When people start looking for a reliable product compact carThey usually end up looking at the same names over and over again. He Honda CivicToyota Corolla and Mazda3 tend to dominate the conversation, while Subaru is quietly ignored in the background.
That’s a mistake, especially considering how expensive some new Civics have become lately. Subaru still makes cars with Great reputation for reliability and durability.but without the same surcharge.
One model in particular offers much of what buyers already like about the Civic, while adding standard all-wheel drive and a lower used price into the mix.
Why buyers are still flocking to the Honda Civic
Reliability, efficiency and great value keep it at the top of the compact car market.
He Honda Civic It’s been around since 1972, which is pretty crazy if you think about it. Back then it only made 36 horsepower, but somehow it grew to become one of Honda’s biggest success stories with nearly 30 million sales worldwide.
Today, the Civic still sits near the top of the compact car segment thanks to its combination of reliability, efficiency, and everyday usability. Here’s a quick look at what the current sedan brings to the table:
|
Starting MSRP |
$24,695 |
|---|---|
|
Engine |
2.0-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine or 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine |
|
Force |
150 to 200 horses |
|
fuel economy |
Up to 31 mpg city/40 mpg highway |
|
body style |
Sedan or hatchback |
|
Transmission |
CVT or 6-speed manual |
Why the Civic has such a strong reputation
The Civic’s reputation isn’t just advertising or brand loyalty: the numbers back it up, too. RepairPal gives it a reliability score of 4.5 out of 5, placing it near the top of the compact car segment, while average annual repair costs sit at a fairly reasonable $368.
The newer models continue that trend as well. According JD powerThe 2025 Civic scored 85 out of 100 overall, which helps explain why so many buyers still default to it.
Why do people still buy it new?
The numbers explain loyalty, but it’s the day-to-day ownership that really seals it. Kelley Blue Book It even ranks the Civic as the best compact sedan you can buy right now, which says a lot about how well-rounded it is.
It’s also very efficient, especially with the hybrid version, which offers some of the best fuel economy figures you’ll find in a modern car. On top of that, every version comes with Honda Sensing as standard, so you get things like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist without paying extra.
The real cost of buying something new right now
Prices and interest rates make even practical cars seem expensive
As most buyers already know, the average price of a new car in the US is sitting around the $50,000 markand there are not many signs of it going down anytime soon. That pressure isn’t just limited to luxury models, either: It’s infiltrating virtually every segment.
The monthly impact is equally notable, with average payments around $756 and in some cases far exceeding $1,000, depending on the agreement and financing.
How new car prices are displacing regular buyers
Everyone tends to focus on the monthly paymentbut the real problem is usually the interest rate. Finding anything close to a 2 percent APR is rare these days, with averages for 2025 ranging from 9 to 14 percent, depending on the credit.
There are still occasional zero percent deals floating around, but they are far from the norm. As Cox Automotive As analyst Erin Keating says, the market is increasingly driven by wealthier buyers who can actually access better financing and keep the top end of the industry moving.
What you really get for the price of a Civic
While the price of the rest of the Honda lineup has gone up a bit, the Civic still lands in a pretty reasonable place and offers buyers solid value for money. Even the base LX isn’t naked either.
You still get LED headlights, automatic climate control, a rearview camera, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay incorporated.
The Used Subaru Most Buyers Still Overlook
Cheap, capable and priced quietly better than you’d expect
While the Civic and Corolla tend to get the most attention in the compact car segment thanks to their reputation for value, features and reliability, the impreza It stays silently in the background. It’s the one that greets buyers who are too busy looking elsewhere.
The 2023 Subaru Impreza still offers exactly what this segment is all about, just without taking the spotlight. What makes it stand out even more now is how its prices align with those of cars that look a generation or two older.
Standard AWD and Strong Safety Credentials
Most cars in this segment would consider all-wheel drive a premium extra and some, like the Civic, don’t even offer it. The Impreza simply offers it as standard, which is quite rare at this price.
It also ends up discounting cars you wouldn’t normally compare it to, even something like a Mazda Miata in some cases. You may not need AWD all the time, but having it built in definitely gives you peace of mind.
- Basic tuning motor
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2.0L Flat 4 Gas
- Base Fit Transmission
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5 speed manual
- Base trim powertrain
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All-wheel drive
- Base Adjustment Horsepower
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152 HP
- Base tightening torque
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145 lb-ft at 4000 rpm
- fuel economy
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24/31 miles per gallon
- Do
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subaru
- Model
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Impreza Hatchback
- Segment
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Compact hatchback
Where the Impreza Quietly Compares to the Civic
The Impreza doesn’t bring exactly the same flash or eye-catching design as the Civic, or even anything like the Kia K4which leans more towards that style-first vibe. But in terms of covering the basics, it still works just as well.
You can choose between a sedan or hatchback, a spacious cabin and a comfortable ride that’s easy to live with every day, depending on Consumer Reports. Subaru’s EyeSight safety technology also comes standard, adding another layer of peace of mind.
The Civic still wins in power and interior polish, but the Impreza is aimed more at people who just want something solid, safe and easy to get around without paying more for extras.
Should you really upgrade to the Impreza?
A simpler, cheaper AWD alternative to the Civic that still covers the essentials
The Impreza may seem like it’s trying too hard with the name, but it’s really not a car for everyone, and that’s the point. While most people are focused on the Civic, the Impreza quietly offers a very similar everyday experience without attracting much attention.
The highlight remains its standard all-wheel drive, making it one of the cheapest ways to get AWD in the US right now. It’s worth noting that Subaru has cut some of its entry-level prices recently, but it still beats out many of the obvious rivals for what you’re getting.
Who should buy it and who would be better off with a Civic?
After all, both cars suit different types of buyers. The Civic leans more polished, with sharper styling and a more refined interior that makes daily driving feel a little more premium.
It also makes more sense in milder climates, while the Impreza’s standard AWD gives it an advantage if you’re dealing with harsher weather or want a little more confidence off the beaten track. It’s also a little smaller, which can make driving and parking in the city easier.
The trade-off is a bit of cargo space (you lose a few cubic feet compared to the Civic hatch), but for some buyers, it’s a fair trade-off for the added practicality and AWD grip.
You can get one for as little as $17,500
So how much does a 2023 Impreza really cost? According Kelley Blue BookBased on the fair purchase price, you’re looking at approximately $17,500 to $21,800 depending on mileage, condition, and specifications.
For comparison, a 2023 Honda Civic typically starts around $21,500, meaning the Subaru is typically noticeably cheaper on the used market. In other words, the impreza quietly undermines one of the most popular options in the segment.
