The 2009 Subaru Legacy is a rare blend offering the value of a high-end sedan, the styling of a sophisticated luxury car and the driving dynamics of a premium sport sedan. Its quick acceleration, comfortable interior and all-weather security make the Subaru Legacy a standout in the midsize class.
Much of the appeal of the 2009 Subaru Legacy involves its multiple personalities. With seven trim levels, Subaru offers a Legacy for nearly anyone’s requirements. As with all Subaru models, the Legacy comes with one of the best all-wheel drive systems available. That and a choice of three powerful engines imbue the Legacy with a surefooted energy that’s lacking in so many rivals. Add a supremely comfortable cabin, and the Legacy personality that’s right for you is yours to summon.
Subaru gave the Legacy a refresh for the 2008 model year. Changes included a new front chrome crossbar and sheet metal, new bumpers, new headlights and taillights. The makeover resulted in a sleek form many reviewers compare to European brands. The instrument panel and cabin fabrics received upgrades. A telescoping function was added to the tilt steering wheel for improved adjustment for different sized drivers. Tire pressure monitoring was made standard across the board. Paddleshifters were added to the steering column on five-speed automatic cars.
For 2009, Subaru has added new trims for a Legacy lineup of seven distinct versions: 2.5i, 2.5i Special Edition, 2.5i Limited, 2.5GT Limited, 2.5GT Spec.B, 3.0R and 3.0R Limited. Stability control is newly standard on all of them except for the 2.5GT with the manual gearbox. All but the base model now have a nine-speaker harman/kardon premium sound system.
Many drivers find the 2009 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition tickles their fancy. For an MSRP of $21,095, this trim is a tremendous value. How many cars at this price point offer features like an eight-way power driver’s seat, tilt-up and internal retracting power moonroof, 17-inch alloy wheels and dual chrome exhausts? Keep in mind that all-wheel drive is standard equipment. Not just any old AWD system, but the highly regarded Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive that senses slip and sends power where it is needed, providing superior driving performance and enhanced traction to keep you safe on any road surface. The system normally sends 45 percent of power to the front wheels and 55 percent to the rear wheels and adjusts the proportions automatically from there.
Power comes from Subaru’s unique boxer engine (horizontally-opposed pistons), a 2.5-liter SOHC aluminum-alloy 16-valve horizontally-opposed four-cylinder with the i-Active Valve Lift System that makes the majority of the motor’s 170 lb/ft of torque available at the lower engine speeds used by most drivers. Who wants to rev an engine to near redline to get power as you have to do with some high-strung fours? The boxer four is renowned for its smooth, turbine-like delivery of power. The five-speed manual transmission is standard on 2.5i and 2.5i Special Edition trims while the 2.5i Limited comes standard with the four-speed electronic direct-control automatic with SportShift® manual control featuring paddle wheels mounted on the steering wheel.
For 2009, Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) is standard equipment for all but the 2.5GT with manual transmission. VDC constantly monitors vehicle stability. It senses impending loss of control, and applies individual brakes and/or reduces engine power to help keep you on your intended path. Stability control is one of the most important active safety systems you can have on a car. Statistics show it helps drivers maneuver out of situations that otherwise would be crashes.
The Legacy 2.5i Special Edition is a great handling car, far superior to the economy cars at its price point. With its four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and precise steering, the car corners like a sport sedan, yet rides like a comfort cruiser. U.S. News pointed out, “The 2009 Subaru Legacy's steering is a highlight of the car. Its power-assist wins over most reviewers while many competitors can't seem to build an electric assist system that pleases everyone.” Driving enthusiasts are always surprised at how well the Legacy handles.
The well-appointed cabin in the 2009 2.5i Special Edition is praiseworthy, too. As Edmunds.com noted, “The Legacy's suave and nicely appointed cabin is a standout in this segment. Hop inside and the inspired styling continues as the Legacy sports the most visually interesting center stack in its class – it's even canted toward the driver, an element we'd typically expect to find in a dedicated sportscar." Topnotch materials and high-quality equipment distinguish the Legacy. Take the audio system standard for all but the 2.5i. Legacy includes a nine-speaker harman/kardon audio system with seven-channel amplifier/equalizer, subwoofer, Digital Signal Processing (DSP), six-disc in-dash CD player, MP3 capability and Speed-Sensitive Auto Volume Control (SVC).
The 2009 Subaru Legacy is a Top Safety Pick of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. With full airbag coverage and more driver’s safety aids than most in its class, you will be driving a car that’s built to protect its occupants. That’s a comfort, especially when your Legacy is used as the family car.
You have seven 2009 Subaru Legacy sedans from which to choose. They range from the basic value model to the afterburner-equipped Legacy GT. We urge you to see and drive these cars soon. Considering their attractions, we wouldn’t be surprised if you made one of them your Legacy.
