The 2008 Impreza 4-door came in three main trims: 2.5i, 2.5i Sport, and 2.5i WRX
The 2008 Subaru Impreza 4-door sedan offered three distinct configurations, each built around the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine but with different equipment levels and price points. The base 2.5i started around $18,000 and included air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a CD player. The 2.5i Sport added $2,000 to $3,000 and brought alloy wheels, fog lights, and a sport-tuned suspension. The 2.5i WRX was the performance variant, priced around $26,000, with a turbocharged engine producing 227 horsepower compared to the 170 horsepower in the base model.
All three trims shared Subaru's standard all-wheel drive system, which was a significant differentiator from competitors at that price point. The transmission choice was either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, depending on the trim and engine. Fuel economy ranged from 20 city / 26 highway for the turbocharged WRX to 21 city / 27 highway for the naturally aspirated models.
Key Takeaways
- The 2008 Impreza 4-door 2.5i base model included air conditioning and power accessories but no alloy wheels or fog lights.
- The 2.5i Sport added alloy wheels, fog lights, and a sport suspension for roughly $2,500 more than the base model.
- The 2.5i WRX used a turbocharged engine with 227 horsepower and cost around $26,000, making it significantly more expensive than the naturally aspirated trims.
- All three trims came standard with all-wheel drive and your choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
- Fuel economy was similar across the base and Sport trims but noticeably lower in the WRX due to the turbocharged engine.
Engine and Transmission Choices by Trim
The base 2.5i and 2.5i Sport both used the same 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, rated at 170 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. This engine paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. The manual was standard on the 2.5i, while the automatic was an option that added roughly $1,200 to the price.
The 2.5i WRX stood apart with its turbocharged version of the same 2.5-liter block, tuned to 227 horsepower and 244 pound-feet of torque. The WRX came exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission — no automatic was offered. This engine required premium fuel (91 octane or higher), whereas the naturally aspirated models ran on regular 87-octane fuel.
Interior and Comfort Features
The 2.5i base model included cloth seats, manual windows and locks on the rear doors, and a basic AM/FM CD player. Air conditioning was standard across all trims. The steering wheel was not adjustable for tilt or telescoping on the base model.
The 2.5i Sport upgraded to power windows and locks on all four doors, added cruise control, and included a tilt-adjustable steering wheel. Seats remained cloth but were sport-bolstered. The WRX carried similar interior appointments to the Sport but added leather-trimmed sport seats and a more aggressive interior color scheme.
None of the 2008 Impreza trims offered a sunroof, navigation system, or backup camera. Bluetooth connectivity was not available in any 2008 model year. The audio system remained a CD player across all trims, though aftermarket upgrades were common.
Exterior Styling and Wheels
The 2.5i came with 16-inch steel wheels and all-season tires. Body-side molding and a rear spoiler were not included on the base model. The front and rear bumpers were body-colored plastic.
The 2.5i Sport added 16-inch alloy wheels (a step up in appearance and weight reduction compared to steel), integrated fog lights in the front bumper, and a small rear spoiler. The Sport also included body-side molding that ran the length of the doors. These exterior changes gave the Sport a more finished appearance without changing the overall dimensions or structure.
The 2.5i WRX featured a more aggressive front fascia with a larger air intake, a prominent hood scoop to feed air to the turbocharger, and a taller rear wing. The WRX came standard with 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in performance-oriented tires. The hood scoop was functional, not decorative, and was one of the most recognizable visual markers of the WRX variant.
Suspension and Handling Differences
The 2.5i used a standard independent double-wishbone front suspension and a double-wishbone rear setup tuned for comfort and everyday driving. The ride height was normal, and the suspension absorbed bumps without much feedback to the driver.
The 2.5i Sport received a sport-tuned suspension with stiffer springs and dampers, lowering the car by approximately 0.4 inches. This made the Sport more responsive in corners but also transmitted more road noise and bumps into the cabin. The steering was slightly quicker than the base model.
The 2.5i WRX had the most aggressive suspension setup, with even stiffer springs and performance-oriented dampers. The WRX sat lower than the Sport and featured a limited-slip differential in the rear axle, which improved traction during acceleration and cornering. The steering was the quickest of the three, with more road feedback. The WRX suspension was designed for spirited driving and track use, not daily comfort.
Safety Equipment and Ratings
All 2008 Impreza 4-door models came with dual front airbags, side-impact airbags for the front seats, and side-curtain airbags that protected the head area. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were standard on all trims. Electronic stability control was not standard on the base 2.5i but was included on the Sport and WRX.
The 2008 Impreza received a four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in frontal crash tests and four stars in side-impact tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it a "Good" rating in frontal offset crashes. These ratings were respectable for the compact sedan class in 2008, though modern vehicles have significantly higher safety standards.
Pricing and Value Comparison
| Trim | Base Price (2008) | Engine | Horsepower | Key Additions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5i | ~$18,000 | 2.5L naturally aspirated | 170 hp | Air conditioning, CD player |
| 2.5i Sport | ~$20,500 | 2.5L naturally aspirated | 170 hp | Alloy wheels, fog lights, sport suspension, cruise control |
| 2.5i WRX | ~$26,000 | 2.5L turbocharged | 227 hp | Turbocharger, 17-inch wheels, hood scoop, limited-slip differential |
The jump from 2.5i to 2.5i Sport represented roughly a 14 percent price increase for visible upgrades like alloy wheels and fog lights, plus the sport suspension tuning. The jump from Sport to WRX was steeper — a 27 percent increase — but included a turbocharged engine with 57 additional horsepower and performance-oriented chassis modifications.
Used 2008 Impreza 4-doors today typically sell for $6,000 to $10,000 depending on mileage and condition, with WRX models commanding a premium of $1,000 to $2,000 over comparable Sport models. The all-wheel drive system and Subaru's reputation for longevity have kept these vehicles in demand on the used market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swap the manual transmission from a WRX into a base 2.5i?
Technically possible but not practical. The WRX transmission is designed for the turbocharged engine's higher torque output, and the base model's engine bay and engine mounts differ. Parts and labor costs would exceed the value of the upgrade. Most owners who want a manual WRX straightforward buy a WRX instead.
What is the hood scoop on the WRX actually for?
The hood scoop feeds cooler outside air directly to the turbocharger's intake, improving boost pressure and engine performance. It is not decorative. On the base and Sport models, there is no scoop because the naturally aspirated engine does not need the extra air supply.
Do all 2008 Impreza 4-doors have all-wheel drive?
Yes. All-wheel drive was standard across the 2.5i, 2.5i Sport, and 2.5i WRX. Subaru did not offer a front-wheel-drive option for the 2008 Impreza sedan, which was a key selling point against competitors like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.
Which trim is best for someone who wants fuel economy?
The 2.5i or 2.5i Sport with the manual transmission will give you the best fuel economy, both rated at 21 city / 27 highway. The automatic reduces highway mileage slightly to 26 mpg. The WRX drops to 20 city / 26 highway due to the turbocharged engine and the need for premium fuel, which also costs more per gallon.
Is the 2008 WRX reliable, or is it a money pit?
The 2008 WRX is generally reliable if maintained on schedule, but turbocharged engines require more attention than naturally aspirated ones. Regular oil changes, spark plug replacement, and fuel system cleaning are important. Used WRX models with over 100,000 miles may need turbocharger service or valve cleaning, which can cost $1,000 to $2,500. The base and Sport models are typically less expensive to maintain long-term.