Used 2008 Subaru Impreza Consumer Reviews
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My First Subaru, My Last Subaru (Updated)
Paul, 06/09/2017
updated 06/21/2018
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX 4dr Hatchback AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
As my title might indicate, I didn't have a very good Subaru experience. The WRX has good power and roadholding ability, however it doesn't have the Japanese car reliability that I was expecting. I've owned Hondas, Mazdas, Fords, and even Chryslers all with manual transmissions. And this Subaru was the first car that I've owned that needed a new transmission, at only 83k miles. Before needing a new transmission it was very hard to get into reverse, sometimes 1st, and even 2nd gear at times. After replacing the transmission, costing $4k, I have been able to get it into 1st and 2nd but reverse is still an experience. Other than that it's had 5 safety recalls and has had a class-action lawsuit due to failure of the firewall spot welds. I'm not a driver that's hard on vehicles, but I don't like vehicles that are hard on the drivers. About 6 months and 5k miles after replacing my transmission I had to replace the transmission again at a cost of over $1k. The transmission shop informed me that the Subaru transmissions are known for the issue that I had. And shortly after this I upgraded to a different (non-Subaru) vehicle. And as I stated in my Title "My First Subaru, My Last Subaru".
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The ugliest of the ugly duckling
Anonymous, 12/06/2010
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX 4dr Hatchback AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
For a WRX fan, the 08 is the one to stay away from. I am now at 41k miles and cannot hand this lease back in fast enough. The suspension is too soft with an intense amount of body roll, though the ride comfort is much improved (IMO leave that for the Impreza owners, not the WRX). The interior is clean but uninspiring with hard plastic everywhere. Throttle response is slow and the traction/abs systems are intrusive. Exterior styling speaks for itself. The sound system is close to the quality of a cell phone speaker in a tin can. Hatch boom is very prevalent. The AWD system in the snow is the only reason I gave FtD category an 8 but the OE RE050's leave a lot to be desired in all conditions.
2008 Subaru Impreza for sale near you
Showing 3 of 141 listings
- 2.5i SedanMSRP: $4,99538 mi away
- 2.5i SedanMSRP: $4,50077 mi away
- Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback w/VDCMSRP: $4,900173 mi away
See all 141 listings
First and Last Subaru
Annie, 11/01/2019
2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 10 people found this review helpful
This has been a HUGE disappoint. I bought this car brand new. I loved how it handles and loved this car. At around 90,000 I had to replace the rack and pinion which I was told was very unusual for the mileage. That was the beginning of the end. One thing after another started failing. After investing 5K, the front drivers side axle and both lower controls arms need to be replaced and it's only worth 2K. I won't be buying the Outback I had pined after for 8 years, or another Subaru again.
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My second Sti- destruction of a fine car
subdriver3, 09/30/2011
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4dr Hatchback AWD w/VDC, Silver BBS (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I am dissapointed in my 2008 Sti. It drives like a stretched limo compared to my former STI Sedan. Frankly, I am sorry I bought it. My previous Sedan STi was undoubtely the most fun, sensitive, firey driving experience I ever had. I looked forward to driving it every day and it was a magical experience. It was like a wild horse at my finger tips. This 2008 limo has been destroyed by Subaru in my opinion. Its acceleration, handling, ride almost feel like an ordinary car. It is boring. I wish I had spent less money and bought the WRX from what I hear. On the other hand, it is, for me, a reliable, stable luxury car of a draft horse that can handle the altitude of Colorado.
Best 1st Car
917shadowfax, 04/28/2009
2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Hands down I think this is the best first car a teen could have. I love it. Having been in search of a car and having saved $10k for a car, I wanted to make sure I was getting a quality build, reliable, fun, usable, and most of all SAFE car. Having bought the 5-door the Impreza had more usability, resale value personality, and safety then the Elantra I looked at, and I got it for the same price as an Elantra with the Extended Warrenty and a lower APR. I really love my car. It's beautiful inside and out. Plus it has AWD, something found on only one other car in its class.