Reader Review of the Week: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX

Whenever we get a consumer review of a hot new model before we even get a stab at the car ourselves, we’re impressed. One Seattle-based WRX driver gives a really well-done take on his new purchase. He relates it to the outgoing model and talks quite a bit about its style. We always like to think we know what’s what on the style fronts, but hearing what a shopper who plunked down the cash on the car feels is always intriguing. Especially when he doesn’t like the way it looks! Find out why he bought it anyway below.

“I haven’t had the car long but my initial impressions are pretty good. I’ll start out with the bad points. The brakes have a poor feel on them, it’s like you need to be real ginger when pressing down on the pedal. I’d prefer something that provides more feedback for confidence when city driving. Though I quite like the Spartan interior (I believe it is a tasteful minimalist environment that subtly helps you concentrate on driving) the detail is fairly cheap and plastic. I’m also not crazy about the auto-dim mirror. It still feels bright to me when night driving. Exterior styling does feel boring to me. They really tried to appeal to a wider range of buyers — but I think the beast aspect that surrounded the rally heritage of the WRX was a bit lost in the new design. Still, I’m happy that it isn’t overtly out there- it doesn’t say LOOK AT ME! I GO FAST! They probably could’ve redone the front grill in a more aggressive style while maintaining a contemporary look.

Pros: I love the acceleration and shiftbox. The shifter is smooth and easy. It’s like the car wants to go. The acceleration is inspiring to say the least and merging onto the expressway is nimble. Handling is alright, I could say the steering could be tighter but it is very responsive and fun when cornering.

Inside, the stereo is pretty decent — I wish the iPod adaptor was closer to the middle console and not on the arm rest so I wouldn’t have to worry about the wire. The climate control is very intuitive making it easy to use, but you can’t close the front middle vents like you can the side ones. I also would like more storage to put change or something in.

Seats are awesome, they really grip you and provide support when making those sharp turns. The back seats fold down with a 60/40 split which makes it good for moving small pieces of furniture or sports equipment. I highly recommend this car- you can get a Mazda 3 for probably cheaper but I doubt it’ll handle as well in the snow. Most people will point out the lack of thrills and frills in the car, but it just highlights that this is a car to be driven not to do office talk/grocery runs in.”