2009 Subaru Impreza: Tester's Comments
2009 Subaru Impreza ▼
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- MSRP: $17,495 - $34,995
- Invoice: $16,734 - $33,035
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Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2009 Subaru Impreza. See if the 2009 Subaru Impreza is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | WRX Premium Pkg. |
| Arrival Date: | 04/27/2009 |
| Engine: | Turbocharged dohc H4 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door sedan |
| Transmission: | 5-speed manual |
| 4WD/AWD: | Yes |
| Base Price: | 27,495 |
| Price as Tested: | 28,835 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 1950 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 2479 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 529 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 21.889 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 24.17 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Auto Dimming Mirror/Compass, Sirius Satellite Radio
From the Back Seat
Damon Bell
It's not without its charms, but somehow the 2009 WRX just doesn't quite deliver the personality and effortless driving thrills that its impressive specifications suggest. Many of the Impreza/WRX's rough edges were smoothed off in its 2008-model-year redesign, but to me the basic car lost some of its character in the process. Despite noticeable body lean, the 2009 WRX's AWD handling is tenacious, aided by a solid body structure. Acceleration is invigorating once the turbo boost arrives, but a persnickety shifter/clutch arrangement subtract from the fun.
Don Sikora
The 2009 Subaru WRX sedan is a very nice, good performing compact sedan, but somehow it manages to avoid being exciting on the street or having a very distinct personality.
Ed Piotrowski
The first WRX models to grace American shores were supposed to be affordable performance compact cars. That's been true...until now. As equipped, this test car is nearly $29,000. It drives well enough, but its overall build quality suggests something much cheaper. The mantle of affordable compact-car performance has now been passed to cars such as the Chevy Cobalt SS and MazdaSpeed 3. If I were willing to spend the kind of money the WRX commands, I would instead purchase the more-refined Volkswagen GTI.
Rick Cotta
The combination of 265 turbocharged hp, 6-speed manual, and all-wheel drive should have made this car an enthusiast's delight, but I came away a bit disappointed. The clutch and shifter weren't a joy to use, and the power took too long to arrive in the cut-and-thrust of everyday traffic. My other problem with the WRX is that it has a $25,000 starting price but a $14,000 interior. I realize the extra cost went into performance goodies, but I'd still like to be looking at something nicer after writing that big of a check.
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