2009 Subaru Impreza Consumer Reviews

Disappointing

Written by: Ollie on 10/20/2009

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4dr Hatchback AWD w/Silver BBS (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

Just a huge disappointment. It's 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 there's more rattles than you'll find in an average day care center. Buy a WRX and save 10k. I completely regret buying my STI.

Favorite Features

The trunk. That just shows you how little there is about this car to praise.

Suggested Improvements

lackluster performance, interior build quality, car stereo needs fixing, Dunlop tires excel at nothing, paint job is cheap, shifter is too imprecise, seats with almost no lateral support, lackluster performance, etc. etc.

1 out 4 people found this review helpful

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So far so good

Written by: Phil on 10/12/2009

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Bought my Impreza in May after putting over 190,000 miles on my 2000 Volkswagen Golf. I feel that the Impreza offered the best for the money compared to the other cars in its class. It may not get the best fuel mileage but makes up for it, in my opinion, by offering AWD. I drive pretty conservatively and have averaged 28 mpg in 11,100 miles. While the tactile quality of the interior may not match that of my VW, the overall design and ergonomics are very good. The Subaru dealership experience that I've had so far, for oil changes, has been very good. Wonderful car.

Favorite Features

AWD, nice interior layout, comfortable seats, cargo capacity (can fit 3 sets of clubs in the hatch), keyless entry, minor maintenance points (oil filler, dipstick, transmission stick), storage space and cubbies, and for a 2.5L flat- four, decent fuel mileage.

Suggested Improvements

Torque - For such a large 4 cylinder engine, it seems to lack low end torque, it makes nice power over 4,000 rpm, but struggles under that number. I may be asking for too much here. Stereo - the stock stereo/speakers in this car are pretty lacking. RPM hang is somewhat annoying.

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Great so far

Written by: Teddy on 10/05/2009

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I purchased the car with my work discount, plus end of the year 0.0% financing, so it turned out to be a great deal. I wasn't sure that I was going to like the car at first, because I switched over from a SUV. But I realized quick that I made a good decision. Comparing to my old truck, mpg is not bad, mainly city driving I get almost 25 average. Being 6'2 the car is pretty comfortable with the help of the adjusting seat. I definitely recommend the 5spd instead of the automatic, which is kinda sluggish.

Favorite Features

AWD, handling, fun to drive, comfortable, 5spd, mpg gauge, aux input in radio

Suggested Improvements

speakers are horrible, road noise, headlights could be brighter

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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One Year Old Now

Written by: Randy on 10/04/2009

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I've had my Impreza Outback Sport for a year now. The ride and responsiveness of this vehicle is superb for a smaller car. Interior room and comfort is wonderful, and road noise is minimal. Truly a wonderful vehicle. The only thing this car suffers from is a very poor quality paint. After only six months it had literally dozens of large 1/4" paint chips on the hood and roof, and every time I looked there seemed to be more. Fortunately, Subaru is backing up their product, and it is going in for a new paint job on the hood and roof tomorrow. I wish they would paint the entire vehicle just to make sure the rest of the paint on the car is ok too, but I don't thing that is going to happen.

Favorite Features

Handling, comfort, quiet ride. Heated seats, heated windshield, heated mirrors. Great headlights for night driving visibility. Winter driving still feels like its still summer, lol (this car goes great in snow). And the removable roof rack versatility is WONDERFUL. I've traveled with two kayaks on.

Suggested Improvements

Better quality paint, and better quality paint application. When I got the car, the paint was not as glassy smooth as it should be (orange peel appearance), and the paint on the hood and roof chipped without reason and the chipped areas would continue to get larger over time. I still love the car.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Awesome performance

Written by: Jerry on 09/30/2009

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Impreza WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Quick, very quick 0-60, and lots of torque at highway speeds. One car mag says 4.7 secs 0-60 and that's 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.

Favorite Features

Performance. Only thing that's beat me at the light to next light is a 400HP BMW M3. No one else has come close. It's hard not to grin while driving it.

Suggested Improvements

Stereo is very subpar. I don't even turn it on. I have the regular shifter and its very imprecise and rubbery, but you get used to it. I've heard the optional short throw fixes that.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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It's a lemon

Written by: Not imprezed on 09/29/2009

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Hatchback AWD w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

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 wife's car that has 100,000 miles. It's a lemon.

Favorite Features

Very stable ride and responsive. Smooth manual transmission, great gas mileage for an AWD vehicle.

Suggested Improvements

Larger moon roof, better speakers, better visibility, cushioned armrest, less brake dust. Also an engine that doesn't burn oil.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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My first Subaru

Written by: JohnPublic on 09/23/2009

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

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 doesn't hit the ceiling and my legs have room). I was also impressed with the horsepower and torque (something even the Si doesn't have). So, this formerly loyal Honda guy bought an Impreza 5-door hatch and love it!

Favorite Features

AWD, roomy interior (especially in the hatchback), nice torque, good dashboard layout, sound of the boxer engine

Suggested Improvements

A bit more horsepower.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Sticks to the road with an attitude....

Written by: Montana Man on 09/06/2009

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Impreza WRX 4dr Hatchback AWD w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Another great Subie. I have an 08 Outback and a 09 WRX. Fast?....oh yea! Handles like a rally car and goes in the snow. The best of both worlds, along with Subaru's legendary reliability. Getting on the freeway is always exciting, 0 to 100 in a flash...I'm in my sixties now and am loving the exhilaration of having a race bred rocket, with the drive- ability for all weather conditions. A great value from the folks at Subaru. Gas mileage? If that's a concern, buy a Prius. Purchased with the SPT Cat Back exhaust, Short Throw Shifter and Turbo Gauge.Interior Foot-well Lights are a very cool touch.

Favorite Features

Acceleration of the Turbo Boxer engine.Excellent braking.Fantastic handling along with a comfortable ride. I'm 6'3" and the seats and leg room are great. Short throw shifter is a must. The sound of the cat back exhaust really hums. Reliability of the Subaru brand. My 08 Outback has never had a problem.

Suggested Improvements

More power, of course.....lol

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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A/C stinks

Written by: pompus1 on 09/01/2009

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Was told by dealer the a/c cycles cold to warm so it won't freeze up! I have owned a lot of cars domestic and import and I never had this problem before. Where I live the summer temps run 95-110 June to October. Because of this I would not recommend or buy another Subaru.

Favorite Features

awd

Suggested Improvements

do something to fix a/c

1 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Not your neighbors subaru

Written by: firsttimer on 08/31/2009

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

One month into ownership of my STI, and what a pleasure to drive. Driven hard in the S# mode it is quite the quick sports car, but move into the I mode and it is pleasantly sedate. Owned an E36 M3, 535xi, RX-7, Prelude over the years. This car the best combination of performance and practicality by far. Never considered the brand before, but glad I did. Love the ability to haul people and golf clubs, and the AWD will be important in the winter. While expensive for a Subaru, a great value. Never had so many people look twice before..the scarcity of the car keeps many wondering what it is.

Favorite Features

Exterior style, performance, comfort. I am 6'4" and I've a lot of room. Hatch makes rear seat roomy.

Suggested Improvements

Moonroof/sunroof would be nice. Needs heated seats. Offer all season tires as an OEM option. I will likely scrap my summer tires for all seasons when winter comes.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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