Used 2008 Subaru Impreza Consumer Reviews
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3rd Subie
nsky, 11/29/2010
2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
25 of 25 people found this review helpful
Bought a used 2008 with high miles to replace an aging Mazda B truck. I also compared a few 2006-2007 models, but no WRX's in the same price range. The 06-07's were much more fun to drive- more connected to the road. The 08 is much quieter and smoother like a "grown-up" car as my wife put it ( she drives an Outback, which we LOVE) I'm a sporty driver with a heavy foot, and the gas mileage is OK- about 23 for urban- suburban commuting, quite often in bumper to bumper. If you want a gas sipper, look elsewhere. If you want AWD security, your're in the right place. 35 MPG is useless if you can't get out of the driveway.
Surprisingly fun
bloovis, 06/14/2011
2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
24 of 25 people found this review helpful
This car replaced a beloved 2001 VW Golf GLS 1.8t. I was hoping to find something as fun and comfortable as the VW, but with AWD to get me up our steep Vermont hills in winter in the places where the VW failed to make progress. The Outback Sport has turned out to be much more entertaining than I expected. It doesn't have quite the zip of the VW turbo, but it's plenty fast. The biggest surprise was the excellent steering and handling: quite an improvement over the somewhat squishy VW. The next biggest surprise was the fuel economy; I'm getting 28 on average, and as high as 32 on some off-freeway road trips.
2008 Subaru Impreza for sale near you
Showing 3 of 137 listings
- WRX 4dr Hatchback w/Sat Radio, Nav, VDCMSRP: $10,99529 mi away
- 2.5i Sedan w/Premium Package, VDCMSRP: $7,90034 mi away
- Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback w/VDCMSRP: $5,19536 mi away
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Not a WRX, but still love it
AJ, 04/10/2018
2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
20 of 22 people found this review helpful
This car has never given me any major problems in the short time that I’ve owned it. Already have some good memories with it. I’m 19 years old now, and was in the market for a used Subaru in the spring of 2017 as I have always admired subies. Couldn’t afford a newer Subaru, let alone an older WRX so I settled for the 08 impreza which was the best deal I found in the area at the time. Exterior is nothing amazing, but better looking than any American sedan of that year. Basic interior as it is a base model, but that doesn’t matter to me (cuz it has aux w/ good speakers!) as it seems cars w/ lots of technology are always breaking (my moms new 2018 Legacy limited had several interior electrical issues in the first couple months of ownership). None of the dreaded head gasket issues that seemed to plague Subaru for many years had affected my car, I think they solved that problem years ago. Boxer engine has a nice little growl to it which I plan to make louder and throatier with some mods. Although it is nowhere near fast, it has decent acceleration and can be pretty quick in sport mode. The winter is a breeze to drive in deep snow w/ subaru’s AWD as I live in Chicago area. Deep snow arrived last winter, first couple hours I saw 5+ cars stuck in the several inches of snow in my neighborhood. this car goes right thru the snow like a champ. Very fun to play with in the snow, will never get stuck. Planning to keep this car for awhile, already began to modify it a little bit. Only thing I had to do so far was replace brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake line flush, etc. because the brakes began to feel very soft and squishy. it was a bit costly (full brake service over $900) but that was the very first time any of those had been replaced on this car. Other than that, cost of maintenance has been minimal, w/ $30 oil changes and such. MPG could be better (average of about 21 city miles isn’t that good for a 4 banger) but gets better on the highway of course. Also, the front left tire keeps losing air, I’ll fill it up and then the TPMS light will come back on within 1-2 weeks which shouldn’t happen. Hasn’t been a major issue, im just gonna swap the boring stock rims for black aftermarkets w/ new tires once i have more money, and voilà. Change oil every 3,000 miles and inspect the engine bay and undercarriage a few times a month and this car will not let you down. Overall, a very reliable car that is fun and easy to drive, especially in heavy snow, and I would highly recommend over any American sedans of around the same age.
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Pleasant car to drive
Tom, 11/04/2010
2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Sedan AWD w/Sat Radio, Nav, VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
This car is very quiet, nothing like the rattle box my wife's Focus is. Engine is very quiet, that my wife can't hear it well, and try to restart it twice. I don't like the abs at times as it kick in prematurely, but most time it is quiet. The interesting "safety" feature about the car is that if you forget to tighten your gas cap well, or if any glitches occur in the engine or drive train - the Cruise control light flashes, check engine light goes on, and the traction control light goes on. This scared the jeepers out of me at first - but it is an important safety feature to protect the engine. You can buy a code reader for $20 or take to action auto for the code to be read.
Great Little Car
NigelPV2, 03/22/2010
2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
19 of 23 people found this review helpful
This is truly a great car. It is versatile, safe, reliable, and fun to drive. With 44.4 cu/ft of cargo space, 60/40 fold-flat seats, the car can handle anything I throw at it. With the car's AWD system and 6 standard air bags it offer's a level of confidence on the road unlike any of the other cars I test drove. Lastly, Subaru has found a great balance between ride and handling. The car rides completely different then it's predecessor with a subtle ride, yet still contains the prowess to be tossed into a turn. The car is not without it's faults, though, as the hard plastic that completely covers the interior and tires seem to amplify the little road noise that find their way into the cabin.
10 Years of Ownership
Alf Anning, 12/28/2017
updated 07/02/2018
2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
12 of 14 people found this review helpful
I hit a deer today, ending my 10 years and 1 month of ownership of my metallic gray 2.5i Subaru Impreza, and I am very sad. It was a basic vehicle, but I really liked it that way as nothing really broke. I upgraded my stereo on my own this last year so I could have bluetooth connectivity, but other than that, I liked the manual heating selectors and lights as I feel like the electronic gadgets tend to break very easily. I replaced the clutch around 100k and had a weird issue with the ignition coils that resurfaced later, but was likely due to a bad patch-job by the first mechanic. Outside of that, it got me through more than 155k miles, countless rain and snowstorms, and some very long drives between New England and the Southeastern US. This car was safe and reliable, and I'll miss it especially for that. The AWD was extremely reliable: I never, ever worried when it rained. I drove my wife through a heavy snowstorm when we had just started dating, something she still brings up as a wonderful memory to this day. I didn't love the two interactions I had with the dealership, but if I had to do this again, I absolutely would.
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Didn't look twice @ Subaru until now
Subie 4 Life, 12/28/2009
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4dr Hatchback AWD w/VDC, Nav, Silver BBS (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is a 2nd review nearly 1.5 years after initial. I changed the performance rating to an 8, prev. was 10. The ECU Map seemed a bit hiccupy. Peaks and valleys thr/out the power band. Subaru recalled for ECU issues. Reflashed the ECU and it helped, however not as it should. I have since "tuned" the car w/ aftermarket mapping and parts. Power output is about 350 hp and 380 tq. Very smooth and usable power now. I lowered the exterior rating because of the tail lights. They really bother me! The front grille is out of place too. Nav system is still clumsy to operate and not very accurate. I have gotten used to the lack of amenities. Still smitten by a true 4 season perf. car.
New Impreza outback sport
jeremy, 06/02/2008
2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
We have now owned this car for about a month, and have had time to fully evaluate the car aside from the maintenance. All in all, we are very satisfied with the vehicle and get about 23.5 miles to the gallon with 80% city driving. Highly recommend this vehicle.
Slow Love Affair
Chicabags, 11/06/2009
2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Sedan AWD w/Sat Radio, Nav, VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
This is my first brand new car and Subaru. My first driving an AWD as well. At first I didn't like it much. It took me a year to appreciate it. In time I experienced how safe it kept in challenging weather, bumping terrain sudden braking. I love how safe it keeps me on the road. This is important to me since I drive quite a bit on a daily basis, street and highway. However, there are a lot of things I would like changed. Appreciate anti-theft features standard with the model.
A great car, ruined by Subaru
bensti, 12/18/2010
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4dr Hatchback AWD w/VDC, Gold BBS (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
10 of 13 people found this review helpful
This was my first Subaru. I bought it as a CPO with 19k miles on it. About 1300mi after buying it, the MAF sensor failed, then at 3k miles, the engine spun a rod bearing and failed, got a new engine which was broken in properly and then failed from another cracked piston 5kmi later. Oh, and did I mention that it sat in the shop waiting for Subaru to get off their asses and fix it for over a month each time. On top of that, the transmission has begun to have issues, like it won't go into 1st gear without a horrible grind, the dealer says it is "Not a major problem"! Headlights failed, rear diff failed, clutch failed due to bad work from the dealer, and the car is still broken Buy an Evo
Too many RATTLES
Subie, 09/17/2008
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4dr Hatchback AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
New 2008 STi is unquestionably a blast to drive, and I actually prefer the new, toned-down body style. That said, I'm finding it a difficult daily driver. Not because of the transmission (clunky) or the gas mileage (mediocre), but because the car rattles so, so, so much. I've only owned it for a few months, and it is barely out of its break-in period. But it seems like every time I get in the car, it has developed a new interior rattle. No use turning to dealerships for help, in my experience, as they either fail to fix the problem, or claim to be unable to replicate it. Just how high do you have to turn the stereo and a/c to drown out all those rattles, boys?
2008 Subaru 2.5i
skiboardebum420, 08/12/2007
2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
375 miles, and so far, the car has been great! I commute over a 9,500 ft twisty mountain pass every day, this car handles the road great and even without the turbo has plenty of power. I, a die hard manual trans fan, purchased the automatic, VERY happy with the tiptronic auto-stick. First tank of gas averaged 25.7 mpg. Looking to be much better for second tank. Can't wait for the snow to fly so I can test the AWD system :)
Handles like a dream
JT, 07/25/2018
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4dr Hatchback AWD w/VDC, Silver BBS (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car is all about power and handling (combined). If you want just power, get a V8. If you want a car that you grip the off/on ramps on the highway while putting a smile on your face, get an STI.
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My first and last Subaru
chenn78, 01/23/2009
2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
This is my first Subaru, I bought it because I wanted a fairly inexpensive car with AWD and a manual transmission and I liked the style of the hatch. The car is a pleasure to drive and gets decent fuel mileage but service and build quality is pretty poor. The car has a large number squeaks and rattles. The paint on the car is terrible, the lower parts of the rear doors and the are behind them have been chipped away so badly after 16,000 miles I already have rust forming. This has to be a design flaw since the front wheels kick everything up on the side of the car and the cheap thin paint chips the second anything touched it. Fuel door release broke has broken twice.
Fun, safe, defies bad weather
Jeb, 07/30/2008
2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 9 people found this review helpful
OK, I've heard all you drivers of other makes talk about performance and fuel economy; this is a very competitive market segment. But, if you could give up very little speed and gas mileage, in exchange for top safety ratings, reliability and engineering, would you do it? Now, factor in rain and snow. Not only is Subaru the best bad weather vehicle that is practical for daily driving, it will outperform the rest of the market segment when road conditions are tough. The symmetrical AWD system does not introduce any of the instability or inefficiency cause by the systems that divert power off-axis. Pick a nasty day and go drive one to see for yourself.
Love the Subaru Outback sport
Brando, 03/05/2017
2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
If you're going to want a car that you can love and appreciate here you go. Aside from Subarus head gasket problems that they are notorious for its has been nothing but my favorite car in my lifetime. Keep in mind they did over three grand worth of work to mine for the head gaskets thank goodness it was under warranty if the dealership offers a warranty buy it otherwise you'll be wishing you did when you head gaskets start leaking not to mention you'll need to have your timing belt and water pump done and consider a set of good snow tires they will make all the difference in bad weather
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Worst car I ever owned
James G, 11/22/2022
2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Owned since new, First radiator broke, then the A/C compressor went out. Those were fixed under warranty. Then valve cover / spark plug seals started leaking, then the power steering pump started leaking, then replaced rack and pinion and P/S pump twice, then the radio quit working, and finally it spun a rod bearing all under 80,000 miles.
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Best Commuter for 4 Seasons
Strand, 01/01/2009
2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought this car as my commuter ride - 90 miles/day on mostly open roads, only a hand full of lights and stops. Believe it or not, I'm averaging 34-35 mpg for the last 10k miles. This likely has a lot to do with the lack of stop and go and the elevation (5500-7200'). I'm still amazed that an AWD car can be this nimble, get this kind of mileage, and do so well in the mountains.
Best for the price
Mike, 10/30/2008
2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I got mine more than year ago. So far very pleased by the price/quality/value. I averaged ~22mpg (~6000 city + ~3000 highway) and I'm OK with that considering AWD, 2.5 engine and automatic transmission. I got Dark Gray Metallic colored car with dark interior. So far no mechanical problems - I've changed only oil and air filters. I believe that the engine is great and allows some fun on the road but could get better performance with manual transmission. Unfortunately my wife prefers automatic so we got less fun.
Impreza WRX rocks!
Doug, Cleveland, OH, 04/26/2008
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX 4dr Hatchback AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've driven moderately sporty cars for a few years (Legacy GT Ltd, MG-ZTT), but this new Impreza leaves them all standing. Very fast (but not *crazy* fast), surprisingly refined (even over eye-watering Ohio roads) and - get this - I'm leasing it for less than $250/month....unbelievable. I can't tell you how good I feel about this car, and how little it's costing me. If you're after speed and good looks - without busting your wallet - you would be insane to get anything else.
Mostly satisfied
cboy219, 03/06/2009
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX 4dr Sedan AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
After 1000 miles, pretty content. Comfy, good head room, fun2drive! Smooth pickup, good ride. The 'hum' from the engine is AWESOME. Good sized trunk. Car is perfect for a single person - quick and fun, 4 door versatility, adaptable to add luggage racks. Sporty and stylish enough, but kinda flies under the police radar cuz it isn't TOO flashy. I did have a cooling hose issue (factory didn't tighten it), and it does 'rattle' a bit which is scary considering I traded in a 1997 Ford Probe that didn't rattle at all, but overall a very great car in my opinion if it holds up over time. Other Subaru owners near me all are happy with theirs. I have high expectations for this car.
Impreza1
mike310, 12/09/2007
2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We got the 2008 hatchback and have 1700 miles on it. Handling and comfort are excellent, it's really fun to drive. Performance getting better every day as the engine gets broken in. Used it in some deep snow, traction is great, it climbs steep snow covered roads with ease. So far the mileage is the only gripe. Getting about 20 around town and 26 - 27 on the highway. Hope it gets better when it fully broken in and the weather warms up. Excellent car, we had 2 Legacys before but the new Impreza is roomier than the old model. I'd buy another.
Excellent and fun to drive
Michael Russell, 09/17/2007
2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Hatchback AWD w/Premium Package, VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love my new 2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i premium. It handles like a dream in all kind of weather. The quality is great and I like the all wheel drive for the winter. I would recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a real value but does not want to buy a large SUV. The gas mileage around town is about 25 mpg. Have not had a chance to take it on a long trip yet but I am sure it will do just fine. Great car Subaru. Keep building them like this and I will buy another one in the future. I traded a ford ranger truck in for my Subaru.
At 22 years old, my dream car
Todd, 12/29/2008
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX 4dr Sedan AWD w/Premium Package, VDC (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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 couldn't find any serious negative reviews.
Great at some things, good at everything
MichaelB, 07/02/2008
2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Meets all of the following: AWD, good gas mileage (for an AWD), reliability, safety, and price below $20K. I studied (e.g., Consumers Reports, JD Powers, Edmunds.com, etc.) and found no rivals...mostly because Versa, Fit, Yaris, Mazda 3 do not offer all the above. There are better stereos, acceleration and MPG out there, but nothing that rates at least a "good" at everything. Most new owners are excited with their cars, so only time will tell the truth. However, my 3 months/5,0000 miles experience support the claims of other professional reviews and the positive history of this car model.
Cheap AWD Safety, Small Family Car
Third Subaru, 07/05/2009
2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Biggest complaint: rear drum brakes! We don't drive too many miles but we do have to deal with snow. This model is underpowered and boring to drive, but it gets you to your destination safely and reliably in northern winters. We have averaged 23.5 mpg and have had zero maintenance issues. The interior is cheap but well put together and functional. The rear hatch is poorly designed, when you shut it you either push too light and doesn't latch or push too hard and it rubs the bumper. I am not happy with the amount of rust developing in the suspension, and may take it in to complain about that. The paint looks great but it chips and scratches very easily.
2008 Subaru WRX STi vs. 2008 Mitsu Evo
Perry1, 06/17/2008
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4dr Hatchback AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
After reading extensive reviews and test driving both the 2008 STI and the new Evo, I purchased the STI. Evo is more boy racer vs. STi's maturity. The STi is a pleasure to drive. The seats are more comfortable than the Evo's for longer distance driving. STi also has 3 different driving modes depending on what type of driving you want to do - Intelligent/everyday vs. Sport vs. Sport Sharp, a cutting edge racing type driving mode that gobbles up a tank of 93 octane like nobody's business! The Sport Sharp mode is like flipping a nitrous switch and boosts the already awesome acceleration over 3500 rpm. I actually have the little woman thinking that my, sorry, "our" new STI is a great family car!
LOVE my WRX
lilhoot, 10/04/2012
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX 4dr Sedan AWD w/Premium Package, VDC (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2008 brand new when I graduated college. I'd been in a few older ones and knew how fun they were, but the 2008+ model years really add a touch of comfort and practicality whereas the previous models just felt slightly cheap. It is a blast to drive and anyone who I've let behind the wheel has fallen in love with it. The AWD has exceeded my expectations in the our tough Utah winters. My only complaints are the interior could be a bit more exciting (esp dash), but I think they did address that in later models. Stock wheels are a joke (mine BENT the first year on small potholes) but just replaced them w/better looking one. Overall, a great car with far more pep than you'd think
WOW! A Hidden Gem Among "Small" Cars
JGray, 08/04/2008
2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
We just purchased our Outback Sport hatchback in silver last week. We already have 640 miles from taking rides while being amazed at the gas mileage. Sticker indicates 20/27 city/hwy. We are getting 24-25 city and 33 on the highway. I am 6'4" and feel very comfortable in this car. We bought this car to replace our Mini Cooper and couldn't be happier. It is extremely sporty, rides very nice, handles excellent, has plenty of power, plenty of cargo and passenger capacity, and did I say sporty? This car is the only small car to receive the rigid IIHS (Insurance Institute of Highway Safety) top 2008 pick safety rating. The Subaru Outback Sport is truly the "hidden gem" of small cars.
Poor mileage
Barbara Rueckert, 07/25/2010
2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
In stop and start driving I get 15.8 to 16.2 mileage. Received message that my tires were low, they were not. Message went off when I hit cruise control. Computer problem?
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.
Everything I Expected
bakems, 05/22/2008
2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought my Impreza in 2/08. I have put 4000 miles on it and am getting 30.9 mpg consistantly. Have experienced everything a Maine winter has to offer and this car handled great. Bought it for AWD, safety features and price. Fun to drive.
Not quite there
Mide, 05/10/2010
2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Hatchback AWD w/Premium Package, VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
On paper the car has everything a person needs, but in reality it is lacking at a few areas. First off the 4-speed auto is bad. It is in dire need of 1 more gear. You have to put it into 2nd in order to have any sort of acceleration. Next is the paint quality. It really sucks. There are chips everywhere. Lastly is build quality. The steering-wheel control of the audio system barely works and I have to press very hard to get it to function. Because it still "works" the dealership won't fix the problem. Because of this, it will be the last Subaru I ever purchase. If I could do it again I would not purchase this car.
Not worth the money
Carmen, 11/01/2009
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4dr Hatchback AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
Go Elsewhere
Michael, 05/14/2009
2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Sedan AWD w/Sat Radio, Nav, VDC (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've had this car now for a little over a year and I can honestly say that it ranks quite high on the list of worst cars I've ever driven. Horrible visibility, especially at night, you can't see anything because of the position of the pillars and the size of the mirrors. Painfully weak and horrendously thirsty engine, you'll be lucky to get 22/23mpg on the highway, driving in cruise control at 65. Quality of materials inside is absolutely appalling, cheap plastics all around! Clutch pedal has no precision making it difficult to drive smoothly. The Navigation system is overpriced for what you get, and no built-in blue tooth. The seats though, make me cringe every time I have to drive.
2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i
joker75, 01/06/2008
2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Sedan AWD w/Premium Package, VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I just purchased this car yesterday. I have already put 100 miles on it, and have been very impressed. The VDC has kept me going straight even on very snowy and icy roads. I originally wanted a 5 speed manual, but the throttle response was terrible. with the car in gear it took about a full second to even feel the engine try to accelerate after pressing the gas pedal. However, the throttle response on my auto is immediate.
Very Good except for torque
AJ, 10/26/2008
2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
The car is generally very good. I got it for an excellent price, even in its first year. I really like the interior design and layout and the great looking and useful hatch bodystyle. The interior generally is nice for the $ but I think the red lighting is juvenile and hard to read. The main problem with the car is the short-stroke engine combined with interia of AWD system makes it a torqueless dog both around town and on the highway. I can't fathom why the engineers would set it up that way. At least the short gearing kind of makes up for it, but then it ends up feeling like it needs a 6th gear. All together it drives and rides pretty well and is comfortable. MPG isn't bad for AWD.
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.
2008 WRX Wagon 5 spd
Jay, 12/16/2008
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX 4dr Hatchback AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I love this car!! I am a sales rep and drive it a lot, and extremely hard. I actually got 38.5 MPG at 60 mph on the freeway during break in. But after break in I began to drive it like I stole it and still avg 22.5 mpg with 50/50 miles around town and highway, and hitting 6000 rpm all the time. The 09 has stiffer springs and 40 more BHP. I think with the 09, there's no reason to buy an STI unless you want to go to jail. The best bang for the buck out there!
08 Outback sport
rachel, 06/04/2008
2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for two weeks. It is quite different than my last car (95 Toyota Camry), so it's taken some getting used to. My only complaints are road noise on the highway, and uncomfortable headrests (they push your head forward). I like the way it looks and drives so far, but we'll see after the upcoming winter. That's the reason why I bought a Subaru, for all the bad weather driving we do in New England.
Nice car but...
oak6, 06/12/2011
2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
9 of 21 people found this review helpful
Just returned this car off lease at 30k. The deal was too good to pass up: $199/mo. Reliability was excellent: no issues. I went through 3 Syracuse winters on M+S tires with no driving problems. That said, I was happy to be rid of the car. Engine noise is excessive and there is annoying vibration at over 2500rpm. Highway speed in 5th gear is about 2700rpm; get the picture? I test drove other Subes and all had the same issue. The boxers in the engine really go at it at high rpm. This car will accelerate briskly but that means high rpm. Who needs the beating. Great car at 200rpm which means 45mph. Homely. 27-30mpg (70% highway) duration of my ownership
A car thats Bought with Good Intentions
Trutsayer, 08/08/2010
2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
I had a 2004 and had to replace it after I was hit and just not thinking got another hoping it was better as it changed---it didn't, it was NOT better. It gets just pathetic gas mileage to the point where I chatted with other owners that were sure that something was wrong as the mileage was so bad! Then the fantasy.ITs a car that you buy based on the fantasy that you will be 4 wheeling all over the place and plowing through 4 ft snow drifts and lake sized puddles. Reality= trip to grocery / gas station . Not much "fun' to drive . Its not quick and peppy as the 4wd has its drawbacks . Then at high speeds when passing it would lunge in 3rd to 4th and make aloud CLUCK* sound both years. let-down
First and Last Subaru
Annie, 11/01/2019
2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 9 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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
A pretty gas guzzler!
SK4417, 10/13/2010
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4dr Hatchback AWD w/VDC, Nav, Gold BBS (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 7 people found this review helpful
I got this vehicle based on the Subaru reputation for safety and reliability. It's safe, alright, but it has been a money pit for me maintenance and fuel- wise. I commute 90 miles a day, and I average 23-25 MPH on the highway. And, hope you never have to replace a tire-- due to the AWD you'll need to replace all four. It looks pretty standing, but is a gas guzzler! I won't buy another one or recommend it.
No real complaints
NJ Owner, 08/29/2008
2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Owned since 03/08 and have 11k miles on it. MPG is good, averaging about 27 with high of 31.5 on highway trip. I should have gotten the 5M instead of the 4A. I just don't like the automatic transmission. The black paint seems to scratch very easily, especially from fingernails around the door handles. I wish the hatch area was a little bit bigger. It looks adequate empty, but fills up real quickly. Can't wait to drive it in the snow, that's why I bought it. I am hoping I can get away with the stock tires, but will use snow tires if need be. I am 6 foot 1, 185 lbs and find the driver's seat comfortable and roomy.
Best car i've ever owned
luckyzsquirrel, 06/11/2010
2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've 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 I've NEVER been close to that low. I consistently get just under 30 mpg combined driving. I've had it in the mid 30's on the highway.
My First Subaru
Todd, 08/30/2008
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX 4dr Sedan AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased a Subaru Impreza WRX 5pd about six months ago. I must say it has been one of the most fun cars I have ever driven. Acceleration is good with the exception of a little turbo lag and the handling is great. The AWD take a bit getting use to being that you need to use a little more clutch than a FWD or RWD vehicle. I can wait to see how it does in the snow this winter. This is my first Subaru, but certainly not the last.
'08 WRX SEDAN
dScof, 01/06/2010
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX 4dr Sedan AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.