Overview
The 2009 Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan (also offered as a wagon) known for standard all-wheel drive and confident all-weather driving. It fits buyers who want a practical commuter with extra traction for snow and rain, without moving up to an SUV. This model year is part of the fourth-generation Legacy (2005–2009), making it one of the more refined years before the 2010 redesign. In the used-car market, it’s often chosen for safety, winter capability, and a solid balance of comfort and performance.
Key Features
- Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on all trims, a major selling point versus many front-wheel-drive midsize competitors.
- Engine choices typically include a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-four (commonly listed around 170 hp) and an available 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four on GT models for stronger acceleration.
- Available 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions, depending on trim and drivetrain setup.
- Confident road manners and a comfortable ride, with a well-controlled chassis that feels more planted than many family sedans on rough or slick pavement.
- Strong safety reputation for its era, with available stability control on certain trims and solid crash-test performance contributing to buyer confidence.
Common Issues & Reliability
Shoppers searching “2009 Subaru Legacy reliability” will find that these cars can be dependable when maintained, but there are several well-known areas to watch. The most discussed “2009 Subaru Legacy problems” tend to involve engine sealing, oil consumption, and age-related wear items.
1) External head gasket seepage (2.5L non-turbo)