- 2010
2009 Subaru Legacy
- Used Subaru Legacy
Subaru Legacy - What the Auto Press Says
Subaru has sold the Legacy for years on the virtues of its good safety scores, the assuredness of its all-wheel-drive system and fairly engaging driving experience for a family car. It is not the most fuel-efficient midsize car, and carries a higher price than many rivals.
As it has for many years, the 2009 Subaru Legacy offers smooth performance and a strong reputation for reliability. It also carries a suite of safety features that many rivals don't.
But the figures on its window stickers -- both the mpg numbers and the price -- scare some buyers away. The Legacy can cost as much as some entry-level luxury sedans. None of its engines are particularly fuel efficient, and all but the smallest Legacy engine demand premium gasoline.
The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan twins are available with All-Wheel-Drive, and both beat the Legacy in fuel-efficiency. With many U.S.-built cars available at significant markdowns this year, Legacy shoppers may want to look at those cars as well -- and see our best car deals page for details on current discounts.
This is the last year for this version of the Legacy. An all-new 2010 model will reach showrooms soon.
Last redesigned in 2003, the Legacy has not changed much for 2009. Two new trims have been added, leading to a bewildering total of seven trim levels. Stability control is newly standard on all of them, except for the 2.5GT with the manual gearbox. All but the least expensive now have nine speakers. Otherwise, the 2009 Legacy is the 2008 Legacy.
- "The 2009 Subaru Legacy isn't great on gas, but it compensates by offering standard all-wheel drive, excellent crash test scores and above-average performance." -- Edmunds
- "Legacys don't provide generous rear-seat room compared to some other midsize cars, and these cars are pricey against front-wheel-drive competitors. They do have some appeal for their all-wheel-drive capability and numerous available safety features." -- Consumer Guide
- "Subaru Legacy occupies the sparsely-populated space between high-value family sedans and premium sports sedans, offering some of the best characteristics of both." -- Kelley Blue Book
- "If you want a diesel packaged with the Legacy's AWD and clean, driver-focused (though small) interior, Subaru is preparing a torquey 2.0L diesel for the 2010 model. Until then, the 2009 Subaru Legacy seems ready to do battle in the midsize sedan arena." -- Motor Trend
Legacy Performance - 8.7 (Very Good)
The 2009 Legacy is one of the top performers in its class, particularly with its available turbocharged engine. Motor Week, though, says the Legacy really earns its keep in the corners, adding "it is in handling hardware where this car really shines." Read More
Legacy Exterior - 8.1 (Very Good)
Subarus seem to appeal to a certain type of car buyer, but not to everyone. The exterior of the 2009 Legacy is almost identical to that of every Legacy since 2003, but it still has fans. U.S. News' reviewer Rick Newman says, "Subaru has figured out how to put coolness and style into cars ordinary people can afford." But the look doesn't impress everyone, and doesn't stack up well against newer designs. Read More
Legacy Interior - 7.4 (Good)
The Legacy's passenger cabin feels upscale, with materials competive with the best in its class and a long list of standard equipment. Its seating is comfortable up front, but tight for adults in the rear. Edmunds calls the rear seats "a lowlight," explaining, "While it's comfortable enough for two average-sized passengers, leg- and shoulder room are unusually tight compared with other midsize sedans." Read More
Legacy Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)
Subaru buyers are generally looking for safety, and the 2009 Legacy provides it. The car earned five stars in every government crash test, and while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the Legacy a "Top Safety Pick." Read More
Legacy Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 Subaru Legacy reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Subaru's offers basic warranty coverage for the Legacy covering three years or 36,000 miles. Read More
