, the best years to purchase and drive are 2010, 2011, 2014, and 2016. If you are purchasing a used vehicle, then always make sure you check it thoroughly to avoid some of the common issues we’ve shared above.
Why Cylinder Heads are Important on a Subaru Impreza
Cylinder heads are extremely important on any vehicle you purchase. They help to control the airflow in and out of your Subaru Impreza’s cylinders, ensuring the fuel deployment process is controlled. It’s critical to ensure your vehicle’s engine performs well and to avoid some of the common issues this vehicle experiences.
Cylinders Sometimes Misfire on a Subaru Impreza
Over the years, there have been many reports of issues with the cylinder heads on the Subaru Impreza. This problem is far more common on the worst model years that we shared above, with many drivers reporting that they have experienced a misfire with this part. When this happens, you’ll either need to take it to a garage or try to DIY the replacement of this part. Check out this video for more information about replacing a cylinder head in a Subaru Impreza.
North America Subaru Impreza Sales History
The Subaru Impreza has a very steady history with its sales in the US. In recent years, it saw 34,791 units sold in 2021 and 43,628 in 2020. Prior to the pandemic, figures were much higher, with 2017 seeing sales of over 86,000 units. Some model years naturally attracted more sales than others, but it’s one of the company’s most reliable sellers still to this date.
Subaru Impreza Driver Reviews
While we shared some of the common issues you may experience with the Subaru Impreza earlier, you’ll find that reviews are very favorable for this vehicle. It’s a very reliable drive, offering families and business owners a vehicle that will stay in top condition for around five years usually. Drivers praise the affordability of this vehicle, with its excellent all-wheel drive and horsepower. The vehicle is often deemed to be one of the top small cars to drive that doesn’t come from a premium brand, making it an accessible option for many drivers.
High Mileage Stories – How Long Can A Subaru Impreza Last If Properly Maintained?
Most models of this vehicle typically last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles without any major issues. You’ll need to make sure you are performing regular maintenance and caring for it well to see this many miles, but you shouldn’t run into too many problems before this time. High mileage stories suggest that some models can last up to 500,000 miles when treated with extreme care. When you reach the 200,000 mile marker, you are likely to start seeing more of the common problems we’ve shared above. Owners need to decide if the cost of repairs will outweigh the cost of buying a new vehicle altogether.
The Subaru Impreza has been on the market for over thirty years at this point and is still seeing great sales in the US and around the world. It’s a very reliable vehicle, but make sure you avoid the model years we shared above which have issues more often. If you do experience problems with your cylinder head, then you’ll want to try and replace it as soon as possible to continue enjoying a safe and reliable drive in your Subaru Impreza.
About Clearwater Cylinder Head
If you are the driver or the trusted mechanic of a Subaru Impreza and need to purchase new or refurbished cylinder heads, then please call us at 800-572-1963 so that we can expedite the ordering process for you. The casting number on your Impreza engine or existing cylinder head will help us identify the compatible head(s) for your particular Subaru. We look forward to collaborating with you to extend the life of your Impreza.