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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  Nice attention to detail in finishing - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Del - April 30 - 10:17 am

  Instrumentation takes some getting used to , not as intuitive as HYUNDAI

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  legacy gt ltd - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Andrew - April 28 - 10:36 pm

  Love this car. Great performance. Turbo lag is minimal. I compared the GT to Infiniti G35 and I liked the interior of the GT better. More clean. You cannot find another car equipped as well as the Ltd. for the money. Also, surprisingly smooth ride, for a sports sedan. I would like to see a 6 speed manual.

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  luv it ! - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By Twinkie - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Subaru in February 2001. Traded in a Taurus for it. Wow!! What a difference. I had a Subaru before my taurus, but hated the Taurus. MY SUBARU is great. I have less than 30,000 miles on it now in 2004, and have NEVER had a problem with it. I have a 5 speed, manual and Love it. I prefer it over the automatic as you can control your acceleration better. It is real peppy with the 5 speed! Handles snow & rain wonderful, and I actual feel like I am in a sport car when I drive it..LOL, a big change from the Taurus, which stunk taking corners...the Subaru handles corners like a sports car & handles bad weather better than most SUVs!!

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  New Subaru Owner - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Mark - April 12 - 10:43 pm

  Ive owned Hondas and a VW in the past and am able to say my Subaru Wagon is a nice mix of both Hondas reliability and VWs style and handling. The acceleration in Sport mode is decent but what is most impressive is the excellent, smooth, quiet, luxurious ride and sharp handling. Its a fun car to drive and the build quality is evident.

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  Nice car but a couple of fine tune thing - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By frenchguy007 - April 10 - 1:56 pm

  Great ride, this is a drivers car. Love the 4 wheel drive system and the handling. Interior is very nice and the doors close like a Benz. Storage bin in the center console is really small for no reason (storage bin tapers smaller). Even though I have close to the top if the line model my satellite antenna is not on the roof but glued to the inside front glass (top passenger side). Give us a push start option on future models please.

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  What a good buy - 2013 Subaru Legacy
  By Linda Chen - April 6 - 5:19 am

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  road warrior! - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By eburg - March 31 - 11:53 pm

  Traded my Mercedes: never looked back. No matter what we put on it or in it, it HAULS with class and grace. MPG 23 in town, 27 on the highway with a sportshift auto. Better in every way than my sons 2001 GT. Handles snow, ice, hard rain and speed with no problems. Family fights to drive it!

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  Won me over eventually - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By couleeman - March 6 - 5:23 am

  Replacing a truly wonderful Mazda 6S, I resisted the Outback wagons opting instead for the understated 2.5i limited sedan. The ride is unusually smooth and the center of gravity very low. Im most surprised by the transmission, however. Though its only a 4 speed, its got enough low end torque for darting around town and an easy, relaxed cruising gear. I get 29 mpg average, impressive especially considering the AWD. Inside, its in another class compared to the competition: quiet, elegant and everything is within easy reach, and the jewel-like instrument cluster is very classy. But best of all, the symmetrical AWD is just incredible and has a well-deserved reputation.

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  What I needed turned out to be fun too - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By cwb - March 1 - 11:00 pm

  With this cars handling and a stick, 175 horses on the back roads is fun. I needed a safe car for a 40 mile commute in CT. Sometimes to New Haven. Sometimes down the Saw Mill. It handles so well. My fun to drive rating is compared to others in this price range. I know its not a Porsche but seriously this car can hold the road. My reliability rating is a SWAG based on previous Subaru ownership.

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  Legacy GT is for the smart driver - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Rex - February 23 - 6:20 pm

  I have driven this car for the last 2 months and I love it. I owned an infiniti J30 and a cruddy 2000 maxima. The legacy GT handles like "it is on rails" and its probably just as good as BMW for half the price. The design of the car is humble and the interior is comfortable, I love the sound system and the way the seat feels. The navigation is not so high tech but it does work well. Bottom line this car is unique and is a awesome to drive, for those who "get it". You really need to drive one to understand. Infiniti, Lexus and BMW woo you with unnecessary options. Subaru is like an underground entity which only those with the brains over brawn will understand. BUY ONE.