2008 Subaru Impreza Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.46/5 Average
180 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The 2008 Subaru Impreza has been completely redesigned. Roomier and more refined on the inside, the restyled Impreza is meant to appeal to a more mainstream audience. Sedan and hatchback body styles are again available, as are the turbocharged WRX and ultra-high-performance WRX STI.

Pros:
Cons:
  • Missing some higher-end convenience features, behind-the-times transmissions, below-average fuel economy, sleepy styling except for extroverted STI.

User Reviews:

Showing 91 through 100 of 180.00
  • Overall not too bad of a car - 2008 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    Have had car for over a year now with 30k miles. I like it with no major complaints, just minor ones. Handling is a little soft, but it gives a very nice ride. After driving manual for 18 years, I feel the 4spd Auto Trans is very weak. Should have gone with the 5M, I really miss it. That is my mistake. I have a black two tone and the paint scratches very, very easily, more so than any car I have ever had. AWD is great, and the VDC is really cool. Next year snow tires will go on, which should really improve the AWD. Even with AWD, 17 inch, wide, low profile tires, arent the best in the snow. After 30k miles, averaging about 27mpg in all sorts of driving.

  • ZZzzooooommmmmm! - 2008 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    This car is really FUN!! Im using it as my highway traveler & its a real kick to drive. This is my 3rd Impreza wagon upping the horsepower every time. This car is much more refined than the 06 WRX it replaces. It has a great ride & is faster, & handles better. Ive had no problems with rattles, the overall fit & finish kicks my former WRX square in the back end! There is no comparison.

  • 2008 STI with NAV - 2008 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    This car has been decent overall. It is a lot of fun to drive and is useful for hauling smaller items. It has been very reliable with the exception of the NAV system. SOA has replaced it 4 times, and the 4th unit is defective, and has been since Feb 2009. The reason it hasnt been fixed properly is that Subaru will only install used "remanufactured" nav units, not new ones, even though I am the original owner and had nav problems less than a week after taking delivery. The car is fun to drive and I am happy with it. Subaru of America service is terrible. As of 11/26/09, my car has 9800 miles and STILL has a defective nav unit.

  • Traded my 04 Impreza for an 08 WRX - 2008 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    I had a 2004 Outback Sport (which I loved dearly) and was nervous about the new model given the bad press on the internet over looks & worse handling. I drove the WRX, came back to the dealer smiling, and lost all doubts -- its a great car. Like most Subarus its neither hideous or gorgeous -- a few years behind the competition in styling and execution -- but it is solid, versatile, hopefully as trouble-free as my 04 was. Yes, it is more softly sprung than my old car but honestly I dont miss the go-kart ride. This car does however have a bit more float in fast turns than my old car due to the softer springs - dont like that. Still sticks great, not a dealbreaker! Give the car a look.

  • 2008 Outback Sport - 2008 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    The 2008 OBS, as with the Impreza/WRX family, is substantially changed from 2007. Most of the major issues on the earlier models (interior quality, handling, braking, climate control, tires, etc.) have been addressed, mostly successfully. The 2008, IMO, is far closer to the ideal of a WRX w/o the turbo than past attempts. The OBSs ability to travel through rain/sleet/snow, etc. is superb. Still, its appeal will likely be limited to those who value 4wd and a sporty image over size, utility, and gas mileage.

  • Great car for the money - 2008 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    Ive been a fan a Subaru for years and I was excited to see the new design for the Impreza. I decided to buy one to replace my 01 Nissan Altima and I havent looked back!! It does pain me to see Subaru in trying to popularize this model among the masses has missed a few critical details. In order to win the masses, a few options and standard accessories are missing which I will mention below. However, Subaru is still the best for the money! The AWD alone (premium on most other cars) is worth it.

  • Best car ive ever owned - 2008 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    Ive had this car a couple years and plan to keep it for a long time. Handles great, comfortable, lots of features, solid, great visibility and performs! It may have "only" 170 Hp, but a very broad power band. This car flies up the Colorado mountain passes. I could easily do 20 over even the steepest grades here, while many cars struggle to hold the speed limit. AWD is extraordinary in the winter, in all but true off road and deep snow(say over a foot) this car does better than my truck. Its economy is rated at 19-22, but Ive NEVER been close to that low. I consistently get just under 30 mpg combined driving. Ive had it in the mid 30s on the highway.

  • At 22 years old, my dream car - 2008 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    I purchased this vehicle because of its style, consumer reports of reliability, and all-wheel drive. I got the premium package which was mostly worth it. This car is very fun to drive, it is my primary vehicle. It is more enjoyable and more agile than a police cruiser... and faster. If I could buy one and donate it to the police department for me to drive, I would. It is very reliable and the AWD kicks when I visit family in Michigan where snow is a problem for cars without it. I spent 2 weeks researching cars in the 20K-30K range and this was the best one overall. Ratings were better, looks were better, and I couldnt find any serious negative reviews.

  • Great Sport Sedan for the Money - 2008 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    I recently traded in a 2001 BMW 325i for a 2008 Impreza WRX 5-door. Although I loved my BMW, I was not able to afford all the features I really wanted. After searching, I chose the Subaru for its blend of power, handling, and usability. I also look forward to only having one set of wheels/tires that will work year around so I do not have to mess with swapping winter and three-season wheels every year. I think this car was a good choise and I think it will work out well.

  • Not worth the money - 2008 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    Way too much money for what you get. I paid $34,000 for my 2008 STI and it started to wear, rattle, and the is so cheaply done that it scratches easily and flakes off. The car is fast but is very hard to get it to drive smoothly. It jerks with the smallest of gas and throttle inputs. The utility of the hatch is great and its very fast. I averaged about 17 mpg and that should be against the law in a 4 cylinder car. The seats are cheap and offer no support. I have been in $18,000 cars with better sport seats.

Subaru Impreza Reviews By Year:
Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area