Hey everyone, let's dive into the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan! This car has gained popularity over the years, and for good reason. It's a fantastic blend of practicality, safety, and a touch of sporty flair. If you're considering buying one, or you're just curious about what makes this car tick, then you're in the right place. We'll explore everything from its performance and features to its overall reliability, so you can make an informed decision. Buckle up, and let's get started!

Performance and Driving Experience

The 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan offers a pretty smooth and engaging driving experience, especially for its class. The heart of the Impreza is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 152 horsepower. Now, that might not sound like a lot of power, but the Impreza isn't really about raw speed. It's more about delivering a balanced and enjoyable ride. The engine is paired with either a five-speed manual transmission (for those who love to shift their own gears – how cool is that?) or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT is pretty common in modern cars because it helps to improve fuel efficiency. Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is standard on all Impreza models, which is a massive bonus, especially if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions. This system sends power to all four wheels, giving you excellent traction and stability, whether you're driving in the snow, rain, or just on a twisty road. The handling is pretty responsive, too. The car feels planted and composed around corners, thanks to its well-tuned suspension. The steering is light but accurate, making it easy to maneuver in city traffic or on the highway. Another thing to appreciate is the ride quality. The Impreza absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road pretty well, providing a comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers. It's not a sports car, for sure, but it's a solid, reliable, and fun-to-drive daily driver. Overall, the performance of the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan is well-rounded, focusing on practicality, safety, and a comfortable driving experience. The combination of the engine, transmission options, and standard all-wheel drive makes it a great choice for those who want a car that can handle various driving conditions and offer a pleasant ride.

Engine and Transmission

Let's break down the engine and transmission options a bit further. As mentioned earlier, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is the workhorse of the Impreza, and it's known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. The engine delivers enough power for everyday driving, whether you're commuting to work or running errands. The five-speed manual transmission offers a more engaging driving experience. If you enjoy having more control over the gears, then this is the way to go. It allows you to feel more connected to the car and makes driving more fun. On the other hand, the CVT is designed for efficiency and smoothness. It helps the car achieve good fuel economy by constantly adjusting the gear ratios to keep the engine running at its most efficient speed. The CVT also contributes to a seamless driving experience, as there are no traditional gear changes. The choice between the manual and the CVT really depends on your personal preferences. If you're a driving enthusiast, the manual might be the better choice. If you prefer a more relaxed and fuel-efficient driving experience, the CVT is a great option. No matter which transmission you choose, you'll benefit from the Impreza's standard all-wheel-drive system, which enhances traction and stability in various road conditions. This is a significant advantage, especially in areas with frequent rain, snow, or ice. The engine and transmission are designed to work together to provide a balanced and enjoyable driving experience. The Impreza is not the fastest car on the road, but it's reliable, efficient, and capable, making it a great choice for a variety of drivers.

All-Wheel Drive System

Now, let's zoom in on the all-wheel-drive system, because it's a key feature of the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan. Subaru is pretty famous for its all-wheel-drive systems, and for good reason. In the Impreza, this system is standard, which means you get it no matter which trim level you choose. This is a major advantage over many of its competitors, which often offer all-wheel drive as an optional extra, or not at all. The all-wheel-drive system in the Impreza is symmetrical, meaning that the power is distributed evenly between the front and rear wheels. This helps to improve traction and stability, especially in challenging road conditions. When you're driving on a slippery surface, like snow or ice, the system can automatically adjust the power distribution to maximize grip. This helps to prevent wheelspin and keeps the car moving forward, giving you greater control and confidence behind the wheel. The system also enhances stability in dry conditions by improving handling and reducing the likelihood of skidding. This is particularly helpful when cornering or making sudden maneuvers. Basically, the all-wheel-drive system is constantly working to optimize the car's performance and keep you safe. The benefits of all-wheel drive are really noticeable in areas with bad weather. If you live somewhere with heavy snowfall, the Impreza's all-wheel drive will make a huge difference, allowing you to drive with confidence even when the roads are covered in snow. Even if you live in a place with less extreme weather, the all-wheel-drive system still provides benefits, improving handling and stability in rain and on wet roads. The 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan's standard all-wheel-drive system is a major selling point, providing enhanced traction, stability, and peace of mind in various driving conditions. It's a feature that makes the Impreza stand out from the competition and contributes to its reputation for safety and reliability.

Interior and Features

Let's get cozy and take a look inside the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan. The interior is designed to be comfortable and functional, with a focus on practicality. The seats are supportive and offer decent legroom and headroom, both in the front and back. The materials used are generally of good quality, and the overall fit and finish are pretty good for its class. The dashboard layout is clean and user-friendly, with easy-to-reach controls. One of the highlights of the Impreza is its infotainment system. It features a touchscreen display that controls audio, navigation, and other vehicle functions. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which means you can easily integrate your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation on the car's screen. The Impreza also comes with a range of standard and available features, depending on the trim level. These can include things like a rearview camera, automatic climate control, heated front seats, and advanced safety features, like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. The Sport trim, in particular, often comes with additional features, like a larger touchscreen, sport-tuned suspension, and unique styling elements. The interior of the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan is designed to provide a comfortable and user-friendly experience, with a focus on practicality and modern technology. The seats are supportive, the materials are of good quality, and the infotainment system is easy to use. The available features vary depending on the trim level, but the Impreza generally offers a well-equipped interior that meets the needs of most drivers.

Comfort and Space

Let's talk about comfort and space, shall we? The 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan provides a comfortable and spacious cabin for both the driver and passengers. The front seats are well-contoured and supportive, offering a good level of comfort for long drives. There's plenty of legroom and headroom for taller occupants, making it easy to find a comfortable driving position. In the back, the Impreza offers decent space for passengers. While it's not the roomiest car in its class, it can comfortably accommodate two adults or three children. The rear seats are supportive, and there's enough legroom and headroom for most people. The Impreza's design prioritizes passenger comfort. The interior is well-insulated, which helps to reduce road noise and create a quieter cabin environment. This makes it easier to have conversations and enjoy the audio system. The Impreza has good visibility, thanks to its large windows and well-placed mirrors. This makes it easier to see other vehicles and obstacles on the road. The Impreza also offers a good amount of cargo space. The trunk is reasonably sized and can easily accommodate everyday items like groceries, luggage, and sports equipment. The rear seats can be folded down to provide even more cargo space, making it easy to transport larger items. The combination of comfortable seating, sufficient space, and practical features makes the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan a great choice for those who value comfort and practicality. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or going on a road trip, the Impreza provides a pleasant and accommodating environment for both the driver and passengers.

Infotainment and Technology

Now, let's explore the infotainment and technology features in the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan. The Impreza is pretty well-equipped in this area, offering a range of features to keep you connected and entertained. The centerpiece of the infotainment system is a touchscreen display, which varies in size depending on the trim level. The touchscreen controls the audio system, navigation (if equipped), and other vehicle functions. The system is generally easy to use, with a user-friendly interface and responsive touch controls. The Impreza is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is a major bonus. This lets you seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's infotainment system. You can access your favorite apps, listen to music, make phone calls, and use navigation directly on the car's screen. The infotainment system also includes Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect your phone for hands-free calling and audio streaming. This is a convenient and safe way to stay connected while driving. The Impreza may also come with a variety of other technology features, depending on the trim level. These can include a premium audio system, a navigation system, and advanced safety features. Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology is available on some trims, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking. The 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan offers a well-rounded infotainment and technology package, with a focus on user-friendliness, smartphone integration, and available advanced safety features. The combination of a responsive touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and other available features makes the Impreza a modern and tech-savvy car.

Safety Features

Alright, let's talk safety – a super important aspect when choosing a car. The 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan comes standard with a range of safety features to help protect you and your passengers. Subaru is known for its commitment to safety, and the Impreza is a testament to that. The car has a strong and rigid body structure designed to absorb impact energy in a crash. It's equipped with multiple airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, to provide comprehensive protection in the event of a collision. In addition to these passive safety features, the Impreza also offers a number of active safety features to help prevent accidents in the first place. The standard all-wheel-drive system enhances traction and stability, especially in challenging road conditions. This helps to prevent skidding and loss of control. The Impreza may also be equipped with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology, which includes a suite of advanced safety features. These features include adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front; lane departure warning, which alerts you if you drift out of your lane; and pre-collision braking, which can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent collision. The Impreza has consistently performed well in crash tests conducted by safety organizations. It's earned high ratings for its crashworthiness and safety features. The 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan is designed with safety as a top priority, offering a combination of passive and active safety features to protect you and your passengers. The strong body structure, multiple airbags, standard all-wheel drive, and available EyeSight driver-assist technology make the Impreza a safe and reliable choice.

Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Let's dive deeper into the advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) available in the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan. ADAS features are designed to enhance safety and make driving easier and more convenient. Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology is a key part of the Impreza's ADAS suite. EyeSight uses a pair of cameras mounted near the rearview mirror to monitor the road and detect potential hazards. One of the core features of EyeSight is adaptive cruise control. This system automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. It can bring the car to a complete stop in heavy traffic, making it a valuable feature for highway driving. Lane departure warning is another important ADAS feature. It alerts you if you drift out of your lane without signaling. This helps to prevent accidents caused by driver inattention or fatigue. The pre-collision braking system is designed to detect potential frontal collisions. If the system senses an imminent collision, it can automatically apply the brakes to help mitigate or avoid the impact. EyeSight also includes features like lane keep assist, which helps to keep the car centered in its lane, and lead vehicle start alert, which notifies you when the vehicle in front has started moving. The ADAS features in the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan are designed to provide an extra layer of protection and assistance while driving. The combination of adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, pre-collision braking, and other features makes the Impreza a safe and technologically advanced car. These systems can help to reduce the risk of accidents and make driving a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. The availability of ADAS features in the Impreza demonstrates Subaru's commitment to safety and its focus on using technology to protect its drivers and passengers.

Crash Test Ratings

Let's check out the crash test ratings for the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan, because knowing how a car performs in crash tests is super important when assessing its safety. The Impreza has consistently received high marks in crash tests conducted by both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The IIHS awarded the 2018 Impreza its prestigious Top Safety Pick+ rating. This means that the Impreza performed exceptionally well in all IIHS crashworthiness tests, including the moderate overlap front, small overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint tests. To earn this rating, the Impreza also had to have good or acceptable ratings for its headlights. The NHTSA gave the 2018 Impreza an overall safety rating of five stars, which is the highest possible rating. The Impreza received five stars in the frontal crash and side crash tests, and four stars in the rollover test. These ratings indicate that the Impreza provides a high level of protection in various types of collisions. The consistent high ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA demonstrate the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan's commitment to safety. The car is designed with a strong body structure, multiple airbags, and available advanced safety features to protect occupants in the event of a crash. The impressive crash test ratings are a testament to Subaru's dedication to building safe and reliable vehicles. When considering the Impreza, you can be confident that it has been thoroughly tested and proven to provide excellent protection in the event of a collision.

Reliability and Maintenance

Alright, let's talk about reliability and maintenance. These are super important factors to consider when you're looking for a car. The 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan generally has a good reputation for reliability. Subaru vehicles are known for their durability and longevity, and the Impreza is no exception. Owners often report that the Impreza is a reliable car that requires minimal maintenance, as long as it's properly cared for. Subaru provides a basic warranty that covers the car for a certain period of time or mileage. The warranty typically covers things like powertrain components, such as the engine and transmission. It's always a good idea to carefully review the warranty terms and conditions to understand what's covered. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your Impreza running smoothly and reliably. This includes things like oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and other routine services. Following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule is essential to prevent potential problems and extend the life of your car. The cost of maintenance for the Impreza is generally considered to be reasonable. The car is not particularly expensive to maintain compared to other vehicles in its class. Finding a qualified mechanic who is familiar with Subaru vehicles is essential. You can take your car to a Subaru dealership or to an independent repair shop that specializes in Subaru vehicles. Staying on top of maintenance, following the recommended service schedule, and addressing any issues promptly will help ensure that your 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan remains reliable for many years to come. The Impreza's reputation for reliability and the reasonable cost of maintenance make it a smart choice for those seeking a dependable car.

Common Problems and Solutions

Let's get real and talk about some common problems and their solutions for the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan. While the Impreza is generally known for its reliability, like any car, it can experience some issues. Here are a few common problems and some potential solutions: One of the common issues is oil consumption. Some owners have reported that the engine consumes a bit of oil, especially in older models or under certain driving conditions. The solution is to regularly check the oil level and top it off as needed. Make sure you use the correct type of oil as specified by Subaru. Another potential issue is related to the CVT transmission. Although generally reliable, some owners have reported issues like shuddering or jerking. If you experience these symptoms, it's best to have the transmission inspected by a qualified mechanic. Regular transmission fluid changes can help to prevent problems. Some owners have also reported issues with the infotainment system. This can include things like a slow response time, freezing, or other glitches. The solution may involve updating the system's software. Sometimes, a simple reset of the system can resolve the issue. In rare cases, the head unit may need to be replaced. These common problems are usually not widespread, but it's good to be aware of them. Addressing these issues promptly and following the recommended maintenance schedule will help to minimize the chances of experiencing them. If you notice any unusual symptoms or problems, it's always best to have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic. They can diagnose the issue and recommend the appropriate repairs. Overall, the common problems associated with the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan are generally manageable and can be addressed with proper maintenance and timely repairs. Being aware of these potential issues and taking proactive measures will help to ensure that your car remains reliable and enjoyable to drive.

Maintenance Schedule

Okay, let's talk about the maintenance schedule for the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan. Following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule is super important to keep your car running smoothly and to prevent potential problems down the road. Subaru provides a detailed maintenance schedule in the owner's manual. It's designed to ensure that all of the car's components are properly maintained and that any potential issues are identified and addressed early on. The maintenance schedule typically includes regular service intervals, such as every 7,500 miles or every year, whichever comes first. At these intervals, you'll need to perform certain maintenance tasks. Some of the key maintenance items include oil and filter changes, tire rotations, and inspections of various components. Oil changes are essential to keep the engine lubricated and running efficiently. Tire rotations help to ensure even tire wear and extend the life of your tires. The inspections cover things like brakes, fluids, belts, and hoses. Other maintenance tasks may be required at longer intervals, such as 30,000 miles, 60,000 miles, and so on. These tasks might include things like replacing the air filter, cabin air filter, spark plugs, and other components. The exact maintenance schedule will depend on factors like your driving habits and the conditions in which you drive. If you drive in harsh conditions, such as stop-and-go traffic, extreme temperatures, or dusty environments, you may need to perform certain maintenance tasks more frequently. Following the recommended maintenance schedule will help to keep your 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan running in top condition, maximizing its reliability and extending its lifespan. It's a small investment that can pay off big in the long run. If you're not sure about how to perform any of the maintenance tasks, it's always best to take your car to a qualified mechanic or a Subaru dealership. They will have the expertise and the tools to perform the services correctly.

Trim Levels and Pricing

Alright, let's talk about the different trim levels and pricing for the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan. The Impreza typically comes in a few different trim levels, each offering a range of features and options. The base trim is usually the most affordable option. It comes with a decent set of standard features, including the all-wheel-drive system, a touchscreen display, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels often add more features, such as upgraded audio systems, advanced safety features, and unique styling elements. The Sport trim usually offers a sport-tuned suspension, larger wheels, and other performance-oriented upgrades. It also comes with additional features like a larger touchscreen and unique styling elements. The Limited trim is usually the top-of-the-line option, offering premium features like leather upholstery, a premium audio system, and advanced driver-assistance systems. The pricing for the Impreza varies depending on the trim level and any optional packages that are included. The base trim is typically the most affordable option, while the Limited trim is the most expensive. The prices will also vary depending on the condition of the car, the mileage, and the location. When shopping for a used Impreza, it's a good idea to compare prices from different dealers and private sellers to get a good deal. Consider the features that are most important to you when deciding which trim level to choose. If you're looking for a basic, reliable car, the base trim may be sufficient. If you want more features and a sportier driving experience, the Sport trim might be a good choice. If you're looking for the ultimate luxury and convenience, the Limited trim is the way to go. The 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan offers a range of trim levels to suit different budgets and needs. Choosing the right trim level depends on your personal preferences and the features that are most important to you. Consider all of your needs before buying one!

Conclusion

Alright, folks, that wraps up our deep dive into the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan! Hopefully, this comprehensive overview has given you a solid understanding of what this car has to offer. We've covered everything from its performance and driving experience to its interior, safety features, reliability, and trim levels. The Impreza is a well-rounded car that delivers a comfortable ride, standard all-wheel drive, and a range of useful features. It's a great choice for those who value safety, practicality, and a bit of sporty flair. Whether you're a first-time car buyer or looking to upgrade to something more modern, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan is definitely worth considering. It's a reliable, fuel-efficient, and capable car that can handle various driving conditions. Thanks for joining me on this review. If you have any more questions or want to know something specific about the car, feel free to ask. Happy car hunting, everyone! And remember to always test drive before you buy to see if it's the right fit for you. Take care, and safe travels! The Impreza is a solid contender in the compact car market and is a great all-around choice. Its standard all-wheel drive, safety features, and reliability make it a popular option for a wide range of drivers. Happy driving!