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  • Some increasingly common high-tech features are unavailable, outdated four-speed automatic transmission, below-average fuel economy.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 11 through 20 of 79.00
  • Too much fun!!! - 2009 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    Best money I ever spent on a car. Unreal quickness for the money. Had an 87 grand national I just thought was quick. The wrx would blow its doors off. I average 27 miles per gallon and drive 70 miles a day. All wheel drive and 4 doors to carry my kids with ease. Drove in the snow like a champ. I have only one complaint, the audio system needs help. Very weak. If you need a 4 door sports car I highly recommend a test drive.

  • True Drivers Car - 2009 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    Ive put just over 10K miles on my WRX & I have a smile pasted on my face every time I drive it. Its extremely safe, capable, and fun-to-drive. To enhance performance I added a Cobb downpipe, a (second-hand) SPT exhaust, and a "street" ECU tune from a local Subie tuning guru. I also added slightly thicker sway bars & replaced a few suspension & chassis bushings for a tauter ride (I suggest Whiteline products - theyre top-notch). Now the car is nearing its performance potential, but it still delivers a very comfortable ride on Oklahomas junky roads. I looked at cars in the same category (turbo & 4-doors), but the AWD & hatchback sealed the deal for me.

  • A Great Small Car Value - 2009 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    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.

  • 09 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - 2009 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    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.

  • Smooth, dependable commuter - 2009 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    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.

  • I love my impreza - 2009 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    Ive had this car for a month or so, drive it daily as does my husband who kinda thinks its his. Only have a couple of complaints- Interior space is small, my husband whos 63 has to push driverside chair all the way back. My toddlers seat sits pretty close to front, so his footprints are everywhere. also found out about the snow issue prev mentioned. Only found out bc husband likes squishing piles of snow. Once the engine was hot it melted and everything was fine. Got up to 65 before shaking started and it was minor. Still I love my car and so does everyone who gets to drive it!

  • Love hate relationship - 2009 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    I traded in my Charger Srt 8 for a more secure driving experience in the Pacific Northwest. I only have two grievances with my car, lack of lighting in the trunk area makes it impossible to see whats in there at night. The stereo is a piece of junk and I have the premium edition with navigation. My Android phone has better navigation and music options. Shame they didnt add bluetooth as well. My dash rattles over tiny bumps, started at 9k miles. I know dealer will fix it but it just shows they use flimsy materials here and there for sure and it shows.

  • Great Car - 2009 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    I dont know where the EPA got their numbers from, I do mostly city driving and am averaging 28.5mpg on the first two tanks of gas, the motor isnt even broken in yet, Im sure to get over 30mpg. Its a fun car to drive, definitely good for commuting, the only downside is the amount of wind and road noise along with some rattling of the hard plastic interior. I cant wait for some snow to see how the all wheel drive holds up though, if its anything like my 92 suby was, it should be a lot of fun. Id recommend this car to anyone, the 09 impreza has a noticeable amount of more interior space which is great! A+

  • Disappointed - 2009 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    traded my awesomely outstanding 2001 2.5rs coupe, for a 4door outback sport. have been driving it for about 15 months/10,000 miles. handles great, esp. in snow. power is subdued. mpg 22- 25 vs my 4runner 21-24. problems shifting into reverse. noisy esp. with roof racks in cold weather. nice weather package. battery issues, car would not crank a couple of times, had to charge battery. worry about not starting.

  • Not quite what I expected - 2009 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    We have a 2006 Outback and love it. So I wanted another Subaru because of the AWD. Considered another Outback but went with the Outback Sport. The fuel economy is not what I expected, the automatic shifts later than when I think it should (possibly contributing to the fuel economy issue), and the manual drivers seat gradually sinks down. I filled up the gas tank on Saturday, drove approximately 30 miles in-town, and Im down below 3/4 of a tank. Thats similar to what I was seeing with my 2001 Chevy Blazer. Also, snow gets packed up behind the wheels - when I try to kick it off, the splash guards look like theyre about to come off.

Subaru Impreza Reviews By Year:
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