Overview & Reviews

Introduced more than two decades ago, the Subaru Legacy is the brand's longest-running nameplate in the United States. Thanks to its all-wheel drive, the Legacy has often been selected by consumers as a winter-beating alternative in the midsize sedan or wagon segment.

Perhaps as a consequence of the Legacy's off-beat nature, it's never been as popular in terms of sales as mainstream picks like the Accord and Camry. In recent years, though, Subaru has attempted to expand the Legacy's appeal by making it roomier and more fuel-efficient. The newest generation, in particular, is a fully competitive rival. As a used vehicle choice, we still highly recommend the Legacy (particularly if you want all-wheel drive), though certain model years are going to be more appealing than others, so a bit of extra research is recommended.

Current Subaru Legacy
The newest Subaru Legacy sedan has been fully redesigned for 2015. Representing the car's sixth generation, the new Legacy shares a similar look and feel to the previous version, but changes under the skin have resulted in more passenger and cargo room. The cabin itself features nicer materials and updated electronics.

The Legacy has a choice of two engines. The base 2.5-liter horizontally opposed ("boxer") four-cylinder produces 175 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The available six-cylinder, which is also a boxer design, generates 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. Both engines come with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive.

Trim levels include 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited and 3.6R Limited. Highlights for the base 2.5i models include air-conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, a rearview camera, a touchscreen display, Bluetooth and a four-speaker sound system. The 2.5i Premium adds dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver seat, heated front seats and an upgraded audio system that includes a larger touchscreen. Going with the 2.5i or 3.6 R Limited (which has the six-cylinder engine) gets you leather upholstery, a power passenger seat, heated rear seats and a 12-speaker premium sound system. Major options include a sunroof, a navigation system and added safety features.

Seating is pretty roomy inside the Legacy, and outward visibility is excellent. The cabin is trimmed in high-quality materials, and the touchscreen that's bundled with the navigation system can be controlled like a tablet. On the move, the Subaru Legacy's standard all-wheel-drive system gives it plenty of capability in bad weather. Both the four- and the six-cylinder engines are quiet and provide class-acceptable acceleration. We also like how the Legacy easily soaks up bumps and ruts, yet maintains its composure when you're driving through turns. All in all, the Legacy is a smart choice for a midsize family sedan.

Used Subaru Legacy Models
Previous to the current model was the fifth-generation Legacy sedan sold from 2010-'14. Compared to the car it replaced, this Legacy was bigger both inside and out and was more visually distinctive because of its blockier styling.

Originally, Subaru offered this Legacy in 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5GT Premium, 2.5GT Limited, 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited trim levels. All came standard with all-wheel drive.

The 2.5i models had a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that produced 170 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. You could get it with a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. The 2.5GT boasted a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter four that cranked out 265 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, but only the manual transmission was offered. The 3.6R models came with a 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that generated 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic was the only available transmission.

Standard equipment included air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a four-speaker stereo. Moving up to the Premium and Limited trim levels would get you added features like power front seats, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, Bluetooth and a premium sound system. Exclusive to Limited models was an optional navigation system with a rearview camera.

The most significant changes for this fifth-generation Legacy occurred for 2013 when Subaru gave the car a sleeker look, made the four-cylinder engine slightly more powerful (173 hp) and fuel-efficient, revised the suspension tuning and CVT, and added a newly available frontal collision warning system (Subaru's "EyeSight" system). The 2.5GT model and its turbocharged engine were also discontinued that year.

Though it had some appealing qualities, this generation's Legacy didn't appeal to us as much as previous ones did. It was certainly roomier and more fuel efficient, but it largely lacked the snappy, fun-to-drive personality established by the fourth generation. In reviews we praised the car for its roomy seating, good outward visibility and standard all-wheel drive. Downsides included behind-the-times audio and navigation systems, below-average fuel economy with the six-cylinder and a ride quality that could seem overly firm at times.

The fourth-generation Legacy was produced from 2005-'09. It was available as both a sedan and a wagon until 2008, when the wagon was discontinued. Although the base car was a bit of a stripper, the other trims were well-equipped and made the Legacy as luxurious and comfortable as some midsize cars wearing luxury badges.

When this Legacy was introduced for '05, it was available as a sedan and wagon, and there were two basic trim levels: 2.5i and 2.5GT. The former had a 168-hp 2.5-liter boxer-4, while the 2.5GT received a 250-hp turbocharged version of the same engine. These models came with either a five-speed manual or an automatic transmission -- four speeds in the base 2.5i, five in the 2.5GT. As time went on, a few additional models joined the lineup, notably the sedan-only 2.5GT spec.B and 3.0 R. The former was a better-handling version of the 2.5GT, while the latter was a luxurious Legacy that came with a 245-hp 3.0-liter flat-6 and a five-speed automatic transmission. As with all Subaru vehicles, AWD was standard.

In road tests, our editors found the fourth-generation Subaru Legacy to be both sporty and comfortable -- a challenging combination for manufacturers to master. The base 2.5-liter engine provided adequate power, but the turbocharged GT model was the one to have for enthusiastic driving. However, the GT performed better with the manual transmission, as the five-speed automatic seemed ill-suited to the turbo motor's power delivery.

This Legacy was a bit tight in the backseat relative to its midsize rivals, but it compensated with comfortable front seats and a sleek BMW-like dashboard design. Additionally, the wagon model brilliantly combined impressive driving dynamics with all-star utility. Although this Legacy vintage is getting a bit old now, we still highly recommend it if you're looking for a used midsize sedan or wagon with all-season versatility and an extra dose of driving flair.

Notable changes to the fourth-generation Legacy began in 2006, when the sedan-only GT spec.B trim was added. For 2007, the GT spec.B received a six-speed manual in place of the original five-speed unit, and the 2.5-liter engine's horsepower rating was revised to 243 (from 250). For 2008 Subaru discontinued the wagon model, and the sedan-only 3.0 R model debuted, bringing six-cylinder power to the Legacy lineup. For 2009 stability control became standard and every Legacy except the base 2.5i received an upgraded nine-speaker audio system.

The previous, third-generation Subaru Legacy was more of a rugged all-weather performer than the current model. Sold from 2000-'04, it launched with three primary trim levels: base L, sporty GT and premium GT Limited. A Brighton value trim was also included in the 2000 lineup for the wagon, but was removed the following year.

Although it was a bit lacking in refinement, the previous Legacy was well stocked with standard features, including AWD. All trims came with a smooth and responsive 165-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. A five-speed manual transmission was standard and a four-speed automatic was optional. In 2003, Subaru moved the L trim upscale and added the L Special Edition trim, which was renamed the 35th Anniversary Edition a year later.

Value-minded buyers looking for an all-weather vehicle might take a look at the second-generation Subaru Legacy. Sold from 1995-'99, it was best known for spawning the Outback wagon, a rugged SUV alternative that came with standard AWD. The model's one weak link was its anemic 135-hp 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine, which many people felt was a downgrade from the 160-hp turbocharged 2.2-liter four-cylinder that was available in the first generation's Sport Turbo trim (sold from 1991-'94).

User Reviews:

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  Stay away - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Emil - October 18 - 6:59 am

  I bought this car because I have been very happy with my previous 2005 LL Bean Outback but did not want and need another wagon. It has been a major disappointment so far (two weeks and 300 mi down the road). - CVT is horrible - absolutely no feedback on acceleration, car glides like a boat, its hard to tell how fast you go unless you constantly look at the tachometer. Quickly loses momentum the moment you lift your foot off the gas pedal, as if the brakes are being applied, which is very frustrating esp. in stop-and-go traffic. - Relatively poor acceleration even with the H6, 3.6 L engine (the 2.5 L that I test drove is even worse and feels strained most of the time!), even without extra passengers/cargo - Steering is just OK but there is a SIGNIFICANT body roll when cornering, much worse than with my old Outback - Loud wind/road noise, at times so bad as you cant talk on the phone using the Bluetooth connection - Ride is VERY bumpy even on recently paved streets even though Subaru claims they softened the suspension on the 2016 Legacy models in the Limited trim and up - Gear shift paddles on the steering wheel are bulky and sticking out, constantly get in the way of my hands when driving; the leather the wheel itself feels more like rubber - Mileage ls much worse than advertised/expected: Ive been getting 16.5-17 mi/gallon on mostly city driving; hopefully this will change after engine break in. - Poor craftsmanship - interior looks overall cheap; doors are tight and you have to really slam to shut them; the leather of the upper part of passenger front seat has been sloppily cut and stitched and looks wrinkled, esp. around the seams (I did not notice this when I bought the car, so caveat emptor, but dealer and Subaru refused acknowledge this as a defect, I suspect the dealer got a discount on this particular car because of this which they DID NOT pass on me) - Seats feel shallow and hard, overall uncomfortable, difficult to get out of the drivers seat - Rear window defroster is pretty much useless since it goes only 2/3 up the window (the rest is dedicated to the antenna). You have to scrape/wipe your rear window manually every time there is frost/snow/fog. - Entertainment - voice command is useless: it never gets the command right and has a significant lag; touch screen sensitivity is weird and I still havent gotten used to it Overall, Subaru seem to have dropped the ball on their newer models. This is definitely not what a 30+ K, 6-cyl, upper-trim car should drive and feel like. This is my 3rd Subaru and definitely the last. Ill drive it until the bumper-to-bumper warranty runs out and trade immediately.

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  2017 Subaru Legacy Sport - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By MJM - September 21 - 1:25 pm

  Looked at the Accord and Jetta and found the Subaru to be superior. AWD is much appreciated in New England. I have had reliability issues. The coolant system has drained completely on two separate occassions leaving me high and dry. I find this completely unacceptable for a car with 4000 miles on it. I am researching my options but my preference would be return this car at this point. Ive got a Suburban with 200K miles on it which has had one coolant change in its lifetime. The legacy Sport is a 30K plus car and I can not rely on it for a drive beyond the grocery store. I am obviously not happy.

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  8 years on: many major repairs - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By tommchugh - April 28 - 6:42 pm

  Bought this car new in 2003 because of manual transmission,wagon&4wheel disc. Until 2006 this was a reasonable car for my wife to drive for errands and commute. 2006 brought out the true character, noticed the clutch slipping at 48K. Had moved, took it to a dealer in new location, need 3 part clutch and brakes, calipers and rotors for ~$4.2K. Brakes had never "chirped", pass. front rotor very thin. Subaru after much back and forth did the parts but not the labor ($2.4K) at 48,000 miles. Fast forward to 2011, front brakes rotors and calipers @ 8 K mi., and today at 88K same for rears + fluid flush because of heat damage. Called Subaru today, thanked for report. Will NOT buy Subaru again

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  Piece of junk, NEVER again - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By Mike Kelly - March 23 - 8:06 am

  This car seemed like a good purchase when my wife and I moved to a hilly location in NW NY. After putting on $600 snows it was only ok in the snow. Soon after, the car began excessively smoking and subaru of north america was absolutely no help at all. Apparently this is normal in these piece of garbage cars. Now with 120k on the car we have had problems with almost everything- right down to the clear coat starting to peel. I have had many subarus and they all had their problems but nothing near this. Never ever again will I go anywhere near this company and I have absolutely nothing good to say about them. It is unfortunate because I truly believed they produced a good product.

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  Beware of problems... - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By mark4466 - December 12 - 9:06 am

  The vehicle makes a significant rattling noise at rest when warm. Subaru is aware of the problem but has no date for a fix. At times it sounds like a 30 year old Mercedes. It is difficult to get Subaru to respond. This is my first Subaru and based on my experience Ill never get another.

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  Shaking steering wheel - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Shaked not stirred - August 19 - 10:00 am

  Dealer said it would be go away after few 100 miles but still persistent. Roadforce balancing, and changing steering wheel part havent fixed the shakes.

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  Head gasket at 75k - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Tyler Flanagan - August 17 - 4:43 am

  Stay away. My head gasket went at 75k miles and the repair is $2500. This is one of many Subaru makes and years with head gasket issues.

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  Not a happy Subaru owner - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Subaru Sufferer - May 25 - 8:18 pm

  I bought this car hoping for years of good service. The first clue should have been the expensive “official Subaru” extra mechanical warranty. The car clatters when it starts, rides rough, has wind and road noise issues, came with defective foam in rear arm rest, seat, and the cloth is terrible- horrible to keep clean. Oh and have already gotten to replace all four tires since they were to old to just buy one when it lost a tire due to a stick- it broke a cord in the low budget factory tire. As far as support from Subaru? Forget about it. This is a train wreck of depreciation to boot, so I will get to hate on this car for years! I hate this car!

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  Wheel Shake - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Mike - February 21 - 6:23 am

  Update on the 2010 Legacy with wheel shake and constant correction needed to keep the car straight. Weeks later and the dealer has advised me that other 2010 Legacy owners are coming into the dealer with the same wheel shake and highway drift problem but that Subaru Corp has not found the fix. Im in the process of seeking legal recourse to return the car. For those owners who dont have this problem consider yourself lucky. For potential buyers consider this car with caution and be warned that the test car did not have the problem.

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  What a change! - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By RynNewEngland - December 20 - 9:26 pm

  I recently purchased the 2017 3.6r last summer. We opted for the 3.6 because I felt the 2.5 just didnt have enough pep not to mention I have always enjoyed a 6. We actually decided to purchase the legacy after we owned a brand new rogue that was a lemon a 2015 SL which was fully loaded that had NOTHING but problems. We live in New England so AWD is a must here. I did look at the Accord and Toyota. We usually dont look in this class of cars but we have two little ones and felt we needed something that can take a kick and keep on ticking. Normally, I would be looking at a 330ix or a Q60 or an Audi A4 or A6 but I have to admit. This car past my expectation. The CVT ( yes a CVT!) is actually not bad at all When I got in it had me fooled for an entire few minutes. Dont get me wrong I prefer a nice 6 speed over a CVT any day but the extra gas increase and reliability is great. The car handles great (get rid of the factory tires) I purchased some nice summer/performance tires and winter tires as needed. The ONLY issue I have come across is that the car makes a rattle under the hood ( the hood mounting pad) and the air defrosting isnt that great in cold weather (20dg) and the rear window top part does NOT defrost at all its actually just the digital antenna. In the snow the car is a beast. Throw it in "manualmatic" and turn off the traction control and enjoy the paddle shifters and have fun because the car will kick all 4 tires easily! A great car and we look forward to many years with it. We went fully loaded and I have to say the eyesight is decent I have had other eye sights years ago 2006 M35 had it along with adaptive cruise control which is nice. I would have NEVER purchased an older legacy as the interior was horrible but the redesign is clean fresh and modern . We travel daily dirt roads, interstate (80 MPH) and bumpy New England back roads with frost heaves (look it up) and this car handles all of them without a single issue. The car handles the bumps without a single issue.