2008 Subaru Impreza vs. Volkswagen Jetta - Comparative Review

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The 2008 Subaru Impreza

The Impreza has plenty of interior room, and a thoughtfully designed interior. The affordable price makes it a deal.  Standard all-wheel drive adds all-weather security, and Impreza's fine ride and handling make it a worthy choice for anyone looking for a small, well-built car. The Impreza 2.5i hatchback and Outback Sport models offer a lot of utility with their big cargo capacities. Whether driving in snow or rain, these Subarus are class leaders.

The interior of the Impreza is nicely appointed. The overall feel would be appropriate for a car costing thousands more. The front seat has enough head room and leg room for tall drivers, and visibility is good to all corners. The back seat is impressive for a compact car, with enough leg room for tall passengers provided the front seats aren't set too far back.

The Subaru Impreza lineup is redesigned for 2008, getting bigger and more refined in the process. A four-door sedan body style remains, but a four-door hatchback replaces the previous generation's wagon body style. Base Impreza and Outback Sport models return, as do the high-performance WRX and even higher performance WRX STI.

The Impreza's fuel economy is on par with other all-wheel-drive compacts.The Impreza also has a handling advantage versus several competitors. Advanced suspension geometry, a platform built to host the high-performance WRX models, and a low center of gravity all add up to crisp handling with little body lean in corners. The Impreza also offers a comfortable ride.

The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is one of the more refined players in its class, and is the only choice to consider if you're in search of a small sedan that delivers European elegance at a very reasonable price. Its carries a pleasant ride, includes high-end interior materials, and has a long list of safety features. The Jetta offers a tremendous amount of polish, all for an incredible sub-$20,000 starting price.

In past incarnations, the Jetta's Achilles' heel was its poor reliability; this issue was largely addressed with the 2005 redesign. Unfortunately, the redesign also revamped the angular, character-filled appearance of the previous-generation Jetta, leaving this model with a tame exterior at odds with the youthful image Volkswagen so clearly wishes to cultivate for the sedan. Another shortcoming concerns fuel economy. The car's mediocre mileage will likely prove disappointing for shoppers with frugality on the mind.

The 2008 VW Jetta isn't short on appeal, but there are other economy cars that merit a look. But none in this segment can touch the Jetta when it comes to sheer refinement.

2008 Volkswagen Jetta buyers get to choose among three trim levels: S, SE and SEL. All models come with a 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine good for 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. The sedan's handsome cabin comes decked with rich materials and exceptional fit and finish.

Fuel economy is a bit below average for a compact car. Revised EPA ratings for both manual and automatic models stand at 21 mpg city/ 29 mpg highway with the 2.5-liter engine. The Wolfsburg Edition's 2.0-liter engine achieves the same numbers when paired with the manual transmission, while DSG-equipped Wolfsburgs manage a marginally better 22 mpg in the city.

Four-wheel antilock disc brakes, seat-mounted side airbags for front occupants and full-length head curtain airbags are standard across the line. Stability control is optional on the Jetta S, but standard on the other two models. Seat-mounted side airbags for rear passengers are optional. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Jetta a top score of "Good" in its frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests.

Conclusions

The Impreza and the Jetta are both quality sedans that present an excellant product for an affordable price. The 2008 Impreza has a base MSRP of $16,995, the Jetta goes for $16,999. The fuel economy in the two vehicles is similar, with the Impreza at 27 mpg Hwy and 20 mpg City. The Jetta's range is 29 mpg Hwy/ 21 mpg City. The Impreza is an appealing small car. In short, the Impreza is a lot of car for the money, and its standard all-wheel drive makes it an excellent choice for buyers who want an extra measure of security and stability in inclement conditions. The 2008 VW Jetta presents itself as an 'upscale economy car', and manages to provide both comfortable ride quality and agile handling. Like its more expensive German counterparts, the sedan offers a rock-solid feel and a quiet ride.