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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  Good car to own and drive - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By avkesq - April 8 - 2:52 am

  When my 1998 Subaru wagon bit the dust (failed transmission) after 168K miles, I decided to buy the new sedan, in late 2004. It now has over 60,000 miles and is still running well. This car provides the best mix of comfort, performance, fuel economy and road grip/stability that I have come across. I travel a lot and have used a number of rental cars (many brand new), but the Subaru beats them all. Highway fuel economy is at 29mpg, provided I keep at or below 65mph. Acceleration is good when I flip to Sports mode, enabling me to join the freeway from the ramp with lots of power to spare, and agility and road grip make me feel safe. Truly fun car to drive for the money, and very safe.

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  Surprised - 2013 Subaru Legacy
  By jchez - March 23 - 1:55 am

  After owning Audis I am more than a little surprised. Build quality (ie. timing chain vs. belt) is very solid, it is understandable why Subarus push the mileage limits. CVT trans offers a low hum in city driving but have been told that this will disappear around the 5K mark

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  Good, but not Great - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By havertownrider - February 19 - 11:49 am

  We bought this car used in 2008. I negotiated the full warranty for a new car, 6 yrs and 100,000 miles, it expired in in october 2010 and soon after our transmission fluid and oil covers both leaked. Cost $500 to fix. It has been solid, but not what we expected. It is our first subaru and we are hoping to get 150K miles out of it. We bought with 45K and now have 75K. A few other nuiances are breaking down too but nothing major. I hope this last repair shop visit will last.

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  Austin GT Limited Sedan - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Danny Kemp - February 14 - 1:00 am

  The only issue that I have had with this car is thaat the a headlight will burn out every six months or so. I am not too crazy about the gas mileage, but with the way it can zoom around, I overlooked it. Due to the fact that there arent that many Subarus around in comparison to the rest of the cars on the road, people always ask me, "What kinda car is that?" I answer, and they return a strange look. I guess some people have a bad view of subarus. All in all, a good car, solid ride, and decently comfortable.

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  Not Just for a Niche Market Anymore - 2015 Subaru Legacy
  By xrodriguez1992 - February 6 - 5:21 am

  Test drove numerous mid-size family sedans and ended up with the 2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium in Carbide Grey Metallic. Two weeks in and Im very happy with my choice. Living in the northeast means traction is important during the winter months and the Subaru delivers with its Symmetrical AWD system. Ive never had an issue getting to work and Ive always felt safe driving this car. I got the base 2.5i premium with no extra options (no Eyesight, moonroof or navigation). This is still a very nicely equipped car for the money.

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  Great little rig - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By subipharm - February 5 - 1:03 pm

  This has been a great wagon for me so far. I bought it with 145,000 miles on it few months back. It had all scheduled maintenance records and had the head gaskets replaced so it has been running like a champ. -The engine has ample power with the 5 speed, it can zip around town just fine and get up to speed quickly on highways. The car cruises nicely at 70mph. Plenty of head room and leg room for driver and passengers. Overall this car is a great value, reliable, handles great in rain/snow with AWD, and styling still looks good 10 years later! I would highly recommend this vehicle as family car or vehicl for outdoors people.

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  First impressions 06 2.5i Wagon - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By dave - January 20 - 12:33 pm

  Ive had it for a week or so now and taken one road trip. I cross-shopped against a Mazda 06 and a used BMW 3 series (I could get an 02 for around the same price). Compared to the BMW it wasnt quite as nice and the engine wasnt quite as smooth, but it was surprisingly close. Throw in the difference in cost and the Subaru was the value point. I also considered the GT. With the lower mileage, the higher purchase price and the need for premium fuel and the softer tires, the GT cost an additional $10k over the life of the vehicle. May be worth it for some, but not me. Ive found the handling great. Acceleration was adequate, but not fantastic. I love the interior. A fun to drive car.

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  Solid Subaru - 2013 Subaru Legacy
  By falsesmall1 - January 16 - 7:06 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for about a month, scoring on excellent president day sales. My first Subaru. Very solid feel to this car. Engine/CVT still breaking in but performing nicely. Excellent gas mileage-up to 33MPG highway. Combined around 27mpg. Handles well on dry and wet pavements even with the crappy Bridgestone tires it came with. Havent driven in the snow yet, but I expect it will really shine then. The ride is firm but a bit choppy. Road noise is present but well within acceptable limits. The drivers seat and position is stellar, as is the visability. The "upgraded" six speaker stereo is fair at best. Overall, a reliable car that does most everything well with AWD standard!

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  Best Deal out there: Legacy - 2013 Subaru Legacy
  By talkgtr - December 29 - 9:16 pm

  Our new 2013 legacy is fun to drive, looks great and is comfortable. I come for a long line of SAABs and am spoiled by great seats, the Legacy isnt as plush but they are firm and offer very good support. The Nav system is better than our Honda Odyssey. On my first tank of gas Ive averaging 25.2 in mostly city driving. This is the Limited model w/ upgraded stereo, works great w/ my iPhone 4s, downloaded my phone book w/o issue. With a EQ few tweaks, it sounds fine. I had shopped the Impreza but the Legacy is just more car, quieter on the road, better seats and stereo. Very happy w/ my choice.

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  Great value - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By mgraze - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Recently test drove the special edition Legacy wagon. Impressed with the value in the package. Very nice ride and handling. At first acceleration seemed underwhelming but I found out that you have to really floor it to get the trans to kick down and get the engin into the higher rev range. Once you stomp on it, it goes pretty good. This thing is huge inside with the seats folded down. The cargo capacity rivals the much taller Honda CRV. I thought the interior was of good quality for the price range. Exterior styling is understated but it kind of grows on you. Overall, I think it is a great alternative to an SUV.