2009 Subaru Legacy Sedan

The 2009 Subaru Legacy is a sedan that provides an exciting driving experience while offering full time all-wheel drive, just like all Subarus do.  It is an appealingly different take on the family-sedan formula. For 2009, unlike other years, the Legacy is sold only as a sedan. Also new for 2009 the Subaru Legacy gets a standard electronic stability system and a new 385-watt harman/kardon audio system on most trims. The Legacy also gets a new trim level, called 3.0R, which features the 3.0R Limited's six-cylinder engine but is less expensive. The Legacy's main competition includes the Ford Fusion, Mazda6 and Volkswagen Passat.  The major downsides to the 2009 Legacy is that its interior includes some cheap materials and it is not as roomy as other sedans, also premium gasoline is recommended, and a stability system not available on all trims.  The best things about the Legacy are its exceptional handling with turbo engine, its well designed manual transmission, and its seat comfort.  The 2009 Subaru Legacy gets an EPA Fuel Economy of City: 17 - 20 and Highway: 24 - 27.  It has a starting MSRP of $20,795 - $34,595.  The Legacy has a varied model lineup; trim levels include the 2.5i, 2.5i Special Edition, 2.5i Limited, 2.5GT Limited, 2.5GT spec.B, 3.0R and 3.0R Limited.

Legacy Power

The AWD 2009 Subaru Legacy offers a choice of three engines. The 2.5i models are powered by a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder that makes 175 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque. Legacy 2.5 GT models feature a turbocharged version that makes 243 hp and 241 lb-ft. The 3.0 R models are propelled by a 3.0-liter flat-6 generating 245 hp and 215 lb-ft.  Like all Subarus, the Legacy has standard all-wheel drive. The 2.5GT, 2.5GT spec.B and 3.0R get large front and rear ventilated brake rotors. The five-speed automatic transmission can be manually shifted via paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel.

 Driving the '09 Legacy

The base 2.5-liter engine provides satisfactory acceleration, though the four-speed automatic transmission puts out a rather sluggish downshift response. Those drivers who are looking for a superior driving experience should go for the thrilling 2.5 GT or smooth and refined 3.0 R models.  Subaru's SI-Drive system allows drivers to program accelerator response and is included on the 2.5 GT Limited, 2.5GT spec.B, 3.0R and 3.0R Limited. With the availability of a 245-hp 6-cylinder Boxer engine option, 18-inch wheels and a Bilstein sport suspension, the Legacy can be well equipped for spirited performance driving.  Handling is impressive even in base 2.5i trim, while the upgraded brakes and suspensions on higher-end models make the Legacy a budget alternative to German sport sedans, though certainly not at the same performance level.  Acceleration for the 2.5 GT spec.B is impressive, going from zero to 60 mph in a blistering 5.7 seconds. Fuel economy, however, is not the best for any of the Legacy models.

Subaru Legacy Design

The Legacy for 2009 is a stylish sedan with aerodynamic design and smooth transitions.  All Legacy models get an aluminum hood, aerodynamic side ground effects and an in-glass antenna. Turbocharged models have a functional hood scoop and underbody aerodynamic cover. At 185 inches long and 68.1 inches wide, the Legacy is noticeably smaller than most midsize sedans.

Cabin for 2009 

The Legacy has 93.5 cubic feet of passenger volume, which is noticeably smaller than its competition; it can hold five passengers. All Legacy models include a 60/40-split folding rear seat with a center pass-thru. The trunk has 11.4 cubic feet of available cargo room. The Legacy's gets a nicely appointed cabin and as far as style goes, it is towards the top of the segment. All models feature legible gauges, intuitive controls and an attractive driver-centric center stack. The backseat is comfortable enough for two average-sized passengers, but leg- and shoulder room are unusually tight compared with other midsize sedans, making the Legacy more of a four person car, and only five in a pinch.

Lineup for 2009

The base 2.5i comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, full power accessories, air-conditioning, a tilt/telescoping steering column, a trip computer and an MP3/WMA-capable CD stereo with an auxiliary input jack.

 The 2.5i Special Edition adds a moonroof, a power driver seat and a 385-watt nine-speaker premium stereo that includes a subwoofer. The 2.5i Limited tacks on foglights, heated exterior mirrors, heated front seats, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and an in-dash six-CD changer.

The performance-oriented 2.5 GT Limited includes a hood scoop, a limited-slip rear differential, larger brakes, a quicker steering ratio, sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, electroluminescent gauges and a power front passenger seat. The 2.5 GT Limited also comes standard with SI-Drive, which allows the driver to adjust the electronic throttle's responsiveness and -- if applicable -- the automatic transmission's shift points.

 The 2.5 GT spec.B adds an upgraded Torsen limited-slip differential, a sport suspension with Bilstein dampers, ground effects, 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires and a touchscreen navigation system.

The 3.0 R begins with the same standard equipment as the 2.5i Special Edition and adds a six-cylinder engine, SI-Drive and the Torsen limited-slip differential. The 3.0 R Limited sports the same six-cylinder engine along with the luxury features of the 2.5i Limited.


Summary


This distinctive family sedan is safe, stylish and downright speedy if you skip the base 2.5-liter engine; moreover, even this entry-level power plant is pretty peppy for its class. Its major faults are small cabin space and poor fuel economy.  Antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and whiplash-reducing front headrests are all standard on the 2009 Subaru Legacy. Stability control is standard on all Legacy models except for the 2.5 GT Limited with the manual transmission. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, the Legacy received the Gold Award (its highest honor) based on the car's "Good" ratings (the highest) in frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests, as well as the ability of its head restraints to prevent whiplash in rear impacts. In government testing, the Legacy again scored the highest possible marks -- a perfect five-star rating for both frontal and side-impact crash protection.  Overall, the 2009 Legacy is a nice break from the many similar looking sedans in its segment.  It also sports the most visually interesting center stack in its class -- it's even canted toward the driver, an element you would typically expect to find in a dedicated sports car. Read a Motor Trend Subaru Legacy First Look for more research.