Overview & Reviews

After a full redesign last year, the 2009 Subaru Impreza receives a number of significant changes to the high-performance WRX model. Responding to complaints that the WRX had become too soft, Subaru firmed up the suspension for '09, and there's 41 extra horsepower for good measure. Also, the '09 WRX is only available with a manual transmission, as last year's WRX automatic is now known as the Impreza 2.5 GT. As for base Imprezas, they pick up standard four-wheel disc brakes, stability control and Subaru's incline start assist or "hill-holder" feature for the manual transmission.

• Standard all-wheel drive, roomy seating front and rear, punchy turbocharged engines, highly capable handling in WRX and WRX STI trim.

• Some increasingly common high-tech features are unavailable, outdated four-speed automatic transmission, below-average fuel economy.

User Reviews:

Showing 41 through 50 of 79.00

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  Agile, fun-to-drive, and a great value! - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By my1stSubaru - October 22 - 9:16 pm

  Extremely fun to drive with amazing handling and the surprisingly spirited engine makes me smile. I feel safe, its reliable and think its worth it to trade some gas mileage for superior road holding, especially in hazardous driving conditions (snow and rain). Simple, but spacious interior and tremendous trunk capacity. It makes it easy to become a Subaru enthusiast!

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  Another satisfied customer - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Phil - September 26 - 6:46 am

  This is my second WRX. My previous was an 05 wagon. Went into the dealership one day for regular maintenance and walked out with my 09 WRX. The salesman didnt have to work too hard. This is by far loads better than my 05 and that one was very fun to drive. For the price this car has it all. Ive got almost 4k on it and not one bad thing I can say. MPG is the same if not better than my 05 that was smaller displacement and less power. Ive been averaging 23mpg combined city/highway, with a heavy foot at times, and around 29-30 highway. If you are even thinking about getting one you will not be disappointed. You cant go wrong.

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  A Great Small Car Value - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By rally_racer - June 23 - 6:36 am

  Great car for the money. Costs more than other small cars but when you include all the included options it is a bargain. AWD is a must, not only for winter, but makes a big difference in wet conditions. Reliability rock solid and outstanding resale value (previous Subaru owner). Apart from some complains by others, I like the suspension, just enough sport for this 46 year old guy and it soaks up bad pavement very well. Test drove a Civic and Mazda 3 and Illinois roads really did not like those 2 cars. I drive 90% suburban/rural driving (15 mile commute), but even with that short a commute I average about 25-26 from my 5 speed, which is the only way to go.

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  Easy On The Pedal Easy On The Gas - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Chris - April 17 - 10:26 am

  Id wanted a WRX all the way back in 02, but got into Sentra V-spec on price. Fast forward 7 years, and my patience was rewarded with the 09 wagon. Overall, Ive enjoyed it after a month of mostly 100 mile daily commutes. People seem interested in mileage. On Trip A and B the car has a fuel mileage calculator. I reset trip A at each fill up. Yesterday, was the usual $30 donation to the gas gods. Determined, I wanted to see what extremely mild driving could do for this cars mileage. On the drive in this morning, I averaged 29.7 mpg. Not bad for average speed of maybe 60 to 65 MPH in stop and roll traffic. Not a prius, but not a gas guzzler either. Power is just tap of the pedal.

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  Disappointing - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Ollie - April 4 - 4:56 pm

  Just a huge disappointment. Its slow (watch as a BMW 3-series can almost out-run you, and a 135i actually can), it has more body roll than an average taxi (watch as everyone almost falls out of their seat when you go around a freeway on-ramp), it has more road noise than an eighteen wheeler, and theres more rattles than youll find in an average day care center. Buy a WRX and save 10k. I completely regret buying my STI.

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  Satisfied Subaru Owner - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By O.Sheinman - March 29 - 11:26 am

  As a former owner of an 02 Outback and a structural engineer who designs satellite structures for NASA, I am impressed with the reliability and engineering approach Subaru melds into their vehicles. I traded in my Outback for an 09 WRX 4dr when my pup passed away this year for a sportier vehicle; the WRX is an absolute blast to drive, I added the SPT dual exhaust, short throw shifter, and COBB access port and downpipe. I opted not going with the STI because this car is a commuter and I wanted a smoother ride; also really liked the window and mirror heaters on my Outback and they were not available on the STI. Handling is great and the 0-60 is unbeatable for a car in this price range.

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  09 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By wrx STI - March 8 - 6:23 am

  This car gets looks and not just a glance, a full on stare from people as I drive by. Its a pretty cool feeling. The car is loaded with features and amenities. AWD, 305 hp, airbags, and safety and convenience features are numerous. If youre looking for safety and power with AWD this is the car for you. It can be expensive if you add features.

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  cant get enough - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Subie Lover - January 28 - 8:50 am

  My last car was a Subaru Legacy and it made me fall in love with Subaru. Comparing the 09 Impreza to other cars in its class (Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, etc) there really isnt any competition at all. The symmetrical AWD, power, smoothness of the ride... none of the others even come close to an Impreza. And the Impreza was much less expensive too! It was a no-brainer and I couldnt be happier with the car.

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  First time owner - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By First time owner - January 3 - 7:26 pm

  This is my very first Subaru car (2009 Impreza Outback Sports), and Im loving every minute of it. Ive test drove the base model version, and Ill tell you that the Impreza Outback Sports was a very good choice. Also, Ive driven the Outback Legacy as a loaner car, and Im not very impress by the way it drives. Impreza Outback Sports is very fun to drive, very smooth on bumps and pot holes, and hugs the road very well. Although the gas mileage is under subpar, I wouldnt hesitate to buy another one. Furthermore, what I really like about the vehicle is the interior room, and the seats are very comfortable.

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  Smooth, dependable commuter - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Don - December 30 - 7:23 pm

  I bought the Outback Sport after convincing myself this model was worth the extra $2.5k. Could have had the base sedan for under $16k but that just had no appeal, unless you are looking for the lowest price. I still have a 2003 Infiniti FX-35 and its tough to go from a bull to a lamb. Have to remember this has half the power. Big difference getting on to highway, etc. From the reviews Ive read here I would have liked the WRX or STI but I needed to keep the price under $20k. Good compromise between cost and performance. I looked at the CRV and Rav4 but to get the same equip would put you in the mid-20s; also dont believe the new ones are as dependable as they used to be.