If it snows or rains a lot where you live, get the all-season tires; if you live in the Sunbelt, the smile states, then the summer tires should offer better grip on dry pavement. The 2009 Subaru Legacy offers buyers all the comforts of the finest sports sedan coupled with the sure-footedness afforded by Subaru's standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. We do wish that steering-wheel mounted controls for audio were standard across the line, but as it is they are not available on the base 2. The 2007 base price in the U. Still, when driven at an everyday pace, the Legacy behaves not unlike its less-athletic competitors.
Other exterior changes included chrome-trimmed side moulding, turn signal indicators on the side mirrors, and new split 5-spoke alloy wheels. The transmission was revised for 2004 for smoother shifting and it shifts very smoothly. No longer associated mainly with snowbound Vermont drivers and die-hard ski fans, the Legacy has blossomed into a handsome and sporty mainstream vehicle, offering top-notch ratings in the areas of safety, comfort and resale value. The steering wheel controls now had hard touch buttons as opposed to the previous soft ones. The five-speed automatic transmission has been revised for 2004 for smoother shifting and improved response. The speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering has a very nice touch: light, but with good feel, effortless around town. Also, less downshifting is needed with the increased torque and wider power band of the larger engine.
With a light steering effort and small turning circle, the Legacy is pleasant around town and in a parking lot. Driving It We drove the turbocharged 2. The standard leather upholstery is quite nice and is available in ivory, charcoal, or black. Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. The drag coefficient was 0. That they needed replacement wasn't the surprise. On the left is a big analog tachometer.
The four-wheel independent strut suspension is designed to minimize body roll and allow precise handling. Combined with the liberal use of quality materials, the Legacy's passenger cabin conveys a solid sense of refinement. It harmonizes with the brushed aluminum trim, however. A slightly revised grille resembled that of the new , and the lower bumper and taillights were changed. I do wish it had a digital clock somewhere so you can, at a glance, know what time it is.
This generation is export-only, not sold in Japan where it is manufactured, but has been offered in right-hand drive since late 2013, being sold in Australia, Brunei, South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Inside, the interior received an mirror, more wood trim and slight revisions to the audio system. The Lexus emblem returned to the grille for the first time since the first generation, and was placed at the center of a five-bar horizontal grille. Handsome, high-quality, leather upholstery with wood trim comes standard. Lexus has a reputation for exceptional quality and behind the high-quality fit and finish is a great deal of careful design and detail work. Over time, Kelley Blue Book expects the 2009 Subaru Legacy to hold strong resale values, with the Limited models topping the list. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers.
The new cars featured a 30 percent stiffer body with a more rakish profile and sharper lines, reflector headlights as opposed to projector headlights , and a more upscale-feeling interior. Tail lamps trimmed in silver echo the design, stretching around the corners, as if reaching to meet the headlamps. Production occurred between July 2001 and September 2004 at the Tsutsumi plant in , supplemented until December 2002 with the at. I took the car in for a routine checkup the mechanic discovered the leak. When the time comes to get serious about purchasing, be sure to check the Fair Purchase Price, which shows the typical transaction price paid for the Legacy in your area. Xenon headlights with auto-leveling were now optional. The front end seems to slope down in one continuous curve, from the top of the windshield, over the sculpted hood and tidy dark grille, down to the smooth air dam under the almost seamless front bumper.
Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. Retrieved 2018-04-25 — via Automotive World. The firm setting is relatively firm, but not as firm as a sports suspension: It tightens up transient response quick lane-change maneuvers but transmits more vibration into the cabin when driving on rough neighborhood roads; it works best when driving at high speeds or when whipping along mountain roads. Likewise, highway ride is well within the range of comfortable. Vehicle Details Inside the Legacy, a decidedly sporty three-spoke steering wheel sets an athletic tone enhanced by supportive seats, straightforward gauges, metallic trim and crisp, contemporary styling.
This car is equipped with a 2. An optional power rear shade filters out the blazing sun, whether driving or parked. The front seats are designed to reduce whiplash. A keyless entry and ignition system, Lexus , which does not require the electronic remote to be taken out of the driver's pocket, was standard. The navigation system is not as user friendly as anticipated but adequate.
The seats are relatively flat, without large bolsters, making getting in and out easier. The standard steering wheel and shift lever are covered with stitched leather and look very nice. . In mid-1993, an exterior design concept by Hiroshi Okamoto was approved and later frozen for production in January 1994, later being patented on 9 November 1994 at the Japanese patent office, under patent No. While it isn't the biggest midsize sedan out there, average-sized backseat passengers should find the Legacy adequate for trips across town and beyond. The navigation system is not as user friendly as anticipated but adequate.
For even sharper handling and sportier accessories, check out the limited-edition 2. The seats are very comfortable and the seating position is excellent, with lots of front-seat legroom. In North America, the 1994 update introduced the new all-aluminum engine with 140 kW 188 hp. Regardless, the steering column is manually adjustable for tilt. There was a widespread engine oil gelling issue which could block oil from parts of the engine.