Used 2008 Subaru Impreza Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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Great Car
Great car that is fun and safe to drive. I get between 29-30 mpg with it in mixed driving. Good access in the back to carry loads. Had a WRX before that was fun, but had a harsh ride and was not as stable in adverse winter conditions. This car has plenty of pep.
2008 Impreza WRX loaded
Great acceleration, handling, hill climbing and traction in the Chicago snow. Really like the looks. People are surprised that my car is a Subaru. Average about 27 mpg on the highway and 20mpg in the city. 1st gear is too low and would be nice if there was a 6th gear. Also noticed is hard to keep inside at a consistent temperature Also nav system should come with bluetooth and not be a $400.00 add-on. For the price, worth every penny.
- WRX Sedan w/VDCMSRP: $7,99588 mi away
- 2.5i SedanMSRP: $6,45089 mi away
- WRX Sedan w/VDCMSRP: $11,275144 mi away
Great winter car for MI!
We bought the car to get us through sometimes very slick and snowy Michigan. And, we love the AWD handling of this car in snow! Even when the roads are covered with 2-3" of snow, the car tracks straight and it performs like it's on dry road.
Impressed with Impreza
Subaru has won me over! I build the best selling import in the US and it doesn't have anything on Subaru's!! This car drives great. Excellent performance in all driving conditions. Gets 29 mpg HWY and 20 mpg city, averages 24.9 in the summer and 23.5 in the winter, great numbers for AWD. So far I've got 16600 miles with absolutely no problems. All I've done is changed the oil and rotated the tires. Quality of the build is A-1. Watch out Toyota! No wonder Subaru was one of only two manufacturers reporting sales increases for 2008!!! Buy one you'll love it!
2008 Outback Sport
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 OBS's 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.
Overall not too bad of a car
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, aren't the best in the snow. After 30k miles, averaging about 27mpg in all sorts of driving.
Nearly Perfect
Have had the car since the end of Nov. and I am loving it. Outback package is the best of the bunch, larger wheels, two tone, great features for a great price. Great in the snow, after 3000 miles I am averaging 24.6 mpg in mixed driving. The look grows on me more and more. Roof rack is noisy, but easy to take off. Not a big fan of the stereo, the sound never seems to fill the cabin or your ears. I think I will upgrade or get the amp. Heated seats and mirrors are great. Overall I am very happy.
It rocks!
Had been looking at the WRX. But cost of gas using this as a commute car , made me look at the regular Impreza. I was under the idea that the Outback sport had drum rear brakes. That is wrong. My salesman pointed this out to me on a just delivered silver Outback sport. I look the looks of it. It drives so solid. If you haven't driven a Subaru before take a test drive, it is the oddest feeling and it is great. Try this car and you will buy one. The winter package is only available on the outback sport and the WRx. Interior is great and the car handles very well. No regrets buying one.
My first Subaru
All the reviews about paint problems are true. I bought this car 9 months ago and can't believe how fragile the paint is. I've only got 6,000 miles on the car and it looks like there's 4 years of abrasion on the rear qtr panels. Severe chips on the hood and front of the vehicle. Hopefully Subaru officials read these reviews and do something because they're losing customers. This was my first and believe me last Subaru. Unless you want to pay for a total repaint every 3 years stay away from this car. Other Subaru models have the same problem. Oh and do something about the ridiculously low passenger seat and what's with the holes in the front bumper?? Not all states have front license plates!
Subaru: Always a Great Purchase!
This is my 3rd Subaru: 04 WRX (wish I never sold it!), 07 Forester XS, and this car. I'm driving 45,000 miles a year (crazy!) and averaging 30 MPG at usually 70-75 MPH, which is beyond the EPA reading! Cruise control is my friend. Can't beat the AWD in any weather. I HIGHLY recommend any Subaru model to anyone looking for a vehicle. No issues whatsoever with this car. -- If you're car shopping, just take a moment to drive some Subaru's, especially in a downpour or bad weather... I bet you'll be amazed! For comparison, do the same with other brands. This is when you'll notice more about the true feel of a vehicle versus a bright, dry, sunny day.
Star On ICE!
Greetings! Winter of 2009 my wife and I drove on I-40 somewhere in Oklahoma and the road was coated with snow turned to ICE... it was around midnight and we were the only ones driving on I-40 at about 40-50 mph. All Semi- Truck/cars, etc. stuck along the side of the interstate due to the road condition, but our 2008 2.5i Impreza 5door kept going. The car took control whenever it sensed a "side-way" skid. The 2008 2.5i Impreza 5 door handled perfectly well on the snow & ice coated I-40 interstate...
My 5th Subaru--And Not My Last
I bought the Impreza in March 2008. This is my 5th Subaru, and I'm a big fan. So far over 15,000 miles, not one single problem. The 2.5L engine is great, and the car handles quiet well. Lots of cargo room with the rear seats down, and the optional roof rails and cargo carrier are helpful too. AWD is great, and over the 15K miles, I've gotten 26 MPG overall-- which I think is really good considering the AWD and larger 4-cyl engine. The wagon (yes, it's a wagon, not a hatchback!) looks great-the sedan is kinda boring. Interior design is nice, and the materials are an improvement over past Imprezas. Looking forward to many years and miles with this car!
The Good and The Bad
Being that it has turbo, the WRX is a blast to drive in a straight line. Add corners to the equation and you'd better hang on to the handles if you have the 08. Don't worry, they added sway bars to the 09 WRX because of the problem. They also added significantly more horsepower to the 09 WRX. I feel ripped off that these fixes didn't come with the original 08 WRX model.
Great car for the money
I've had my Outback for 34000 miles and I'm very, very happy with the purchase. Better than expected mpg's-- 25/30 and better performance than I thought I'd 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 mpg's than the 4 speed auto. All I've 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. I'm glad I went Subi instead of the Mazda 3--especially when there is snow on the ground.
Great overall car for the money.
I've driven a lot of cars, this particular one has me hooked on Subarus. In general it has a lot of torque and it puts you in your seat very well. The overall build and design is not bad, other than no forethought on where to put aftermarket gauges (boost, wide band,..) The paint takes a lot of TLC to keep it looking new, not too much but more than most. The suspension is wonderful for normal day to day driving but taking a turn it could be a little better.
Fantastic
2nd Subaru. I traded in a 2007 Impreza. Got tired of the styling and ride. New 5 door just great. Get over 27 mpg mixed hwy and city. Car not broken in yet. Smooth, quiet ride. Zigs zags in and out of traffic. Buy it! You will love it!
Good Cruiser
Only have 500 miles so far, but it's been all good. Mixed city/highway on first tank yielded over 25 mpg, and on a 90 mile highway trip today, I got 33 mpg!! Plenty of power, great ride, and the new exterior design of the '08 is sharp.
Great car!
Purchased this car 2 weeks ago and almost reached 1000 miles. Gas mileage has been a little better than expected--my combined driving right now gets me 25.2 mpg (I don't baby the car but I am not too aggressive either). Interior is very nice--audio and climate controls are well designed, very decent quality, and more spacious than previous generation. Even without the sports grille, I think the exterior is decent. I did not buy the car for the looks anyways.
Fun and Comfortable
I have just over 1,600 miles on this car and I have grown to love it. The performance levels are so high that you have to get used to them before you can start enjoying the car as a driver's car. It is a wonderful car to drive around town and smooth and quiet on the highway. The suspension is communicative without being harsh. You get the information you need through the wheel and your seat, but it isn't in the sharp way of some performance cars. The gear change can be notchy, but the engine is a torque monster with plenty of power from 2,500 RPM. The sound system is nice, although it could use a subwoofer as standard and not an option. I am getting around 26 MPG mostly country driving.
2.5i Hatch w/ Premium Package
Picked up the 2008 Imp 2.5i just a few days ago. Not going to lie, at first I hated the new body style, however it grew on me (well everything except for the tail lights, hence the 8 on exterior styling). Still being in the break in period, I haven't had the opportunity to really get on the engine, but I have high expectations. Very comfortable car. The seats are much better than my old Explorer. The car is about a million times more fun to drive as well. It handles very well, carving apart roads in West Virginia and still getting around 23 mpg in the city.
Subaru Hatch
Just purchased an 08 hatch, premium w/ sat radio. Very impressed with the ride and build quality. I think the hatch looks very cool, and its already been handy.
New 2008 Wagon Impreza
I just absolutely love this car. I have had previous Imprezas in my family before but this one is truly unique. I like the body design of the wagon as well as the increased cargo space and the rear spoiler.
An Outback Sport review
This car is a lot of fun to drive, and if your drive normally pits you against the elements, it is especially worth considering. So far, I'm enjoying it a whole lot. Premium features incorporated in the Outback Sport are very worthwhile. VDC/TCS addition in an under $20,000 AWD car is impressive. Yes, I have a 2000 RS 2.5 that beats this car in handling, but that is not something that happened between model years. From my perspective, whatever compromises were made were worth it. You need to see it and drive it.
Great car for the money
I've 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 haven't 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.
Beyond My Expectations
I just moved to the mountains this past February and knew that I wouldn't be able to survive safely if I didn't have an AWD. After talking to a lot of the locals, I started seriously looking at Subarus. My new little 2008 5-door Impreza is awesome! I love the way it handles, how comfortable it is, how sporty it looks and I have already gotten a chance to see how it handles in the snow... great! It is by far the best car purchase I have ever made.
Classy sport
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. It's 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.
Traded my '04 Impreza for an '08 WRX
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 -- it's a great car. Like most Subarus it's 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 don't 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 - don't like that. Still sticks great, not a dealbreaker! Give the car a look.
Affordable, fun, safe, & reliable
I'm 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 don't care what the fascia looks like, so long as it's not hideous, & I'm 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.
What they say is true
I took delivery of a plain, no-frills, 5 door, 5 sp 08 WRX this past Monday. It isn't as "solid" (heavy) or quiet or plush as my old car. In fact, I have a strong sense of deja-vu with a '78 Corolla we once owned. It isn't a hard riding racer. It is a simple car that is very comfortable, quicker than most and a whole lot of FUN. The more I drive it, the more I like it. I was shocked by my first tank's mileage, then I realized that if I got off the boost once in a while, I really could get 22.5 mpg in town.
Impreza WRX wagon
I love the car so far! It has a lot of room and the ride is really smooth!
Great Value
This is a lot of car for not a lot of money. Interior room is comfortable, not a lot of wasted space, giving passengers more room. Powerful engine, tight steering, really fun to drive.
Solid and Quick
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. It's not even broken in yet. I had a 2002 Impreza Outback and they don't even compare. This new one is that much better.
Fast and balanced
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.
Great AWD Hatch
So far the car has been great. Drove it in a bad snow storm (10-14") and it handled great. I had to push really hard in order for the stability control to kick in. When did, the car straighened out beautifuily. The Outback sport has a slightly raised suspension over the stnd impreza allow it to be taken light offroading plus that allows the snow to not build up as much when driving. The radio is ok, but comes alive when using the aux for a MP3 player. Cargo space is great, seats are comfortable and heated. Dash and conrols are layed out very nice. Gas mileage is decent for a new AWD car. Avg 24 w/mainly city driving. Love the MPG gauge too! Makes you more aware of how you dirve.
I love my Subie
Recently purchased 2008 Subaru Impreza wagon w/ premium pkg. after trading in 2001 Forester. Impreza styling, handling and performance are outstanding. I travel at least 100 miles daily and wanted a car that could handle the inclement weather and get decent gas milage, this is the car to get. Presently averaging 30mpg w/ AC! Love everything about this car.
My Good Choice
I used to have a 1994 ford escort that my parents bought me, and now I bought the Outback Sport and I love it. I've gone just over 500 miles on it and the dash computer is telling me in city driving i'm getting 21.3 average. Every other day it's been climbing, I've only taken it on the highway three times. I was going to go with the Mazda 3 until i saw this car and I went with this one. And I'm very happy with my choice.
Almost completely satisfied
Had the car since January. Having this car made my winter commute just a bit safer and easier. Now that the weather is warmer and the motor is more broken-in, I am getting better MPG. My mix is 60-70% highway and I'm getting roughly 24-25MPG. I'm not exactly the most calm of drivers either, I don't straight cruise too often. I haven't had any problems w/ this car except for the paint which is rather thin.
Perfect New England Car
So far, this car is terrific. We had tons of snow in Vermont this winter, and I was able to drive anywhere with the standard all-weather tires. While the drive doesn't quite have the feel of a European car, the 5 speed is fun enough and the price tag for an AWD vehicle is just right. Love the hatch for bike/skis/dog etc., and the premium package with the VDC, leather stuff and 6 disc changer is totally worth the money. MPG is better than expected. I do mostly highway driving, and after 10,000 miles I'm starting to average around 29 MPG.
Great Sport Sedan for the Money
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.
Bought Used 2008 WRX wagon
Picked up a used 08 WRXwagon. Had 8000 miles on it. Runs great, fun, decent gas mileage for the zip and pep ones gets. Maybe it's me but having situations with dvd and radio sound. Radio static or crackling, sound in and out or totally gone. DVD sound, music plays but people speaking sounds cave like. Subwoofer ok, but sound system itself is weak compared to my Hummer I traded. CDs play great so must be antenna trouble? Worth buying used, love the WRX!
Great Car for the Money!
I have had this car for 2 weeks now and I absolutely love it! The stick shift is fun and helps to maintain good fuel economy. I have been getting on average 26 to 28 MPG mixed highway/city driving. The car is very roomy, and the seats are comfortable. The ride is greatly improved over previous years with the new rear wishbone suspension and the outback raised suspension helps too. The acceleration is a bit slow but I am more intersted in saving gas these days. The maneuverability of the vehicle is great too, very responsive. I live in Vermont and I got his car because I knew it would help out in the winter season and that to me is worth a sacrifice in fuel economy. Usability over gas.
My 1st Subie
This car is great. One of the best deals if your looking for something in the 20-21k range. Very comfortable and very quiet ride. Suspension should be a little titer on corners but other than that, I love the car. Going on 4k miles now and have avg 24-25 consistently. Had one snow storm and the car didn't flinch once. The vdc works great and kept the car calm under snowy cornering. The seats fold flat down and make trips to lowes and hd a sinch. And u can hook up roof racks to the top with the pre-cut sockets on the rails.
Great 1st Car
I love my impreza 5-door I looked at a few other cars (Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Versa, Honda Fit, and Suzuki SX4 Sport) and found the Subaru to be my favorite. The AWD is a major advantage over the other cars i looked and and it is fun to drive, I can't wait for the NY winter. Also the versatility of the 5-door.
I'm Imprezed
All I needed was practical transportation. Something to get me from point a to point b safely and economcally. I tried the Scion xB, Mazda 3, Rabbit S 4 dr, and the Saturn Astra. I don't think you could go wrong with any of them. But, when you factored in what you can buy them for they were dealing on the Subaru plus you get AWD which was a huge selling point. The VW is supposed to be the gold standard at this price point, but the Subie was IMHO less plasticky. I needed the versatility of a hatchback, hence the 5 door. I must admit though the xB looked huge on the inside. But I got more car for the money.
2008 Subie Impreza 5 dr
Extremely reliable, economical, and very safe. Best car for wet or icy roads. Sound system was lacking in quality.