Best economy car, hatchback 2009 Honda Fit *Est. $14750
Best economy car, sedan 2009 Honda Civic *Est. $15305
Sporty compact car 2009 Mini Cooper *Est. $18550
Top fuel economy with a diesel engine 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI *Est. $22270
Cheapest compact car 2009 Nissan Versa *Est. $9990

See All Economy Cars

2009 Subaru Impreza

*Est. $17,495 to $22,995

Secure handling
Smooth ride
Standard all-wheel drive
IIHS Top Safety Pick
Sedan and hatchback body styles

Slow acceleration with automatic
Below-average fuel economy
Wind and engine noise
Unimpressive interior materials

Where to Buy

Get Free Price Quotes for 2009 Subaru Impreza

See All Stores

Our Analysis

March 2009. The Subaru Impreza model range falls into two general categories: the nonturbo economy cars and the turbocharged performance cars. The Subaru Impreza 2.5i and Outback Sport models (*est. $17,495 to $22,995) are powered by a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder "boxer" engine. For those willing to pay for higher performance, there are the 2.5 GT, WRX and STi models (*est. $24,995 to $38,795) with turbocharged versions of the same engine putting out 224 to 315 horsepower. These are covered in our report on sports sedans.

All Subaru Impreza models are all-wheel drive, an unusual feature in the economy-car class. Reviewers say the Impreza handles securely in all road conditions and has an appealing, fun-to-drive character. They praise its solid feel and plush ride, although wind and engine noise can be a bit intrusive. A drawback to the Subaru Impreza's AWD system is the vehicle's extra weight, which reduces fuel efficiency, critics point out. EPA ratings for the nonturbo engine are 20 mpg city and 26-27 mpg highway-- lower than most other compact cars. Also, reviews reveal that acceleration is leisurely, especially with the optional four-speed automatic. Some other compacts in the Subaru Impreza's price range offer five- or six-speed automatics.

As either a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback, reviews say the Subaru Impreza's cabin is roomy and comfortable. The interior gets mixed reviews; some like the upscale design, while others dislike the hard plastic materials. The Subaru Impreza earns a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, and it comes with an impressive list of standard equipment, including six airbags, front-seat active head restraints, ABS and electronic stability control. Reviews say the Subaru Impreza is an excellent choice in a small AWD car, but shoppers should also see the bargain-priced 2009 Suzuki SX4 (*est. $13,299 to $18,539), which offers AWD on its five-door hatchback models. Those who don't necessarily need AWD should check the 2009 Mazda3 (*est. $14,690 to $20,895), a fun-to-drive sedan or hatchback with a lower base price. Some reviews suggest the similarly priced 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (*est. $17,515 to $24,770) as a refined, stylish European alternative, but it offers no AWD option.

While there are numerous reviews of the high-performance Subaru Impreza WRX, we sought reviews of the base 2.5i Subaru compact cars. Car and Driver has a comparison test of eight economy cars, in which they rate the Impreza as second best. Motor Trend also pits the Subaru Impreza against four competing economy cars in an insightful comparison review. Automobile Magazine compares the Impreza to the Mitsubishi Lancer and picks a clear winner. Edmunds.com provides a comprehensive summary review and also a separate road-test evaluation. ConsumerGuide.com has its usual detailed review, although they don't test a base model. Consumer Reports provides valuable reliability information along with a test-drive review of the Subaru Impreza. Cars.com names the Impreza as a Best Bet and gives a summary review. About.com reviews the new turbo 2.5GT, but comes to interesting conclusions by comparing it to the base Impreza sedans.

expand

collapse

Where To Buy

Get Free Price Quotes for
2009 Subaru Impreza

Our Sources

1. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

This head-to-head comparison pits eight popular compact cars against each other in a comprehensive road evaluation. The 2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i hatchback finishes second to the VW Rabbit. Test drivers like the Impreza's stylish interior, smooth ride and secure AWD handling, but it's the heaviest car of the group, and fuel efficiency suffers.

Review: 2009 Toyota Corolla vs. Ford Focus, VW Rabbit, Subaru Impreza and Four More Economy Cars - Comparison Test, Patrick Bedard, May 2008

2. Motor Trend Details/Subscribe

This comparative review measures the 2008 Impreza 2.5i against three similarly equipped competitors: the 2009 Toyota Corolla, 2008 Honda Civic EX and 2008 Mazda3. The Impreza takes third place, beating only the Corolla. Although the Subaru had the most power, it was slowest of the group because of its heavy weight and four-speed automatic.

Review: Comparison: 2008 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Mazda3 vs. 2008 Subaru Impreza vs. 2009 Toyota Corolla, Ron Kiino

3. Automobile Magazine Details/Subscribe

Editor Sam Smith makes some excellent comparisons between the Mitsubishi Lancer and Subaru Impreza in categories like styling, interior, drivetrain and suspension/steering. Smith concludes that the Impreza "is simply more fun, and it feels much better built." The article also links to brief single-car reviews of both cars.

Review: 2008 Subaru Impreza and 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer, Sam Smith, June 27, 2008

4. Edmunds.com

Edmunds.com calls the nonturbo Impreza "a midpacker in the highly competitive compact segment." Strengths include standard AWD, a strong engine and good crash test scores, but drawbacks are "subpar fuel economy, an outdated automatic transmission and the lack of a few high-tech features."

Review: 2009 Subaru Impreza Review, Editors of Edmunds.com

5. Edmunds.com

In this road-test evaluation, Edmunds.com writer Warren Clarke comments that if AWD "isn't a priority, the Impreza becomes a lot less special." But for wet and cold climates, "the Impreza is indispensable when the weather gets rough." Clarke likes the sound of the engine and the well-planted handling, but is not impressed with the fuel economy and hard plastic adorning the interior.

Review: Test Drive: 2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Wagon, Warren Clarke

6. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Editors of Consumer Reports have a good summary review of the Subaru Impreza with a road-test evaluation and reliability history as compiled in large owner surveys. You must be a subscriber to read this report.

Review: 2009 Subaru Impreza, Editors of ConsumerReports.org

7. About.com

Although this road test covers the pricey new Subaru Impreza 2.5GT with its 224-horsepower turbo engine, About.com car guide Aaron Gold discusses the Impreza line and pros and cons of the Subaru Impreza in general. He likes the interior's "easy-to-read gauges and simple layout," but dislikes some of the "cheap-looking" plastic materials. He concludes that the 2.5GT is not worth the price premium over the more basic Subaru Impreza models. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: 2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5GT Test Drive -- More Isn't Always Better, Aaron Gold

8. ConsumerGuide.com

ConsumerGuide.com calls the nonturbo Subaru Impreza 2.5i the best value of the model line. The road-test evaluations only cover turbo models, however. Editors are pleased with the test cars' comfort, ride and handling. While interior design looks upscale, the materials are "cheap feeling, hard plastic," editors say.

Review: 2009 Subaru Impreza Full Review, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com

9. Cars.com

Cars.com names the Subaru Impreza as a Best Bet and provides an overview summary along with test-drive evaluations of the new 2.5GT and WRX models. Positives of all models include handling, hatchback versatility, driving position and "automatic transmission performance." Dislikes in this Subaru Impreza review include gas mileage and interior quality that "lags competition."

Review: 2009 Subaru Impreza Review, Editors of Cars.com, Sept. 15, 2008

10. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Top-rated vehicles in crash tests are honored by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety with a Top Safety Pick award. Each of the vehicles must earn Good ratings in frontal, side-impact crash tests, plus evaluations of head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. In addition, each winning vehicle must offer electronic stability control. The 2009 Subaru Impreza is one of the few small cars to earn this honor.

Review: Top Safety Picks 2009, Editors of Insurance Institute for Highway Safety