and the engine noise was surprisingly loud to me.
I was prepared to experience some noise considering what it is but I was still surprised.
Once cruising it's not bad but when I was trying to merge it just seemed a tiny bit too loud. I'm going to have to test drive it one more time as this is the only thing holding me back from pulling the trigger.

Have any other 2009 owners notice this before they got theirs?
I've read the threads about sound deadening already and have that planned.
This comment had me a bit worried though.

 

I find any overhead cam engine to be loud lol. Lots of mechanical parts moving around in the head, wouldn't expect anything less. My girlfriends Chevy gAveo has around the same amount of engine noise. I don't mind it though, if it bothers you that much throw on some good tunes and turn the volume up.

 

It is only a 1.5 L so doesn't matter if it's over head or not it'll be loud when you step on it.

 

Quieter than the GD I had, but I'm thinking it was due to the Dunlops that were on it. Either the GE is quieter or the Bridgestones are quieter. Not sure.

 

The engine seems quiet to me. I suppose it depends on what you're used to.

 

It's quiet compared to my old car (a '90 corolla) but it is most definitely loud compared to other cars in its price range (the sport anyways). But it's a matter of personal preference really...I kinda like it 'cause it gives it a somewhat sporty feel. But if you're someone who just wants a quiet car then maybe consider a Civic instead?

 

It's fairly loud on hard acceleration, but the car is amazingly quiet at cruise, even at 80 mph. If you really want to know how loud it can get, try going up a steep hill on the interstate at 70 mph. Mine drops down to 3rd, at just under 6000 rpm.

 

Overall, I feel my car is pretty quiet. But hey, I'm coming from an 89 jeep cherokee and a highly modded 02 WRX...

 

Yeah I could totally see this being way different depending on what a person is coming from. I'll just give it another go with a second test drive.

 

It's quiet enuf for me, definitely quieter than the harley (and mine's not obnoxiously loud)

Ya know, some ppl pay big bucks to make em (fits AND harleys) louder...