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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  subaru review - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By Court - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I love my subaru! I am a student at Appalachian State University, in Boone, North Carolina. I am an avid snow skiier and the all wheel drive traction offered by Subaru goes unsurpassed amongst its competitors.

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  Great car! - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Anthony Gurganus - December 5 - 2:21 pm

  I have to say that this is the best purchase my family has made in a long time. We really like everything about the car. So far, we have driven the car just over two thousand miles in about one month. Over that time we are averaging 33.1mpg in mixed driving. The car handles very well and feels secure on the road. No complaints with the interior or anything else. We definitely made the right choice for our family. We could not see ever going back to Accord or Camry. FYI- we have the premium trim with Eyesight, navigation, and moon roof.

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  Best buy for the buck - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Corey - December 4 - 11:23 am

  The Subaru Legacy 2.5l boxer engine has to be one of the better small size engines on the market today. Besides delivering almost 30 mpg on the high way it can pack a little punch if pushed to its limits. Its more fun to drive than anything I test drove (which included Toyota awd matrix, Nissan altima, Honda accord). The all wheel drive is superb. Anything from heavy rains to deep snow is no match for the symmetric all wheel drive. Last its not cheap by any means but for what you get it is one hell of a deal.

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  2008 Subary Legacy 3.0R - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By tdoggydog - November 30 - 9:43 am

  This is a great car - rides smooth, corners well, sounds great! Cant wait to open her up after the 1K mile break- in period with the Sport Sharp mode. Everywhere I go people are asking "Whats that?" and are amazed at not only the style, but the features, performance and out-the-door cost. This is my first Subie and I think Im going to be a lifelong customer.

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  Buy a radar detector - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By slewis - November 17 - 9:30 am

  This car has it all. Comfort, safety, and fun. All wheel drive 250HP turbo is unbelievable. I test drove a WRX but realized it couldnt be the family car I needed. The Legacy GT was the answer. I test drove 330s, TL, TSX, 9-3, A-4. Nothing comes close to the fun of the Legacy. The all wheel drive along with the power is an unbeatable combination. Youve got to test drive it to understand.

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  Excellent Vehicle for the Price - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By RJTABBY - November 6 - 9:30 pm

  All I can say is wow! Though I know know they could beef up the engine as it is nearly identical to the STI engine with that 300 HP. Though the Legacy has plenty of gitty up already I would like to see a little more beef under the hood. I cant say enough -- probably the best quality and the fastest car listed under $30,000.

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  Excellent Auto - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By Lola - November 5 - 10:06 am

  Reminds me of my last (1969) Subaru which lasted for 170,000 miles but is more comfortable.

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  this car is great - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By rocco sesty - November 4 - 10:00 am

  this car is great

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  This is a Subaru? - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By jen1972 - October 30 - 11:30 am

  Driving out to look at the Acura one more time and possibly sign papers on it, I passed the Subaru dealership. Im so glad I did because it was love at first sight. I drove the Legacy and the Acura was a distant memory. For much less money I got much more car. I wasnt expecting this much; after all, I owned a 91 Legacy and it was a very reliable but very basic car. This car is beautiful and a blast to drive. Has everything I want and more. All of which was standard equipment! 250 HP, ventilated heated leather seats, 6 CD changer, dual climate control, Sportshift, 17" low profile wheels, signal indicators on side mirrors, DRL, AWD, fuel usage and temp display. All this for around $26,000.

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  Best in Snow, fun in sun - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By DrM - October 18 - 4:13 am

  A survived a 40 mile commute during this last Ohio winter because of this car. Excellent handling in ice and snow. Sport shifting down much safer then braking on ice. It is nice to have the automatic with the option to shift manual. Now that the sun is out the sun roof is open. I love down shifting and zooming up steep hills.