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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  I miss the German engineering - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By bluechipBMW - December 9 - 3:06 pm

  Yes, for the money this is a great buy. But if you are coming from a German engineered car you will be doing a lot of cross comparing. The power this car has is totally amazing which makes the fun factor so high. But the suspension needs to be improved in my opinion. I feel my previous A4 would out handle this car in turns but if you modify the Legacy with sway bars and springs then...no. But you will sacrifice your comfort. Also there is too much wind noise in the cabin. But if you are looking for something fun to drive at around $30k or less with great reliability then this is what you need.

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  European sport sedan killer - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Brian Sok - December 2 - 4:06 pm

  I drive 60 miles/day near DC and looked for a car that was safe, reliable, fuel efficient, winter friendly, and unique. I looked at Audi A4, Audi A3, Saab 9-3, Volvo S40 and the Subaru Legacy. They were all comparable cars, but I bought the Subaru 2.5i Limited with spoiler, moonroof visor, mudguards, subwoofer. The Subaru is by far the best deal... no comparison!

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  Good, solid, fun car - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Jon - November 17 - 7:43 am

  So far so good with 53k on the odometer. First time I have purchased a car used and it has worked out so far. I imagine that this would be a great everyday car for a middle-aged male not looking to sacrifice performance for everyday drivability. However, I bought this car with other intentions. With a few thought-out upgrades, you can turn this car into one heck of a ride. For about 1k you can keep up with a standard WRX, and for around 2.5k, you can run circles around an STi. A comfortable car on long trips and a a road demon when it wants to be (after a few tweaks.) Given that it holds up, I hope to have it for many years.

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  Great car - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Spoinny - November 14 - 12:36 am

  Coming from a Volvo Wagon, was worried about interior comfort/quality. Seats are not nearly as comfortable as Volvo (very few cars are) but I got used to it fast and really am satisfied with the quality. Car looks somewhat sporty and has pretty good pick up for a 4 cylinder. No problems in the 1st winter but will be putting a set of snows on for next winter, just to be safe. All around a very reliable car thats not too frilly.

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  great car except for the tires - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Johnny - October 26 - 7:56 am

  In the 5 short months that I have owned this car I have had 4 flats and totally destroyed one tire. I was told that the size of the tires is the problem by one person and other things by others. The service manager told me that it was my problem and that there was nothing that he was going to do. I would buy this car again, it is a great car in the snow and it is fun to drive.

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  Stiff Ride negates positives. - 2014 Subaru Legacy
  By bsr52 - October 25 - 2:17 pm

  I have driven this 2014 Legacy Sport for three months. The reliability of Subaru, all wheel drive and heated seats are all positives that are negated by the poor ride quality. I feel every dip, bump and tar strip in the road and will be trading this after a year. A younger driver might not care about the ride because the car looks sharp and handles well. I owned a 2001 Subaru Outback station wagon for 6 years and it was reliable and a comfortable ride with reasonable handling in not too large of a vehicle. If they built that vehicle today with an improved transmission I think they wood sell a lot of them. I appreciate any comments and criticism.

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  2008 Subaru Legacy SE auto - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Jim - October 14 - 6:40 am

  I leased this car back in Dec. 2008, I got the silver one. In So Cal it is rare to see one in a week. Even Subaru owners here dont know what it is, they think it is a BMW. I love the look of the car the solid drive and very quiet, I can actually listen to the radio at number 4. I am 62 and I fit with with headroom to spare this is the first car that I can have a moon roof. When you push this car in the corners you can feel how well it handles. The trunk is a good size.

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  Sub #6 - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Passnthru - October 11 - 3:30 am

  This is Subaru #6 for us. Seems great so far, lots of features, quiet and smooth. Best mileage of the six, avgeraging over 30 mpg in the first 3,000 miles. It doesnt feel quite as fast as our 01 GT was. Nice alloy wheels. Storage is good. Love the black metal flake paint. Headlights are awesome, providing great lighting. Also enjoy the trip computer, outside temperature and two resetable odometers. And the fact that you cant lock the keys in the ignition anymore. Most outstanding is the value for the dollar. There is nothing that comes close for less than $20K. One friend said "that looks like a seriously expensive car!" Probably less than half the cost of her SUV!

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  Incremental Improvements => Good Value - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By redeft321 - October 6 - 10:00 am

  We have driven a 1996 Legacy Brighton 5 speed 120K miles, and just purchased a 2002 Legacy L wagon wi 5 speed. Subarus strategy has been to make many improvements on a good base car instead of running wi short cycle of major reengineering and redesign. Like VWs strategy of the 60s and 70s, this has allowed Fuji Heavy Industries to spread major design and tooling costs over longer multiyear production runs. The benefits of this strategy, wi modest yen depreciation, reflected in value. Our 1996 Brighton cost us $15300 with self financing. 2002 L Wagon with the improvements and added standard equipment noted below cost us $18500 with 1.9 percent 24 month financing.

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  Outback is A OK - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By Titleist - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Great combination of features with this car; AWD, great gas mileage, lots of room, quiet with a nice ride, very dependable. Wonderful for trips and when the weather is bad. Always felt safe while driving this car. I may lease another Subaru but with a 6 cyl this time.