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2008 Subaru Impreza Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Bengt Halvorson's avatar Bengt Halvorson, EditorBengt Halvorson

To compile this comprehensive review of the 2008 Subaru WRX and 2008 Subaru WRX STI, the experts at TheCarConnection.com consulted with a host of other review sources. TheCarConnection.com’s editors have driven both models in order to contribute our definitive opinion and add insight to the review.

Likes:

  • Impressive acceleration from WRX, stunning from STI
  • Solid ride quality despite impressive handling ability
  • Comfortable, stylish, and sporty interior treatment
  • Good record for occupant protection

Dislikes:

  • Both engines are thirsty
  • Hatchback body style is tighter in cargo space than rivals
  • STI is priced in BMW territory

Buying Tips:


The STI comes with standard Dunlop SP Sport summer performance tires, which are sticky on smooth track and road surfaces but not ideal for snow and rain. The 2008 Subaru WRX STI’s all-wheel-drive system makes it a surprisingly capable all-weather vehicle…with an extra set of winter tires.

The 2008 Subaru WRX and 2008 Subaru WRX STI are sporty performance variants of the Impreza small-car family, with all-wheel drive, sharp handling, secure roadholding, and powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engines.

Two different body styles—a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback—of the WRX are offered, but the high-performance STI is only available as a hatchback. Both bodies of the 2008 Subaru WRX STI have similar seating space, with decent headroom all around and plenty of space in front for tall folks, but the backseat space can be tight. The sedan’s trunk is quite roomy for its size; the hatchback is about six inches shorter and feels spacious, but its sloping rear window can interfere with the cargo area’s usability. The seats, however, fold forward neatly in either version.

The 224-horsepower, 2.5-liter horizontally opposed "flat" four-cylinder engine in the 2008 Subaru WRX gives the small sedan or hatch plenty of satisfying power whether with the five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. However, it’s best enjoyed with the manual.

The 2008 Subaru WRX STI has an edgier, high-performance demeanor, thanks to the high-boost, 305-horsepower version of the 2.5-liter. It’s only offered with the six-speed manual, and a number of suspension and chassis improvements give it extremely capable handling and good vehicle dynamics for driving on racetracks or curvy mountain roads; yet the STI, surprisingly, is refined enough for daily driving.

Both models have a ride that’s on the firm side; with the 2008 Subaru WRX, it’s quite supple, though the STI isn’t punishing. Even the STI is surprisingly civil inside and livable for daily driving, with only a little more noise than the WRX. Both models handle extremely well, though there’s a little more body lean than desired.

The 2008 Subaru STI also has a host of serious features that make for very spirited driving, including a Driver Control Center Differential, heavy-duty Brembo brakes with a Super Sport anti-lock system, and SI-Drive, which allows the driver to select throttle responses ranging from relaxed and economical to edgy.

Both the WRX and STI come with a well-appointed, attractively styled interior and a prominent brushed-aluminum look. Automatic climate control, keyless entry, cruise control, and upgraded seats are included with the WRX, which gets 17-inch wheels, a hood scoop, and a number of other appearance improvements versus the Impreza. In addition to all the high-performance equipment, the much higher-priced 2008 Subaru WRX STI piles on interior improvements, including Alcantara-trimmed sport seats, footwell lighting, special instrumentation, aluminum-alloy pedals, and leather trim. Options include a navigation system and XM or Sirius satellite radio.

The Impreza, which has a similar structure to the 2008 Subaru WRX and STI models, is one of the top-rated small cars in crash tests. It earned five stars in the federal government’s frontal impact and side impact tests, except four stars for backseat occupants. Insurance industry tests have rated the Impreza "good" in all areas tested, and it was an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2008. Electronic stability control is standard on the Subaru WRX and Subaru WRX STI, along with front torso-protecting side airbags and side-curtain airbags for front and rear occupants.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2008 Subaru WRX, also consider:

Reason Why:

The arch-nemesis of the 2008 Subaru WRX STI—whether on the street or a gaming screen—is the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Compared to the STI, the Evolution is hard-edged, with a firmer ride, crisper handling in the tightest corners, and an intense, almost twitchy driving experience; comfort suffers a bit in the Evolution, as engine and road noise dominate relative to the WRX and STI, and the ride isn’t as settled. The MazdaSpeed3 and Caliber SRT4 are also worthy competitors to the WRX, but they’re both front-wheel drive and, thus, not as confidence inspiring. Also, neither one feels as refined as the WRX. The Audi A3 might be the closest competitor to the base WRX. It gives the WRX a run in safety protection, as it’s also an IIHS Top Safety Pick; the A3’s 2.0T engine provides a very peppy, engaging experience. In addition, it has a larger interior and is more fuel-efficient than the WRX. Then there’s the new BMW 135i coupe, which boasts a 300-horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder engine and comes in the same price range as the rally-tuned STI; in contrast, the 135i should be much more refined inside.

The Bottom Line:

The 2008 Subaru WRX STI comes with standard Dunlop SP Sport summer performance tires, which are sticky on smooth track and road surfaces but not ideal for snow and rain. The 2008 Subaru WRX STI’s all-wheel-drive system makes it a surprisingly capable all-weather vehicle when paired with winter tires.

To compile this comprehensive review of the 2008 Subaru WRX and 2008 Subaru WRX STI, the experts at TheCarConnection.com consulted with a host of other review sources. TheCarConnection.com’s editors have driven both models in order to contribute our definitive opinion and add insight to the review. Likes:Impressive acceleration from WRX, stunning from STISolid ride quality despite impressive handling abilityComfortable, stylish, and sporty interior treatmentGood record for occupant protectionDislikes:Both engines are thirstyHatchback body style is tighter in cargo space than rivalsSTI is priced in BMW territoryBuying Tips: The STI comes with standard Dunlop SP Sport summer performance tires, which are sticky on smooth track and road surfaces but not ideal for snow and rain. The 2008 Subaru WRX STI’s all-wheel-drive system makes it a surprisingly capable all-weather vehicle…with an extra set of winter tires. The 2008 Subaru WRX and 2008 Subaru WRX STI are sporty performance variants of the Impreza small-car family, with all-wheel drive, sharp handling, secure roadholding, and powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engines. Two different body styles—a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback—of the WRX are offered, but the high-performance STI is only available as a hatchback. Both bodies of the 2008 Subaru WRX STI have similar seating space, with decent headroom all around and plenty of space in front for tall folks, but the backseat space can be tight. The sedan’s trunk is quite roomy for its size; the hatchback is about six inches shorter and feels spacious, but its sloping rear window can interfere with the cargo area’s usability. The seats, however, fold forward neatly in either version. The 224-horsepower, 2.5-liter horizontally opposed "flat" four-cylinder engine in the 2008 Subaru WRX gives the small sedan or hatch plenty of satisfying power whether with the five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. However, it’s best enjoyed with the manual. The 2008 Subaru WRX STI has an edgier, high-performance demeanor, thanks to the high-boost, 305-horsepower version of the 2.5-liter. It’s only offered with the six-speed manual, and a number of suspension and chassis improvements give it extremely capable handling and good vehicle dynamics for driving on racetracks or curvy mountain roads; yet the STI, surprisingly, is refined enough for daily driving. Both models have a ride that’s on the firm side; with the 2008 Subaru WRX, it’s quite supple, though the STI isn’t punishing. Even the STI is surprisingly civil inside and livable for daily driving, with only a little more noise than the WRX. Both models handle extremely well, though there’s a little more body lean than desired. The 2008 Subaru STI also has a host of serious features that make for very spirited driving, including a Driver Control Center Differential, heavy-duty Brembo brakes with a Super Sport anti-lock system, and SI-Drive, which allows the driver to select throttle responses ranging from relaxed and economical to edgy. Both the WRX and STI come with a well-appointed, attractively styled interior and a prominent brushed-aluminum look. Automatic climate control, keyless entry, cruise control, and upgraded seats are included with the WRX, which gets 17-inch wheels, a hood scoop, and a number of other appearance improvements versus the Impreza. In addition to all the high-performance equipment, the much higher-priced 2008 Subaru WRX STI piles on interior improvements, including Alcantara-trimmed sport seats, footwell lighting, special instrumentation, aluminum-alloy pedals, and leather trim. Options include a navigation system and XM or Sirius satellite radio. The Impreza, which has a similar structure to the 2008 Subaru WRX and STI models, is one of the top-rated small cars in crash tests. It earned five stars in the federal government’s frontal impact and side impact tests, except four stars for backseat occupants. Insurance industry tests have rated the Impreza "good" in all areas tested, and it was an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2008. Electronic stability control is standard on the Subaru WRX and Subaru WRX STI, along with front torso-protecting side airbags and side-curtain airbags for front and rear occupants. Other Choices:If you like the 2008 Subaru WRX, also consider:Audi A3BMW 1-SeriesDodge Caliber SRT4MazdaSpeed3Mitsubishi Lancer EvolutionReason Why:The arch-nemesis of the 2008 Subaru WRX STI—whether on the street or a gaming screen—is the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Compared to the STI, the Evolution is hard-edged, with a firmer ride, crisper handling in the tightest corners, and an intense, almost twitchy driving experience; comfort suffers a bit in the Evolution, as engine and road noise dominate relative to the WRX and STI, and the ride isn’t as settled. The MazdaSpeed3 and Caliber SRT4 are also worthy competitors to the WRX, but they’re both front-wheel drive and, thus, not as confidence inspiring. Also, neither one feels as refined as the WRX. The Audi A3 might be the closest competitor to the base WRX. It gives the WRX a run in safety protection, as it’s also an IIHS Top Safety Pick; the A3’s 2.0T engine provides a very peppy, engaging experience. In addition, it has a larger interior and is more fuel-efficient than the WRX. Then there’s the new BMW 135i coupe, which boasts a 300-horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder engine and comes in the same price range as the rally-tuned STI; in contrast, the 135i should be much more refined inside. The Bottom Line:The 2008 Subaru WRX STI comes with standard Dunlop SP Sport summer performance tires, which are sticky on smooth track and road surfaces but not ideal for snow and rain. The 2008 Subaru WRX STI’s all-wheel-drive system makes it a surprisingly capable all-weather vehicle when paired with winter tires. To compile this comprehensive review of the 2008 Subaru WRX and 2008 Subaru WRX STI, the experts at TheCarConnection.com consulted with a host of other review sources. TheCarConnection.com’s editors have driven both models in order to contribute our definitive opinion and add insight to the ...

Other Choices:

The arch-nemesis of the 2008 Subaru WRX STI—whether on the street or a gaming screen—is the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Compared to the STI, the Evolution is hard-edged, with a firmer ride, crisper handling in the tightest corners, and an intense, almost twitchy driving experience; comfort suffers a bit in the Evolution, as engine and road noise dominate relative to the WRX and STI, and the ride isn’t as settled. The MazdaSpeed3 and Caliber SRT4 are also worthy competitors to the WRX, but they’re both front-wheel drive and, thus, not as confidence inspiring. Also, neither one feels as refined as the WRX. The Audi A3 might be the closest competitor to the base WRX. It gives the WRX a run in safety protection, as it’s also an IIHS Top Safety Pick; the A3’s 2.0T engine provides a very peppy, engaging experience. In addition, it has a larger interior and is more fuel-efficient than the WRX. Then there’s the new BMW 135i coupe, which boasts a 300-horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder engine and comes in the same price range as the rally-tuned STI; in contrast, the 135i should be much more refined inside.

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See the Subaru Impreza in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

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