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In bringing you this comprehensive review of the 2008 Subaru Impreza, the experts at TheCarConnection.com have included useful information from the Web's best reviews. Then TheCarConnection.com's editors, who have driven several different versions of the Impreza, added their own driving impressions.
Likes:
- Torquey engine and hard-to-fluster all-wheel drive
- Smooth, settled ride
- Surprisingly capable handling
- Quiet interior
- Looks especially good in Outback Sport trim
Dislikes:
- Steering doesn’t feel sharp
- Backseat lacks legroom
- Transmission can downshift roughly
- Cargo area is skimpy compared to wagons
The new 2008 Subaru Impreza hatchbacks--or wagons, as Subaru likes to call them--form the foundation for the high-performance WRX. But the more vanilla-flavored versions are tuned more for commuter duty, not high-speed hairpin handling. Subaru brings back what especially distinguishes the Impreza from its rivals, including a unique horizontally opposed ("flat") four-cylinder engine, and all-wheel drive is standard across the model line.
The sedan, which is 6.5 inches shorter, is covered in a separate review, while the standard 2008 Subaru Impreza wagon and Outback Sport wagon are covered here.
The 2008 Subaru Impreza has ditched the bulbous, winged nose that had been applied to the Subaru range and gets framed doors for better noise reduction and a higher-quality feel. The Impreza rides on an all-new platform with a wheelbase 3.7 inches longer than before; it's also more rigid and lighter in weight than the last edition. The longer wheelbase, Subaru says, translates into a better ride and more interior room, as well as less interior noise. Subaru also has positioned the flat-four engine lower in the chassis for improved handling, which it indicates is a better compromise of sport and comfort than the prior car.
From these changes, the driving experience in the new 2008 Subaru Impreza feels very sophisticated and refined for a small car, but not that exciting. The Impreza has a relatively soft and absorbent ride, and its interior is now notably hushed from wind and road noise--which were overbearing on previous versions. Although the body leans quite a bit in hard corners, the suspension is well designed and allows impressive grip and poise, so it's a great package for most buyers concerned with good, safe handling and day-to-day comfort.
