Used 2008 Subaru Impreza Consumer Reviews
First car I loved long after buying it
Wanted AWD and comfort without a 3 series price. Found it in the Impreza. 130 mph without the turbo. 65 mph = 34.5 mpg. 80 mph = 27 mpg. Feels pinned to the road in the rain. Snow is manageable with the stock tires; rather have some snow tires. Premium sound system is ok. Audiophiles won't live with it for long. Durable interior. I'm hoping for 200,000 miles and I think I'll get it.
'08 WRX SEDAN
This is my second Subaru. I owned a 2005 WRX sedan before, which was a terrific little car. As for the '08, I initially didn't think that an extra half liter in engine size would make much difference, but I was wrong. This car revs so smooth and effortless, if you're not careful you can touch 100mph on the freeway without even realizing it. The handling in this car is superb, with some minor body roll, but it's not noticeable in everyday driving. Fuel economy could probably be better, I used to average 20mpg on the stock tires (tires = awful), switched to lighter, performance tires and am getting 22-23mpg in mixed driving, up to 30mpg at non-freeway speeds if I set cruise and stay off turbo.
- WRX Sedan w/Premium Package, VDCMSRP: $13,000285 mi away
- 2.5i SedanMSRP: $4,450299 mi away
- 2.5i 4dr Hatchback w/Premium Package, VDCMSRP: $6,200301 mi away
Great New Car - Body Rust after 7 Months
I purchased a new Impreza last November, this is the Canadian Sports Model (similar to the US sold "2.5i with Premium Package, VDC". A great car to drive, and have thoroughly enjoyed it. We had a severe winter that had snow on the ground over a 6 month period - and this is definitely a fantastic car for these conditions. Only negative was when I noticed rust on the rear panel (around the license plate) in a number of spots in June. The dealer has been very helpful and concurred that yes, this is rust, and this should not happen.
2008 STI with NAV
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 hasn't 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.
Plush, but cool.
We bought this car for my wife to drive, but I like it a lot, too. Its interior and exterior styling are cool and futuristic. (I even like the weird LED tail lights!) The upgraded stereo rocks, but I would rather listen to the unique sounding boxer engine. That engine is a little different than an inline 4. It produces punchy low end torque, but levels off the higher you rev. There's really no point in revving it over 3500 rpm! The slick shifter, loose clutch, and peppy engine make it ridiculously easy to drive. It's obvious that Subaru focused on utility and comfort for this model, at the sacrifice of agility and handling, but the full time all wheel drive rules!