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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  Never had any problems with this car - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Logan C - March 21 - 3:53 am

  Never had any problems with this car even with driving it across the country a few times. This being my second Subaru and its performance in the snow and winter conditions is everything Ive expected.

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  Legacy - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Manley Mincer - March 19 - 3:55 am

  Great value for the money Only issue seems to be a lag in the transmission when going from reverse to drive. Service team said its normal CVT. I dont believe it

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  Im dating up! - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By karl williams - March 11 - 9:23 pm

  Okay, I almost feel guilty for driving this car. I luckily found it used because you dont see a "used" Subaru very long on the lot (especially as nice as this one) and Ive been looking. I feel bad because it is soooo good. I have two friends who drive new BMWs and I can easily keep up with the Jones. This car does everything well, including looking the part of a luxury sport sedan. Very fun to drive, handles well, and fuel economy is great for AWD. Speaking of AWD...it is wonderful in the rain..cant wait for snow. I am dating up because this car has hot looks and delivers performance even for a 4 cyl. When I tell people what I paid...they are filled with jealousy. Dont miss out!

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  great overall car - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By john V - March 10 - 2:00 am

  it handles well, fast enough for gettign around, gets the job done

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  Nice car, but one issue - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By dtom1 - March 7 - 4:22 am

  I bought it in January of 2011 and so far its great. It is fun to drive, has lots of grip and feels a lot safe inside. Now the issue. When the cars engine is hot and as it move backwards with the AC on and no gas pedal applied, the engine vibrates a lot as if its coming to stop, but at the next moment it comes back to normal.The engine sound also changes drastically when the car moves from idle in forward or reverse direction with the AC on. Ive also noticed that when Im idling at a traffic signal with the AC on, the engine is coming to a stop, but at the next moment it comes back to normal. There is no problem when the AC is not on and when the car attains speed with the AC on.

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  Legacy is even than I ever expected. - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Joe-in-MD - March 4 - 11:43 pm

  Ive enjoyed driving my 2010 Legacy since October, but the December 2009 blizzard that hit the DC area and the 30 inches of snow we just received really proved the Legacys capabilities. This car has every bad weather traction innovation available. The only possible way to improve snow ability may be upgrading to performance winter tires. Overall, the combination of performance, economy, comfort, reliability, and driving pleasure made this car an easy choice for me (w/wife and two kids). The manual shift paddles are a decent compromise - I prefer standard shift, my wife prefers slushbox. MPG is not phenomenal, but is 20% better than the previous years Legacy. Not bad at all.

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  FOR THE PRICE I AM EXTREMELY HAPPY! - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Adam Spencer - March 1 - 10:15 am

  We bought this car for its safety features. We paid a song for an AWD with Eyesight technology! It is amazing putting the cruise control on and simply letting the car handle acceleration and deceleration. Hopefully I wont have to ever test its automatic braking anytime soon. While the seats arent as comfortable as I would like, the car is roomy. FOR THE PRICE I AM EXTREMELY HAPPY!

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  The best car Ive ever owned!! - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By thefishingone - February 27 - 2:32 pm

  I got my Legacy slightly used with only 4200 miles on it. I think this is the best car Ive ever owned!!! I couldnt be happier with my decision. The interior is beautiful with the black leather and the seats are extremely comfortable. The ride is smooth and quiet and the power is amazing. The engine shifts through gears so smooth you dont even notice unless you keep an eye on the RPMs. If you even have a hint of buying this car, please do yourself a favor and BUY IT!! This is the best mid sized car out there, believe me, I looked around.

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  An OK Car, Nothing Special - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Johnny - February 26 - 10:00 pm

  This car is OK, nothing special, it was a cheap lease. I had a VW Golf which blows the Subaru away in overall performance and quaility. The Subaru doors close like a tin can, power in the engine is non-exsitent, and the road noise is high. But it is new and get about 24 MPG, not bad for an AWD

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  Amazing Car - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By NHLGT - February 16 - 10:50 pm

  This car is roomy, comfortable, has awesome options, accelerates well, has great power no matter where you are, is great in the snow, gets respectable gas mpg, looks so good, the dealer service has been amazing. Nothing is wrong with this car.