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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  Happy Mothers Day to Me! - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Georgian - September 7 - 9:22 pm

  I have recently retired. Since I am not that informed about cars, I felt I needed to get a car that is known to be dependable. This is what I got in my new/used Subaru Legacy. I also wanted to treat myself, so I found one with all the whistles and bells to make me a happy driver.

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  Legacy hasnt disappointed - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Penguins9 - August 28 - 2:20 am

  Have owned this vehicle for almost three months and couldnt be happier. I have yet to drive in the snow, but overall handling is good. The interior has a nice sleek design with a nice sporty exterior. The most impressive aspect of this car is the smoothness on highways. After searching nearly six months for my newest purchase, I narrowed my search to the Legacy and Civic. I went with the Legacy because of price and AWD. In my two months, I have been extremely impressed with Subaru.

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  Lack of wow - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By jim mcgrew - August 25 - 10:24 pm

  Acceleration is adequate at best. Engine strains when you need extra power. Fuel economy is just ok. Handlingis ok but you feel safe in car. For a car like that they should offer high intensity front lights.

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  Wagon - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By EMIL TOLEDO - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I replaced a Passat and found the subaru less powerful and providing less gas milage than the Passat.The pluses are the all drive and the fa.ct that it runs on low test gas.The superior reliability and better braking are also plusses so on balance I like it better than the Passat.

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  Love my Subaru! - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Tracey Lake - August 15 - 3:48 am

  I can get a bicycle in the back with the fold down seats. Great power on the road, very comfortable on road trips.

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  Great value with a few peculiarities - 2015 Subaru Legacy
  By coffeeslug - August 11 - 3:06 am

  Loving this car so far in the winter weather. My front driver I traded in got stuck 3 times this winter and Id had enough of that. I got the premium trim with the moonroof and navigation. This is a nice car at a very inexpensive price point at this trim level. 7 inch screen is gorgeous and the stereo sounds great even though its not the 12 speaker one. I got the auto dimming mirror with homelink as well and this is great if youve ever had a battery getting low on your garage remote. If you can live without leather, this is a great trim level to get.

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  New Subaru - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By MC98 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Seems to be a great car, have 950 miles on it so far. Hope as good as previous Subarus.

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  Seems to be a winner - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Ian - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this about 3 weeks, with 1100 miles so far. Absolutely NO problems with it, has several thoughtful touches (like the little blue light in the ceiling over the cup holders, just enough light without glare) - our 03 VW Golf just didnt seem to have the thought put into it that this does. The Golf cup holders block the CD player! The CVT is so far so good - no idea about reliability, but I like that it will hold the "gear" when decelerating. When I take my foot off the gas, the car understands that I want to slow down without the brakes - not just keep on drifting. Ive had none of the steering wheel shake, even close to 90, and it loves the winding roads of SW Pennsylvania.

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  Just picked up my 2008 spec B - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By alwaysjeff - August 7 - 11:53 pm

  Went to dealer with wife to have the 05 ob xt ltd serviced and walked out with a new 08 spec B. First one the dealer had. Probably the first one in the area too. We both fell in love with it. It can be compared to a BMW 328xi but $10,000 cheaper. Ride is firm and tight yet smooth even with the 18 inch summer performance tires. Clutch and shifter silky smooth. Handles great. Sticks like glue on turns. Power in stong. Can get out of the way in 6th gear. Everything is where it should be right at your finger tips. Radio and navi are wonderful. This is my 6th subie and definitely the best one.

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  Manual Sedan - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By mjc440 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  This Legacy has a great ride, almost perfect steering, and is practically unstoppable in the snow. The negatives are inferior interior materials (compared to Honda and Toyata) and an engine with not a lot of power (although it performs well for a four cylinder). My biggest complaint is that the 5 speed manual is geared too low for normal highway driving. The engine screams at 3,000 RPMS at 70 MPH (and everyone blows past you). It really needs another gear. Also the manual transmission is sometimes hard to put into first gear. Shifting feels like youre shifting through gravel. Cloth seats are also uncomfortable.