Subaru Impreza Review

2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sedan

In the small car segment, the Subaru Impreza is often overshadowed by more popular nameplates. There are two primary reasons behind this: the Impreza's higher-than-average pricing and a lack of brand awareness regarding Subaru vehicles. But for the right kind of buyer, especially one seeking driving excitement, the Subaru Impreza can be an excellent choice among compact cars.

The Impreza's performance edge comes from its distinctive powertrain, as this model has always been available with all-wheel drive. It provides extra traction in slippery conditions and, on higher-horsepower models, works in combination with the Impreza's well-sorted chassis to provide excellent handling. For power, the Impreza has always been equipped with its unusual horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine.

The Impreza's most recent, third-generation model is larger and more refined than its predecessors. It should appeal to a wider audience, but it's not as fun to drive as the previous model. As a used vehicle, the second-generation Impreza is an excellent choice; the turbocharged Subaru Impreza WRX, in particular, provides exceptional bang for the buck. Earlier Imprezas are rather unremarkable, although Subaru made enough improvements during that first generation's run that the latter-year cars are a decent choice for a small car.

Current Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza was fully redesigned for the 2008 model year. It's offered as a sedan or four-door hatchback. The latter essentially replaces the former wagon and has more of a European flavor to its design. But overall, the styling for this Impreza is not as dramatic as in past generations.

There are four trim levels: 2.5i, Outback Sport, WRX and WRX STI. The 2.5i and Outback Sport models have a horizontally opposed 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It's rated at 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. Impreza WRX models receive a turbocharged version of that engine that produces 224 hp and 226 lb-ft of torque. The STI ups the turbocharged output to 305 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque. All engines send their power to all four wheels, while all but the STI come with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic with manual shift control. The STI comes only with a six-speed manual.

Subaru doesn't equip base 2.5i levels with much equipment; most examples on dealer lots will be fitted with desirable optional equipment. The WRX comes with most of the Impreza's options as standard and has specialized wheels, tires and suspension tuning for increased handling ability. The Impreza Outback Sport is offered as a hatchback only and has a slightly raised suspension for better ground clearance and a two-tone exterior paint scheme. The STI is also only available in hatchback form and gains more muscular body panels, an upgraded suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes and aggressively bolstered sport seats.

In reviews, we've found that this Subaru Impreza provides enjoyable levels of performance. Thanks to all-wheel drive, there's plenty of traction, particularly in wet-weather conditions. Though acceleration of the 2.5i model is adequate, most people will be happier with the WRX. Lacking, however, is the fun-to-drive spirit of earlier Imprezas. The suspension tuning is softer and the car is less eager to corner aggressively. As such, competing performance models might be a better choice for driving enthusiasts. The STI is an entirely different matter, as it gives those same enthusiasts exactly what they want -- a taut suspension, quick steering response, strong brakes and a potent rush of acceleration.

Past Subaru Imprezas

The previous Subaru Impreza was sold from 2002-'07. It was available as a five-passenger sedan or a wagon. Mechanically, the two body styles were similar. At its debut, this Impreza was sold in the following trim levels: 2.5 RS sedan, WRX sedan and wagon, 2.5 TS Sport Wagon and Outback Sport wagon.

Powering non-WRX models was a 2.5-liter engine making 165 hp. The WRX had a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine making 227 hp. Transmission choices included a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Imprezas of this period were reasonably well equipped, with the most features and performance-oriented hardware coming on the WRX.

Though all years of this Impreza are highly regarded, there are some changes to be aware of. Models made for 2004 and later benefited from a variety of feature updates, including revised front-end styling, updated suspension components for a better ride quality and more convenience features. For 2006, Subaru updated the Impreza's front styling again and introduced updated engines. The renamed 2.5i trim levels came with 173 hp, while the WRX sedan and wagon gained a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing 230 hp.

From 2004-'07, Subaru also sold the ultra-high-performance Impreza STI. This special variant of the sedan came with a 300-hp version of the 2.5-liter turbo engine, a six-speed manual transmission, an even stiffer suspension and powerful Brembo brakes. It also had exclusive features like a driver-adjustable center differential and a water sprayer for the intercooler.

At the time, we found the second-generation Subaru Impreza to be one of the best performance cars available for the money. Though lacking the most up-to-date features and suffering from an increasingly dated interior design, this generation had a fun-to-drive personality that kept it competitive with more modern performance hatchbacks and sedans. The STI, meanwhile, was capable of out-accelerating and out-handling many dedicated sport coupes of the time.

Considering the glorious halo associated with this second generation, it might be somewhat surprising to learn that the Subaru Impreza had a rather meek American debut for 1993. The first-generation model was available as a sedan or wagon and came equipped with a 1.8-liter flat-4 good for just 110 hp. All-wheel drive was optional, not standard. There were three trim levels: base, L and LS. The LS (later renamed LX) came with more equipment, including a standard four-speed automatic transmission and antilock brakes.

Subaru made its first major changes to this generation for 1995. Additions included a two-door coupe model, the Outback wagon and a larger 135-hp 2.2-liter engine option. The larger engine was available only with a four-speed automatic, however. This situation was rectified in '96 when the five-speed manual became available for the 2.2-liter. That year, Subaru also made the larger engine standard on all trims except the low-budget Brighton coupe.

The first-generation Subaru Impreza continued to improve in its later years. For 1997, Subaru brought out an improved Outback model, increased the power output of the 2.2-liter, made AWD standard and dropped the LX trim. A year later, the desirable Impreza 2.5 RS debuted. Though not as powerful as the turbocharged WRX versions that Subaru was selling in other parts of the world, the coupe-only 2.5 RS came with a 165-hp 2.5-liter engine, a sport-tuned suspension, a non-functional hood scoop and 16-inch wheels. It also tied in nicely to the Impreza's success in the World Rally Championship during this time. No more significant changes were made to the Impreza, though a 2.5 RS sedan did arrive for 2000.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.