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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  Perfect sleeper Subie. - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Elisabeth - February 3 - 2:00 pm

  I wanted a shifter sedan that had AWD but something different from an Audi/BMW. I loved the looks of this car and how solid it feels when driving. To me it is a true sport sedan. I think I would be happier with the short-throw gearbox and will probably have that installed by the dealer before too long. It is a great road trip car but definitely sucks down the premium fuel. Overall I have been very happy with the car and plan to drive it for years to come. I had an Acura previously and while I think the Subaru is much more fun to drive I miss the interior quality of the Acura.

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  Love my Subie! - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By JC - February 1 - 10:53 pm

  Bought it used with 25k on it. Currently have 110k. Have not had any problems. Goes thru a lot of tires but I guess thats the AWD. Would like a few more horses under the hood but the 5 spd and the tight handling do make it a fun drive. Great in the snow. Id buy another one but dont want to give this up!

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  Fun to drive every day car - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By Ryan - January 29 - 8:13 pm

  The GT Limited is my 1st Subaru. I bought it new over 5 years ago, and I do not intend to get rid of it until I cant fix it any more. Several minor repairs over last year and a half--nothing major yet, but clutch is coming soon (note that it has been autocrossed hard enough to win, although only a few times). The dealership told me that the clutch/flywheel assembly they use for replacements is not the same as what came new with the car, so dont rule out that it could happen on a daily driver. This car drives wonderfully for an every day car. It handles very well in all conditions, but it is not very powerful. If you do not drive manual, look at peppier cars (6-cylinder or 2.5T Legacy?).

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  Fantastic now but - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Baltimoron - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Being a loyal Honda/Toyota family we ventured over to Subaru for offering a safe AWD sedan with good mpg . Only main concern is the history of the CVT with other manufacturers and its reliability factor. Not a believer in extended warranties we became one due to the CVT and purchased it. We have had the Legacy for one week and it is simply FANTASTIC. Solid, roomy, polished and spirited are just to start. Very Germanic feeling. Excellent build quality so far. No rattles or vibrations. For a family sedan handles great. We ordered ours with the HK radio for the blue tooth phone and media hub. Blue tooth works great and very clear and easy to use. Will update if anything changes.

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  Never Regretted Choice - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Sue In Penn - December 31 - 12:20 am

  My first Subaru was a 2000 Outback Wagon which I traded in after 115,000 miles (but was still performing fine). I did not hesitate to get another Subaru but I wanted something different so I got the Legacy sedan. It handles so great in fast curves that it makes me feel like a professional driver. As with the Outback, Ive learned to absolutely love driving in the snow and despite driving a 70 mile roundtrip commute (in Pennsylvania) Ive never missed a day of work due to snow. I work at a hospital and am on-call and have to have a reliable way to quickly arrive following an emergency call in and this car has never let me down. Ive passed many stranded vehicles... even big SUVs.

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  SUBARU GT LTD LEGACY - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By GERALD EGNA - December 1 - 9:33 pm

  This is my third Subaru, and the best. Previously had 1999 Outback, 2002 Outback and now 05 GT Limited Legacy. This is by far the most fun to drive car I have owned. I have had quite a few people ask me about my car, and highly recommend it.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By Bostonian - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the price tag. Yes, it lacks some horsepower, yes it could have a little nicer interior, but for the money, this is a great car. Very nice handling, has plenty of pep for everday driving, passing, etc... Beautiful looking exterior, and the leather interior is definately top notch. I take frequent trips to northern vermont for skiing, and have not problems. Tears through snow, comfortable for lengthy drives, good sounds system, and just an overall safe car with airbags, etc...

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  Theres something about a subaru - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Just bought - November 14 - 12:23 pm

  I just bought a new azurite blue 2.5 cvt legacy and have been pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the ride is. So much that I find it easier to feel sleepy in lol! Ive owned a 2002 wrx and didnt expect the acceleration to be as it was on that vehicle because the focus was on fuel economy this time. The roomy interior is almost cuv like. Coming from a coupe (civic ex) it seems cavernous, but it seems so much larger than most sedans too. This was a strong selling point while I was also considering a forester at the time as well. Turning radius makes u turns easy and quick! Im glad i cam back to a subie! Plus the drivers side seat is ideal for tall and short people, wonderful driver seats

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  One of the Best Used Car to Buy - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Wong - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car used in 2009. Now has 76,000 miles. Now, 5 years later the car runs just like new sill. The paint isnt the best but every car now has bad paint. There is only one rattle but only comes once in a long time other wise everyday its quiet. Some people complain about wind noise because of frame less window but I dont hear and I know there is no wind noise unless its 30 mph winds but even cars with framed windows will here that. Seats are comfortable for shorter trips. It doesnt have all the new toys that 2010 cars now have but you dont need it. Like back-up camera, gps, mp3, push start etc. If you can drive without the new toys this is a good car to buy with awd standard

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  Good family car for snow belt - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By OmahaNE - October 22 - 10:00 am

  As the title states, I feel this is one of the best family cars available for folks that have to deal with snow. I look at most other cars in this class and my decision came down to the VW Passat and the Subaru. The Subarus interior space, quiet ride and predicted reliability won-out. It has been almost a year and 10,000 miles and I am still happy with my decision. Fuel mileage has been great - 25 city and 30+ highway. The car has enough power and I would even say the engine sounds good. The car does require a lot of correction in a crosswind and stepping over the body skirts is annoying. The car is not sporty to drive. For example an Accord is much more nimble.