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2008 Subaru Impreza Quality Review

August 19, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

design offers more rear-seat room
Kelley Blue Book

Great storage space for a compact
Car and Driver

cabin materials comprised mainly of cheap feeling, hard plastic
ConsumerGuide

The 2008 Subaru Impreza wagon scores with reviewers on improved quality, but its compact size offers less interior space than some rivals.

Seats are more supportive and comfortable than in most other inexpensive sedans, and there's enough space for two average-size adults in the backseat, though knee space and legroom are a bit tight. “Subaru says the interior offers greater backseat headroom and more shoulder and headroom up front,” Cars.com reports. Edmunds confirms “the wheelbase has been extended…to increase rear seat legroom” and “there's also more interior width for passengers.” ConsumerGuide says "six-footers have good headroom and legroom," and Automobile thinks “the seats are supportive for long hauls.”

A switch in suspension design gives the Impreza wagon “a wider cargo space,” Edmunds reports. ConsumerGuide adds that it's "more versatile with good space behind the rear seats," and Car and Driver says it has "great storage space for a compact." The cargo area is smaller than expected, though; while the backseats fold flat to expand the cargo floor, with them up in place, usable space is quite limited due to the sloped rear window.

In terms of interior quality, the 2008 Subaru Impreza takes a step forward and a step back. While ConsumerGuide reports that the "cabin materials look nice, they're comprised mainly of cheap feeling, hard plastic...the 'mouse fur' headliner is particularly cut-rate." The tester at Mother Proof says "the plastic interior was my biggest beef with this car. The controls feel light and breakable." Automobile comments, “Fit and finish for most surfaces is fine, but we're perplexed at the use of coarse plastics on the shift knob and steering wheel, the two places drivers touch most often.”

According to ConsumerGuide, Subaru 2008 "wind and tire noise are moderate at highway speeds...the turbocharged engine whines under full throttle but it's more relaxed at cruising speeds."

Conclusion

The 2008 Subaru Impreza wagon boasts more interior room, but some midgrade materials are noticeable.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:design offers more rear-seat roomKelley Blue BookGreat storage space for a compactCar and Drivercabin materials comprised mainly of cheap feeling, hard plasticConsumerGuide The 2008 Subaru Impreza wagon scores with reviewers on improved quality, but its compact size offers less interior space than some rivals. Seats are more supportive and comfortable than in most other inexpensive sedans, and there's enough space for two average-size adults in the backseat, though knee space and legroom are a bit tight. “Subaru says the interior offers greater backseat headroom and more shoulder and headroom up front,” Cars.com reports. Edmunds confirms “the wheelbase has been extended…to increase rear seat legroom” and “there's also more interior width for passengers.” ConsumerGuide says "six-footers have good headroom and legroom," and Automobile thinks “the seats are supportive for long hauls.” A switch in suspension design gives the Impreza wagon “a wider cargo space,” Edmunds reports. ConsumerGuide adds that it's "more versatile with good space behind the rear seats," and Car and Driver says it has "great storage space for a compact." The cargo area is smaller than expected, though; while the backseats fold flat to expand the cargo floor, with them up in place, usable space is quite limited due to the sloped rear window. In terms of interior quality, the 2008 Subaru Impreza takes a step forward and a step back. While ConsumerGuide reports that the "cabin materials look nice, they're comprised mainly of cheap feeling, hard plastic...the 'mouse fur' headliner is particularly cut-rate." The tester at Mother Proof says "the plastic interior was my biggest beef with this car. The controls feel light and breakable." Automobile comments, “Fit and finish for most surfaces is fine, but we're perplexed at the use of coarse plastics on the shift knob and steering wheel, the two places drivers touch most often.” According to ConsumerGuide, Subaru 2008 "wind and tire noise are moderate at highway speeds...the turbocharged engine whines under full throttle but it's more relaxed at cruising speeds." ConclusionThe 2008 Subaru Impreza wagon boasts more interior room, but some midgrade materials are noticeable.  2008 SUBARU IMPREZA WAGON STYLING | [7 out of 10] Automotive.com: "2008 models may disappoint some faithful fans" Cars and Driver: "fans of the old wagon might be disappointed" Kelley Blue Book: "looks fast standing still" Cars.com: "interior retains the car's businesslike austerity" ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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:

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