2009 Subaru Impreza Wagon

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Performance - What the Auto Press Says

Reviewers find the 2009 Subaru Impreza Wagon to be a sporty, responsive performer with plenty of power and good handling, but transmissions that leave something to be desired.  The Impreza's all-wheel drive system is a reviewer favorite.

• "Few economy cars on the planet are as visceral, as hard-wired to the driver's inputs," -- Car and Driver
• "I can't think of any compact car that is as much fun to drive." - The Washington Post

Acceleration and Power

The Impreza Wagon is offered as a 2.5i Sport with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine creating 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque, or as a WRX Sport with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine creating 224 horsepower and 226 pound-feet of torque. Reviewers like both engines, but recommend the more-powerful turbocharged WRX for driving enthusiasts. Reviewers are less than thrilled with the transmissions.

• Regarding the 2.5i Sport, "Why would anyone buy such an entirely sensible vehicle when they could drive away in a full-fat, hormone-injected WRX Sport Wagon?"-- The Truth About Cars
• The 2.5 liter engine "performs as smoothly as any in-line four-cylinder model, and provides plenty of mid-range power to operate the all-wheel-drive system without getting bogged down." Kelley Blue Book
• The 2.5i Sport has "adequate pep with either transmission,"-- Consumer Guide.
• The WRX Sport Wagon "is a remarkably fast (0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds) and gutsy little car." -- Washington Post
• "From a standing start, the automatic amplifies the engine's sluggish low-end response. Step on the throttle after coming off the brake, and the WRX dribbles forward."-- Edmunds
• "The car hesitates when you first hit the gas. Moreover, the transmission hunts around a lot for the right gear on hilly, curvy roads and runs out to high revs when you accelerate, both at highway and lower speeds." --BusinessWeek

Handling and Braking

The Impreza Wagon is a zippy and able handler. Reviewers are particularly impressed with the Impreza's all-wheel drive system.

• "The ride is decidedly firm, but the suspension is difficult to upset, and there are no extraneous body motions," -- Car and Driver.
• "The Impreza 2.5i Sport Wagon may slingshot out of turns with less alacrity than a WRX, but at least it does so with equal bravado. Body roll is minimal, tire adhesion predictable, throttle response enjoyable and braking thank-God-able."" --The Truth About Cars.
• "Impreza's all-wheel drive trumps its competitors' front-wheel drive systems every time." Kelley Blue Book