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Used 2009 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A) Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
26 reviews

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4 out of 5 stars

My 1st SUBARU-"It's a keeper"-STILL!

hank60, Wadsworth, OH, 07/08/2014
updated 07/11/2016
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
20 of 21 people found this review helpful

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 The 4 speed automatic is very outdated, so the acceleration is slow.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
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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4.75 out of 5 stars

My First and Only Subaru

Kerensa, Santa Monica, CA, 02/23/2015
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

2009 Subaru Legacy Special Edition

edman01, New York, NY, 04/23/2011
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

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....

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4.63 out of 5 stars

2.5i is great!

TurboWill81, 09/30/2008
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Car!

Jim C, 09/10/2009
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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??

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5 out of 5 stars

Great Car!

Ed, 07/12/2009
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Great Quality, Awesome AWD, & Affordable

chris, 09/12/2008
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Awesome!

Vicki, 12/08/2008
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

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!

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1.75 out of 5 stars

Do not buy this car!!!

Dissapointed, 06/03/2009
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 9 people found this review helpful

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!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

2009 Legacy

cogs1, Lake Orion, MI, 07/31/2011
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

owned it for couple years and 35k miles, still looks and drives like the 1st day I bought it. No issues at all. No, the car is not fast but it is fun to drive, corners like a dream and with the AWD is the best car I ever drove in snow, we get 27-28 mpg all the time in mixed use driving, the mileage got better as it broke in over the first 6 months. The car has been great so far and we are very happy with the purchase. The looks, solid feel, AWD, good price, made in the the US, safety ..it is a winner all the way around

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Great Car

Collegegrad, 11/17/2008
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have a little over 600 miles on this car and so far I am very impressed. For the money this car is a steal. This car is a great alternative to Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda because it is one of the safest cars on the road and because its AWD. For the money, you're getting a great car that you don't see too much on the road. It has many great features that are not standard on many cars costing this price. When I hear the name Subaru mentioned, I think of AWD, safety, reliability, quality, and performance. This is one of the nicest cars in this price range.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Nice Car

Danlo, 06/08/2010
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my Legacy used with 7000 miles. After 2 months of driving, this car is trouble free. Haven't driving on snow yet. This is my first Subaru & I am very happy with this car. Gas mileage is around 25 combined & 34 on highway. Only complains are loud engine noise when cold starts & lack of storage.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great Choice

Lou, 06/30/2009
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've owned my Subaru for 1 month and I'm loving it! It handles great and is just a pleasure to drive.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

My First Subaru

Christian, 11/04/2008
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Handles like no other

Tony Torres, 09/15/2009
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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".

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4.88 out of 5 stars

I just love the interior

Legacy Jack, 10/01/2008
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Fabulous value for the money

Len 2.5SE, 10/06/2008
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Exceptional Value

cpuuri, 11/19/2008
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love this car! I spent 5+ years researching cars (hobby). I poured over reviews here, on the NHTSA complaints database and several other sites. The only serious complaint I read was about MPG. If you want MPG, don't get an AWD car. I challenge you to find a true AWD car with better MPG than this car. The AWD system is amazing now that they have VDC on it! I test drove an Audi A3 and A4, a Lexus IS 250 AWD, an Acura RL SH-AWD, a Volvo S40 AWD, and a Mercury Milan AWD. In winter driving, all of them had trouble engaging AWD fast enough on a packed snow turn and all struggled in fresh wet snow. The Legacy (and the new Impreza) had no problem. Love this car!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Best kept secret

New Lego Driver, 06/27/2009
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Love this car!

legacylover, 07/24/2009
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

I wish I'd have purchased one sooner!

Karl Meyer, 09/11/2009
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Dang good car

imacarguy, Sacramento, CA, 05/05/2011
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car used with 20,000 miles and it was certified pre owned. I am accustomed to powerful cars, and this car isn't. That's ok, because there is more to a car than drag races. The power is adequate, but I think Subaru should tune the 4 pot to 200hp, then bump the 3.0 a little more. Very fun in corners, and the rain. Beware the stock Yokohama Advan tires. Crap, especially in the rain. Otherwise a great car. I like the looks of this generation more than the current, especially in sedan form.

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5 out of 5 stars

Very Happy First time Suby Owner

rjslemm, Harrisburg, PA, 08/09/2012
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Have had my 09 SE for about 3.5 months, and have loved every minute of it with 109K on her. Sheila had a minor blip with a blown tranny after a week, but I can almost attribute that to the previous owner. After a fight with the dealer it was fixed for free, with a loaner I hated(2012 Nissan Altima/CVT) Unfortunately Subaru no longer makes the 4 speed auto so I wound up with a 30K tranny, but she still runs and drives like a dream, fun to drive wet and dry, and am moving from PA to OKC before the next winter, so her snow will be limited, but I know she can handle it.

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5 out of 5 stars

Best Kept Secret of All Time

SubaruFan, 06/25/2009
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We leased this car based on our positive experience with our 2008 Impreza Outback Sport. This 2009 Legacy Special Edition is an unbelievable value considering the TOP SAFETY ratings. This car has TOP IIHS safety ratings which is important to me for my college age daughter. THIS car handles and accelerates very well. It is EXTREMELY QUIET even at highway speeds. The four speed transmission is MORE than ADEQUATE regardless of what others have written. Highway gas mileage is above 30 mpg with City mileage ranging from 25-26 mpg. AWD, SAFETY, RELIABILITY (see Consumer Reports), Comfort, and STYLE make this car a TRUE winner in my opinion.

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5 out of 5 stars

A surprised 1st-time Subie Owner

TITAN911, 07/27/2009
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

Finally...The Car I've Wanted

Cam, 12/10/2009
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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