2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$34,995 to $38,795

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.8

avg user rating

(32 reviews)
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Preview summaryImage

Debuting at the New York Auto Show, the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi introduces a new 5-door hatchback version of its rally racer, alongside its four-door sedan. Both models are still over the top, with an enormous rear wing (yes, even on the hatchback), large hood scoop, and choice of silver or gold wheels. All of the Impreza models get a longer wheelbase this year, to improve on interior room, but the hatchback's will be just under 1.7 inches shorter than the sedan, which adds 4.9 inches to its wheelbase.

The same 2.5-liter turbo charged boxer 4 engine hits 300-hp in the 2008 Impreza WRX STi, matched to a 6-speed manual. The suspension and chassis are made firmer this year and the engine placed lower in all WRX models to improve stability and performance. The new STi hatch gets the airplane-style front grille Subaru recently introduced. AWD is still standard in this sports car, with a 35/65 bias towards rear-wheel drive, which can be either automatically or manually adjusted.

Early comments on the new hatchback's looks are mixed, with some saying that the giant spoiler doesn't look right on a wagon. But Subaru seems to want to capitalize on the rejuvenated interest in the versatility of hatchbacks, while still offering road-burning power and performance.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

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User rating:
by Gabriel Q
Mar 26, 2015
Bought this car after my 240sx, 300zx, and GTI. I really enjoyed my time with it and totally regret selling it. I thought I no longer needed a fast car or stick shift. It turns out I was wrong. I loved the car, it's great acceleration, the turns in the corner. Superb. I loved the space I had in the trunk. Just all around a great performer. Here are the mods I had: Tint 15% all around Red overlay tailights Debaged Subaru All Weather Floor Mats Gunmetal finish on stock STi wheels Whiteline Swaybars (front and rear) Hawk Ceramic Brake Pads R205 Badges JNA Front Lip Hella Supertones REDMar 26, 2015
by Phillipp P
Oct 07, 2014
Love the car, it is exciting to drive and rarely gets boring. It is an absolute blast to drive in the snow. And even in 6th gear, there is still enough to get out of it's own way and switch lanes.Oct 07, 2014
by Anonymous
Jul 23, 2014
I love the look of this car and am impressed by the features like homelink and ipod connection but best of all the sound. It has an awesome amount of space for the kids, the dogs and cargo. I am in love with the handling of this car and the look of it.Jul 23, 2014

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Pricing

Original MSRP
$34,995 to $38,795
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 80 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: metallic · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: front

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Grille color: chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: suede

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: inverted struts · Rear Arm Type: upper and lower control arms · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension type: inverted struts · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 80 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: metallic · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: front

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: suede

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: inverted struts · Rear Arm Type: upper and lower control arms · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension type: inverted struts · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 18

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 80 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: metallic · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: front

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: suede

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: inverted struts · Rear Arm Type: upper and lower control arms · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension type: inverted struts · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 18

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 100 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: metallic · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: center

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: suede

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: inverted struts · Rear Arm Type: upper and lower control arms · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension type: inverted struts · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 18

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 100 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: metallic · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: rear

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Grille color: chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: suede

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: inverted struts · Rear Arm Type: upper and lower control arms · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension type: inverted struts · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 18

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

See all trims (5)