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I was looking for a reliable, fuel saving compact hatchback. Before I decided on the '17 Sport Tech, I looked at '17 Civic hatchback sport, as well as '17 Mazda3 hatchback sport. I love the way the Impreza drives as a daily, but I hate the fuel consumption bc it is averaging +10L/100km, and barely does it reach even 8L/100km on the hwy. The car has had a list of repairs done to it already, like broken door locks, faulty windows, even the infotainment unit has been replaced, and I haven't even hit 30,000km yet.

Between the choices the OP posted, I would go back in time, and get the Civic hatchback. I don't need the AWD, and it's more spacious, has a larger trunk, and averages something like 6-7 L/100km, even with the 1.5L turbo. The Mazda3 hatchback was too cramped inside, both front & rear seating, and on the testdrive, I didn't enjoy the transmission, although it is the best looking vehicle of the three.

Full disclosure: I've had numerous Honda vehicles in the past, such as Acura EL, Accord, Odyssey, etc., and I've enjoyed all of them for numerous years without much hassle. The El was brand new in 2001, and was still running well when I traded in for the Impreza in 2017.
 
Discussion starter · #43 · (Edited)
Sorry to hear about all the repairs for your Impreza. So far I have been happy with the reliability of the car. I think Subaru has made the Impreza an all around good car but not particularly strong in any one area such as style or power. I would recommend testing the Elantra GT N Line to future buyers of compact hatchbacks, in addition to the Civic and Mazda 3. The GT N Line has a more powerful engine - 200 hp and 195 lb-ft and more cargo room with all seats in place. It has better basic and drivetrain warranty. The combined mpg is a bit lower but acceptable since it has more powerful engine.

I was looking for a reliable, fuel saving compact hatchback. Before I decided on the '17 Sport Tech, I looked at '17 Civic hatchback sport, as well as '17 Mazda3 hatchback sport. I love the way the Impreza drives as a daily, but I hate the fuel consumption bc it is averaging +10L/100km, and barely does it reach even 8L/100km on the hwy. The car has had a list of repairs done to it already, like broken door locks, faulty windows, even the infotainment unit has been replaced, and I haven't even hit 30,000km yet.

Between the choices the OP posted, I would go back in time, and get the Civic hatchback. I don't need the AWD, and it's more spacious, has a larger trunk, and averages something like 6-7 L/100km, even with the 1.5L turbo. The Mazda3 hatchback was too cramped inside, both front & rear seating, and on the testdrive, I didn't enjoy the transmission, although it is the best looking vehicle of the three.

Full disclosure: I've had numerous Honda vehicles in the past, such as Acura EL, Accord, Odyssey, etc., and I've enjoyed all of them for numerous years without much hassle. The El was brand new in 2001, and was still running well when I traded in for the Impreza in 2017.
 
Just bought an Impreza 4 door. Can't really comment on long-term ownership of this car or any of the competition. I did however, test drive quite a few different cars before buying:

Civic - always been a civic owner. Pros - Love the brand. Love the way the new car drives. Better steering/handling. Lot's of room in back. Love getting all features in EX without having to figure out option packages. Cons - very, very low seating and driving position. Styling is OK....but take it or leave it. I have a short drive in cold weather so turbo can therefore be an issue. Lanewatch is not as good as BSM.

Insight - interesting car. Somewhere between accord and civic with great mileage. Liked the car a lot. Honda doesn't know how to lease the car yet so deals are better on civic....or if you purchase. Engine is a bit unpredictable in terms of when it comes on but it had power and handled really well. Steering, like all Hondas was really good and better than Impreza. This car had a huge center console that pressed into the driver's knee. But comfortable otherwise (if low.....like the civic).

Kia Forte - also a nice car. Lot's of features for the money. OK engine and handling. Awkward driving position and my head was almost up against the roof. Back seat average.

Corolla Hybrid - would be my choice actually....but they don't offer BSM in this version (though they include all other features). Back seat is a bit cramped compared to previous corolla model. Drove really well but with low resistance tires, perhaps would not work so well in winter around here. If they had BSM - this would have been my choice probably. Toyotas just go and go without problems. Hybrid power trains even longer.

Elantra - also a good car. Very affordable and the Hyundai dealers are very, very aggressive on pricing. Cramped rear seat (I have a young child so that's why I keep mentioning). Handling and engine - OK. Interior....fine.

So time will tell with the Impreza....given the extra rear space....conservative yet appealing styling.......the safety features....and the easiest car seat installation I have ever experienced (and we rent 5 times a year)....the tradeoffs were worth it. Also, Eyesight and the additional BSD package are the best of any of the cars I drove.....about the only thing I don't like is the steering feel/centering.
 
Discussion starter · #46 ·
It looks like you did a good evaluation of the various cars in this segment and you had a good understanding of what car would suit you best. Sometimes people forget that the best car in a comparison may not be best suited for them. Did you consider/test drive a Golf/GTI?

As a dog owner, I am glad that I got a hatchback even though I am very tempted to get the new accord. The hatch is very versatile and makes the car so much more practical and suitable for daily living. I have an Outback, Impreza and Insight, all very utilitarian and I usually don't have to worry about my stuff fitting in the car.

Just bought an Impreza 4 door. Can't really comment on long-term ownership of this car or any of the competition. I did however, test drive quite a few different cars before buying:

Civic - always been a civic owner. Pros - Love the brand. Love the way the new car drives. Better steering/handling. Lot's of room in back. Love getting all features in EX without having to figure out option packages. Cons - very, very low seating and driving position. Styling is OK....but take it or leave it. I have a short drive in cold weather so turbo can therefore be an issue. Lanewatch is not as good as BSM.

Insight - interesting car. Somewhere between accord and civic with great mileage. Liked the car a lot. Honda doesn't know how to lease the car yet so deals are better on civic....or if you purchase. Engine is a bit unpredictable in terms of when it comes on but it had power and handled really well. Steering, like all Hondas was really good and better than Impreza. This car had a huge center console that pressed into the driver's knee. But comfortable otherwise (if low.....like the civic).

Kia Forte - also a nice car. Lot's of features for the money. OK engine and handling. Awkward driving position and my head was almost up against the roof. Back seat average.

Corolla Hybrid - would be my choice actually....but they don't offer BSM in this version (though they include all other features). Back seat is a bit cramped compared to previous corolla model. Drove really well but with low resistance tires, perhaps would not work so well in winter around here. If they had BSM - this would have been my choice probably. Toyotas just go and go without problems. Hybrid power trains even longer.

Elantra - also a good car. Very affordable and the Hyundai dealers are very, very aggressive on pricing. Cramped rear seat (I have a young child so that's why I keep mentioning). Handling and engine - OK. Interior....fine.

So time will tell with the Impreza....given the extra rear space....conservative yet appealing styling.......the safety features....and the easiest car seat installation I have ever experienced (and we rent 5 times a year)....the tradeoffs were worth it. Also, Eyesight and the additional BSD package are the best of any of the cars I drove.....about the only thing I don't like is the steering feel/centering.
 
Just bought an Impreza 4 door. Can't really comment on long-term ownership of this car or any of the competition. I did however, test drive quite a few different cars before buying:

Civic - always been a civic owner. Pros - Love the brand. Love the way the new car drives. Better steering/handling. Lot's of room in back. Love getting all features in EX without having to figure out option packages. Cons - very, very low seating and driving position. Styling is OK....but take it or leave it. I have a short drive in cold weather so turbo can therefore be an issue. Lanewatch is not as good as BSM.

Insight - interesting car. Somewhere between accord and civic with great mileage. Liked the car a lot. Honda doesn't know how to lease the car yet so deals are better on civic....or if you purchase. Engine is a bit unpredictable in terms of when it comes on but it had power and handled really well. Steering, like all Hondas was really good and better than Impreza. This car had a huge center console that pressed into the driver's knee. But comfortable otherwise (if low.....like the civic).

Kia Forte - also a nice car. Lot's of features for the money. OK engine and handling. Awkward driving position and my head was almost up against the roof. Back seat average.

Corolla Hybrid - would be my choice actually....but they don't offer BSM in this version (though they include all other features). Back seat is a bit cramped compared to previous corolla model. Drove really well but with low resistance tires, perhaps would not work so well in winter around here. If they had BSM - this would have been my choice probably. Toyotas just go and go without problems. Hybrid power trains even longer.

Elantra - also a good car. Very affordable and the Hyundai dealers are very, very aggressive on pricing. Cramped rear seat (I have a young child so that's why I keep mentioning). Handling and engine - OK. Interior....fine.

So time will tell with the Impreza....given the extra rear space....conservative yet appealing styling.......the safety features....and the easiest car seat installation I have ever experienced (and we rent 5 times a year)....the tradeoffs were worth it. Also, Eyesight and the additional BSD package are the best of any of the cars I drove.....about the only thing I don't like is the steering feel/centering.
I drove the Civic touring and thought it was nice but the low seating, awkward styling, lack of AWD made the Impreza the easiest choice for me. Also the Impreza visibility is better(I'm older) and safety is top notch. The SGP chassis is very strong. The one issue and it was small the Civic had over the Impreza was the engine. Even though I thought the Impreza 2.0 was very refined and adequate I would welcome the 174 hp in the Civic
 
I agree.....

Visibility in the Impreza is best in class. And you not only have to worry about getting in and getting out of a low car, but I wonder how it would fare in collisions with the much taller SUVs. I don't know why they designed it at go-cart level. Otherwise, very nice car with a great engine.
 
I’m at the Isle of Man watching the Motorcycle Time Trials and there are so many cool 2 door hatchbacks here my list would be very long if I could include Europe only cars. For US cars there’s nothing for sale I would trade my 5 door for, I wanted it for over a year and was willing to spend a little more if necessary.
 
The original post is really funny to me since my car prior to my 2017 Impreza Sport hatch was a 2010 Mazda 3 hatch that I absolutely LOVED driving. I test drove the newer (at the time) 2018 Mazda and while I still liked it, I wasn't sold on the infotainment (no Carplay) and its looks. I was seeking something more. I also test drove a blue/gray 2017 Civic Hatchback and was really close to buying it, but I didn't get the deal I wanted because the salesperson was shady and tried taking advantage of me. I love all three of the cars. I felt that the 3 and the Civic were more fun to drive, but the Impreza had all of the features that I wanted (all wheel drive, good infotainment with carplay, nice interior, plenty of space) plus I got a killer deal. I think that if I held off on buying a car for another month I would have ended up with a Crosstrek though. I like the ride height more. But that's why I'm gonna lift my Impreza.
 
Discussion starter · #54 ·
I test drove an Elantra GT N line with dual clutch transmission. It has about 200 hp and 200 lbf of torque. It was a good driving car but I wasn’t impressed with the turbo engine. It sounded loud, maybe like most all turbos in this class.

I like the simplicity of the Impreza dash and prefer it over the busyness in the Elantra. It felt like Hyundai is trying too hard to impress. The exterior design is classy and much better than the Civic Si.
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I just purchased my ‘19 Impreza limited and was going back and forth between a few cars. I was looking at Mazda 3 hatch, cross trek, vw sportwagen and
Alltrack.

The Mazda 3 was really overall a great car. But it did feel small and the rear window is a joke. High end interior, stronger engine were a plus.

The vw sportwagen and alltrack were really awesome. I wish they didn’t have roof leaks and reliability issues. That was the one reason why I didn’t get it. I would have gotten the all track and had a blast working on the car with all the aftermarket parts available. Was so sad to find this out.

Overall if I could go back again I would buy my Impreza. It came down to size/practicality/awd. Mazda’s infotainment is sexy but I honestly can navigate the Imprezas so much easier. With the visibility, the Impreza is just flat out an easy car to drive. I’m used to a full time awd system and am still on the fence about Mazda’s predicative iactiv technology. They could prove me wrong though!
 
For me I would go for the WRX, not the STI. It's basically like the Impreza but with horsepower. Sports car that's not overwhelming.

Before I brought my Impreza I car shopping. Cross shopping with the Impreza, Corolla, and Mazda 3. I was also looking at the 9th gen Civic. I removed the Civic out of the list because it didn't fit my needs. The interior didn't get my attention due to design and the layout. The ergonomics from Honda was just a no for me. Not to mention everyone in my local state has one. Same goes for the Corolla though during the time I fell in love with the Corolla's LED headlights that they introduced. When I test drove the Mazda 3. I fell in love with handling and how it drove. It was engaging. However the visibility was a weak point and the back seat room was just terrible. Same legroom as my 1999 Ford Escort. It felt cramp. Plus I believe the Mazda 3 got an average crash rating. Corolla did better. I'm not sure on the Civic though.

I chose the Impreza because of these reasons, barely anyone at my local state has an Impreza in their garage, excellent visibility and safety record, power is decent or fine, the interior layout is simple and stress free, great ride quality, I can continue on why I chose my car. The Impreza fits my needs. It's not perfect but no other car satisfies me more than the Impreza.
 
I was gonna trade in my impreza for an frs. Only to find out it’s practically the same in terms of handling. Later found out the suspension is pretty much the same, even share some parts. And it’s still slow, so kept my car. I was also going to trade for an s2000 as well, only to find some rust, bad paint, mold from the convertible top having holes and everything in the interior needing tons of work and new parts. Looked new in the pictures, but in person you see everything wrong. So recommend always looking at a potential car purchase in person as some people will buy online or at online auctions. I still want to get the car in the future, but as a project car. The Impreza has been a good daily and it’s to stay. I’ll drive it till the end of times. If it’ll need a new engine, transmission and so on... after so many miles, I’ll put it in to keep it running. I take real good care of it with maintenance, and I know it’ll last me a long time if I continue to do so. Plus, I like that it’s kind of unique to own as it’s not crazy popular. People always get confused on what it is. But comparing that s2k and looking back at my impreza it didn’t look like a good idea.
 
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