Two cars with similar attributes to the Subaru Impreza are the Suzuki SX4 and Volkswagen Golf/Jetta.
The SX4 is available in a range of body styles, including both a hatch and sedan, and is the lowest-priced vehicle with all-wheel drive.
The new 2012 Ford Focus is a rival to the Impreza; although it doesn't offer all-wheel drive, the Focus comes as a hatchback or sedan and also handles better than many vehicles in this class.
The Toyota Matrix is a good alternative, with available all-wheel drive, a relatively spacious interior, and a good ride.
However, safety in the Matrix is no match for the Impreza, with side airbags, for example, coming as an option.
Both the Mazda3 and Mitsubishi Lancer are strong contenders, both featuring edgier handling and a sharper feel, though engine and road noise on these cars can be a bit intrusive.
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 2011 Subaru ImprezaBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Ford FocusBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Mazda MAZDA3Browse Used Listings |  2011 Mitsubishi LancerBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Toyota MatrixBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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Standard all-wheel drive and strong performance and safety credentials give the 2011 Subaru Impreza and Outback Sport some meaningful advantages over most other small cars, though poor fuel economy stands as a blemish. |
With the 2012 Focus, Ford shows that small cars don't have to feel so banal, with charismatic compacts that are more satisfying to drive, more luxurious, and better-equipped. |
The 2011 Mazda3 provides more driving enjoyment than most other small-car models, along with a stylish, racy look; but with a tight, noisy cabin, it’s not without compromise. |
From true economy car to sophisticated junior sport sedan or sporty hatchback, the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer has it covered—albeit with a few flaws. |
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| MSRP From | ||||
| $17,495 | $16,500 | $15,800 | $15,295 | $18,845 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 20 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Gas Flat 4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Sub-Compact | Compact | Compact | Compact | Small Station Wagon |
| Style Name | ||||
| 4-Door Manual 2.5i | 4-Door Sedan S | 4-Door Sedan Manual i SV | 4-Door Sedan Manual DE FWD | 5-Door Wagon Manual FWD (Natl) |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 5 Door Wagon |
| Transmission | ||||
| Manual | Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual | Manual |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2011 Subaru Impreza vs. 2012 Ford Focus | 2011 Subaru Impreza vs. 2011 Mazda MAZDA3 | 2011 Subaru Impreza vs. 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer | 2011 Subaru Impreza vs. 2011 Toyota Matrix | |
