TEST DRIVE: The 2008 Impreza WRX is Quick..But Look At It

Subaru is a quirky little brand with a reputation bigger than its US presence.

Among car companies producing vehicles that actual people can afford, only Mitsubishi, Suzuki and Isuzu are selling fewer in the USA than Subaru, according to Autodata.

The oddball styling and rackety engines that are Subie signatures certainly don't explain the brand's appeal, reputation and vigorous loyalty. It must come from products that are good in many ways.

Subaru consistently has laudable crash-test scores and generally is among the most reliable companies — second only to Honda Motor in the latest rankings by Consumer Reports magazine.


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Shredmo - 11/16/2007 2:54:21 PM

+9 Boost

This review is relevant to automotive enthusiasts, as a 5th grader's wine review would be to a wine spectator.

If you haven't read it yet, skip it. I think somewhere, the author even appologizes for is automotive incompetence. He admits to testing the manual version, but not being too familiar with driving a manual trans.

carguy68 - 11/16/2007 3:18:34 PM

-1 Boost

looks like smoething from kia

mini22 - 11/16/2007 5:06:54 PM

+1 Boost

Yes the styling is the big issue here.Subaru wanted the WRX to be more main stream. The problem is they went overboard in dulling down the styling.The hatchback idea is a bad move for the US.What they should have done is try to update the styling of the previous version.It will be interesting to see how it sells. If it does well then they made the right decision on styling.If it does poorly then it will need another restyle pronto. Subaru has struggled in the past on the styling front. The version one of the B9 Tribeca had probably the ugliest front end on any automobile ever made. I think they need better design people.

markymark - 11/16/2007 11:43:02 PM

+1 Boost

I don't know, I think the pontiac aztec beats the B9 tribeca for the ugliest front of a car ever made but I'll give the B9 Tribeca the ugliest name for a car ever made.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/17/2007 12:05:42 AM

+1 Boost

B9 Tribeca, ugliest "name" for a car ever made?

Did you forget all about the Volkswagen Touareg, Cadillac Cimarron, Seat Arosa, Chevrolet Lumina and Ferrari 612 Scaglietti?

Interestingly, the Touareg and Scaglietti are both fantastic vehicles... but VW and Ferrari had to ruin them with their names.

cRacKhEaDaLLeY - 11/16/2007 7:30:51 PM

+4 Boost

My SUV-driving, latte-sipping, cellphone-talking, horse-loving, kid-in-the-back-seat-with-a-sippy-cup wife can review a car better than this guy can.
Shredmo is right.

Star - 11/16/2007 8:05:31 PM

+2 Boost

"The 2008 Impreza WRX is Quick..But Look At It"

I'm trying, but it hurts my eyes...

S4cabriofoxone - 11/17/2007 2:01:08 AM

0 Boost

If you STILL aren't used to Bangle's designs (and/or fond of them)... well, your bias has just gone too far.

I can understand not liking certain elements of his design or certain cars, but overall, his presence has pushed BMW into the cutting-edge and many brands (including your beloved Lexus) have scrambled to catch up.

XYZZ - 11/20/2007 7:34:52 AM

0 Boost

MB now copies not just Lexus, but TOYOTA too! see the new MLs and compare with toy 4Runners.