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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  Love the car - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By MegAndRob - October 4 - 1:40 pm

  Going on two years with our legacy GT LTD. Sweet car, super fast... when I drive our other car, I miss the acceleration. Turbo lag is slightly noticeable, but once the turbo kicks in, its smile time. Handling is great, acceleration is great, driving it in the mountains is super fun. AWD is great also, but get the snow tires if you live in an icy area... the standard tires dont handle worth anything on ice. Get the short throw shifter, also. This car is a lot of fun for a very low cost compared to the G35 and Acura RL. The gas mileage isnt too heinous, we average about 25mpg, less if youre really thrashing it.

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  Great Car - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Collegegrad - October 2 - 1:56 pm

  I have a little over 600 miles on this car and so far I am very impressed. For the money this car is a steal. This car is a great alternative to Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda because it is one of the safest cars on the road and because its AWD. For the money, youre getting a great car that you dont see too much on the road. It has many great features that are not standard on many cars costing this price. When I hear the name Subaru mentioned, I think of AWD, safety, reliability, quality, and performance. This is one of the nicest cars in this price range.

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  Just took delivery - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By My First Subie - September 27 - 3:00 pm

  I love this car. Only driven 100 miles so far but I like everything about it. Glad I didnt buy the Accord! Great looks, smooth power and really feels nice in the corners. The CVT is a winner as well, applies power when you need it but really keeps the rs low when cruising. This is a unique automobile that should turn some heads while offering years of driving pleasure.

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  A car to love! - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By Edwardo - September 21 - 1:53 pm

  After owning a 98 Legacy, my wife and I wouldnt settle for anything other than another Subaru wagon. Were roadtrippers and campers and when were not mapping new territories, we love the sense of safety and very smooth ride of our 35th Anniversary Legacy (2004), with the double sunroof and fully reclinable seats being just as sweet in the city as it is useful in the sticks.

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  Great Car! - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Ed - September 20 - 8:23 am

  This is my 3rd Subaru--2 Legacys and one Outback. This is a company car that I drive daily and put over 40,000 miles on per year. To say the least, they have all been great cars. Zero problems with any of them. Between the 3, Ive put over 200,000 miles on these cars-- not too bad. The AWD works great in wet weather. This is a very safe, very stable car. I wish the base engine had a little more spunk and wish the ipod input was on the dash instead of in the console. Other than that, buy one, change the oil every 7,500 miles and drive, drive, drive... Oh, and the gas mileage is great. I average 30+ MPG on the interstate with the cruise set between 75-78.

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  WOW, who knew. - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By edub - September 19 - 2:23 am

  I have researched and test driven many cars over the past 6 months -- Honda Accord, Acura TL, VW Passat, Nissan Maxima, Infiniti G35, and a 2007 Toyota Camry -- in search for the car with performance, styling, at the best price. I would put my GT up against any of these other cars. Some had a few more options, but for much more money. I only have 450 miles on this car, and I feel like the kid looking in the candy shop window and someone just gave me a $20. I couldnt be happier. THIS CAR IS FAST. Very stylish. Subaru should be proud.

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  Good quality, have yet to see full potential - 2013 Subaru Legacy
  By be_sydney - September 17 - 9:42 pm

  I chose this car because when I bought it I lived in a city with harsh winters and I needed a reliable, AWD option. I researched for over a year and decided to go with the Legacy over an SUV because of the gas mileage and the reliability of the Subaru name. The size of the cabin is great, and I can fit 4 large adults in here comfortably. The biggest problem I have had with this car is the gas mileage. At this point, I have driven it 4200 miles and have had an oil change and am still not getting above 21.9 miles to the gallon. I drive the freeway to work everyday and should be getting at least 28 combined. Even on a highway trip of 1200 miles, the best mileage I got was 29 MPG.

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  Great Car Skip the Automatic - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By nlap90 - September 16 - 7:17 am

  Love the lines and the style of the car, bought mine used with 70,000 miles on it. First few hours i owned it the transmission sensors failed... fine cars have issues sometimes. later on started to notice electrical issues with the lighting dimming on its own or the radio controls not working when you hit the buttons. in the past year , i have replaced the turbo, the ac condensor because it seized and shredded all the belts and tore through the electrical, the transmission had to be rebuilt, and now the wheel bearings are going.... I must have gotten a lemon.... Love the car other than these issues. about to trade it in. Stay away from the turbo Automatics they have major issues!!!

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  Excellent Mid-Sized Car - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By CM - September 14 - 6:50 pm

  As soon as I heard about the redesign of the Legacy for 2010, I was intrigued. Many things were upgraded in this model year besides the interior space. The CVT works like a dream- very smooth acceleration (I am used to listening to the gears to know about how fast I am going, and this has been a bit of a change for me), and brings the rpms to around 2000 when cruising. The electronic parking brake is interesting (fine with me as I rarely use one anyway), but the hill holder feature is amazing. I wish I had something like that when I was learning to drive a stick. The paddle shifters are fun, and the controls on the wheel are great.

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  4th Subaru, for good reason - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Mike - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Having owned three previous Subarus, I thought it might be fun to try something else for a change. After test-driving several comparably-priced sedans, however, I came back to Subaru--and couldnt be happier with the decision. Ive had it for two months now, and have driven under a number of different conditions. It handles like a dream--no drifting, no steering wheel vibration, no problems at all. Its a fine automobile.