The 2017 Subaru Impreza is a compact car offered as a 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback, designed for drivers who want all-weather confidence without moving up to a larger SUV. This model year launched the fifth-generation Impreza, a major redesign on Subaru’s Global Platform, bringing improved ride quality, cabin refinement, and updated safety tech. It’s positioned as one of the few small cars with standard all-wheel drive, making it a strong pick for commuters in snow-belt states and anyone prioritizing year-round traction. It also competes well on practicality, especially in hatchback form, with a reputation for solid long-term ownership when maintained.

1) STANDARD SYMMETRICAL ALL-WHEEL DRIVE: Unlike most compact sedans and hatchbacks, every 2017 Impreza includes AWD for better traction in rain and snow. 2) 2.0L BOXER ENGINE: Most models use a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder (around 152 horsepower) paired with a 5-speed manual (limited trims) or a CVT automatic, balancing efficiency with predictable handling. 3) SUBARU GLOBAL PLATFORM REDESIGN: The 2017 redesign improved structural rigidity, reduced noise/vibration/harshness, and generally gave the car a more planted feel at highway speeds. 4) EYESIGHT DRIVER ASSIST (AVAILABLE): Many trims can be equipped with Subaru EyeSight, adding features like adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking, which is a common reason shoppers cross-shop the Impreza against Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. 5) PRACTICALITY AND MPG: The hatchback is particularly versatile for cargo, and CVT models are known for strong fuel economy for an AWD compact car.

Shoppers researching 2017 Subaru Impreza reliability and 2017 Subaru Impreza common issues generally find a dependable platform, but a few repeat complaints are worth knowing about: 1) WINDSHIELD CRACKING: Some owners report cracked windshields from small impacts or seemingly minor chips that spread quickly. This can appear at relatively low mileage and is often discussed as a cost/insurance annoyance more than a drivability problem. 2) CVT BEHAVIOR AND VALVE BODY/CONTROL ISSUES: The CVT is usually durable with proper care, but some drivers report shuddering, hesitation, or unusual RPM surging, sometimes in the 40,000–100,000 mile range. In a smaller number of cases, electronic/valve body-related issues can trigger warning lights or drivability complaints that require diagnostic work. 3) INFOTAINMENT/BLUETOOTH GLITCHES: The Starlink head unit may experience freezing, random reboots, Bluetooth pairing drops, or laggy response. These issues often show up early in ownership and may be improved by software updates, though some owners still report recurring annoyance. 4) WHEEL BEARINGS/ROAD NOISE COMPLAINTS: A portion of owners report humming or growling noises that can point to wheel bearing wear, sometimes appearing around 60,000–100,000 miles depending on road conditions and tire choices. Not every vehicle is affected, but it’s a common item to listen for on a test drive.