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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  ride in luxury without the cost - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By mary li - August 25 - 4:00 pm

  do your homework. work with reliable sources. talk with friends and/or Subaru owners. If the dealership works with you ie no pressure than you can work with them.

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  2011 Subaru Legacy Drivers Side Window Malfunction - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By nwusa - August 22 - 11:33 am

  We ordered this car October 2010 and it was delivered November 2010. Within the first couple of weeks (December 2010), the drivers side electric window, began to malfunction. 1. Window (inside door panel) would make a "ping" "clunk" sound, and engine idle is affected. 2. When drivers window is down, on occasion the window cannot be made to roll itself back up without multiple attempts, but always does roll up. (2-12 attempts). 3. The drivers window will on occasion roll down completely on its own. On one occasion the window has done this when it was only partly up. Usually when driving and window all the way up. New switch and then motor did not solve problem.

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  Shaking steering wheel - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Shaked not stirred - August 19 - 10:00 am

  Dealer said it would be go away after few 100 miles but still persistent. Roadforce balancing, and changing steering wheel part havent fixed the shakes.

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  2nd Subaru went south - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Daniel - August 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Subaru but there wont be a third one. I thought the vibration on steering wheel issue has been addressed on 2011 models but they havent done much. After road force balancing and the part change on steering wheel, it still vibrates after 65/mph.

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  Rugged, agile, attractive and a bargain - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By John - August 18 - 7:03 am

  We bought this car after a whole year of online research and test drives. Completely satisfied after a month of ownership. We needed a safe car for our 5-year-old twins, and the Legacy is definitely that. Its also a real pleasure to drive. The overall impression is that its extremely solid, but also very agile (not an easy combination). Steering is just about perfect -- responsive and precise. The engine is smooth and has good torque. Visibility is great. Simple, no hassle driving and parking. Interior design is very handsome and oozes quality. Not a large car, but big enough for a family of 4. Superior value for the money. Ill post again after driving in winter conditions.

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  Head gasket at 75k - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Tyler Flanagan - August 17 - 4:43 am

  Stay away. My head gasket went at 75k miles and the repair is $2500. This is one of many Subaru makes and years with head gasket issues.

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  Great value - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Sam - August 15 - 4:05 pm

  I have the 2016 Legacy 4cyl Limited for 5 months with ~3500 miles on it. Something to share for folks who might consider this car: 1) excellent road holding - it was very stable and handled turns smoothly in the mountain roads of Blue Ridge pkwy; 2) quiet cabin - first few weeks it sounded loud when starting up but after about 1000 miles break-in it is now very quiet; 3) fuel economy - from DC to NC 280 miles it was 35 MPG with 1/3 in heavy traffic; 4) Adaptive cruise control - rarely need to hit the gas or break, the car does it for you and automatically follows the car in front; 5) poor map operation - confusing and redundant; you need hit five times to "Go Home" everytime; my $100 Garmin just needs one hit; 6) no backup beeping but camera works just fine. Overall I give this car a four and half star.

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  Didnt buy after overnight take home - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By T. HALL - August 13 - 4:53 am

  Very nice car. Good pricing. Was a tight squeeze for a short driver to get out without pushing the seat back. Not good enough acceleration in the lowest engine size. Mild road noise. Didnt care for stubby look to the front view of the car. Otherwise, great car.

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  more go less show - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By RJJ - August 10 - 2:00 am

  The gearing makes the 165 hp legacy GT feel quick and responsive. Its definitely lower geared which makes it accelerate aggressively but also results in the engine running at higher RPM at speed, e.g. 3750 rpm @ 80 mph. It could use a 6 speed transmission. Even at that speed/rpm the interior is quiet and the ride is smooth. The car handles beautifully and easily outcorners everything else in its price range. Overall the car feels very sporty and is a fun vehicle to drive.

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  Beautiful and fun to drive - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Lulu - August 5 - 1:43 pm

  Bought this for my wife who had been driving a van for 8 years. Got 32 mpg on first trip to visit daughter in college. Fun to drive in the snow up to our mountain cabin. Still feels like a luxury car to us. Wife wanted a BMW but really loves her Legacy. I love it too and hope to convince her to let me get an Outback. The headlights are weird in that they only light up the road right in front of you. There is a line of darkness that makes it dangerous on hills. Turning on the bright lights fix the problem so its not a insurmountable problem. The dealer says they are aligned right and cant fix it. Subaru says they have had others people report this problem.