2002 Subaru Legacy Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

3.95/5 Average
49 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Only minor changes are in store for Subaru's midsize Legacy sedan and wagon. GT Limiteds receive a standard All-Weather Package that includes heated front seats, heated outside mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. GT models now have larger front brakes, a new ignition switch illumination ring, standard floor mats and wood grain-patterned door switch trim. Other upgrades for all Legacys include a dome light off-delay and an internal trunk release (sedans only).

Pros:
  • All-wheel drive, a host of standard features, less expensive than many European competitors.
Cons:
  • Side airbags available only on Limited models, no six-cylinder engine offered.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 49.00
  • Less Than Expected - 2002 Subaru Legacy
    By -

    Seems to be issues with the front brakes, and the windows in front doors leak air. (BAD) Dealer doesnt seem to be able to correct this.

  • Aint None Better, for the money - 2002 Subaru Legacy
    By -

    I started with a 98 GT, graduated to a 02. I miss the hood scoop and the color white, but other than that, I like the car very much. The wife puts too many miles on it, but it goes and goes and still goes some more. The kids love it, the pep, the handling, etc. That took me some what by surprise, because it is a wagon. We are just another happy family with a Subaru to get around in.

  • Great car to drive - 2002 Subaru Legacy
    By -

    My car has been very reliable, and the service records (I bought used) show no problems. Acceleration very good for a normally-aspirated H-4 engine and a 3400 lb car. Drove the H-6, but honestly did not think its acceleration and torque were that much better. AWD excellent, handling very good, and no problems with brakes. Interior is nice, but I have leather. Tune-ups are fairly easy. Re: other reviews: V6? Dont expect in Subarus because they use boxer engines. Upgrade interior? A $25K car will never have the tactile feel of a $40K car. There is some wind noise, seats could have more adjustment, but, again, ITS A $25k CAR. As a package, hard to knock. Most auto reviewers like the Legacy GT.

  • Be cautious if buying used - 2002 Subaru Legacy
    By -

    Bought this vehicle used and it has not been a great experience. Overall, the car is ok but if you are in the market for this model, go above and beyond to see if the vehicle has any oil consumption issues. My car eats oil like crazy and after researching "oil consumption subaru" I have learned I am not alone. Ive switched to a thicker oil and have just learned to live with the issue. I have had several VWs and now appreciate what I had with the VR6 engine. Looking forward to seeing how this thing does in the snow, but I really dont like driving this car. Subarus can be good, but this thing is getting sold in the spring.

  • 4th Subaru (better each time) - 2002 Subaru Legacy
    By -

    I got a leftover 02 L-wagon for $600 under invoice w/3.9% financing. I love the car. Great seats and driving position. Wagon has lots of room for luggage/stroller and grocery bags. Everything is solid on the car. A well equipped vehicle for the L (base) model. Subaru’s are the most reliable vehicles I’ve ever owned (as good as my Acura Legend and Toyota X-cab 4x4 Pickup!). Very easy to service for the weekend mechanic. Truly Subarus have best in class crash test ratings. Glad we had one when someone decided to cross a divided highway in front of my wife w/ her ‘95 Impreza. Have looked at crash ratings ever since!

  • Incremental Improvements => Good Value - 2002 Subaru Legacy
    By -

    We have driven a 1996 Legacy Brighton 5 speed 120K miles, and just purchased a 2002 Legacy L wagon wi 5 speed. Subarus strategy has been to make many improvements on a good base car instead of running wi short cycle of major reengineering and redesign. Like VWs strategy of the 60s and 70s, this has allowed Fuji Heavy Industries to spread major design and tooling costs over longer multiyear production runs. The benefits of this strategy, wi modest yen depreciation, reflected in value. Our 1996 Brighton cost us $15300 with self financing. 2002 L Wagon with the improvements and added standard equipment noted below cost us $18500 with 1.9 percent 24 month financing.

  • Subaru Legacy GT LTD Experience - 2002 Subaru Legacy
    By -

    We are long distance drivers (40,000+ miles per year) and demand a lot from our vehicles. The Subaru Legacy GT LTD has offers a nice ride, but suffers from reliability problems. We had a re-occurring brake problem with freezing rear calipers (frozen open, that is). We replaced the wiring harness and spark plugs at 50,000 miles due to shorting in the coil. The catalytic converter needs replacement at 90,000 miles. We also had to have the trim around the driver side window re-glued. National Subaru customer reps are not helpful and rude. Next time we buy a Honda.

  • Clutch issues - 2002 Subaru Legacy
    By -

    I had to replace the clutch in 2008 and now am told I need another clutch! Quoted price is $1000 this seems ridiculous to me. HELP!

  • From Outback to GT - 2002 Subaru Legacy
    By -

    Through no fault of its own, a bad rollover accident in my Outback put us into the buyers market again. (lost our Outback, but we walked away) Went looking for another Subie of course! Test drove the 2002 Outback, Forrester and finally the GT. Hands down it was the GT!! With my daily commute of 90 miles (1/3 of the trip on mountain roads) I was glad to switch. The GT handles hair-pin curves and tight situations beautifully. Dont test drive a GT if you dont want to own one.

  • Could have been great, but... - 2002 Subaru Legacy
    By -

    The performance of the 4 wheezing mice just doesnt cut it. I actually thought the car had a problem, and brought it in for service - the service manager stated that this was "just the way it is with the newer Subarus, because of the emissions control requirements". This is, of course, pure BS, as I have an even newer car (from another manufacturer) that meets emissions without this performance hit. The performance is *so* bad that I was going to upgrade to the 6cyl, unfortunately, a drive in that confirmed that this is a design issue, and not an engine size problem.

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