Used 2008 Subaru Impreza Hatchback 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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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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2008 Subaru Impreza for sale near you
Showing 3 of 7 listings
- Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback w/VDCMSRP: $3,995945 mi away
- Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback w/VDCMSRP: $4,9991,656 mi away
- Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback w/VDCMSRP: $5,9992,009 mi away
See all 7 listings
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!
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.
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.