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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  Not happy - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By dswiss - November 24 - 5:10 am

  Technically not a lemon, but awfully close to one! In 80,000 miles Ive had a transmission replaced, three catalytic converters, three oxygen sensors, numerous cruise control problems, burning oil smell, creaking windows, etc. Finally got rid of it and found out that the trade-in value is next to nothing. But at least I am happy now!

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  Best car ever - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Brian - November 11 - 11:10 pm

  Test drove the 09 Legacy and was it nice, then test drove the 2010 Legacy and fell in love with it. The overall style is awesome, performance is outstanding and comfort/room is great. Love the awd, especially here in Florida where it rains. Great control on wet pavement. Fuel economy for us, driving back and forth to take our son to school, we average about 30 mpg in city. On hwy, we averaged about 35 mpg. Can not complain.

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  im lovin every mile - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By eggya - November 9 - 5:00 pm

  This car performs best in blizzards and thunderstorms! The grip on the car is amazing. I recommend this car to anyone looking for a fast, fun to drive reliable car in the $25- $30k range. Get it fully loaded (GT limited) with all the options you can afford.

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  Alternative to Hondas and Toyotas - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By ronin - November 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a vehicle that should be considered when car shopping. If you want the reliability and performance of a Honda or Toyota but dont want to have the same car as your neighbor,this is your car. Im not big on 4 cylinder engines but this has impressed me. The AWD system is outstanding! Do yourself a favor and at least test drive one.

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  Best Four Wheel Drive Sedan - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By John - October 23 - 3:03 pm

  The Legacy is without doubt the best four wheel drive sedan available when cost and quality are main considerations. Im impressed with everything about the car, from the comfortable but firm well bolstered seats to the crisp handling. The car seems tight as a drum, with a smooth engine that feeds off regular gasoline. While the consumption is lower than my previous car, Im averaging between 25-26 on mixed local and highway driving. Im eager to see how the car handles in snowy conditions, but based on comments from friends, I expect it will do well. Price, quality, unique engine configuration and awd make this car a great choice.

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  Checked-out all the sedans. Legacy rose to the top - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Iowa - October 22 - 7:15 am

  Wife and I test drove all the 2017 sedans. Accord was ruled out because the seating was very uncomfortable for both of us. Ford Fusion gas mileage not up to par. Camry was sort of blah. Finally narrowed to Sonata and Legacy (Limited trim for both) . Both are quiet. Sonata has slightly better pick-up, but I thought Legacy handled better. Sonatas warranty was a strong selling point, but the Legacy had all-wheel drive. Final choice based on minor interior things. No options for the Sonata interior color: only black interior with the white/silver/grey exterior, and only beige with the blue/red exteriors. Also the faux wood interior molding on the Sonata beige trim looked cheap. Have had the Legacy for a month and very happy with it.

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  New Legacy - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By John - October 20 - 9:46 pm

  My sixth Subaru (79 and 87 wagons, 81 Brat, 95 Legacy, 03 Forester). Still have the Forester and Brat. Just picked up a 2009 Legacy 2.5i Limited-$21,800-and 2.9% financing. This is a good time to get the 09 models with the new 10s coming in. Initial impressions-firm but sporty ride, seats are hard (but I am coming from a very soft seat in a Ford Explorer), drove smoothly on the 125 mile trip back from the dealer. Nice sound system from the Harmon Karden stereo. Very similar in size to my old 95 Legacy -on the smaller size of the competition but my 6-year old fits fine in the backseat in her booster seat. 22.6mpg on the drive home but that should improve with time.

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  Stay away - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Emil - October 18 - 6:59 am

  I bought this car because I have been very happy with my previous 2005 LL Bean Outback but did not want and need another wagon. It has been a major disappointment so far (two weeks and 300 mi down the road). - CVT is horrible - absolutely no feedback on acceleration, car glides like a boat, its hard to tell how fast you go unless you constantly look at the tachometer. Quickly loses momentum the moment you lift your foot off the gas pedal, as if the brakes are being applied, which is very frustrating esp. in stop-and-go traffic. - Relatively poor acceleration even with the H6, 3.6 L engine (the 2.5 L that I test drove is even worse and feels strained most of the time!), even without extra passengers/cargo - Steering is just OK but there is a SIGNIFICANT body roll when cornering, much worse than with my old Outback - Loud wind/road noise, at times so bad as you cant talk on the phone using the Bluetooth connection - Ride is VERY bumpy even on recently paved streets even though Subaru claims they softened the suspension on the 2016 Legacy models in the Limited trim and up - Gear shift paddles on the steering wheel are bulky and sticking out, constantly get in the way of my hands when driving; the leather the wheel itself feels more like rubber - Mileage ls much worse than advertised/expected: Ive been getting 16.5-17 mi/gallon on mostly city driving; hopefully this will change after engine break in. - Poor craftsmanship - interior looks overall cheap; doors are tight and you have to really slam to shut them; the leather of the upper part of passenger front seat has been sloppily cut and stitched and looks wrinkled, esp. around the seams (I did not notice this when I bought the car, so caveat emptor, but dealer and Subaru refused acknowledge this as a defect, I suspect the dealer got a discount on this particular car because of this which they DID NOT pass on me) - Seats feel shallow and hard, overall uncomfortable, difficult to get out of the drivers seat - Rear window defroster is pretty much useless since it goes only 2/3 up the window (the rest is dedicated to the antenna). You have to scrape/wipe your rear window manually every time there is frost/snow/fog. - Entertainment - voice command is useless: it never gets the command right and has a significant lag; touch screen sensitivity is weird and I still havent gotten used to it Overall, Subaru seem to have dropped the ball on their newer models. This is definitely not what a 30+ K, 6-cyl, upper-trim car should drive and feel like. This is my 3rd Subaru and definitely the last. Ill drive it until the bumper-to-bumper warranty runs out and trade immediately.

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  This car is been great! - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Bobo - October 13 - 6:50 pm

  I have owned this car since I bought it from the show room in 2004, when this new style just came out. I still love my car and its still running strong with almost 90K miles. I havent had any problem with regular routine maintenance.

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  2.5i Limited with Power Moonroof - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Pat - October 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned the car since August and about 3000 miles later I hit a deer at highway speed. I am a female and was alone at the time. Ive never hit an animal before let alone a deer. The crash ratings on the vehicle lived up to every expectation. The impact was the front end drivers side and fender. I couldnt open the drivers door and I thought the deer was out there dead, but alas he was gone. I was able to maintain control of the vehicle. I didnt hit anyone else and I did not get hurt. The vehicle crumpled as expected, the air bags did not go off as it did not hit all the sensors and the frame was not impacted. I have driven it 5500 miles since the accident and have had no issues.