Best economy car, hatchback 2011 Honda Fit *Est. $15100
Best economy car, sedan 2011 Hyundai Elantra *Est. $14830
Best sporty compact car 2011 Volkswagen GTI *Est. $23695
Best nonhybrid fuel economy 2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI *Est. $23225
Best cheap compact car 2011 Nissan Versa *Est. $9990

See All Economy Cars

2008 Subaru Impreza

(*est. $16,995 to $38,795)

Pros

Handling and steering feedback
Cabin volume and added cargo space
Safety ratings
Above-average reliability

Cons

Gas mileage low for its size
Boring exterior styling
Interior fit and finish
Few options

Our Analysis

While the sportier WRX and WRX STi models are reviewed most often, much of the commentary applies to all iterations of the compact 2008 Subaru Impreza. Strong points are all-wheel drive, standard anti-lock brakes and curtain-side air bags (plus traction control in most models), as well as good crash test ratings and Subaru's impressive track record. Many reviewers say the restyled Impreza still offers some zip while presenting a more mature image; opinions are mixed regarding whether this is something to be celebrated. The Subaru Impreza faces some stiff competition, as reviewers like both the Honda Civic (*est. $14,800 to $23,250) and the Mazda3 (*est. $13,995 to $20,295). Neither of those cars offers all-wheel drive, however.

A major restyle for 2008 thrusts the Subaru Impreza squarely into the spotlight. Motor Trend's Car of the Year article is based on extensive road testing and analysis, so it is one of the better reviews. Consumer Reports magazine has also tested the 2008 Impreza and evaluates it in comparison with past year's models as well as with many other small cars. Product testers at ConsumerGuide.com provide analysis that shows how the Impreza ranks against the compact-car segment as a whole. The WRX version of the Subaru Impreza appears on lists of 2008's best new cars at About.com and Cars.com. Editors at Edmunds.com offer a helpful summary of their single-car evaluation of this model. The Car Family evaluates the Impreza on its family functionality.

Where To Buy

Get Free Price Quotes for
2008 Subaru Impreza

Bid on
2008 Subaru Impreza

Our Sources

1. Motor Trend Details/Subscribe

The 2008 Subaru Impreza was evaluated in Motor Trend's extensive testing for its Car of the Year award. Editors were impressed with engine performance, but they were less-enthusiastic about changes to the styling and suspension tuning.

Review: 2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year Contenders – Subaru Impreza, Editors at Motor Trend

2. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Consumer Reports' editors have tested the 2008 Subaru Impreza, and they offer information about the driving experience, safety and anticipated reliability. An interactive feature allows subscribers to compare ratings of selected models side by side.

Review: Subaru Impreza, Editors of Consumer Reports

3. ConsumerGuide.com

After road-testing the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX, ConsumerGuide.com assigns it scores in several categories. Overall, the Impreza trails the average for compact cars. All-wheel drive is a plus, but fuel economy is unimpressive.

Review: 2008 Subaru Impreza, Editors at ConsumerGuide.com, Sept. 12, 2008

4. About.com

About.com car guide Aaron Gold, an experienced automotive journalist, selects the best new and redesigned cars for each model year and tests them himself. The Subaru Impreza makes the list because he finds it "invigorating" to drive. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: Best New Cars of 2008, Aaron Gold

5. Edmunds.com

Editors here conclude that the mainstreaming of the Subaru Impreza for 2008 resulted in some significant improvements, but that it did so at the cost of this model's distinctive character – only the WRX STI version retains its sporty feel.

Review: 2008 Subaru Impreza Review, Editors at Edmunds.com

6. The Car Family

The National Motorists Association maintains this blog. The Car Family's evaluators say the Subaru Impreza is fun to drive, but they give it a C+ grade because of repair costs and middling fuel economy.

Review: The Complete Guide to Family Sedans: Finding the Best Car, Mar. 21, 2008

7. Cars.com

Safety, practicality, comfort and performance are considered in selecting Cars.com's Best Bets. This is a fairly long list, and the cars are not compared.

Review: New Best Bets, Editors of Cars.com

8. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's top safety picks all get the highest rating of "good" in three crash tests. The Subaru Impreza is the only small car to qualify.

Review: Top Safety Picks 2008, Editors of IIHS.gov

2011 Ford Fiesta Base MSRP: $13,320 to $17,120

8 picks including: Car and Driver, Cars.com…

2011 Volkswagen Golf Base MSRP: $17,995 to $19,755

8 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…

2011 Honda Civic Base MSRP: $15,605 to $25,490

5 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…

2011 Mini Cooper Base MSRP: $19,400 to $31,300

5 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…

2011 Mazda3 Base MSRP: $15,800 to $23,010

5 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…

2011 Volkswagen Jetta Base MSRP: $14,995 to $22,995