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 101 through 110 of 180.00
  • Performance w/ Comfort - 2008 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    Previously owned an 05 STI. This 08 is worlds above the old STI. Its more comfortable and waay more quiet. The power delivery is more linear, which makes it seem like its not faster than previous version but speedometer says otherwise :-) The suspension offers no shock to the kidneys over bumps while retaining the ability to take corners at much higher speeds than the old versions. I love that the car looks more aggressive but does not grab the attention like the old versions with the big wing. Sleeper look.

  • Solid and Quick - 2008 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    Have my Outback manual for 1000 miles now and it is a pleasure to drive. The car is solid as a rock and the ride is very controlled but not too stiff even with the 17" wheels. The interior is laid out well and is also very comfortable to drive. Could use a bigger armest and lumbar control. The passenger seat could be a bit higher. Other than that it is very quick and gets good gas mileage, so far average 25 mpg in mixed relaxed driving. On highway it will get close to 30 mpg. Its not even broken in yet. I had a 2002 Impreza Outback and they dont even compare. This new one is that much better.

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

    Ive had my Outback for 34000 miles and Im very, very happy with the purchase. Better than expected mpgs-- 25/30 and better performance than I thought Id get from the 170 hp. This is my first Subaru, but certainly not my last. If at all possible go with the 5 speed--better performance and much better mpgs than the 4 speed auto. All Ive done so far is change the oil. The only downside would be the paint and the radio. They should be able to do much better in the radio despite the low price of the car. Im glad I went Subi instead of the Mazda 3--especially when there is snow on the ground.

  • Cant go wrong with a Subaru - 2008 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    We have only had this car for a week or two and love it. The ride is great and we are very happy with the purchase. What other cars can you buy with AWD standard and great mileage. The EPA mileage estimates are all low for every car starting this model year. We went on a short highway trip about 100 miles at 70 mph and got 33 mpgs. Bought car for wife as a grocery getter and trip car. We actually test drove the legacy because that was the car I wanted but felt the new Impreza had more leg room and a better ride than the Legacy.

  • Great car! - 2008 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    Ive been wanting one of these for a long time and am thrilled to finally own a Subaru!

  • Traded My Legacy for an Impreza - 2008 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    This is my third Subaru and I traded in a 2001 Legacy Sedan Limited Edition for it two weeks ago. I selected the 2008 Impreza because of its looks, performance, price and safety features. I test drove a 2007 Impreza Outback Wagon (the dealer was trying to give it away) and was not happy with its performance or appearance. The re-designed 2008 has an upgraded appearance and performance with a sport car attitude. While it may not look like a traditional Impreza, I think the exterior is sharper than the 2008 Legacy Sedans (looks like a VW Jetta). I am very happy with my selection, its driveability and (of course) its AWD and great handling (better than the Legacy).

  • Affordable, fun, safe, & reliable - 2008 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    Im the face of the "new" Impreza owner: a regular Joe, not a rally-race-enthusiast. I had my last car for ~10 years, & I hope to keep this one even longer. I dont care what the fascia looks like, so long as its not hideous, & Im not impressed with faux luxury touches on the inside, like aluminum trim or cow-hide. I want a practical but fun car, on a budget. Scooby-Rex fits that bill perfectly. It has been incredibly fun to drive, lots of power even below 3K rpm, handles like a dream, satisfying engine growl yet reasonably low road noise, and the sport-shift automatic is the best of both worlds. My biggest complaint is 18mpg in mixed driving, and the related 4-spd transmission.

  • Classy sport - 2008 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    This may sound weird but this is my second new car as a 19 year old kid. My other car was a sports car as well but I kept getting pulled over in it because it looked like a sport car. I knew the reputaion of the WRX and decided to go with it because its new remodeled look has more of a business edge to it. Its a cross between a camry and a 5 series BMW i say. I love the car so far and have had it about a week. There have been no problems... still has a turbo lag but hey it is a turbo. Overall great car but averages about 17-21 mpg so gas can get pricey.

  • Fast and balanced - 2008 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    Bought the car a month ago and love every minute driving the WRX. My 2nd Subaru (2005 OBS) and WRX higher quality materials, cluster, seats. Much faster too. Extraordinarily spacious with 5 door, able to fit a whole patio furniture set no problem. Living in NYC, wanted AWD and looked at Audis but the 5 door WRX balances driving fun with practicality of everyday living for a little less money. I have grey metallic and its beautiful, thought the OBS was bland w/o the scoop. Look forward to each moment behind the wheel.

  • Get a radar detector - 2008 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    Fun to drive, plenty of torque, manual trans a little clunky, needs to be easier to shift, headliner seems to be made of cardboard, plastics on dash are not top notch. Instrument cluster is good, reminds me of Audi. Test drove Civic Si, Subaru is quieter, better ride and dont have to shift as often, also get more torque at lower rpm, seats are more comfy and easier to clean, more back seat room. I picked WRX even though it cost several thousand more for its driving character and I like the looks of the sedan.

Subaru Impreza Reviews By Year:
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