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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  Like the car but some oddball early issues - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By wmasubie11 - August 2 - 9:34 am

  The interior front drivers sill trim recently popped up and wont stay down (will address that on next service). Bridgestone tires leave much to be desired. Noisy, and at 4,800 miles I had to replace one due to a non-repairable punture. I then found out these tires are very pricey ($175), dont have a good wear rating (260), and on Tire Rack on a scale of 1-10 only 1.9 said they would buy again. Got a check engine light on a trip and Subaru had the car towed. In the end it was a ripped gas filler gasket that caused the problem, but the dealer in Upstate NY said theyve seen more and more of this issue. A nice car but Subaru has some work to do to get it to the next level.

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  Excellent fun! - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By JimHinCO - July 25 - 1:10 am

  I simply love everything about the car. Amazingly fun to drive, excellent performance, luxurious, unique, safe, and the envy of so many friends. I have a slight buzz from the sun roof from time to time, and I do wish it would have come in a color worthy of its flashiness...but amazing none-the-less.

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  Review from Desert Environment - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By iouae - July 24 - 3:29 am

  bought my 2.5 B sport in 2009, now it has 120K miles on it, still feels as good as new. Super reliable, and as good as it runs in snow, so it does in the desert. Corners like a dream and the power is okay. depreciation is way lower than you would expect in this harsh environment in UAE. MPG is not that great, but who cares since Gas here is so cheap. The only cons here are the cheap sound system they send to this region, and the air noise insulation is poor, this gets annoying since most of the time we travel on highways in Dubai!

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  This is the car youve been waiting for. - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Matt - July 22 - 4:33 am

  An excellent, smooth ride. Stable, very little body roll even when accelerating into turns. Instrument panel and console layout well done. Smooth acceleration, smooth stops. Originally considered SE but the Limited boasts a lot of features that more than justify the increase in cost, though both trims drive exactly the same. Seats are comfortable, power seats & telescoping/tilt wheel easy to find your sweet spot in the drivers seat. The 2.5 4-cylinder is more than enough power. If you are considering a mid-size sedan, the safety features of this Subaru more than make up for the sacrifice of a few MPG with a FWD/RWD car.

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  2.5 GT Ltd Wagon 5M - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Mountain Man - July 19 - 3:16 am

  This car is a real sleeper--its stylish yet conservative looks dont reveal the sporting performance unleashed behind the wheel. As a wagon, its incredibly utilitarian and practical, tons of fun, very comfortable and a great value compared to other AWD wagons priced similarly and higher. Subaru finally has a car which can compete on many levels with the more upscale entry-luxury and luxury models. No, this isnt a luxury car, but the appointments, comfort, performance, style and price make a compelling package. Costs much less than the smaller, heavier, slower but more luxurious Audi A4 Avant 2.0T. Gives the Volvo V50 T5 AWD a run for the money. 2005 VW Passat 4Motion cant compete.

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  Sold on Subaru - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By rich man - July 17 - 10:30 am

  I bought a Subaru because I like the performance & handling of a German car but wanted the reliability & value of a Japanese car. I got exactly that. The only problem in two years has been a dash rattle that the dealer fixed with a foam jam (I know, but its not a luxury brand). It would be nice to get over 30 mpgs, but the trade-off is outstanding traction, performance and safety. Having survived a serious accident, safety is a major concern of mine. No regrets here. This is my first Subaru and I know it will be hard to talk myself into buying anything else again.

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  Awesome - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By mike - July 13 - 3:03 am

  This car is awesome. Getting 30 mpg overall and beautiful leather and features you wont find anywhere for under 35,000 dollars!! Heated wipers and washer fluid, All wheel drive, heated seats with 4 settings and heated mirrors, this car is awesome. This car has been excellent for the past week Ive owned it.

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  Test drive one, youll believe - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By mysubiesnew - July 6 - 1:43 pm

  I have not yet recorded 900 miles on my 09 Legacy 2.5i Limited, and I am very happy with my decision. It handles better than any car Ive owned, looks better, and is more refined interior for less money than any of the other sedans I tested. Subaru has a reputation for being an incredibly safe vehicle and that meant a lot to me. This is my first Subaru, but I hope not my last.

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  A decent AWD car - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Shyam - June 29 - 4:10 am

  I have the base model and I like the CVT Transmission that is smooth in transition. Unlike most people complained, acceleration is not poor or bad and actually its good and got better after I changed my airfilter to K&N. Its roomy and the ride quality is good. However, I would prefer that Subaru improves the ride quality and make it more cushy drive with soft ride especially on bumps and on pot holes, suspension is not helping. My car fish tailed at least in two incidences of snow despite the symmetrical AWD and the dealership and Subaru could not find anything wrong and did not give a satisfactory explanation. This is my second Subaru after I tradein my 2015 Subaru Impreza which I felt was a better car in snow and never fishtailed. I get a decent mileage on Legacy averaging about 32 which is comparably good considering the all wheel drive.

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  Definitely wont buy another Subaru... - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By subaru_andrew - June 27 - 10:40 pm

  I purchased this car new in April 2004 and have since put approximately 97500 miles on it. Build quality isnt too good; I have experienced engine knock when cold since 20000 miles. Dealer wouldnt touch the issue, saying its typical for these engines. Cold (under 20 degree F) starts are painful, sometimes requiring 4 or 5 tries before the engine will stay running. Ive had the A/C lose charge twice (dealer and independent shop cannot find leak, so it gets charged once a year) and had the clutch bind and squeak. Dealer replaced the clutch, didnt fix the issue, I found a bad slave cylinder. Rear suspension sags at least 1.5" even with nothing in the trunk. But, I havent been stranded-yet!