The 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt: A Very Competent...
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2009 Subaru Impreza Performance Review

September 30, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

2.5GT is a bit sluggish from a stop, but speed picks up nicely at higher rpm
ConsumerGuide

curb weights are hefty for a compact, and performance is tepid as a consequence,
Car and Driver

The manual transmission, however, is something Subaru needs to work on
Automobile Magazine

According to NADA Guides the new 2.5GT model “drives like a Subaru…When the turbo kicks in after a few thousand rpms, the Impreza 2.5GT surges forward with purpose. If inclement weather is thrown its way, the Impreza never gives me reason to worry.” ConsumerGuide says the “2.5GT is a bit sluggish from a stop, but speed picks up nicely at higher rpm. The transition where the turbo kicks in is smooth and linear, so we're hesitant to call it ‘turbo lag.’ Despite having only four speeds, the automatic transmission is a good match for the engine.” Car and Driver adds, “the GT’s ride quality is excellent, but it sets a priority of comfort too much over a level attitude in extreme maneuvering.”

The base 2009 Subaru Impreza is hampered by its bulk, unfortunately; this Subaru 2009 model's "curb weights are hefty for a compact, and performance is tepid as a consequence," according to Car and Driver. MyRide.com says that although the "combination of a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter flat-four engine, a five-speed manual transmission and full-time all-wheel drive sounds like a recipe for fun," it is, in fact, a "high-carb mixture thanks to the Impreza's 3,064-lb. curb weight...[resulting in] pokey acceleration, even though the powertrain gives it all it's got." Automobile reports that the Subaru 2009 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine found on base-model Imprezas "survives largely unchanged from the previous generation Impreza, albeit with a slight bump in horsepower and torque...power is up to 170 hp at 6000 rpm, torque climbs to 170 lb-ft, and the torque peak has fallen, from 4400 rpm to 4000 rpm," which is "enough to move the car along just fine in most driving scenarios."

“We recommend that enthusiast-oriented drivers choose the manual transmission—acceleration is sluggish with the four-speed automatic,” advises Edmunds. Automobile Magazine agrees, noting, “The manual transmission, however, is something Subaru needs to work on. Sure, the shifts are long (again, it's not a WRX), but the Impreza begs for a tall sixth gear.”

"When it comes to road manners, the littlest Subie is pretty sedate...the 2.5i gets the softest suspension of the Impreza lot, which is to say that it's comfortable over bumps but not terribly sporty,” reports Automobile Magazine. ConsumerGuide comments that "steering feel is responsive, if not as razor sharp as would be expected in a sporty car."

Conclusion

The 2009 Subaru Impreza sedan and wagon are entertaining to drive, but non-GT models won't move very quickly and fuel economy is disappointing.

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:2.5GT is a bit sluggish from a stop, but speed picks up nicely at higher rpmConsumerGuidecurb weights are hefty for a compact, and performance is tepid as a consequence,Car and DriverThe manual transmission, however, is something Subaru needs to work onAutomobile Magazine According to NADA Guides the new 2.5GT model “drives like a Subaru…When the turbo kicks in after a few thousand rpms, the Impreza 2.5GT surges forward with purpose. If inclement weather is thrown its way, the Impreza never gives me reason to worry.” ConsumerGuide says the “2.5GT is a bit sluggish from a stop, but speed picks up nicely at higher rpm. The transition where the turbo kicks in is smooth and linear, so we're hesitant to call it ‘turbo lag.’ Despite having only four speeds, the automatic transmission is a good match for the engine.” Car and Driver adds, “the GT’s ride quality is excellent, but it sets a priority of comfort too much over a level attitude in extreme maneuvering.” The base 2009 Subaru Impreza is hampered by its bulk, unfortunately; this Subaru 2009 model's "curb weights are hefty for a compact, and performance is tepid as a consequence," according to Car and Driver. MyRide.com says that although the "combination of a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter flat-four engine, a five-speed manual transmission and full-time all-wheel drive sounds like a recipe for fun," it is, in fact, a "high-carb mixture thanks to the Impreza's 3,064-lb. curb weight...[resulting in] pokey acceleration, even though the powertrain gives it all it's got." Automobile reports that the Subaru 2009 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine found on base-model Imprezas "survives largely unchanged from the previous generation Impreza, albeit with a slight bump in horsepower and torque...power is up to 170 hp at 6000 rpm, torque climbs to 170 lb-ft, and the torque peak has fallen, from 4400 rpm to 4000 rpm," which is "enough to move the car along just fine in most driving scenarios." “We recommend that enthusiast-oriented drivers choose the manual transmission—acceleration is sluggish with the four-speed automatic,” advises Edmunds. Automobile Magazine agrees, noting, “The manual transmission, however, is something Subaru needs to work on. Sure, the shifts are long (again, it's not a WRX), but the Impreza begs for a tall sixth gear.” "When it comes to road manners, the littlest Subie is pretty sedate...the 2.5i gets the softest suspension of the Impreza lot, which is to say that it's comfortable over bumps but not terribly sporty,” reports Automobile Magazine. ConsumerGuide comments that "steering feel is responsive, if not as razor sharp as would be expected in a sporty car." ConclusionThe 2009 Subaru Impreza sedan and wagon are entertaining to drive, but non-GT models won't move very quickly and fuel economy is disappointing. 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.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2009 Subaru Impreza from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2009 Subaru Impreza

Check Financing Rates

for the 2009 Subaru Impreza

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2009 Subaru Impreza near you

See the Subaru Impreza in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (0 total)

Be the first to post a comment

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy