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Subaru Impreza - What the Auto Press Says

The Impreza has the distinction in its class of offering all-wheel drive standard for all trims, and has received recognition as a safe compact. But its design is considered ordinary compared to some sporty small cars and hatches.

The 2008 Subaru Impreza's standard all wheel drive and outstanding safety scores make it a practical choice. But uninspiring style and an outdated powertrain relegate the Impreza to the middle of the rankings. Nevertheless, AutoWeek says "It's tough not to like this budget all-wheel driver. … Impreza isn't WRX-hot, but not everyone needs spice." About.com reports "the Subaru's real beauty is under the skin: It's the only car in its class to come standard with all-wheel-drive (AWD)."

The Impreza has been significantly redesigned for 2008. An expanded wheelbase changed its outward appearance and stretched its cabin space. The cabin has been modified, and new features are offered. However, the Impreza's engine and transmissions remain the same, and gas mileage doesn't stand out in the class. The Impreza is offered as a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback. Subaru also provides an Impreza wagon, and the Impreza WRX, a performance-oriented vehicle. If you're interested in an affordable small car, consider the Honda Civic.

• "Not a wolf, but definitely not a sheep, the new Impreza is a practical awd sedan." -- Road and Track
• "We've established that the new Impreza is boring to look at and has interior bits that would give a Yugo engineer a superiority complex. And yet I'd still recommend this car -- very highly, I might add." -- About.com
• "We could stand to see more vehicles like this replace SUVs since they drive well, can haul cargo and they don't swill fuel." -- AutoWeek
• "In the hardscrabble world of econoboxes, the Impreza remains mighty imprezzive." -- Car and Driver
• Breaking with most reviewers, the LA Times says "the Impreza is the franchise. Subaru couldn't, they wouldn't mess with the franchise, would they? They have. … For every upside you can count…there's a tawdry downside. … Come on, Subaru, follow the GOP model: Pander to your base." -- Los Angeles Times

Impreza Performance - 7.1 (Good)

The 2008 Subaru Impreza's redesign didn't spill over into performance features, resulting in a mediocre score. But the Impreza's standard all-wheel drive is well liked. About.com's reviewer says he would recommend this car because of the way it drives -- "or more specifically, the way it drives when something goes terribly wrong right in your path." Read More

Impreza Exterior - 5.6 (Mediocre)

Despite its modifications, the Impreza is classified as dull-looking when compared to the sportiness of a Mazda3 or the sleekness of a Honda Civic. The Los Angeles Times says all Impreza models "are stylistic chloroform, boring and generic Asian shapes draped over a longer (up 4.5 inches) and taller (1.5 inches) frame." Read More

Impreza Interior - 7.7 (Good)

There are high-quality materials in the Impreza's cabin. Car and Driver says "Although all the interior surfaces are base plastic or vinyl, they're nicely grained and pleasing to the touch. The switchgear is silky, the three rotary HVAC controls are the quintessence of thoughtful ergonomics." Reviewers also positively regard the Impreza's more spacious cabin, thanks to a stretched wheelbase. Read More

Impreza Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)

With a lengthy list of safety features and high scores in federal government crash tests, the Impreza is a good choice for "everyone who recognizes their own mortality," About.com writes. The 2008 model also earned recognition from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety as a "Top Safety Pick." Read More

Impreza Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)

The 2008 Subaru Impreza reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Subaru offers a basic warranty for the first three years or 36,000 miles. Read More