When I first saw it, I didn't like it (standard WRX)... I thought the front end looked like a Chrysler, and the rear end looked like a Daewoo Lanos... But it had hope... Everyone hated the 2002 WRX when it first came out, but people still bought it.

I got to thinking about that and realized the only reason people bought the 2002 WRX was because it was brand new and out performed almost all cars on the road, so people overlooked its hideous looks. With the new WRX, well, not only is it ugly as sin, but its performance isn't revolutionary and a lot of other cars totally outperform it (Not the STi).

Since its release I haven't seen a SINGLE new WRX on the road... Not a single one! I drive A LOT every day too, so you'd think the chances of me seeing one would be pretty good, but alas, I haven't seen a single one... At the same time in 2002, I saw the bugeye'd WRX's everywhere! Seemed like everyone and their mother was buying the WRX back then...

What are sales like for the WRX since its release? Seems like no one is getting past its sub-par looks and dimmed performance enough to buy the thing... Subaru really kicked themselves in the face with this re-design... I forsee an all new body makeover for 2010.

If they were smart, for 2008 they would have done a retro GC8... Basically modeled after the 22B just modernized to make it a 2008... Everyone and their mothers (including myself) would have sold their current WRX' and got a new GC8 remake. Not only would it be better looking, but it would be lighter and far more marketable! This would seriously be the best idea ever and would sell many cars for Subaru Of America (as well as the rest of Subaru in the world). Maybe if we all write it into SOA they might listen to us?

 

Sad to say I agree. I have seen the 08 Imprezas on the road but both were 2.5i editions. Also considering the fact that it looks alot like the Mazda 3; most people thinking of spending for the WRX would more than likely save money and spend it on the Mazdaspeed 3.

First time I saw it on the road, I had to do a double take cuz I thought it was a Chrysler Sebring.

04-05 WRX/STI FTW!

 

I agree. I hated the looks of the 08 since they first produced pics of it. I always loved the aggressive look of the wrx/sti and was very dissapointed when this new design came out. While reaching out to a wider audience of consumers, Subaru has lost a lot of loyal fans with this new design and I hope that they go back to the 04/05 style in 2010 or instead redesign the 22B as mentioned above.

 

agree, i have seen the new wrx and they were all 2.5i. never saw a wrx yet. subaru really mess up on this one.

i still like the new sti though.

-stephen

 

Daniel... have you driven one yet?

I took one for a spin and was actually impressed. I like my 04 or the 07's better but it's actually a decent little car. More refined in some ways. Quicker than I expected. Handles half way decent in stock form.

The hatch with some small changes could end up looking pretty decent and being a nice car.

 

I bet once aftermarket parts become more available people will fall for the 08

It would've been much better if Subaru just fixed up the interior only and left the exterior looking somewhat the same instead of doing a complete make-over.

I've seen an 08 WRX at McCarthy ranch and it wasn't so bad looking. I can still see myself getting them mixed up with a ford focus though.

 

i actually own an 08 impreza and its a love hate relationship between me and my car. I dont know what i like more my 06 or 08. but, you have to remember subaru is a corporation, and the goal is to make money. The US is only a small percentage of the Imprezas sold. Overall, the new impreza is selling around the globe and breaking record sales.
As for the 04/05 style in 2010, i can't see it happening, i see a brand new model coming out in maybe 2012. i mean the GC8 was from 93-01 and the GD chassis was 02-07.
I would love to see a new updated GC chassis tho, that would be sweet. But didn't subaru say they weren't going to make a coupe anymore

 

saying new wrx looks like sebring is a understatement. looks more like a Yaris! especially the sedans.

 

 

Call me crazy, I'm considering the 08 just cuz of the sleeper status and the fact that it's a hatchback. I'm not looking to turn heads of passer by ricers. I just want some solid performance and a comfy interior. I'll have to check these out in person.

 

ugly.

 

interior sucks too. try the back seat. somehow, its worse than the current.

 

Seriously Dan, if you haven't driven one, then shame on you. I think it's a hell of a lot more attractive than the bugeyed GD chassis. It surprised me with how well it drove too. Still a little rolly polly for me, but most Subarus are, hell they tackle dirt roads a lot of SUV's wouldn't venture down. The interior is LEAGUES better and I for one think they're moving in the right direction. The fact that this is the only market that has the sedan says something strange about the U.S. buyers. The sedan is not nearly as attractive as the hatch either IMHO.

-Brian

 

+1 for it for sure out handling ALL GD WRXs from the factory, I was very impressed with the lack of body roll and how smoothly it took steering inputs while under cornering load.

But, I STILL HAVE NOT SEEN ONE ON THE ROAD since they came out months ago...

Maybe SOA will wake up and smell the lack of sales... but this may all change as the STi sells and those wanting it and unable to get it settle to buying and modding a wrx hatch.

The WRX Sedan is just laughable... I can't imagine driving that lol, it's a watered down, pu55y *** exterior.

 

The sedan looks like an 02-05 Camry, but a bit shorter.