2012 Subaru Impreza WRX Premium

Like all Subarus, the Impreza comes with standard all-wheel drive. This used to be a penalty when it came to fuel economy ratings, but the 2012 Impreza has a new 2.0-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that's rated at 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway when equipped with the continuously variable automatic transmission. The WRX and STI models continue to use turbocharged 2.5-liter engines that aren't terribly efficient, but they more than make up for that with their exhilarating performance. Electric power steering is now standard on all Imprezas but the WRX and the STI. Thanks to a redesign, the Impreza is more stylish than the previous model, but we still prefer the aggressive look of an STI over that of the base car any day. The redesigned Impreza has all the typical safety appointments, better fuel economy, and a more luxurious interior, and yet Subaru has still managed to hold the line on pricing. The Impreza remains one of the best bargains on the market, but it doesn't come across as a cheap car when you look at it or drive it. Increases in trunk capacity and rear-seat legroom are sure to please shoppers who found the old Impreza a bit cramped.