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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  2002 Legacy GT - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By Haydn - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I drive about 5500 miles per month. My Legacy GT has performed well overall. Highway mileage exceeds 31 MPG with the manual transmission. The cabin is very quiet; wind noise minimal. The engine is somewhat underpowered; however the handling and control are exceptional with the AWD. Fit, finish and value are exceptional for a vehicle priced under $25K.

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  A surprised 1st-time Subie Owner - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By TITAN911 - May 31 - 7:33 pm

  I traded in a 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser for this car, and I have been pleasantly surprised. It gets WAY better mileage than the FJ, which required premium gas. I took advantage of the smokin $199/month lease that Subaru was offering, but I had never had one before. Needless to say, I was a little skeptical of just how good a Subie could possibly be, and I NEVER thought I would purchase one. All I knew was that they were equipped with all wheel drive, and there were many of them in Colorado. After my first test drive, I was sold! This car is every bit as good, and in most cases better than all the Toyota and Honda sedans Ive owned. Better looks, handling, traction, interior, and comfort.

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  terrible perofrmance - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By chris - May 30 - 4:40 pm

  This is a good looking, well appointed car but terrible performance. Sluggish acceleration coupled with terrible gas mileage. Doubtful if I would purchase again.

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  5 time owner ultimately disappointed - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Subilove - May 30 - 4:36 pm

  Long time Subaru owner- this 05 Legacy GT-bought new, had for 4.5 yrs & sad; by far a let down, poor quality of electronics & mechanically. So far w/ just 60k miles I have replaced CV half shaft, Power steering pump, stereo, ac unit, main window switch, seat belt unit, tires x2, brakes, the lights by the shifter stopped being lit at 20k & now the power steering is going again & its running warm. She has shifted hard coming out of 1st, it feels like Im being rear-ended =( windshield rattled- dealership fixed. She was well maintained, not ran hard at all. Just a total let down and a reminder never to buy after the release of a new redesign wait a couple years until they get the kinks out.

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  First Subaru Experience - 2012 Subaru Legacy
  By member23 - May 29 - 7:52 pm

  I came out of an SUV into a Subaru for fuel economy. While there are many good car choices in this class (Fusion, Accord, Altima) the driver seat comfort and AWD won me over. After 4500 miles the new car thrill is gone and I have a car that I like driving, is reliable, and gets good mpgs. The decision to buy a new car is personal and Im not knocking any other cars, as there are some great choices. But this car works for me and Id recommend it to a friend.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Nikko - May 19 - 12:53 am

  Im as happy about purchasing the car as when I first got it. This is a great car. Comfortable, great visibility, plenty of power. The only negative so far is the UI for the Satellite Radio. Its horrible. You only get one piece of information (artist name OR song name OR channel name), and only 10 characters. When you use the up/down button on the wheel, it cycles through all 150+ channels, not through my presets. Stupid. I didnt get the nav kit, cant say if that has the same issue.

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  Subaru Me - Once More - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By Jon - May 18 - 9:13 am

  I drive 80 mi a day to the City (elev. 4500 ft) from a a peaceful mountain valley (elev. 6500 ft). Have been doing so for 11 years in my 93 Legacy L AWD Sedan. It now has 290,000 miles and still going strong! I have since retired it to the teenager daughter. Enter my new Subaru. Looking forward to another 10+ years of confident all- weather driving without guzzling gas. Whole family loves Subarus. Dad, Mom and both brothers own one. And now I own two!

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  Traded a 2015 WRX for a better car for me - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Eric - May 14 - 9:44 pm

  I owned a 2015 WRX which was a fun sporty car. It was also much louder (at low speeds with low frequency rumble, at higher speeds with road noise), and suspension would hug corners great, but you also felt every bump in the road. The 2.5 Legacy isnt underpowered, but I dont pass other cars uphill like I would with the WRX. Over the first year of mixed driving (mostly short commutes) it returned 27.2 mpg on regular unleaded (better than my 2012 Impreza Sport 2.0 hatch, actually), and it is much quieter and more refined than the WRX. Overall, I am happier with it and love the Eyesight package (full range Adaptive Cruise Control is now a must in any future car, I use it all the time). The premium stereo system is worlds better than the WRX stereo (which was so loud it was hard to hear the crappy stereo it had in it). There is slight more body roll stock (note: I have since upgraded to a 20mm rear sway bar which reduced it dramatically), but the car handles sporty driving well, brakes are excellent, and paddle shifters (though honestly I never use them). The 3.6 was a no go for me because I wanted improved MPGs, After one year of ownership, it has never been to the dealer for any service related issues (I do my own oil changes and tire rotations). The only issue so far is the back up camera takes a second or two to display, which apparently is common.

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  2009 Legacy - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By cogs1 - May 13 - 6:33 am

  owned it for couple years and 35k miles, still looks and drives like the 1st day I bought it. No issues at all. No, the car is not fast but it is fun to drive, corners like a dream and with the AWD is the best car I ever drove in snow, we get 27-28 mpg all the time in mixed use driving, the mileage got better as it broke in over the first 6 months. The car has been great so far and we are very happy with the purchase. The looks, solid feel, AWD, good price, made in the the US, safety ..it is a winner all the way around

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  Subaru - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By 6 Speed - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Subaru experience and so far its been a great ride. I was looking for a reliable AWD vehicle and this is it. I went with the manual trans because it allows me the option to up or down shift when I want. I have owned a few cars in the past with CVT I was not to impressed with that type of transmission. This car has excellent standard equipment also, above and beyond what you would find in any dodge, Chevy or ford. To sum it up, Im very impressed.