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• Some increasingly common high-tech features are unavailable, outdated four-speed automatic transmission, below-average fuel economy.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 1 through 10 of 79.00

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  First of many roadtrips - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By TheFirstRule - December 18 - 5:43 pm

  Took the two week old Impreza on its first road trip. Nearly 1300 miles and pulled about 30 mpg the whole way. A/C worked great in 100+ degree heat. Clutch is still a little stiff, but that should loosen up after a while. I would highly recommend this car if you need an AWD. I live in Tahoe and cant wait to see how it does in the snow.

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  First Subaru - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Aaron - November 2 - 8:46 am

  I have owned many cars in the past. My previous car was a Lexus ES300. I do have to comment that I do not miss my Lexus one bit. The Impreza 2.5i is fun to drive, responsive, sporty, and economical. I live in the midwest, where we get our fair share of ice and snow. I have owned my Subaru for 5 days now, and can safely go places I never could go before in my Lexus. For a base model, it has a great build quality, there are plenty of features, it is much quieter on the road than the Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic, and when you factor in the AWD it becomes a no brainer.

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  2009 Subaru Impreza - Poor in Heavy Snow - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By djarvinen - September 14 - 10:10 am

  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).

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  Best bang-for-your buck sporty hatchback - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Nick - August 28 - 4:30 am

  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!

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  Tons of fun for the money... - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By DGman - July 20 - 8:06 pm

  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.

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  Really Great - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By sjr - May 30 - 3:36 am

  This was the first brand new car Ive had. Wonderful price, AWD is awesome for nasty winter driving (I feel very safe), and its easy to get in and out of. Can fit a wheelchair in the back with the seats down and my 99-year-old grandmother can get in and out without problems (most cars are too low). Roomy interior. The interior is nice for the price. Visibility great. Stereo is fine. Hatchback makes loading vehicle very easy. It does dog if youre using the AC, but it seems sturdy and reliable. After a year of mostly in-town driving I love it. Gas mileage leaves a lot to be desired, but worth it for confidence and security AWD gives me in the winter. Id buy another Subaru after this.

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  Awesome performance - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Jerry - March 9 - 2:26 pm

  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.

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  Love the newer model - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Repeat owner - March 6 - 10:03 am

  I just traded in my 2004 Outback Sport for the 2009 because I loved my 2004 so much but it was beginning to cost too much to maintain after 135,000 miles. I thought I was getting a new version of my old car, but this one is like driving a different car and I LOVE it. Its got lots of spunk, gas mileage is decent so far, and just overall fun to drive because it holds the road and doesnt let go, even through rough roads under construction. She feels solid and well-built, and am once again so glad I chose this Subaru model. Ive driven Foresters as loaner cars that didnt feel quite as solid with the same level of quick response, and this car is a few thousand $$ less expensive.

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  Safe, reliable, and excellent value - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By loanthony - January 16 - 10:36 pm

  Only a couple hundred miles on the ODO but so far this Impreza 2.5i has lived up to my expectations. Chassis feels solid and ride quality is great. Handling is top notch and safety of AWD and solid structure gives you peace-of-mind (top safety ratings BTW). The look of the interior and exterior, while subjective I know, are clean and simple. No clutter or weird angles to speak of. I like the added std VDC, full disc brakes, and body- colored mirrors/door handles for 2009. Reliability has not been tested but CR record looks pretty strong. Also like that its made in Japan. Negs: Interior is too plasticky, fuel economy is sub-par, seat fabric is too retro-fuzzy, and std stereo is not great.

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  Total Waste of Money - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Sorry Customer - December 18 - 5:10 am

  Ive driven this car 7,000 miles now and its spent 6 days in the shop in 4 months. The tires have to be inflated every couple of weeks, it burns oil and the automatic shifts unpredictably. Drivers sun visor has been replaced 3 times, as it wont stay put and its broken again after only 2 weeks. On several occasions the car has refused to accelerate for several seconds when the pedal is depressed. There was a rattling noise going up hill that forced the dealer to completely reinstall the exhaust system and heat shields. The stereo system is so cheap its painful to listen to. This is the worst car Ive ever owned, a complete piece of junk. So much for Subarus quality reputation.