New Impreza opinions, round two

[ryu_haneda]

It's official,

My wife does not like the new Impreza WRX sedan. She says it's not horrible, but it doesn't look like a Subaru... looks more like a Mazda 3.

Second round of thoughts, anyone? :) (I still like it, but it DOES look like a Mazda.)

[Wiscon_Mark]

The Mazda's a hot car, I'm not going to whine about it.

I <3 the STi, with its gigantic fender flares. That's how a wagon should be...

Oh, and I'm getting one just as soon as I pay off loans and graduate.

T minus....

[subba]

still a POS to me.

[Plays_with_Toys]

who drives subarus anyway?

[deadlydave]

(I still like it, but it DOES look like a Mazda.)

I feel the same way. It's definitely grown on me, but DAMN, can't they just fix the grille? Come on Subaru, 1 friggin' part is all you need to revise to fix the front end.

And the STi looks awesome as-is.

[legacy92ej22t]

(I still like it, but it DOES look like a Mazda.)

I feel the same way. It's definitely grown on me, but DAMN, can't they just fix the grille? Come on Subaru, 1 friggin' part is all you need to revise to fix the front end.

And the STi looks awesome as-is.

They have an option for a different grill right from the factory, that is just black mesh, looks much better then the chrome grill.

[Huffer]

The cars aren't "hard as nuts" anymore. They're soft, Grand Touring vehicles.

Where's the wrX rawness? It's not there.

There's no-more "uh oh here comes a WRX/STi" when you look back in the mirror... no big foglights or gaping grille to swallow the road.

Audi's more aggressive in their designs...!

[sansMYSTi]

I still don't like it, but I no longer hate it. The STI does look better than the WRX and base Impreza. The tailights are the worst part of the car - the aftermarket should hopefully fix that.

[SPR]

i guess none of you have actually drove the new sti yet?

while the looks are not my favorite.... trust me, its still a subaru. and one of the best subarus by far.

its blistering fast, handles like a dream, stops on a dime, when you get in the drive seat you forget about the out side looks and you realize your still in your sporty suby. it really is noticeably better than the 04-07. go drive one before you keep knocking it. i think you all will change your opinions lol. they are quite the car still, despite there questionable looks.

[Huffer]

That's the point. Who wants to drive a fast car that looks like a pile of poo?

[subba]

That's the point. Who wants to drive a fast car that looks like a pile of poo?

Comming from a true subaru enthusiast.... I Couldnt agree more!.

[rougeben83]

That's the point. Who wants to drive a fast car that looks like a pile of poo?

Subaru's have never been known as good looking vehicles to begin with.

One could even say all those WRX and STi's were factory rice burners, but I digress.

As long as it's fast and keeps the spirit of purpose the original cars have, I couldn't care less how they look.

[SilentRacer]

That's the point. Who wants to drive a fast car that looks like a pile of poo?

Case and point....its what killed the gto.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/12/2004_pontiac_gto_front_4-1.jpg

[subba]

As long as it's fast and keeps the spirit of purpose the original cars have, I couldn't care less how they look.

Would you drive this if it had a twin turbo v8?

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/12/40fiatmultipla-1.jpg

[Reason]

That's the point. Who wants to drive a fast car that looks like a pile of poo?

Case and point....its what killed the gto.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/12/2004_pontiac_gto_front_4-1.jpg

A kid I work with has this car (same color too) I see nothing wrong with it. Plus it has some work done to it. It is stupid fast, and pretty fun to drive. I would buy one if I didn't have other priorities.

[sansMYSTi]

As long as it's fast and keeps the spirit of purpose the original cars have, I couldn't care less how they look.

Would you drive this if it had a twin turbo v8?

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/12/40fiatmultipla-1.jpg

That is the ugliest car I have ever seen :shock: What the hell is that?

And I agree - a car has to look good AND drive well. And it is not just a matter of looking "good", but it also has to look distinctively Subaru - not just like every other Mazda, Toyota, etc. out there. Subarus are starting to become lost in the market, no long distinctive. Every new Impreza I see, I think it is a Mazda 3. When I see the fugly tailights, then I know it is an Impreza. It is one thing to look like another car, but it is another to look worse than the car it emulates.

I did an "favorite Impreza" poll on my local Subaru site (subaruclub.ca), and every model of Impreza becomes less popular with time amongst Subaru enthusiasts. From most popular to least the poll went GC, bugeye, blobeye, pignose, and the new one. That is pretty telling. But then I guess Subarus are no longer made for us, but the masses.

The Impreza, Forester, Outback, Tribeca, and Legacy will eventually be nothing more than just another import, with a Subaru symbol on it, unless there is a major change in the styling team. With more and more cars going AWD and turbo, Subaru will be just like all the others. If only they can hold on to the boxer...

[legacy92ej22t]

(I still like it, but it DOES look like a Mazda.)

I feel the same way. It's definitely grown on me, but DAMN, can't they just fix the grille? Come on Subaru, 1 friggin' part is all you need to revise to fix the front end.

And the STi looks awesome as-is.

They have an option for a different grill right from the factory, that is just black mesh, looks much better then the chrome grill.

This is the optional grill for those that haven't seen it yet. It's MUCH better.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/12/subaruimpreza2008wrx-2.jpg

[Huffer]

That's the point. Who wants to drive a fast car that looks like a pile of poo?

Subaru's have never been known as good looking vehicles to begin with.


Are you kidding?

V5 STi
http://www.sjautomotive.com.au/images/cars/RogSTi2-s.jpg

I had tons of people from all different walks of life commenting positively on my 200k+ BD - "that's a 98?!?" "how many miles?!?" "I never knew Subaru's looked like that"

I've had the same comments about my 2000 GF8 Impreza.

There's a lot of people out there that like the clean lines of the older styles, not everyone likes chrome.

[Huffer]

This is the optional grill for those that haven't seen it yet. It's MUCH better.

Keyword OPTIONAL.

I never saw my wife considering optional grilles when we had her Mazda 6...likewise with the Accord. However I show her the new Impreza, and her comments are as follows:

"I thought Subaru's were supposed to look tough?"
"I don't like that grille... too many flies would stick there"
"what's with all the chrome?"
"Those taillights look like the ones on that crappy Accord down the road" (APC "Altezzas")

and the big one

"It doesn't look like much fun to drive - your wagon looks more useful for taking day-trips"

[legacy92ej22t]

This is the optional grill for those that haven't seen it yet. It's MUCH better.

Keyword OPTIONAL.

I never saw my wife considering optional grilles when we had her Mazda 6...likewise with the Accord. However I show her the new Impreza, and her comments are as follows:

"I thought Subaru's were supposed to look tough?"
"I don't like that grille... too many flies would stick there"
"what's with all the chrome?"
"Those taillights look like the ones on that crappy Accord down the road" (APC "Altezzas")

and the big one

"It doesn't look like much fun to drive - your wagon looks more useful for taking day-trips"

Yes, optional but at our local dealer here I'd say 70% of the wrx's on the lot had the optional grill on it already so, what does that tell you. :wink:

[subba]

That's the point. Who wants to drive a fast car that looks like a pile of poo?

Subaru's have never been known as good looking vehicles to begin with.


Are you kidding?

V5 STi
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

I had tons of people from all different walks of life commenting positively on my 200k+ BD - "that's a 98?!?" "how many miles?!?" "I never knew Subaru's looked like that"

I've had the same comments about my 2000 GF8 Impreza.

There's a lot of people out there that like the clean lines of the older styles, not everyone likes chrome.

Noone beleived my car was a 98 either.

The Impreza V5 Sti is one of the most sexiest subaru's ever (next to the P1), Its what got me into subaru's.


I am pretty sure majority of people also liked this one.
(I sure as hell love it)
http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/100-greatest/03-large/106-subaru-impreza.jpg

But just take a sit back and look at a 08 impreza..... Its a hatchback with over sized brake lights, and huge grill and a oversized hood scoop.

[Huffer]

Yes, optional but at our local dealer here I'd say 70% of the wrx's on the lot had the optional grill on it already so, what does that tell you. :wink:

Tells me that they should have made it a standard part.

[deadlydave]

Yes, optional but at our local dealer here I'd say 70% of the wrx's on the lot had the optional grill on it already so, what does that tell you. :wink:

Tells me that they should have made it a standard part.

DING DING, WINNER!
I agree. It makes a big difference for the front of the car.

[1-3-2-4]

Saw my first 2008 impreza hatch yesterday.... boy if I was not a Subaru fan and looked at the pictures before hand I'd never know it was a Subaru :-/ it looks so plain now...

[subba]

Everytime i see a thread about the new impreza it gets me irritated... i am very dissapointed that subaru killed their sports car like that :(


Go Mitsubishi!!!!

[1-3-2-4]

Everytime i see a thread about the new impreza it gets me irritated... i am very dissapointed that subaru killed their sports car like that :(


Go Mitsubishi!!!!

I fear for the Legacy next... they can't let it slip too far.. but you know whats funny (switching to the Tribeca real quick) for people to say Subaru does not have the extra money to be doing redesigns all the time or often..

It seems like they always release a ugly model then come out and later design a decent one about a year later.. Why not do it right the first time??

[Bdubs]

I test drove a base wrx. My girlfriend right off the bat thought it was a Corolla. I didn't even have to say anything.
It has the typical smoothness, but I wouldn't buy a $27k Corolla.

[SPR]

all the replys from this thread makes me think of that little statement edmunds said that is becoming a pretty famous saying in the subaru world.

The STI has grown up. So Should you.

[Huffer]

all the replys from this thread makes me think of that little statement edmunds said that is becoming a pretty famous saying in the subaru world.

The STI has grown up. So Should you.

Maybe I'm not ready to be a 45 year old driving a shopping cart. ;)

[SilentRacer]

what if it was this shopping cart?
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/12/shoppingcartwithamoparv8engine_2263-1.jpg

[Huffer]

All the oranges would fall out the bottom. Pretty useless shopping cart.

[Mr. Sociable]

IMO the new STi is the only new Impreza worth buying and even thken it needs its taillights de-ricerfied

[StatGSR]

even thken it needs its taillights de-ricerfied

good thing that takes like 10 minutes 6 dollars to fix then huh.

[Huffer]

even thken it needs its taillights de-ricerfied

good thing that takes like 10 minutes 6 dollars to fix then huh.

Got a link?

[deadlydave]

Got a link?

I couldn't resist, sorry: :twisted:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/01/sherman_flamethrower-1.jpg

[SPR]

even thken it needs its taillights de-ricerfied

good thing that takes like 10 minutes 6 dollars to fix then huh.

Got a link?

6 dollar can of spray paint. "smoke" color. black those fuckers out!

i think they sell tints you can cut out your self and stick on there. that works too. but not sure how much they cost.


IMO the new STi is the only new Impreza worth buying and even thken it needs its taillights de-ricerfied

but i must say i totally agree. the looks of the new sti are growing on me fast for as much as i hated them. im afraid in time even the wrx will be come appealing to me. but hte performanec of the new sti is amazing. even if u hate it, u all should drive one. Dayumm.... only thing i could say. < coming from a slightly faster than stock 06 sti driver.

[Mr. Sociable]

even thken it needs its taillights de-ricerfied

good thing that takes like 10 minutes 6 dollars to fix then huh.

Got a link?

6 dollar can of spray paint. "smoke" color. black those fuckers out!

i think they sell tints you can cut out your self and stick on there. that works too. but not sure how much they cost.



I would prefer them red, but no matter...it IS an easy fix, thank the lord.

[SPR]

red would be way nice too. but ive yet to see a translucent red paint/film. how ever im sure there is prob one out there that would work. but no one wants their tail lights red, because they are already red. so of course no market for it. so that one might take some hunting to find.

either way, very simple, and gets rid of the ricer-ness.

[Bdubs]

Someone who works for a subie dealer on NASIOC undid the APC style tailights and converted them all red. Looks nice. I can't find the thread now.

[SPR]

Someone who works for a subie dealer on NASIOC undid the APC style tailights and converted them all red. Looks nice. I can't find the thread now.

im betting you can prob pop them in the oven and heat em up. pull them apart, and he prob just painted the chrome whatever color he wanted, and just left the out side lense the same clear color. my best guess... but i dont know if those tails will pull apart. my 06/07 tails wont. with out breaking anyway lol

[rougeben83]

red would be way nice too. but ive yet to see a translucent red paint/film. how ever im sure there is prob one out there that would work. but no one wants their tail lights red, because they are already red. so of course no market for it. so that one might take some hunting to find.

either way, very simple, and gets rid of the ricer-ness.

They have red and other kinds of colors...it's one of those "JDM TYTE" spray tints.

Alternative would be to buy some model red clear in a spray can or load in an airbrush, then apply automotive clear coat on top to seal it.

[1-3-2-4]

wow I got an 08 impreza for rental from hertz.. pretty nice.. great feeling to be in another subaru since it's been over a year now.

[1-3-2-4]

damn I have forgotten how slow a N/A subie is.. and one that has put on a few pounds... feels almost as slow as my Ej18 impreza...

[BE-Fresh]

Subaru after 2007 = fucking gay

[deadlydave]

To open the taillights on a GD impreza, you have to cut them open. Not like the headlights, the front and the back are permanently attatched.

I like the new hatches. A friend of mine just got an '08 wrx in WRB. In that color, there's no way to mistake it for a Corolla. It's what I would have gotten if I didn't go for the Baja.

[Nite_net]

I don't know about you guys... but it's a damn sexy car in person... although it's pretty lame in any other color than the WRB...

It also needed a couple mods to make it a decent daily driver (2.5'' Exhaust), new shift knob, so forth.

http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos- ... 7_3764.jpg (http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v238/195/53/582815471/n582815471_2770067_3764.jpg)

I think that's pretty damned sexy.

It drives like a dream... It's smooth, quiet, and despite being an N/A, it's got enough kick to keep up with whatever i ask of it.

The only thing i don't like is that she takes a LOT of abuse in terms of rocks....gravel roads rock.

[Perdue]

Guys, with fuel and insurance costs going up, it's getting hard to market a vehicle that's sole purpose is to be a sports car. I don't know how many of you have tried ot make a road trip sitting in the back of an 02-07 Impreza, but frankly, it's a pain in the ass. Not very comfortable. They've taken their line and make it more comfortable and smooth to compete with the rest of the sport sedan market. Yeah, we enthusiasts loved the sports car feel of the WRX and STi before, but we only represent a VERY small part of the market.

[Perdue]

who drives subarus anyway?
And I concur! [/jealousy] :lol:

[Ural]

The only thing i dont like for some reason is; the rear suspension redesign and the exhaust... (might be better, but non of the parts pre 08 will fit :-( ) Thats only my opinion, looks wise... ahh its ight!

[decke48]

ahh i like the wide body style better that the 2.5i or wrx.. but i hate clear lights on the hatchbacks. maybe if they had some red. and the sedan lights are just weird and look to much like KIA's lights. they do look better in person. but i dont like the design of any of the impreza 02+. personal i dont think the body style will last long. because theres a 08 wrx and sti still sitting at the dealership since the day they were released to the public... i just dont think they satisfied there male public. and in the next year or two it will probably be redesigned again.

[1-3-2-4]

Anyone notice in the Sedan no more parking light switch and guess what... the headlights turn on without having the key on :(

I have no clue why they got rid of that... I can see about the parking light switch but I liked the headlights turning off with the car.

[Huffer]

Subaru = 2 steps forward, 1 back

[1-3-2-4]

Sounds about right