- sedan 129,290
- 3,422 below average
- 5,600 great
- Somersworth, NH
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- autoshopper.com
- 3,422 below average sedan 129,290 silver manual
2008 subaru impreza review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. All-new impreza and outback sport bigger, more refined. introductionthe subaru impreza lineup is redesigned for 2008, getting bigger and more refined in the process. Base impreza and outback sport models return, as do the high-performance wrx and even higher performance wrx sti. The engine produces 170-horspower, enough power for everyday needs and enough oomph for good passing punch. We drove it in the mountains of colorado and found it up to the task, but it had to work hard up steep grades partly due to the thinner air at high altitude. Drivers who want more power should consider the turbocharged impreza wrx, which is surprisingly civil in behavior. the impreza powertrain is competitive with anything in the compact class, but some rivals offer six-speed automatics that improve fuel economy. The impreza's fuel economy is on par with other all-wheel-drive compacts, but it suffers compared to front-drive rivals. Even a minor wreck costs more than a tank of gas. the impreza also has a handling advantage versus several competitors. Advanced suspension geometry, a platform built to host the high-performance wrx models, and a low center of gravity thanks to the boxer engine all add up to crisp handling with little body lean in corners. The gauges are easy to read, and there is plenty of storage space for small items. The front seat has enough head room and leg room for tall drivers, and visibility is good to all corners. The outback sport is only a hatchback. A satellite and navigation package 3500) adds a navigation system and sirius satellite radio plus the premium package equipment but with a single-cd player. The popular equipment group 319) adds auto-dimming rearview mirror, compass, and security system shock sensor. Other upgrades include an audio sound package 768) with xm or sirius satellite radio and a subwoofer/amplifier; a short-throw shifter for the manual transmission 374); auxiliary audio input jack 97); roof rack 250); remote engine starting 432); xm or sirius satellite radio 453); and a rear spoiler for the sedan 380). Traction control, electronic stability control, brake assist, and incline start assist (with manual transmission) are standard on all but the 2. 5i, where they are optional. walkaroundthe 2008 subaru impreza has grown up compared to the last model. The width is the same, but the wheelbase is 3. 7 inches longer on an all-new platform. Overall length is also up by 4. 5 inches for the sedan, but is actually down 1. 7 inches for the hatchback. The hatchback's length is taken out behind the rear wheels. Where the last model had a more squared off wagon shape, this one has a raked hatchback shape. the impreza gets a completely new look for 2008. The front end changes from subaru's somewhat controversial horse-collar shape to the new corporate design that is short and wide. The shape of the grille flows into a pair of cat's eye-style headlights, and its basic shape is repeated below the bumper in an air intake that is flanked by fog lights. The outline of the grille leads into character lines on the hood. The whole effect is more organic and flowing than most cars these days. the sides of the car are largely uncluttered, except for bold bmw-like shoulder lines that run from the front wheelwells to the taillights. The fenders are slightly flared at the wheels, again lending an organic, flowing shape. perhaps most important, the impreza now has fully framed door windows, which reduces interior noise and the possibility of leaks. Reviewers have complained about subaru's frameless windows for years. the impreza sedan ends with a high trunk line, a fairly generic rear end design, and red taillights. the impreza hatchback, on the other hand, has a raked rear window that leads to an integrated roof spoiler, giving it a sporty demeanor. The dash and center console have lots of plastic, but it doesn't feel cheap. The gauges are black with white markings, red needles and raised silver rings. The gauges are easy to read and the overall look is pleasing. the center stack has a vehicle information center with the clock, outside temperature indicator, and trip computer information set in a hooded area at the top of the dash. The radio is right below that, followed by a pair of air vents, and finally three easy-to-use climate control knobs. with the optional navigation system, the radio controls are integrated along the sides of the nav screen. This makes some of the controls small and a bit hard to find, but it shouldn't be a problem after a few weeks. We found the screen hard to read with polarized sunglasses on and hard to read during the day with the headlights on. small items storage is quite good. The glove box is of a good size. The center console features two cupholders and a deep center console to store cds and life's little trinkets. There is also a small change tray in front of the cupholders, and the front of the console has an open tray to set cell phones and the like. inside, the impreza has plenty of room for a compact car. On the whole, there is more room than the last model. Even tall drivers should find enough head and leg room. Visibility to all corners is also largely unobstructed. the back seat is quite impressive. It has good leg room with all but the tallest occupants up front and toe space under the seats is good if those front seats need to be set farther back. Rear head room is excellent. The only minor complaint is the fact that the seat bottoms are fairly flat, meaning long trip comfort may suffer. cargo room is good, especially in the hatchback. The rear seats are split 60/40 and they fold flat easily via pull-up knobs. In the hatchback, folding the seats down opens up 44. 4 cubic.
5,600 Somersworth, NHSomersworth, NH at autoshopper.com