The 2008 Subaru Impreza four-door lineup and what changed that year

The 2008 Subaru Impreza four-door came in three main trim levels: the base 2.5i, the mid-range 2.5i Sport, and the high-performance WRX and WRX STI models. That year marked the start of the third generation of the Impreza, which ran from 2008 to 2014. The 2008 model year introduced a larger body, a more spacious interior, and updated styling compared to the previous generation.

All 2008 four-door Impreza models used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as the base powerplant. The standard 2.5i and 2.5i Sport produced 170 horsepower, while the WRX bumped that to 227 horsepower with a turbocharged version of the same engine. The WRX STI, the most powerful variant, delivered 305 horsepower. Subaru offered both manual and automatic transmissions across the lineup, though the STI came exclusively with a manual gearbox.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2008 Impreza four-door was the first year of the third generation, featuring a larger body and more interior space than previous models.
  • Engine options ranged from a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter producing 170 horsepower in base models to a turbocharged 2.5-liter with 305 horsepower in the STI.
  • All-wheel drive came standard on every 2008 four-door Impreza trim level.
  • The 2008 model year introduced updated safety features and a revised interior layout compared to the 2007 and earlier generations.

Engine and transmission choices for 2008 four-door models

The base 2.5i and 2.5i Sport models shared the same naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine, paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. This engine produced 170 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy for these models averaged around 20 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway with the manual transmission, slightly lower with the automatic.

The WRX used a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that produced 227 horsepower and 244 pound-feet of torque. Buyers could choose between a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine required premium fuel and delivered noticeably quicker acceleration than the base engine, though fuel economy dropped to approximately 18 city and 24 highway miles per gallon.

The WRX STI represented the performance pinnacle, with its turbocharged 2.5-liter engine tuned to 305 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque. The STI came exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission and also required premium fuel. Fuel economy for the STI was similar to the WRX, around 17 to 18 city and 23 to 24 highway miles per gallon, depending on driving habits.

Standard features and trim level differences

All 2008 four-door Impreza models came standard with all-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. The base 2.5i included air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a CD audio system. The 2.5i Sport added fog lights, a roof rack, and an upgraded interior with better upholstery.

The WRX trim added performance-focused features like a sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and a more aggressive exterior appearance with a hood scoop and body side moldings. Inside, the WRX included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and upgraded gauges. The WRX STI went further with a unique front bumper design, a larger rear wing, Brembo brakes, and an even stiffer suspension calibrated for track use.

Optional packages varied by trim level. Higher trims could be equipped with navigation systems, leather seats, a sunroof, and upgraded audio systems. Safety options included side curtain airbags and a backup camera, though these were less common on 2008 models than on later years.

Suspension and handling characteristics

The 2008 Impreza four-door used an independent double-wishbone front suspension and a double-wishbone rear setup, a design that carried over from the previous generation but was tuned differently for the larger new body. The base 2.5i and 2.5i Sport models came with a comfort-oriented suspension that prioritized ride quality over cornering performance.

The WRX featured a sport-tuned suspension with stiffer springs and dampers, lowering the vehicle slightly and improving body control during aggressive driving. The WRX STI took this further with an even more aggressive setup, including adjustable dampers on some models, allowing owners to fine-tune the suspension for different driving conditions. All models rode on 16-inch or 17-inch wheels depending on trim, with the STI typically equipped with 18-inch performance wheels.

Interior space and practicality

The 2008 redesign increased the Impreza's wheelbase and overall length, translating to more rear legroom and cargo space compared to the previous generation. The four-door body style provided easier access to the back seats than the two-door coupe option. Rear passengers had approximately 33 inches of legroom, a meaningful improvement for a compact sedan.

The trunk held 12 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, expandable to 60 cubic feet with the seats folded. This made the four-door practical for daily commuting and weekend trips, though it remained smaller than midsize sedans. The interior layout was straightforward, with controls positioned logically and a dashboard design that aged reasonably well over the model's production run.

Common maintenance and reliability considerations

The 2008 Impreza four-door is now over 15 years old, so maintenance history becomes critical when evaluating used examples. The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine in base models is generally robust, though some owners reported issues with the head gaskets on earlier Subaru generations—this particular year was generally better in this regard than 2003-2007 models. The turbocharged engines in WRX and STI models are more complex and can be costlier to maintain if problems arise.

Transmission reliability varies by type. The manual transmissions are typically durable, while the automatic transmissions in base models have a mixed reputation. The all-wheel-drive system is a Subaru hallmark and generally holds up well, though differential fluid changes are recommended every 30,000 to 60,000 miles depending on driving conditions. Rust can develop on older examples, particularly in areas with road salt exposure, so inspecting the undercarriage is important when shopping for a used 2008 model.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the WRX and WRX STI on a 2008 four-door?

The WRX STI has a more powerful turbocharged engine (305 hp versus 227 hp), a six-speed manual transmission instead of five-speed, upgraded brakes and suspension, and a more aggressive exterior design. The STI is built for higher performance and track use, while the WRX balances performance with everyday usability.

Does the 2008 Impreza four-door have all-wheel drive standard?

Yes, all-wheel drive comes standard on every 2008 four-door Impreza trim level, from the base 2.5i through the WRX STI. There is no front-wheel-drive option for this model year.

How much horsepower does the base 2008 Impreza four-door have?

The base 2.5i and 2.5i Sport models produce 170 horsepower from their naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engines. This is sufficient for daily driving but noticeably less powerful than the turbocharged WRX and STI variants.

What kind of fuel does the 2008 WRX and STI require?

Both the WRX and WRX STI require premium gasoline (91 octane or higher). Using regular fuel can cause engine knock and reduce performance. The base 2.5i models can run on regular fuel.

Is the 2008 Impreza four-door a good used car to buy today?

That depends on the specific example and its maintenance history. Base models with the naturally aspirated engine and manual transmission tend to be reliable and affordable. WRX and STI models can be rewarding but may have higher maintenance costs if they were driven hard or not maintained properly. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a Subaru-familiar mechanic.