Market Position:
The 2009 Subaru Impreza positioned itself as a compact car offering distinctive all-wheel-drive capability and sporty performance, appealing to enthusiasts and those seeking year-round traction. It competed with models like the Honda Civic Si, Mazda3, and Mitsubishi Lancer.
Competitive Analysis:
While competitors often focused on front-wheel-drive efficiency or optional all-wheel-drive, Subaru's standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive was a key differentiator. The WRX and WRX STI variants offered high-performance options that were class-leading.
Key Features:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer engine, available turbocharged WRX and WRX STI models, hatchback and sedan body styles, solid handling characteristics.
Systems Covered:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System (ECU), Fuel System, Ignition System, Emission Control, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Starting System, Charging System, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Drivetrain (AWD), Suspension System (Front and Rear), Steering System, Brake System (ABS, EBD), Body Electrical, HVAC System, Restraint System (Airbags), Body and Frame, Wiring Diagrams, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Procedures Included:
Scheduled Maintenance, Routine Inspections, Engine Tune-Up, Engine Repair (e.g., cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft), Transmission Overhaul and Repair, Clutch Replacement, Brake System Servicing (pads, rotors, bleeding), Suspension Component Replacement, Steering Component Replacement, Electrical System Troubleshooting, HVAC System Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair, Diagnostic Procedures, Component Testing, Wiring Harness Repair, Replacement Procedures for all major components
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and detailed troubleshooting guides.
File Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Print Quality:
High-resolution, printable pages with clear diagrams and text.
Binding Type:
Not applicable for PDF format (digital download)
Paper Type:
Not applicable for PDF format (digital download)
Transmission Type Na:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Type Wrx Sti:
6-Speed Manual
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Standard on all models)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
Subaru Extra-S or equivalent (API GL-5, SAE 75W-90)
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent
Body Styles:
4-Door Sedan, 5-Door Hatchback
Wheelbase:
103.2 inches (2620 mm)
Length Sedan:
179.7 inches (4565 mm)
Length Hatchback:
173.8 inches (4415 mm)
Width:
69.1 inches (1755 mm)
Height Sedan:
57.9 inches (1470 mm)
Height Hatchback:
57.7 inches (1465 mm)
Curb Weight Na:
Approx. 3100-3300 lbs (1400-1500 kg)
Curb Weight Wrx:
Approx. 3200-3400 lbs (1450-1540 kg)
Curb Weight Sti:
Approx. 3300-3500 lbs (1500-1590 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:
4 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
4 Stars
IIHS Front Crashworthiness:
Good
IIHS Side Crashworthiness:
Good
IIHS Rear Crashworthiness:
Good
Active Safety Features:
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA)
Passive Safety Features:
Front Airbags, Front Side-Impact Airbags, Side-Curtain Airbags (Front and Rear), Active Front Head Restraints, Front and Rear Crumple Zones, Body-in-White safety cage construction.
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary input. Optional premium audio system and satellite radio availability. Navigation system was a rare, dealer-installed option.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited by modern standards. Primarily focused on VDC and ABS. No adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, or blind-spot monitoring available from factory.
Connectivity Features:
Auxiliary audio input jack.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under severe driving conditions (e.g., short trips, dusty roads, towing); 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months under normal conditions. Consult owner's manual for specifics.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months, or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for iridium-tipped spark plugs.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial replacement at 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 10 years, then every 52,500 miles (84,000 km) or 5 years thereafter.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable, this generation uses a timing chain.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 0W-20 (Recommended by Subaru for most conditions), SAE 5W-30 also acceptable (API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 or higher).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.8 US quarts (4.5 L) with filter for 2.5L engines.
Coolant Spec:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent P-HOAT antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Issues:
Head gasket leaks (less common in 2.5L naturally aspirated than older EJ series, but still possible), catalytic converter failure, clutch wear (especially with aggressive driving), potential for oil consumption on higher mileage engines, turbocharger issues on WRX models if not properly maintained, suspension component wear (bushings, ball joints).
Brand Heritage:
Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), has a long history of producing reliable vehicles, with a particular emphasis on its horizontally opposed Boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems, pioneered in rally racing and consistently applied to its production vehicles.
Model Evolution:
The 2009 Impreza represents the third generation (GE/GH/GR/GV), which debuted for the 2007 model year. This generation saw a significant redesign, moving to a larger platform and adopting a more mainstream styling, particularly in the sedan. The popular WRX and WRX STI performance variants continued to be offered, with the WRX receiving a facelift and power increase for 2009. The hatchback body style was introduced with this generation.
Production Location:
Japan (Gunma Prefecture)
Production Years Generation:
2007-2011
