The 2009 Impreza 2.5GT has a standout design thanks to the large scoop on the hood. Read these words, "Subaru" and "Impreza"…now close your eyes and think of what those two words conjure in your mind. Is it a rip-roaring rally racer scaled down for street use or perhaps a sporty yet economical all-wheel-drive wagon with solid standout styling? Now open your eyes and take a look at Subaru's attempt to blur these lines–the 2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5GT sedan. Does it work? …not really Subaru offers the 2.5GT a  slot between its base Impreza 2.5i and the top of the heap Impreza WRX STi. Unfortunately, Subaru misses out on the aspects that make the other two models so appealing. With  the four-speed automatic of the Subaru Impreza 2.5GT, I never felt excited to be behind the wheel (like I would in the 305-hp WRX STi with a manual transmission) nor did I see any savings at the pump (like I would with the regular-gas sipping, non-turbocharged 2.5i). Up front, this Impreza 2.5GT has the distinctive Subaru styling, complete with large hood scoop to feed the top-mounted intercooler. The front end is not for everyone, especially the scoop, but I feel it works and it is definitely a necessity to feed the engine, keep the turbo spinning happily and letting me get the most out of all 224 hp. The problem I have with the Impreza, from a design standpoint, is the back of the car. I love the shape of the wagon and think Subaru did a wonderful job there; however, 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. The interior of the Subaru Impreza 2.5GT wants to be sporty but the rest of the car doesn't deliver. The interior of the car is comfortable and well appointed for an MSRP of $26,995. With my seat all the way back, a passenger could still fit behind me, as long as they were not also over six feet tall. The steering wheel felt good in my hands and everything is within easy reach of the driver. 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 (not to mention the extra 54 hp). 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. I think people will flock to the perfectly suitable base-model or the sideways-on-a-dirt-road WRX STi, which are both great cars. I hate to keep coming back to those other cars, but this Impreza 2.5GT has me puzzled. That hood scoop is big, but it has a purpose, and I think it looks good on the Subaru Impreza 2.5GT  as well as allows it to stand out from the crowd without being silly. So far it sounds like I didn't enjoy my time in this 2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5GT but that is only half true. I have issues with only one transmission being offered, the rear-end styling and the rationale of buying this model over the 2.5i or the WRX STi. The flip-side of these issues is the actual driving dynamics of the car…it drives like a Subaru and that always puts a smile on my face. 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. Subaru should rename all their cars, and I apologize in advance for this, the Subaru Postman, because neither rain, nor sleet, nor… you get the idea. If I am looking for a Subaru that offers me the comfort of AWD yet is easier on my wallet at the pump, then I will opt for the 2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5i . If I am looking for an exciting street-version of a rally car then I will step up to the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STi . If I am looking for something in between these two ideals, well…I will probably go to a different car dealership. For more information on 2009 Subarus , visit NADAguides.com , the vehicle pricing and information leader since 1933.

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Road Test Review: 2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5GT