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:

• 

  Wonderful car - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By Ownedlotsofcars - October 16 - 6:46 am

  I bought my 2002 Subaru Legacy wagon used in 2006. It has been sensational, reliable, fun to drive, easy to handle, just a fine automobile. Things Ive had to repair: cooling system has a minute leak somewhere that was stopped with additive; moon roof stopped popping up but the sun roof (yes its a double moon/sun roof!) works just fine, so the moon roof pop up hardware just needs to be re- engaged. Im going to have to replace the head gasket soon, but Im putting it off and putting up with the small leak stain I have in my garage. For a used car, though, its hard to imagine a better buy. Im a pretty assertive drive. I drive the crap out of this thing and it has never let me down.

• 

  5th Subi - 2015 Subaru Legacy
  By leebo4 - October 7 - 9:25 am

  This is my 5th subi and 1st Legacy. In the past, it was either the Forester or the Outback and they were/are very solid cars. Not very pretty to look at but very practicle and comfortable. This Legacy is a different than the rest. More conscious toward younger and new users. Bit more techie and more sporty. In some sense this is a good thing, but for me this ride is hard to get use to. It is firm...like 90 BMW firm. On a smooth surfaces all is well, but on uneven roads, it gets busy, really busy. Unfortunately, where I live, there are not too many buttery roads. I will have to wait and see how my body will adapt to the car. Honestly, I see back ache returning.

• 

  Our first Subaru MIGHT not be our last... - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By TIE - September 25 - 2:10 pm

  Purchased the car two weeks and 1200 miles ago - still breaking it in, so to speak, but here are a few observations: (1) Excellent fuel economy. Dont abuse it and youll get excellent mileage. Using the paddle shifters go a long way towards accomplishing this as the CVT logic sometimes seems to search for the right gear. Dont let it guess - do it yourself. On a recent rural 35-mile trip, the MPG computer showed 37 mpg!! Ive also compared actual mpg calculated as miles/gallons being only about 1 mpg lower than the computer. (2) Excellent road handling. This thing is a blast to drive out of a corner - give it some power coming out of a corner and you can feel the rear wheels push you out. Those used to rear wheel drive wont be impressed but if youre used to front wheel drive youll immediately notice the difference. The lower center of gravity due to the flat four (boxer) engine design is also noticeable - car has minimal body roll compared to my old Accord. (3) Decent acceleration. Its no rocket but I have yet to be wanting for power, although off-the-line seems a bit hesitant (more a fault of the CVT than engine). Shifting from reverse to drive also seems to take a long fraction of a second - again, blame the CVT. I should note, however, that this CVT is the best Ive driven (Altima, Accord, several hybrids...). It does a good job mimicing a traditional 6-speed auto, especially when you put the foot down. (4) Wind and road noise. Yikes, this is an improved noise level over previous gens? Really? Wind noise is noticeable over 35 mph. Road noise is also noticeable but thats probably due to the substandard Goodyear OEM tires. Im hoping an upgrade will fix that and I hope that the dealer will find a problem with the weatherstripping around the windows. (5) Questionable seat comfort. It took me a while to get a good, comfortable drivers position. There are still times that the seat seems overly hard. Im hoping that, like my previous Honda, the seats will eventually break in and feel better. So... if the car "breaks in" nicely and these little niggles are taken care of, this is an excellent car.

• 

  Update on bad seats from 4/28/10 - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Steve G - September 23 - 3:03 am

  I have now had the Legacy for 4 months and about 3000 miles. After $700 spent on 5 trips to an auto upholstery shop for modifications to the driver’s seat, the driver’s seat, while not comfortable, is now tolerable. The adjustable lumbar support works by pushing the foam padding, which is quite rigid, deeper into your back. It is not inflatable as I first thought. I had this seat back foam trimmed and had additional foam in the shape of a wedge and made from softer, less dense foam, added to the seat cushion. I can now drive the car for 2-3 hours without getting a back ache.

• 

  Very reliable ride! - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By Legacy Lover - September 22 - 5:36 am

  I bought this vehicle new in summer of 2000. It has proven to be a very well made and reliable car. The only glitch has been an engine knock sensor that malfunctioned at 70,000 miles and had to be replaced. This repair cost less than $125. Otherwise, I replaced the tires and performed scheduled maintenance. Feels like a sports car to drive! Goes great in snow and ice with all weather, siped tires, but this Sedan has lower ground clearance than the Outback, so 8" or more of snow can be difficult.

• 

  Air Flow and Media Hub problems? - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By legacy66 - September 6 - 11:15 pm

  This is my first subaru - shortly after I had made my decisions to purchase an Acura, I stumbles across a Subaru dealership and was totally sold on the Legacy. I do have 2 concerns/problems Im wondering if anyone else is having...? The heater/ac airflow on the floor only setting pushes out way more air from the dash/windshield defroster. This is particularly irritating on a cold, sunny day. The upper part of the car becomes too hot, and the lower part where your feet are is too cold. I also had a media hub installed for my IPod and it makes a clicking noise whenever I play it in the car. Ive had the car serviced and they tell me both issues "are working as designed". ???

• 

  Watch out...suddenly its gone - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By unhappyexsubaruowner - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Radiator gave out (after only 75,000 miles). Although I pulled over right away, the result was cracked heads, rings, etc...they wont know the extent of the damage until they start working on it, but at minimum the repair s more than the car is worth. Subarus service after the sale is pathetic. In my experience, the service department has bordered on incompetent. In this latest case, the dealer offered to "take the car off my hands" for nothing, so long as I bought another car off him. So their solution was to sell me another car without consideration for the fact that the other car they sold me died after only 75,000 miles. Thanks for nothing.

• 

  Empirical improvements over other legacy years - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By G Dog - September 2 - 12:49 pm

  We showed up at our local subaru dealership to look at a few low mile off-lease legacies that seemed fairly priced. 13s, 14s and 15s. Its worth noting that the sixth generation models benefited substantially from the small increase in power and what the dealer claimed were adjustments to the CVT powertrain. Stand on the accelerator of the 2013 and the vehicle sounds like the engine is racing, but there is very little corresponding acceleration. The chain is racing but the gears dont engage until the speeds match up. For the small increase in HP, it seems they got some of that worked out - the car doesnt get up and run away, but neither do you feel like your driving in a half-neutral gear with a slipping transmission. Another improvement is in the cabin soundproofing. The 2017 had much less road noise. And finally, it should be noted that the standard backup camera is really an asset vs. earlier offerings as the view out the back window - while better than many cars - is still restrictively high. We decided to go with a lease on the 2017 based on those considerations, and also dealers seem to be ordering far more PZEVs now than in the past, which Id take any day over a hybrid with heavy metal batteries that will require a strict EPA compliance when reprocessing (shipped off for reprocessing in China or elsewhere where cutting corners on environmental compliance is not uncommon), and the PZEV cost us nothing extra to get in a 2017 lease - I figure its because the residual with that feature gets a slight boost due to the higher exhaust warranty.

• 

  First Time Subaru Owner - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Tom - August 17 - 12:50 am

  Had a terrible time in the winter last year so I wanted something that would provide better driving so with the AWD Subaru was at the top of the list. The 2010 redesign caught my eye. It is now just as roomy as the Accord and Camry that I tried out and was quieter than the Accord. I chose it over the Camry due to the AWD. Although not as spirited in the engine from a start it is plenty powerful and cruises nice. I just hope the seats break in faster.

• 

  2002 subaru GT sedan - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By nd - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought in November. Seems like a solid car. To early to tell about reliability. Live in the northeast. Have had three storms since buying the car.Great in the snow.