2008 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 20 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 50 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo) and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway), 0% better than the 2008 compact car average of 21.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Impreza/Outback Sport — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Impreza/Outback Sport →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impreza AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 22 | 0% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Impreza AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S4) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | 0% | $3,750 | 404 |
| Impreza AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S4) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 22 | 0% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Impreza Wagon/Outback SPT AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 22 | -2% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Impreza Wagon/Outback SPT AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S4) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | -2% | $3,750 | 404 |
| Impreza Wagon/Outback SPT AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S4) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 22 | -2% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Impreza AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | -4% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Impreza Wagon/Outback SPT AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | -7% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Impreza Wagon/Outback SPT AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -16% | $4,350 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2008 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Honda Accord | 25 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Ford Focus | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2008 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2008 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Impreza/Outback Sport years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Impreza/Outback Sport | 32 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 Impreza/Outback Sport | 31 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 Impreza/Outback Sport | 31 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 Impreza/Outback Sport | 30 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 Impreza/Outback Sport | 30 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 Impreza/Outback Sport | 30 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2006 Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2005 Impreza/Outback Sport | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →