2008 Subaru Impreza WRX Long Term Verdict

Ah, what a difference a year makes. When we first introduced our long-term Subaru WRX in May 2008, the heat from the new model's launch was just beginning to dissipate. Back then, much ado was made about the turbo Impreza's larger body and softened styling. Many a Subie fan shouted into the dark vastness of the Interwebs about how horrid the new car looked and how nasty it must drive. Now that it's time to say farewell, when we're reminded of the WRX's inauspicious inauguration, we say, "Heh?" That is because after 371 days and 20,421 miles (we started with 41 miles on the odo), we've come to accept and celebrate many of the sedan's controversial features-even the styling.

Perhaps familiarity also breeds contentedness; Subaru pocket-rockets are a staple in and around Southern California, which means the new WRX's more bulbous profile quickly lost its novelty. Oh, sure, there were comments early on, notably from head man MacKenzie who opined, "Boy, does Subaru need some help in the styling department. The sedan looks better than the weirdoid hatch, but it's no masterpiece. Odd surfaces, saggy lines, it looks like it was done by a committee. Which is, I suspect, precisely what happened."

But as the odo turned, consensus seemed to follow. Said online associate editor Jurnecka, "The styling has grown on me...I think I finally 'get it.' It's more grown up, more mature." Senior editor Kiino agreed that "the styling doesn't scream boy racer."

Our staff also concurred that the WRX is roomier and more practical and has a better ride-benefits associated with the 4.5 inches added to the car's overall length. Inside, all these inches amount to noticeably more rear-seat legroom and comfort. Subaru upgraded the rear seat to split 60/40, which makes the additional length more useable, as photographer Julia LaPalme discovered. "Anyone realize the back seats fold down? I remember wishing for that feature in my '02 WRX, so the fact that Subie has finally incorporated this into the '08 WRX is AWESOME."

On the road, the extra inches of wheelbase (plus 3.7 inches over the previous generation) and softly sprung suspension had our long-haul champion, managing editor Kurtz, gushing, too: "This thing has a great freeway ride and it's smooth around town as well."

MacKenzie agreed, "Around town, it's a pleasant device, apart from the rubbery, notchy gearshift. The ride is smooth and well controlled and the engine is punchy," though he did highlight our WRX's weakest link-the gearbox.