The 2009 Subaru Legacy is again getting strong reviews, most notably for its athletic and sure-footed handling, sleek design, powerful 2.5 GT and 3.0 R models, standard all-wheel drive, and excellent safety ratings.
New features for the 2009 model year include standard stability control on all models except the manual transmission 2.5 GT, and the addition of an upgraded nine-speaker sound system for all trims except the 2.5i. There's also two new Legacy models for 2009: the 2.5i Special Edition and the 3.0 R.
The 2009 Legacy is a midsize sedan available in seven trims: 2.5i, 2.5i Special Edition, 2.5i Limited, 2.5 GT Limited, 2.5 GT spec.B, 3.0 R and 3.0 R Limited.
Standard Features:
Standard features on the 2.5i include full power accessories, keyless entry, air conditioning, tilt and telescoping steering column, trip computer, 17 inch alloy wheels, and an MP3/WMA-capable CD stereo with an auxiliary input jack.
The 2.5i Special Edition adds a power driver seat, moonroof, and a 385 watt nine-speaker premium stereo with a subwoofer.
The 2.5i Limited then adds heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, foglights, a leather interior, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an six- disc in-dash CD changer.
The more performance-oriented 2.5 GT is equipped with a turbocharged engine, a limited-slip rear differential, a hood scoop, larger brakes, a quicker steering ratio, SI-Drive (driver adjustable electronic throttle response and automatic transmission shift points, if applicable), electroluminescent gauges, sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a power front passenger seat.
The 2.5 GT spec.B model features a sport suspension with Bilstein dampers, an upgraded Torsen limited-slip differential, ground effects, touchscreen navigation, and 18 inch alloy wheels with performance tires.
The 3.0 R has the same standard equipment as the 2.5i Special Edition, plus a six-cylinder engine, SI-Drive and the Torsen limited-slip differential.
The 3.0 R Limited then adds the luxury features of the 2.5i Limited.
Navigation is optional on the 2.5 GT Limited (when equipped with the automatic transmission) and 3.0 R Limited models.
Engines, Performance And Gas Mileage:
Powering the 2009 Legacy is a choice of three engines. The 2.5i models are equipped with a 2.5 liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder that produces 175 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque. The Legacy 2.5 GT comes with a turbocharged version of this engine that delivers 243 horsepower and 241 lb-ft. The 3.0 R models are powered by a 3.0-liter V6 that outputs 245 horsepower and 215 lb-ft.
The 2.5i sports either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. The 2.5 GT offers a choice between the five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic (featuring rev-matched downshifts and paddle shifters). The 2.5 GT spec.B comes with a six-speed manual transmission only while 3.0 R models have the five-speed automatic.
The Legacy is quick, especially the GT models. The 2.5 GT spec.B blasts from a standstill to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds.
The EPA estimated gas mileage for the 2.5i Legacy is 20 mpg city and 27 mpg on the highway. The 2.5 GT Limited is rated at 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway on the manual, and 18 city and 24 highway for the automatic. Gas mileage for the 2.5 GT spec.B comes in at 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, while the 3.0 R also has estimates of 17 city and 24 highway.
Safety:
Standard safety features on all 2009 Legacys include antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and front headrests for whiplash reduction. In addition, stability control is standard on all models except the manual transmission 2.5 GT Limited.
In government crash testing, the Legacy earned outstanding ratings, garnering perfect five-star scores for both frontal and side-impact crash protection for both the driver and passengers.
Interior:
The Legacy's interior is one of the best in its class. The cabin is both attractively designed and well furnished. High grade materials and a solid build quality can be found across the board, while a three-spoke Momo steering wheel along with red and white gauge trim adds additional sportiness to the 2.5 GT Limited, 2.5 GT spec.B and 3.0 R Limited models.
Price:
How To Buy A New Subaru Legacy At The Best Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2009 Legacy, here's a technique that buys one at the lowest possible price, especially given the current slow economic environment.
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