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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  Great wagon - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By may ma - April 22 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for a wagon for less than 20K. This is it!

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  My third Subaru - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Monica - April 17 - 3:43 pm

  Bought the car 11 days ago. This is my third Subaru and the fastest and most fun to drive yet (had an 83 GL wagon + a 91 Legacy LSi sedan). Great styling inside and out. I dont want too much flashiness on a Subaru. Cant wait for the break-in period to end so I can drive faster! It will take some time to get used to the required high octane gas and lower gas mileage than my other Subies.

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  2006 Subaru Legacy Limited junk - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By subarujunk - April 8 - 12:09 am

  Head gasket needs replacement at 79,000 gentle miles!! $1800! Outrageous. It is apparently a very common problem, despite what ANYONE says about the issue having been resolved from 2005 and newer. Id expect that from 1979 Chevy Chevette, not a 2006 Subaru Car is only mediocre at every level. My 1992 Camry (that I kept as a spare car till a couple years ago) did everything better (except for winter traction of course). Transmission shifts poorly (again, my 92 Camry shifted more smoothly and confidently). First and last Subaru. My Toyotas and Nissans have all gone over 250k and never needed a head gasket replacement. DONT BUY A SUBARU!!

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  Good fun, but turbo lag - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Wyosubie - April 7 - 11:30 pm

  This is my fifth Subaru, including a manual WRX wagon and manual WRX sedan. I have also owned two V8 Mustangs and a couple of BMWs. ONCE IT IS MOVING a turbo Subie is great fun! From a stoplight, unless you beat it, turbo lag is still a problem. My 10 year old V10 Dodge Pickup is faster for the first 50 to 100 yards. Responsive, stable AWD handling; good feedback; stock Bridgestones average in dry - poor on dirt and snow. I average 23 to 24 mpg in mixed driving using premium fuel. Manual shift mode is entertaining and steering wheel controls are convenient and provide flexibility.

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  fast family car - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By buggybear - April 3 - 7:10 am

  With the H6 engine, Bilstein dampers, upgraded audio and interior, and sporty AWD system, this car is a great drive for a utilitarian family sedan. Trunk and seating space is adequate but not great. Got it for about the same as the slab sided 4 cylinder 2010s hitting the lot -- great bargain except for poor mileage and some mechanical issues fixed under warranty. Composed at speed, the car is good for curvy New England back roads too. Auto trans is also OK with paddle shifters, but just OK (downshift blips are the best feature). This isnt a true sport sedan but its a nice compromise that allows a family of 3 to enjoy the open road (and allows a single driver to cut it up a little).

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  Dont even think of it! - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By tomday - March 31 - 5:40 pm

  Even if the head gaskets have been done you will be doing them again between 35-40K miles. Bottom line If you own a SUbrau its not a matter of "if" but "when" youll be doing head gaskets to a tune of $2K to $4K. Dont be fooled by someone trying to sell you one. Years affected. 1998 - 2012 2.5L engines. Yes, up to 2012! If yo have one think about selling it.

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  - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Rimfaxe - March 30 - 1:33 pm

  Its hard to wipe the smile off your face while driving the 5 speed manual GT Ltd sedan. Subaru nailed this one- a comfortable interior and a HOOT to drive. My wife likes the dual climate control and heated leather seats with electric adjustment. I like the performance of the intercooled turbocharged 2.5L boxer engine. This car is rock-solid at autobahn speeds. Freeway on-ramps are easy- no more worries about people running you over. Passing- no problem either- but it really performs on the twisty two lane roads. Go ahead and open it up- but just make sure you burn off your speed before the turn and then accelerate through the turn. Youll see that cheesy grin in the rear-view mirror!

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  On Subaru 10...and FINAL - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By Disgruntled - March 30 - 12:40 pm

  Ive owned 9 other Subarus. Each Subaru had over 200000 miles on them and ran incredibly well. I now own a 2001 Legacy GT Limited and have had nothing but problems since day one. The first month I had the vehicle, I had lost my brakes. The pedal wouldnt even move at all. This happened twice. Dealer "fixed" the problem each time. Since then Ive blown my engine because the head gaskets. There are SO MANY other issues Ive had since purchasing this vehicle. I hope this helps anyone looking at one. I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER SUBARU AS LONG AS I LIVE!!!

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  G35 replacement - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Zyg - March 27 - 7:00 am

  I have not had the car a long time, but it was a replacement for my 2003 Infiniti G35. The color is exactly the same - Garnet Fire Pearl and is a deal breaker for me. No red of distinct quality = no chance for a sale. The Legacy has 250hp compared with 260hp for the G35 sedan. The G35 has a more instant response, but the GT is every bit as fast once the turbo kicks in. The G35 became a rattle trap and had brake problems. I drove it 26K and had the front rotors turned twice and the rears once. The Legacy has the same outside road noise, but the interior is far quieter. I am trilled with my Legacy GT over my old G35. No regrets at all!

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  Why would you buy anything else? - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By jseybold - March 24 - 7:53 pm

  This my favorite of all the cars we have ever had! (The list includes many BMWs, 2 Lexus, 2 Audis and a WRX.) It is fast, fun, safe, comfortable, and surprisingly well made. Deep reserves of power across the entire rev range. Great steering, exemplary ride/handling balance. If there is a better every day, all-purpose, any road, any weather sports sedan available at any price, I have not found it. Buy the 5 speed. As with Audi turbos, the auto saps the marvelous engine response. The manual is amazingly good in traffic. If you live where there is snow, arrange with a tire dealer to trade in the Potenza tires. Replace them with proper summer tires & a set of winter tires/wheels.