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2009 Subaru Impreza Features Review

September 30, 2009

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

too much money for what is essentially an economy car with 224 hp
Car and Driver

Subaru has done a good job of bumping up the standard features
NADA Guides

reasonably well equipped
ForbesAutos

Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com unanimously decry the price versus the features of the new 2.5GT model.

“We can’t get our heads around the GT’s price. At $27,690, it’s two grand more than the base WRX sedan and $500 less than the comparably equipped WRX Premium. In our opinion, this is just too much money for what is essentially an economy car with 224 hp,” says Car and Driver, adding, “no matter how many features it might boast, there’s no getting away from the fact that the Impreza GT still feels like an economy car.” The reviewer at NADA Guides contends, “Subaru has done a good job of bumping up the standard features, which begins to help me justify the price increase of $10K over the 2.5i. I said ‘begins’ however, as these features aren't exciting enough to warrant this price jump, and I am again left scratching my head at why the Impreza 2.5GT is positioned the way it is.”

Edmunds reports the Impreza sedan comes with “16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a CD/MP3 player, cruise control, tilt steering and full power accessories." ForbesAutos states it "comes reasonably well equipped with side-impact airbags and a CD audio system included as standard features." The Impreza wagon is offered in two different models: the 2.5i and the 2009 Subaru Outback Sport. The 2.5i starts quite basic and includes air conditioning, keyless entry, power windows and locks, and an MP3-compatible CD sound system. The 2009 Subaru Outback Sport brings a more rugged look and some enhanced ability, thanks to a raised suspension, larger wheels, and standard electronic stability control. The Outback Sport also gets special side molding, bumper underguards, heated side mirrors, fog lamps, a wiper deicer, heated seats, and the 10-speaker audio system.

According to Forbes Autos, the 2009 Subaru "premium package bundles alloy wheels, vehicle stability control, rear disc brakes, fog lights and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, while the satellite radio and nav package throws a better audio system and navigation on top of that." Automotive.com reports that Subaru 2009 stand-alone options "include body molding colors various deck-lid spoilers, a battery warmer, a subwoofer and power amp for the base audio system, and XM or Sirius satellite radio hardware."

Conclusion

TheCarConnection.com gives the 2009 Subaru Impreza good marks for features, both standard and optional, but the 2.5GT is pricey.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:too much money for what is essentially an economy car with 224 hpCar and DriverSubaru has done a good job of bumping up the standard featuresNADA Guidesreasonably well equippedForbesAutos Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com unanimously decry the price versus the features of the new 2.5GT model. “We can’t get our heads around the GT’s price. At $27,690, it’s two grand more than the base WRX sedan and $500 less than the comparably equipped WRX Premium. In our opinion, this is just too much money for what is essentially an economy car with 224 hp,” says Car and Driver, adding, “no matter how many features it might boast, there’s no getting away from the fact that the Impreza GT still feels like an economy car.” The reviewer at NADA Guides contends, “Subaru has done a good job of bumping up the standard features, which begins to help me justify the price increase of $10K over the 2.5i. I said ‘begins’ however, as these features aren't exciting enough to warrant this price jump, and I am again left scratching my head at why the Impreza 2.5GT is positioned the way it is.” Edmunds reports the Impreza sedan comes with “16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a CD/MP3 player, cruise control, tilt steering and full power accessories." ForbesAutos states it "comes reasonably well equipped with side-impact airbags and a CD audio system included as standard features." The Impreza wagon is offered in two different models: the 2.5i and the 2009 Subaru Outback Sport. The 2.5i starts quite basic and includes air conditioning, keyless entry, power windows and locks, and an MP3-compatible CD sound system. The 2009 Subaru Outback Sport brings a more rugged look and some enhanced ability, thanks to a raised suspension, larger wheels, and standard electronic stability control. The Outback Sport also gets special side molding, bumper underguards, heated side mirrors, fog lamps, a wiper deicer, heated seats, and the 10-speaker audio system. According to Forbes Autos, the 2009 Subaru "premium package bundles alloy wheels, vehicle stability control, rear disc brakes, fog lights and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, while the satellite radio and nav package throws a better audio system and navigation on top of that." Automotive.com reports that Subaru 2009 stand-alone options "include body molding colors various deck-lid spoilers, a battery warmer, a subwoofer and power amp for the base audio system, and XM or Sirius satellite radio hardware." ConclusionTheCarConnection.com gives the 2009 Subaru Impreza good marks for features, both standard and optional, but the 2.5GT is pricey. 2009 SUBARU IMPREZA WAGON STYLING | [7 out of 10] NADA Guides: "the rear end of this car makes me think they hacked the back off a wagon, slapped on a trunk and called it a day" Los Angeles Times: “stylistic chloroform, boring and generic Asian shapes” Cars.com: "far more inviting than ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Two affordable alternatives to the Impreza are the Volkswagen Rabbit and the Suzuki SX4 Crossover. The Rabbit doesn't have all-wheel drive, but it's loaded with safety features, a peppy five-cylinder engine, and a well-appointed interior, while the little SX4 Crossover is the lowest-priced vehicle with all-wheel drive, performs well, and has an interior that feels more upmarket than its price. The Toyota Matrix is a good alternative, with available all-wheel drive, a relatively roomy interior, and a good ride. But the Matrix doesn't perform as ably as the Impreza, and safety items like side airbags are optional on the Matrix. The Dodge Caliber offers all-wheel drive as an option on its top R/T model, but the Caliber has a noisy interior and feels cheaper inside; Subaru shoppers might not find its styling very appealing either. And for those who miss the former Impreza's edgier handling and sharper feel, the Mazda3 and Lancer deliver, but in both counts, engine and road noise can be quite obtrusive.

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See the Subaru Impreza in Other Years:

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