2008 Subaru Impreza WRX

By Couper Nine | May 14, 2008

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX Video

By Ron Kiino
Photography by Julia LaPalme

As a former owner of a 2002 WRX, photographer Julia LaPalme isn’t especially impressed with this 2008 model: “Everything feels softened on this Subie. The clutch engagement is squishy (sometimes I let it out too soon, other times too late). The engine is so quiet and smooth at 3000 rpm that I find myself speeding a bit too easily (me+WRX=trouble). And I hope trouble doesn’t require quick braking-the binders feel soft and slow to bite, making me dig in my foot much deeper to get the stopping action I expect, a disappointing trait for a rally-bred car.”

Alas, LaPalme continues venting: “I’m rowing through this slushy gearbox, half the time bumping my elbow on the center armrest latch, causing it to pop up unexpectedly. What’s with that? Overall it feels like Subaru is dumbing down what used to be an award-winning vehicle. I, for one, will be nursing a broken heart because of it.”

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
Months/miles in service	5/9904
Avg econ/CO2	21.8 mpg/0.89 lb/mi
Unresolved problems	None
Maintenance cost	$111.48 (oil change/rotate tires/inspection)
Normal-wear cost	$0