Overview & Reviews

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).

• All-wheel drive, a host of standard features, less expensive than many European competitors.

• Side airbags available only on Limited models, no six-cylinder engine offered.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 49.00

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  Could have been great, but... - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By Dr. Alif Terranson - June 19 - 2:00 am

  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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  she gave us 130K trouble-free miles - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By kat2015 - December 5 - 12:42 am

  We bought our 2002 Legacy Wagon brand new in 2001. We have put almost 135K miles on her, and now shes burning/leaking about 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles. Mechanic tells us she has a cracked head gasket and unlike older Subarus, where you could simply put a new engine in the thing for about $1500, these models dont work like that and will require repair for about $2000. So we are shopping for a new car. Most likely another (our 3rd) Subaru, as we are addicted to AWD in the unpredictable northwest winters.

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  A bit disappointed - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By SSmith2 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 5 speed Legacy L wagon in August 2001. I had driven a 1995 Brighton for years. I put very few miles (3100 in almost 9 months!) on the car as I commute by bicycle most of the time. In many ways, the 2001 seems to be more shoddily constructed than my 95. The clutch is grabby, it has an odd groan in the steering when executing tight, low-speed maneuvers, the paint has a lot of orange peel, the wheels were unbalanced, the drivers door really takes a slam to get it to shut, and the fuel filler door is misaligned.

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  Fun to drive around mountains roads. - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By Glenn - August 29 - 3:16 am

  My car has over 170000 on it. Its still very tight and smooth. Its great in the snow (under 8") with new tires on. Ive always had problems with the brakes (front calipers) and of course the wind noise. The check engine light has been on for a long time. New Catalytic converter cost over $1500). All my driving is highway but I havent done the timing belt yet. Ill do it soon. The dealer was able to correct 50% of the wind noise. The rear defroster isnt very strong compared to other cars. I drive over 1000 miles every week. It only gets 25- 27MPG (due to the AWD and the weight of the car.

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  Good car for the price! - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By Hokiebird - July 4 - 2:00 am

  We were already convinced of Subarus reliability record with our first used 1993 Legacy L Wagon. Its up to 220,000 miles and the only major repairs weve made were to replace a front axle and a new alternator. We choose a new 2002 sedan this time around, and have been very happy with through the first 15,000 miles.

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  Fun car - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By blueklister - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I didnt plan on buying another Subaru. We have an Outback, which was great for skiing and well put together. But I needed a new car and drove the Hondas, Toyotas, Golfs, Passats, etc. Great cars all, but no soul, no real road handling. Found myself back at the Subaru dealer test driving a Legacy sedan. Not the prettiest car -- but what a great road handling car! I guess its the AWD that gives it that great road feel. My only complaint after 22,000 miles is it is a bit jerky at low rpms. Incredible brakes, zippy when passing on quiet country roads and handles so incredibly well in the corners.

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  Wonderful car - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By Ownedlotsofcars - October 16 - 6:46 am

  I bought my 2002 Subaru Legacy wagon used in 2006. It has been sensational, reliable, fun to drive, easy to handle, just a fine automobile. Things Ive had to repair: cooling system has a minute leak somewhere that was stopped with additive; moon roof stopped popping up but the sun roof (yes its a double moon/sun roof!) works just fine, so the moon roof pop up hardware just needs to be re- engaged. Im going to have to replace the head gasket soon, but Im putting it off and putting up with the small leak stain I have in my garage. For a used car, though, its hard to imagine a better buy. Im a pretty assertive drive. I drive the crap out of this thing and it has never let me down.

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  2002 subaru GT sedan - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By nd - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought in November. Seems like a solid car. To early to tell about reliability. Live in the northeast. Have had three storms since buying the car.Great in the snow.

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  Reliable all-weather performer - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By ttran - March 11 - 7:10 pm

  Bought mine at the tail end of winter in MN. Wish I bought it earlier! This thing plows snow like a champ, especially with the Blizzaks. Truly a vehicle of choice in the winter. Now that its summer time Im starting to notice the noise. I dont get any wind noise but the engine and road noise is definitely noticeable. Im hoping my next set of tires will solve the road noise but Im not sure what to do about the engine noise. Very buzzy. Handles well but could use more power. I give this a 10 during the winter and a 6.5 for the summer.

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  My Second Subaru - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By Sirstinky - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought this with 69k miles and so far I put a little over 1000 on it. My 1991 has 190,000 miles on it and still runs good so I got another one. So far so good. This is a very good-looking wagon. I love the awd. Good brakes and handling. Its not too loud inside (theres the common Subaru wind noise) and the ride is smooth. So far no head gasket issues, but the engine has a noisy lifter now when cold and the transmission could be better. Jerky shifts when cold, and it upshifts/downshifts slowly when you need it to. The interior looks good and is solidly-built. Not many squeaks or rattles for 70K miles. Gas mileage bad in city driving 19-21 mpg.