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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  Loving Legacy - 2012 Subaru Legacy
  By cribley - October 30 - 3:21 am

  I purchased a 2012 Red Subaru Legacy from Onion Creek Volkswagen in Austin, TX on August 8,2014. I feel in love with the All-wheel drive boxer engine of the Subaru. I also love the package that included the sunroof and power seats with Lumbar support. I do have to say the lumbar support can use more work. I drive 30 mile to work every day. When I get to work and get out the car, I have a pain in my lower back. The hands free blue tooth unit is extremely difficult to set up. I also wish that the Legacy had the same ground clearance as the Outback. I feel that I will be happy with my 2012 Subaru Legacy for years to come.

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  Surprise on the Road - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By funshe - October 2 - 6:16 pm

  I was looking for a fun, manual transmission 4 door sedan, and had been ready to buy an Acura TL 6 speed. Read a review of all-wheel drive sport sedans, & the Spec B got a great review, so I checked it out. Ive owned the car almost 4 months, and it is a blast to drive. I would have liked to have a 6-speed, and I know that the 2007 Spec B will have it, but the 5-speed is responsive, and I blow away BMWs and hemi Chryslers - the all wheel drive and low profile tires really stick. Seating is comfortable, although not as nice and encompassing as my BMW 540. The car is comfortable on longer (2-4 hour) drives, and the sound system is very good (no satellite radio however - a big miss!).

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  Good Driving, Serious Flaws - 2012 Subaru Legacy
  By desertsubaru - September 21 - 2:07 am

  Roomy interior - previous years couldnt fit a rear-facing infant carseat between drivers seat and second row - the 2012 can. Smooth ride. No engine temperature gauge. Just a "cold" and a "hot" light. Of course, by the time the "hot" light comes on youre screwed. A standard temperature gauge would give some warning as to gradually increasing engine temperature. Check engine light turns off traction control and emergency brake (and cruise control), so if you live on a hill and forget to tighten your gas cap...good luck parking. Turning off traction control is a major safety flaw.

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  toms car - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By tom morris - August 28 - 10:00 am

  car is very reliable, but it doesnt have very much pick up. great family car comes with a lot of options stock. great wood grain interior

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  If want one, buy one - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By Henry - August 16 - 3:13 pm

  I bought legacy with 60,000 miles on it and it now has 90,000. It still has the original clutch. I keep outside through Pennsylvania winters and it starts up perfectly in the cold. We actually tried to sell the car back after our mechanic told us the car had been in a bad accident. We never did, and to our surprise the car has gone 30,000 more miles with absolutely no minor or major problems and is still going. The only thing wrong with the car is the cd player never worked under my ownership and we had two purchase a new pop out cup holder for $60. Overall, I am very satisfied!

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  I want to like it - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By John - July 19 - 1:00 pm

  I traded in a 2002 VW Passat manual, so the AWD CVT Subaru Limited is quite a change. Its mileage is equal to the Passat. It has a pleasing interior (black leather), and attractive ruby red exterior. The paddles are good for quick downshifting to a stop. The engine and CVT produce enough power to meet my needs. It can become noisy under acceleration. The ride is comfortable, but inconsistent, with some bumps surprisingly jarring. It is sensitive to wind shear. Its good about town, but a little tiring to drive on a highway trip - it seems subject to "drift", so one has to pay attention. The jurys still out on this Subaru. A longer test drive might have led to a different choice.

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  Great Car - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Legacy Owner - June 13 - 10:00 am

  After logging 47,500 miles, I can say that this is a great car. I almost went with the Fusion, but am glad I purchased the Legacy instead. The AWD is great in the snow and the mp3 player input has helped me get through too many traffic jams. The only issue with the car is that it is a bit low on torque, but the manual shift mode mitigates that. Other than routine maintenance of changing tires, brakes, battery, and the other usual stuff all cars require, I had the interior door handle break in the dead of winter ($15 replacement). My gas mileage went from 23.5 mpg to 24.5-25 mpg after changing the tires from the stock set.

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  Nice car - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By Syms - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive and modify.. Nicer interior quality than previous model.

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  Small But Good... Could I Have Another? - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Vinny - May 30 - 10:30 am

  I was hoping to get a nicer car but with gas prices exceeding $4 a gallon I didnt want to be getting 17 mpg so I leased this Subaru Legacy for 2 years at an excellent rate. It gives me an average of 31.2 mpg overall and it has decent kick for a 4 cyl. I also own a 2003 Forrester but is noisy on the highway, this car is solid, very little road noise. I only got the VDC because thats all there was, I mainly turn it off. The leather is nice and along with the wood trim, it makes the car feel much more than $26k. The only complaint is that its a bit small. Wishing I bought it so I dont have to worry about mileage, much better then expected :D

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  i like this car - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By j jersey - May 28 - 12:56 pm

  i have own the car for 1mth now and enjoy it very much.it fun to drive and its practical. the fuel economy is poor (but i knew bout it) and the cd player is not mp3 compatible and it climate control isnt the best but not not worst. the turbo engine is powerful enough to cause other drivers to do a double take and electron shift was a pleasant surprise. will try to give a 1yr review also to keep people inform