Used 2009 Subaru Legacy Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Excellent all around
I reviewed 2008 and 2009 Subaru Legacys for several months before purchasing one. I also looked at Honda Civics, Accords, Toyota Camrys and Carollas. I am a very careful buyer, so I was very cautious in my decision. Ultimately, the Legacy was the clear choice. Handling is great, and mileage is better than you would expect. I have gone on two 7-hour road trips and got 34.7 mpg on the first and 35 mpg on the second. Typically, it's around 33 mpg on the highway. This is just as good as the Accord and the Camry. Unlike the Accord and Camry, though, the Legacy has AWD all the time. This is great for winters here in eastern Washington state. I love my Subaru!
My 1st SUBARU-"It's a keeper"-STILL!
This 2009 Legacy is a good value for what it is; I bought it used with about 20k miles on it---now it's 4 yrs later with over 75k miles. The AWD is great for the Ohio winters, especially once I replaced the OE tires with higher quality treads. I get about 25 mpg overall city/hwy which is not great, but for having AWD and the comfort and space for me, it's OK. I appreciate the rear seatbacks which fold forward, which gives extra space for storage, or transporting materials from Home Depot when doing weekend projects. I wish the engine had more power for quicker acceleration at times, but it's adequate most of the time. The car has been basically trouble-free...it's a KEEPER for me! UPDATE: I have now had this car for over 6 years, and have put 100,000 miles on it since I got it. It still runs and handles the same. Most of the maintenance has been performed by a local Subaru dealer, except brake jobs, which I felt they were just too expensive. The 4 speed automatic is very outdated, so the acceleration is slow. The newer Legacy with the CVT seem to be a lot quicker and quieter, which I will keep in mind, for some day. The newer models also have improved technology as far as sound systems, navigation, etc. I suppose I will be ready for a more updated model in a few years. This car seems like it will go another 100,000 miles without a doubt. It's still great for the Ohio winters.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
- 2.5i SedanMSRP: $6,495136 mi away
- 2.5i Special Edition SedanMSRP: $9,999150 mi away
- 2.5i Special Edition SedanMSRP: $4,995164 mi away
Solid sedan
I sold a new 2012 Mazda3 which I never really fell in love with and purchased this car used with very low mileage as basic transportation. I drive about 5K per year. I wanted something I could transport my bikes and canoe on the roof. Nicely built sedan. Good handling. Not powerful at high speeds, but peppy at low and mid range. Decent trunk space that opens into back seats. Comfortable driver seat. After a 1000 miles of driving no issues, solid feel, and happy with my purchase. Mileage has been 24 city, 29 highway.
I am Impressed!
I just got my Legacy a month ago and I could not be happier. We broke it in on a 3,000 mile trip to SC. It cruised through rain that had people pulling over because they could not see. We averaged 70 mph with the A/C on and the mileage was 31! Great safety with the 6 airbags and traction control. I have been told it had a 5 star rating. Great HK stereo, very quick with the 5 speed. Steering is precise and the roadholding is fantastic. I had two Audis and I like this more. Plus, if it did have a maintenance problem (which I don't think it will) it would be cheap to fix. A lot of car for 19K.
Someones trash became my treasure!!
I bought my Legacy 3.0R used with 13400 miles. This is my commuter car. Its a blast to drive with great acceleration and braking. I wish there was a little less body roll but overall very sporty ride. Maybe if I upgrade the roll and strut bars. I love the black cloth and silver trim. I upgraded to a bluetooth pioneer radio and the factory Harmon Kardon sounds much better than the stock unit not that the stocker is bad. The gas mileage isnt great but I knew what I was getting into before I bought it. The back seat is a little tight for adults but we own a SUV if we need to haul passengers. <br><br> *Update - 68000k on the clock. Still hanging in there. Replaced the pulleys, battery, shocks, wheels and tires. Still rides great. I gonna drive it until the wheels fall off!!!
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- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
My First and Only Subaru
I absolutely loved this car when I had it. I owned it close to 3 years. I needed an AWD vehicle, but I was hesitant to venture into the SUV world just yet. Besides normal maintenance on the vehicle, I literally had no problems with it. I just had to upgrade to something bigger so I was able to see out of it better.
Suprise!
OK, so my clunker died and it was time for new wheels. I am a 35 year old man, and a father. I wanted something fun, sporty, comfy, and fun to drive. And I found it! I could not be happier with my Legacy 3.0R Limited. The car is a rocket, smooth as silk on the road, and is loaded with enough features to keep me busy for the next 6 months figuring them all out. Nav works well, although sometimes takes an odd turn or two. The car is a beauty, and accelerates better than any I have ever driven (and I test drive frequently as I am a car lover). This is a driver's car in every way, and Subaru deserves more street cred after making a machine like this one! I truly look forward to driving.
Great Buy
Just picked up my 2009 Legacy Limited. Impressed by just about every feature of this car. The only con that I may note would be that the vehicle has frame less windows. When you close the door you get your fingerprint smudges all over the window. Other than that it is an awesome vehicle.
Love my Legacy!
When I was forced to abandon ownership of my Jetta because no one in my town was talented enough to fix it - I looked at the Subaru. I live in the mountains in NC - and thought that AWD would be a good idea. I bought a 2009 Legacy (2.5 Special Edition issue). Although the "pick up" isn't quite like my Jetta - everything else more than surpasses my expectations and desires. My favorite part is the stability - in rain (no ice yet, but am waiting for winter), the car handles hazardous road conditions like a magnet on steel. I was amazed. I also love the stereo system - especially since I can plug in my iPod. Now I can listen to Stephanie Miller podcasts on my way to work. I love my Subaru!
2009 Subaru Legacy Special Edition
Just bought this 2009 Subaru Legacy Special Edition with 8500 miles at a good price. I liked the new style but went with the older design. It is fun to drive....
Head gasket at 75k
Stay away. My head gasket went at 75k miles and the repair is $2500. This is one of many Subaru makes and years with head gasket issues.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great Car!
This is my 3rd Subaru--2 Legacys and one Outback. This is a company car that I drive daily and put over 40,000 miles on per year. To say the least, they have all been great cars. Zero problems with any of them. Between the 3, I've put over 200,000 miles on these cars-- not too bad. The AWD works great in wet weather. This is a very safe, very stable car. I wish the base engine had a little more spunk and wish the ipod input was on the dash instead of in the console. Other than that, buy one, change the oil every 7,500 miles and drive, drive, drive... Oh, and the gas mileage is great. I average 30+ MPG on the interstate with the cruise set between 75-78.
Highly Underrated Performance Sedan
I've had my 2009 Legacy 3.0R with nav for almost three months now and I absolutely love it. Its 3.0 V6 is incredibly smooth and quick, the interior (mine is black leather) is gorgeous -it looks like a much more expensive car on the inside- and its exterior styling is unlike other cars. I love that you don't see many Legacys on the road. It makes them somewhat unique. The AWD, 18" rims, Bilstein shocks, paddle shifters, and SI Drive make it a performance sedan. Although it's a four-door, it doesn't feel like one on the inside. It sits low and is narrow. It's the perfect size. I do wish the car had more technology features like an improved nav system, proximity key, HID headlights, etc.
Test drive one, you'll believe
I have not yet recorded 900 miles on my '09 Legacy 2.5i Limited, and I am very happy with my decision. It handles better than any car I've owned, looks better, and is more refined interior for less money than any of the other sedans I tested. Subaru has a reputation for being an incredibly safe vehicle and that meant a lot to me. This is my first Subaru, but I hope not my last.
Ltd
Looked at purchasing a new car for about a year. Looked at Saturn Aura, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord Coupe. The Saturn was very nice but the build quality was not that great + I didn't know if the dealership would exist in the future. The Accord coupe rode very hard, the seats were very hard + the dashboard was too busy. Hadn't considered another Subaru (have a 2005 Outback 2.5i) until I determined I didn't like the Saturn or Honda. Drove the Forester (great!) then decided getting the Legacy was a no-brainer, given the reliability of my Outback. I gave the Outback to my wife & purchased the Legacy Limited. Now we both have no problems getting to our mountain top home in the winter!
this car is amazing!
Traded in my '05 mdx for the Subaru. I must say its fantastic! What a car! Performance is outstanding. The ride is super smooth, and the handling is fantastic. I really can't say anything bad about Subaru. This is the best sedan by far I have ever owned!
New ERA
Traded in my VW tdi because nobody around my area could fix it. Was used to the great mileage of a diesel but I drive a lot and being safe in the winter has its benefits as well. The car runs me 29 mpg per tankful at 90% highway driving. It is cemented to the road and I always feel in control. It is agile and fun to drive although long distances my right leg seems to fall asleep. The headlights have a horizon to them and is kind of funky going down a hill. I love the look of the inside and how the stereo is angled towards the driver as well as the placement of things, except the emergency brake and cup holders. If you are looking for a fun and safe car you should take it for a drive.
Not for Seniors
We have had this 1st time Subaru for 1 year and find that it is not comfortable for us older citizens. The passenger seat is very low and cannot be raised. Passenger has a difficult time exiting car because the car is set low and the seat is low. Driver, 5'11" & 175, is hard on the legs for the same reason. With seat lowered for driving comfort car it is difficult to enter and exit. MPG not up to rating for all in city driving. But, once inside the car is very good driving and fun to drive. We will go back to a Camry even though the price on the Subaru is terrific. No service problems in the year. Be sure seats are comfortable and park at a curb on your test drive.
Great Car!
I bought this car back in May of this year because I was looking to trade in my 2006 Chevy Equinox which I hated, so I saw an advertisement on tv for Subaru and decided to check it out. I never owned a Subaru before so this was a new experience for me, once I got in it and test drove it there was no turning back. The car drives great, handles great, over all just a fun car. The HK audio system is incredible, those are the types of audio systems they put in much more expensive vehicles such as BMW. The only thing I don't like about this car is that it seems to pull to the right and the dealership told me that awd vehicles tend to do that. Not sure if anyone else has experienced this??
Vehicle has many known problems
Purchased the 2009 Subaru with 50k miles in 12/17 and within 6 months had to replace the Head gasket. Subaru admitted knowing about the problem and contributed 500 dollars toward the 3k repair bill. 9 months later after maintaining the vehicle the engine was shot with no warning all the oil light didn’t come on but engine seized up. This is also a common problem with the 09 Subaru . This time they refused to admit the ongoing issue and they would not stand behind their lemon. Please close a different vehicle. We have owned several Subaru’s in the last 20 years and this one is our last.
3.0R around 1k miles initial review
This car suit my needs well. 4DR sedan with AWD, enough power, comfortable ride. It has all the features that I need, plus a moon roof that I did not really need (standard on 3.0R). All that for around $25k price tag was acceptable. I don't make much use of SI drive. I leave it on Sport mode, and take it easy on the throttle instead of making the computer do it for me. That way, I get fuel economy and throttle response also when needed. The MPG gauge does not show much of a difference unless I use low gear acceleration with Sport mode. Score of 6 for fuel economy is fair. Any worse then 17 city and 24 highway then I would not have considered this car, and the estimate seems accurate.
Well rounded sports sedan
Researched all wheel drive vehicles for several months before deciding on the Legacy for numerous reasons. I'm extremely happy with my decision and always look forward to driving it. It handles rain, snow, and freezing temperatures with aplomb. When the weather is nice it's tons of fun to blast down twisty back roads. One of the most well-rounded vehicles I've ever driven!
Awesome Buy
The company I work for has a few Subarus, before I worked there I would have never thought about owning one. Now, I would not have it any other way. One of the office Subarus has over 220,000+ miles on it (99 Impreza,MT) & another has 130,000+ miles on it (05 Impreza,MT)I've driven the 05 "like I stole it" too. We change the oil and rotate the tires. I chose the Legacy, a little roomier than the Impreza. I also opted for the 5 speed MT, less overall ownership cost and I control the MPG a little more than the AT, not a computer. I don't understand the mileage rating from Subaru, I read other posts and several people have pointed out that these cars can get 32-36 mpg on the hwy. I do too!
2.5i is great!
I just bought a 2009 legacy 2.5i special edition. I love the car a lot. It's a lot of fun to drive. The best feature on the car is the AWD. In poor weather you feel safe and steady on the road. I love the feel of the interior space. The car comes with a lot of features stock that other companies would charge extra for.
Awesome!
I purchased the car in the midst of a bad snowstorm and the road conditions were terrible. Every car on the road was slipping... my brand new Subaru was perfect there! It was so good on that icy and snowy road... I love this car! I love the style and all of the added features! It is so cool! I am so in love with the white pearl color too... so pretty!
Great Quality, Awesome AWD, & Affordable
This is my third legacy and first on in 8 years. Coming from an 06 Acura TL, I thought the handling would not be up to par, but it is a significant upgrade with better control at higher speeds. The ride is firm, but not bouncy. Obviously the four cylinder could use more power or even better another gear or two in the automatic. Fuel economy is about 25mpg with about 30% city driving. The Harmon Kardon sound system blows away the premium system in the Acura. Perfectly clear at all volume levels all the way to the max. Subaru was the only answer since we only purchase Subaru, Honda, and Toyota products and we wanted an AWD car.
Legacy GT Turbo
There are a lot of reviews out there that suggest this car can compete with the European Sports Sedan class and I would say that it falls short. It is a quick car that offers a lot of bang for the buck, but its suspension is soft and lacks the high quality interior of its rivals.
Love the features, Not so much performance
Owned this car 4 yrs. Up until the last few months of ownership, the car did well. At 90+ miles, it began to have issues. Interior features are superb. But performance is sub par. It rolls even with good tires. I suggest getting rid of the stock Yokohama tires. Acceleration is sluggish, probably due to the outdated 4 speed auto transmission. Manual auto shift great in snow. Inside, not roomy at all. Even center console was too small. I was fine at 5'2", but my 6'2" husband was not comfortable. Back seat is tight. Trunk room is good. AWD is its saving grace.
Do not buy this car!!!
I would not recommend this car to anyone! The transmission shifts so roughly the entire car lurches, but the dealership insists it is fine. The seats are extremely uncomfortable - my back kills by the time I arrive at work!! The interior looks worn after only having the car for a few weeks. I purchased this car because I wanted an AWD vehicle and the price seemed good, but I regret every time I step foot in the car!
Best kept secret
Had this car 4 months now and love it. My wife and I used to alternate driving our cars around town but now I drive everywhere. The car is getting the rated mileage unlike the Nissan Versa I traded in. I get about 21 mpg in 90% city driving and about 27 on the hwy. You'll be hard pressed to find a family sedan with AWD, a moon roof and this level of refinement for the price.
Great Choice
I've owned my Subaru for 1 month and I'm loving it! It handles great and is just a pleasure to drive.
I just love the interior
As enthusiastic as I was about getting a new Legacy, my expectations were exceeded. Interior quality and styling is far superior to anything in its class and many in a higher class. Though the cockpit is a bit narrower than most, I'm still very comfortable despite my overly padded body (I'm working on getting the weight off). Mileage in the mid 20s (50-50 city/highway) but with just a few hundred miles on it I expect the numbers will rise. Handling and ride are great and then there's the amazing level of equipment for the price. Where on earth can you get a great handling awd mid size with leather, moonroof, XM, HK stereo, vdc, and the usual power accessories for just 23K.
Sold on Subaru for Life
Spent around a year researching a new car. This was the perfect fit for what I wanted. It fits all of my practical needs but retains a lot of personality on the road. The AWD system is amazing. This car never loses its composure. The car drives through rain and snow without losing a beat. Then handling is also fantastic, without beating the passengers senseless. Getting about 25 mpg on average w/ a majority of city driving. Inside, the seats are firm and supportive, but comfy. The Harmon Kardon speakers sound great. I have no regrets on my purchase. Compared to Nissan Altima, Volvo S40, VW Passat, and Saab 9-3, this blew them all away. I'll probably be buying Subarus for a long time to come.
2009 Legacy is Great
I just got my Legacy last week and its great! It handles extremely well in the snow and even did better then my Jeep Cherokee. The car is sleek, classy and comfortable to drive.
New Legacy
My sixth Subaru (79 and 87 wagons, 81 Brat, 95 Legacy, 03 Forester). Still have the Forester and Brat. Just picked up a 2009 Legacy 2.5i Limited-$21,800-and 2.9% financing. This is a good time to get the 09 models with the new 10's coming in. Initial impressions-firm but sporty ride, seats are hard (but I am coming from a very soft seat in a Ford Explorer), drove smoothly on the 125 mile trip back from the dealer. Nice sound system from the Harmon Karden stereo. Very similar in size to my old 95 Legacy -on the smaller size of the competition but my 6-year old fits fine in the backseat in her booster seat. 22.6mpg on the drive home but that should improve with time.
Love this car!
My new Legacy 2.5i SE is our 6th Subaru and arguably the best. The car is the smoothest riding and shifting car I've ever owned. At the end of a long day there is nothing like my commute home in it (1/2 hour, city and country driving) to make me forget my day. Better still the fuel mileage is way better than I was expecting (about 29 MPG mixed driving conditions). The seats are really comfortable and the stereo is pretty awesome too. Even though the interior is a little smaller than comparable models, it fits around you giving you a nice blend of sport and luxury. Now I can't wait for wintertime driving and its AWD / traction control. Our other Subaru is 14 years old and we still love it.
Fabulous value for the money
Great lease deal due to fantastic residual values. Features and equipment at a level far in excess of price point of 23K. Interior quality at least comparable to cars $10K more expensive. Handling, ride and comfort above average. Quietness is ok but nothing special. Overall I'm extremely happy with the car.
Get this car
Owned high performance Audis (S6, S4), BMW (M3) and even a Mercedes or two but love getting into and driving this car as much if not more. The car is tight, quick and comfortable and looks very sporty with its 18 inch wheels.
A surprised 1st-time Subie Owner
I traded in a 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser for this car, and I have been pleasantly surprised. It gets WAY better mileage than the FJ, which required premium gas. I took advantage of the smokin' $199/month lease that Subaru was offering, but I had never had one before. Needless to say, I was a little skeptical of just how good a Subie could possibly be, and I NEVER thought I would purchase one. All I knew was that they were equipped with all wheel drive, and there were many of them in Colorado. After my first test drive, I was sold! This car is every bit as good, and in most cases better than all the Toyota and Honda sedans I've owned. Better looks, handling, traction, interior, and comfort.
Another excellent Subaru
Purchased after several years of careful research. I have a 2006 Subaru Impreza. The two cars feel quite different in spite of only 200 lb more. The Impreza (non-turbo) feels very light and agile. The Legacy is much more solid and "mature". After 20 years of driving a stick shift I cannot immediately adjust from one to another. The stick shift is the way to go and still one needs to work the gears a little more on the Legacy. Sound isolation is better. On a recent trip I got 35 mpg highway at 65 mph with a loaded car with 3 adults and luggage and 33 mpg measured at the pump at 75 mpg. City is 23 - 25 mpg. Outstanding for AWD and any midsize. Extremely stable in snowstorms. Very happy with it
Ruby
I picked up my Ruby Red SE on Labor day and got the same lease deal they were offering on the '08. Drove many other cars and this was love at first drive. I am a very large person but the smallish size doesn't bother me. Everything seems to be cut to fit. Quality is top notch. I have been given compliments nearly every day. My kids think it's a sports car and all the neighbors are jealous.
I wish I'd have purchased one sooner!
I've had my Legacy for a few weeks now and have enjoyed driving it. It's not going to blow people away when the traffic lights change, but it's pretty nimble and responsive. It's a fun car to drive. The stereo is nice. The handling is excellent. It's quiet inside the cabin with very little wind or road noise. Gas mileage has hovered between 24 and 26 mixed city/highway driving and I got over 31 mpg on a trip up the interstate over Labor Day weekend. It's getting better gas mileage than I expected it would, which is an added bonus.
Worth the wait
I've had my Legacy for 1 year now and just love it. It's fun to drive and gets excellent highway miles. My first not a mom car...but it's a really cool grandma car. Whenever I mentioned wanting to get a Subaru to anyone they always had good things to say about them whereas when I'd mention possibly getting a different car they always had a nice car but... answers. We have owned 2 previous used Subaru's in the past and have gotten almost 300,000 miles on them. Expect to get many dependable years from my Legacy.
Legacy Keeps Getting Better
This is my 4th Legacy, and by far the best one yet. The new Harmon Kardon stereo upgrade rocks, and the car is so much value for the money! It feels solid and tight in any conditions, handles amazingly (the test drive will make you buy this car!) and when you look at the sticker price compared to similar European makes costing much more, it makes you feel smart and lucky. Wish it had Bluetooth, love the new music and cruise control buttons on the wheel, would like more ambient lighting inside (which the Germans do to great effect). Elegant but not fussy, this car is comfortable, fun, sporty and luxurious all at the same time. Simplicity of design still works and defines a nice car.
My first Subaru
This car is fantastic. I have not had a new car since 1997. I am cheap and the Legacy sold me at a very modest price. I have not looked back. This car is sleek, handles beautifully in this Ohio snow season, is comfortable, quiet, and has a great sound system. The peace of mind from the AWD + traction control is well worth the loss in miles. Plus, I don't drive all that much anyway to worry too much about 1 or 2 mpg. Hands down best car for the price.
Handles like no other
This vehicle handles like no other. This is the fourth "new" car I have owned, and it handles far better than any new car I have ever driven. I traded in my clunker...96 chevy tahoe with a 5.7 litre V8, so the 4 cylinder took a bit of getting used to, but as I get accustomed to the power, it is pretty snappy. Seats not too comfortable for long drives, but it's very easy and very fun to drive. I took it up to the Colorado mountains twice and it climbs with ease and handles those curves, above the speed limit, without so much as a mild screech. This vehicle is phenomenal, I love it, I recommend it to everyone. The elderly may find it too low to the ground, so it is with most "cars".
My First Subaru
This Legacy 2.5i is my first Subaru, not only by myself, but my entire family too. We have traditionally been a Honda/Toyota/Mazda family. I have fallen in love with this car. I am excited to drive it every single time I open the door. It has very good handling (love taking tight turns) and has a great European, BMW look. I am VERY happy with this car and I can't wait to drive it in the Michigan winters! I am extremely happy with my first Subaru. I would recommend anyone to buy/lease one who is looking for the best bang for your buck.
Glad we decided to test drive
My wife and I love our Subaru Limited. We have had it for 3 months and no buyers remorse here. Handling - no comparison with other models in its class. Steering and overall comfort is wonderful. Test drove Altima, Accord and Sonata. Though the others each had their perks and overall better gas mileage, the AWD and wonderful drive sold it for us. 3-4 MPG less was not an issue with so many other nice features. The vehicle turns on a dime and handles great in the rain. I can't wait to see how it handles under winter conditions. The HK sound system is great too but was not a reason to buy. The car sold itself for us.
An overlooked offering
I did a lot of research (both online and in person) before buying. Safety was a huge factor for me, so the great safety ratings and crash test results were a large part my decision. I ended up getting a 2009 Legacy Limited sedan. It handles very well. The 2009 has stability control standard. Feels pretty sporty around the curves. The AWD helps. The base engine has more than enough power for my driving habits. If you need more, get the turbo or 6 cylinder. The interior layout is great; very logical and oriented toward the driver. For a "family car" it's a fun car to drive. It's a little small compared to other midsized sedans, but is comfortable for average sized adults.
Finally...The Car I've Wanted
I have wasted a ton of money in negative equity with a 07 Camry, 08 Altima, and 08 Accord (lease) before coming around to Subaru. I wanted to wait on a review until I put it in the snow. It was amazing. Everything about this car with its value really added up to a great experience so far. The dealer was great about letting me test drive and had a great purchase incentive. They got me out of my Honda lease and into one of the last 09 Legacy on the lot. The premium sound system is amazing. The car drives extremely well and the interior design is great. I like the '10 exterior better, but am in love with my 09 so far. Amazing ride in snow, rain, and in the sun. Highly recommended.