4 Star Reviews for 2009 Subaru Impreza

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.57/5 Average
79 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • Standard all-wheel drive, roomy seating front and rear, punchy turbocharged engines, highly capable handling in WRX and WRX STI trim.
Cons:
  • Some increasingly common high-tech features are unavailable, outdated four-speed automatic transmission, below-average fuel economy.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 79.00
  • 2009 Subaru Impreza - Poor in Heavy Snow - 2009 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    The 2009 Subaru Impreza we purchased has for the most part been a very good car. It handles well, has plenty of power, controls are well placed, is spacious and has very nice styling. The big problem is handling in heavy snow! The car has a design flaw that allows snow to build up above the front axle which causes heavy vibrations above 45 mph. At 60 mph the vibrations become violent. We were told by the dealership that we would need to use a high pressure hose to clear the snow out (pretty hard to do in inclement weather/conditions).

  • Best bang-for-your buck sporty hatchback - 2009 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    I just love how practical this car is for its performance. Its a complete blast to drive, but offers excellent utility. It handles great (I added a rear STI sway bar). With a few parts & some tuning, this thing will embarrass cars costing twice as much! As the engine breaks in, my hwy mileage has increased to around 26 mpg. And this is one of the few small cars thats comfortable for me to drive (Im 6 5"). Im extremely pleased with my WRX!

  • Tons of fun for the money... - 2009 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    I traded my 2004 WRX for a 2009 model year. This is a HUGE upgrade all around. The 2009 has better performance, better comfort, better ride, and better accessories. I optioned for the SPT Catback exhaust system. It really gives the car a nice note. The drone at interstate speeds is a little much. Driving around town, though, it is an awesome throaty growl. The interior space in this model year is loads more than the 2004. My 04 had barely usable rear seats. I love the split fold down rear seats. This is a FUN car. Car and driver tested 0-60 in 4.7 and 1/4 mile 13.5. Those times are on par with the 2010 Mustang GT except you get AWD and better MPG.

  • Awesome performance - 2009 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    Quick, very quick 0-60, and lots of torque at highway speeds. One car mag says 4.7 secs 0-60 and thats not far off, which puts it in a league way above its price. Gas mileage about 24- 25 highway when you can keep your foot out of turbo, otherwise 21-22. AWD grip and handling superb even though the car mags say it is a little soft. Had it since March, got 7K miles on it and have loved every minute.

  • rod knocking and spun a ring, at 34k miles - 2009 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    I have a 2009 Subaru Impreza sedan and it just did the same thing at 34k miles, I was getting on to the highway and my check engine light came on then traction control light and started knocking pulled over checked oil it was bone dry 3 QUARTS LOW, rod in motor started knocking car spun a ring. Subaru is warranting the motor which is a good thing but i am a little worried about how they are talking about fixing my motor eater they will replace the bad parts with new, or they will order a short block for my car and i have a problem with those options because of the fact of you are taking your heads off the motor that has been damaged and putting them on the new short block well i have a problem with this because what is to say the heads were not damaged from not being lubricated and foreign material from shavings in the motor. i have my oil changed every 7500 miles because i run fully synthetic oil and i only have the dealer work on my car. 0n 2/3/12/ car had 29800k miles on it when i had the oil changed and transmission serviced, on 3/15/12 car had 34000k miles on it when it chose to break down and i checked my oil 2 1/2 weeks ago and it was full car has not been tampered with at all please if this has happened to anyone i would really like to know

  • My first Subaru - 2009 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    I have been a loyal Honda fan for years but when looking around for a car to replace my beloved 1998 Acura Integra found the Honda spaceship interior horrible. I test drove the Subie Impreza and found an interior that was very comfortable and functional for a 200# 6ft 3in guy (my head doesnt hit the ceiling and my legs have room). I was also impressed with the horsepower and torque (something even the Si doesnt have). So, this formerly loyal Honda guy bought an Impreza 5-door hatch and love it!

  • My first AWD - 2009 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    I love this car! I really needed an AWD for Tahoe and couldnt stand another season of having to chain up in the snow. After researching AWD Vehicles, Trucks and 4WD SUVs, this appeared to be the best choice for me, someone whos always driven a fuel efficient Honda Civic. It handles great! I drove it through the Sierra Nevadas then the Santa Cruz Mountains all in my first weekend. Smooth clutch, super stable around corners and sharp turns. Nice look, comfy and roomy inside. My first and foremost concern when purchasing a new car was safety for me and my child. I feel very safe in my new car, so happy with my purchase!

  • Good while it lasted! - 2009 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    In the last year Ive experienced a complete engine failure due to spun rod bearing (as have 100s of others US and abroad), driven with an intermittent CEL for 2 months and been to the dealership 4 different times to have the problem resolved, I have multiple issues with the factory ECU tuning including a severe occasional hesitation, and about a dozen other manufacturer defects and dealer workmanship issues including a damaged intercooler, multiple components installed improperly, multiple components not installed at all (missing bolts, etc), and the vehicle now makes a wide array of abnormal noises. Was fun to drive when it was running properly, but trust me its not worth the hassle!

  • Its a lemon - 2009 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    I bought the car in July. It burns over one quart of oil every 1000 miles. It has soot on the bumper near the tail pipe. Subaru is dragging their feet on replacing it, they want to install a new short block. The oil is dirtier than my wifes car that has 100,000 miles. Its a lemon.

  • Very Satisfied! - 2009 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    The ride is smooth and the handling is superb!! This car is so much fun to drive. Much roomier then it looks.

Subaru Impreza Reviews By Year:
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