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2008 Subaru Impreza consumer reviews

$16,995–$21,495 MSRP range
side view of 2008 Impreza Subaru
(70 reviews)
84% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.1
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.2
  • Value 4.3
  • Exterior 4.2
  • Reliability 4.4
Explore the 2008 Subaru Impreza
Shop the 2008 Subaru Impreza

My wife's Subaru

I was really happy when we brought home our Impreza wagon. I laughed when I saw the Lexus model that looked just like ours without AWD. I was grateful the Christmas Eve that our Subaru got us safely home and I was in awe to see how it could climb our hill in 24 inches of snow. My only problem came after I brought her in for minor EM re-program which Subaru insisted would not affect anything in drive ability or MPG. Since then, I lost at least 2 MPG and in our times, that was big. I asked the dealer if there was a fix but they denied the problem. The problem exists. Just look at that Internet. All that aside, we still love our Subaru and would buy another.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Nothing but problems

Bought my car two months ago. $17000 with 50,000 miles. WRX is my dream car but being on 22, this is what I could afford. I have had nothing but problems. It has been in the shop three times and they have no idea what is wrong. It has a misfire on all cylinders and the check engine light is on. I will never buy a Subaru again.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 1.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
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1st Subaru and won't be the last!

I traded in my 2004 Chevrolet Blazer 4x4 for a 2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Premium Hatchback. I needed something 4x4 or 4WD or AWD for where I live. I also wanted something fuel efficient because spending $65 twice a week on gas while being a full time employee and full time student was unacceptable. I also needed about the same cargo area as my Blazer. So I decided to look at a Subaru; for both fuel efficiency and its AWD all the time. I loved the style of the new Legacy but could not affoard one, so I looked at a used Impreza. I found my new Impreza hatchback and just fell in love with it. This car is awesome! I will definitely buy abother Subaru!!!!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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sportiest car I've owned

Purchasing my Red 2008 Impreza was not just a good practical decision it was a good idea based on appearence. Having all wheel drive for the winter, 170 hp. semi compact size and a hatch back makes this car functional. Alloy wheels, snappy interior with floor shift, fog lights and a sort of BMW 3 series style puts this car in front of the others in its class.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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great car

i love my impreza, great gas mileage, comfortable ride, nice looking car, great value for the price.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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Best car for the money

I bought this car back in the spring of 2008 (automatic transmission) with the intent of using it to get me to and from the mountains in Utah. It's proven to be economical and reliable without sacrificing space. I can easily fit all my gear in the car with the back seat up. Putting it allows me to throw my own party in the back seat. I'm 6'2, 230 pounds and I fit in the seat fine. However, it's a bad day for whoever has to sit behind me. I wouldn't recommend trying to fit 4 large people in the car. I'm currently getting about 24 mpg, it's slowly been declining from 32 mpg. At 52,000 miles I've done ZERO unscheduled maintenance. I haven't changed any fluid but oil, gas and washer since I started. Brake and Tranny fluid were tested the other day, both are fine. I've had to replace one blinker, two brake pads and 4 tires. I'll probably have to replace the other two brake pads and the rear rotors (rear rotors got too rusty) The windshield wiper heater is totally worthless so don't let that be your selling point. CONS: the engine has a hard time going uphill, I wish the auto-transmission had more than 4 gears. The sport-shift is essential on steep grades or else it'll be auto-shifting itself nonstop. There's also some plastic around the car that has fallen off. Nothing major, fortunately...

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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Subaru automatic transmission only

Really like the car and the price point, but Subaru should not be producing cars with manual transmissions, because getting this car to shift into reverse is almost impossible (it helps if you grid your teeth). Even Authorized Subaru Dealership diagnosed as normal shifting.... I've talked to other Subaru owners with the same problem. I would only recommend a Subaru to a friend with automatic transmission.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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Most reliable and fun car i've ever owned.

Great mid-range power, third gear seems endless (@90mph+). Handling is very good, great in the snow, never had anything go wrong. Did get recalled for an oil supply tube hanger, but was nothing serious and only took 5 minutes. Stock stereo is sub-par, but it was because I cheaped out. If you like to listen to music load, opt for the premium sound or get an aftermarket system. gas milage: avg 14 city, 18 highway. About 2mpg's less if you're driving for "fun". Overall, car is reliable and very fun to drive.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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Great car for the money

I've owned 3 Subaru's and this was my first Impreza. It gets great gas milage, 33 on the highway, and it handles like a dream. A really great car for the value.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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not up to par

The 2008 Subaru Impreza is a disappointment. I traded in my 2003 version, which I had been quite happy with. The '08 version is uncomfortable to drive, and has had parts and pieces fall off the interior (to include a strip of molding that came loose beneath the gas pedal within 30 days of me driving it off lot, and Subaru wanted to charge me to fix it - I told them never mind and tore it off myself), the stereo has been replaced twice due to cd's getting stuck in it, the driver's sun visor snapped off. One plus is gas mileage better than advertised - I average 30+ mpg with each tank, combo of city and highway driving. Definitely decreased workmanship and leaving me looking for new car already, though - the car just isn't pleasing to drive.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 2.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 2.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does not recommend this car
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