Overview & Reviews

For 2003, Subaru has added standard equipment and slightly altered available trim levels. The previous Legacy GT and GT Limited models have been consolidated into one 2.5 GT series, with all GT Limited equipment now standard. The new 2.5 GT's optional four-speed automatic now comes with a Sportshift manual mode. To fill the void created by the GT consolidation, Subaru has created an L Special Edition Package that adds several features from the 2.5 GT. Base L models now come with a standard CD player and keyless entry. 2.5 GTs have an upgraded sound system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer. Finally, all Legacys receive slightly freshened front-end styling.

• All-wheel drive, a host of standard features, available as a sedan or a wagon, less expensive than many European competitors.

• Side airbags available only on 2.5 GT models, no six-cylinder engine offered.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 64.00

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  Clutch Problems - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By in NJ - February 2 - 10:23 pm

  In 3 years our only real complaint is the clutch. From day 1, when you try to shift into first gear when the car has not been run for a few hours, the entire car shudders and bucks like you are learning to drive a manual for the first time. There is another review in here that mentions the same problem. Make sure you drive this car cold before you purchase. Otherwise, we are pretty happy with the car.

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  Good car, not great - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By Ajluptak - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Car is OK in most respects ( handling, ride, etc. AWD system shines in poor conditions. Car is only adequately powered (165hp) and the AWD system is heavy, making the car sluggish. 4 spd auto trans geared too steeply for engine power, hunts in and out of gears. Fuel economy awful, 16 mpg average and my wife is not a leadfoot. If you can find a 5 spd manual car, get it. Lack of power should be fixed with the optional 5 spd auto and 250 hp turbo 4 in the 2005 car.

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  Reliable, but boring... - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By ilovesnow - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car because it made the most sense for me - lots of room and all wheel drive for only $17,500. What I failed to take into account was the "fun to drive" factor. Lets be honest - this car is boring to look at and to drive. The all-wheel-drive is great, but it drains all the power that the engine has to offer. The power band on the car is really strange as well. The engine sounds great up to 3500 RPM and above 4500 RPM, but between those two limits, it sounds awful. Lastly, the drivers seat is very uncomfortable on long drives. I prefer a hard seat with lumbar support.

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  Faulty Head Gaskets Still - Buyer Beware - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By Faulty Head Gaskets - December 29 - 12:46 am

  Clutch shudder 25K miles. Replaced under warranty. Both head gaskets leaking at 89K miles. Fixed at a cost of $2K. Reputation for reliability is based upon pre 2.5L models. These cars are prone to issues by design and are expensive when need to be repaired.

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  Poor quality cant hide - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By louis Eastman - October 19 - 4:26 pm

  Not happy with braking system, chews up rotors and discs, air conditioning system needs to be recharged yearly, heating system does not heat floor very well. Destroys tires, less than 20000 miles for tires. The entire undercarriage is rusted out after only 5 years; this is a major problem. Two pistons were replaced under warranty and now the remaining two are near failure and are not covered. I would not recommend this vehicle to another person.

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  fooled - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By A.V. - October 18 - 10:46 am

  I bought this car brand new seven years ago thinking that since it was a Subaru I wouldnt have to worry about a major repair bill until well after it hit 100,000 mi....I was wrong. This car only has 86,000 mi. on it and the cylinder head gasket is leaking. Cost estimate for repair is $920 to repair the one, and if I want to replace both the estimate is around $1700. Shortly after I bought the car, Subaru had a recall on it to fix something in the transmission. So much for the Subaru reputation for building a reliable car. Another irritation is the heater, it gets my right foot nice and toasty but leaves my left foot cold. On the positive side; it is a comfortable ride.

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  Eh... wont do again - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By thumbsabit down - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Liked it alot when I bought it -but wont do this model again. Many people I know LOVE their Subaru- but, IMHO- its too much $$ for the bang. Our plan was to buy a new car that we can drive for many years. Its cramped when 4 in the car- and worse if an avg size dog comes with us. Exterior paint stinks-chips easily. Too many blind spots to find during test-drive. (I didnt read the articles for testing- beforehand.) Thought gas would be better- 19-21 is best mileage yet.Dont fall for the brouha-ha... Im going with Honda or Toyota for my next car- asap.

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  Update - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By ajluptak - December 21 - 2:16 am

  This is an update to an earlier posting. After 32k miles, the Subie feels much older. Mileage, at 17 mpg city, is still awful for a 4 cylinder, 165hp car. Once again, my wife is primary driver and she is not hard on the car. Car responds very sluggishly to throttle input, almost dangerously so. This car has had all required service done to date. I have taken the car to three Subaru dealers, all of them say the car runs normally. Maybe we got a bad car or one with some issues, but it has soured me toward Subarus. Once again, if you can find a 5 speed manual car, buy it over the automatic.

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  OK But Doesnt - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By lukewarm - May 18 - 2:00 am

  We went the Suba-route once the repairs on our 90 Volvo 240DL wagon became prohibitive. Many if not most of our friends drive Subaru wagons (mainly outbacks) and LOVE them. Unfortunately, I dont. The Legacy is quite a low rider, and the interior design seems to hinder visibility and is a bit cramped. Im not that tall (58") and I find the drivers seat a bit snug. The interior styling could be a touch more sophisticated at this price point. But on a positive note, it handles wonderfully in poor weather.