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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  AWD Confidence with Style - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By subiefan - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Traded in 01 Subaru Outback Wagon for this car. It has so many great standard features. It was a tough decision between the L Special Edition and the GT but I was a sucker for the heated seats and mirrors and the leather seating. I also went from a straight drive to Auto so I like the Sport Shift on the GT. These cars look great with a spoiler on the back.

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  Family safe but sporty - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Rob - April 1 - 10:46 am

  I originally looked at this car as it was the best price for the amenities. 5 Star safety, power everything, AWD, 4 cyl gas mileage, plus it has the history of Subaru quality. What I found out after I drove it was that I not only lost the bad mileage of a V6, but I gained the nice power of a 4 cyl Boxer engine. I have no problem getting onto highways, passing, I even safely avoided an accident with the cars superior handling. If youre looking for something safe, but dont want to feel like youre trading your youth, then this car is a must to test drive.

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  Love my Legacy! - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By New Subaru owner - March 24 - 6:40 pm

  When I was forced to abandon ownership of my Jetta because no one in my town was talented enough to fix it - I looked at the Subaru. I live in the mountains in NC - and thought that AWD would be a good idea. I bought a 2009 Legacy (2.5 Special Edition issue). Although the "pick up" isnt quite like my Jetta - everything else more than surpasses my expectations and desires. My favorite part is the stability - in rain (no ice yet, but am waiting for winter), the car handles hazardous road conditions like a magnet on steel. I was amazed. I also love the stereo system - especially since I can plug in my iPod. Now I can listen to Stephanie Miller podcasts on my way to work. I love my Subaru!

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  Excellent car thanks Subaru - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By RODOLFO MANNELLA - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Nice car. I have a nice time driving it hard in all weather like rain or on sand. Never have any issues, thanks you. Nice handling at corners and stopping, power good top.

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  Completely Impressed - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Teddy - March 6 - 11:53 pm

  Living in Utah I needed something that that could perform year round unlike my last car. I knew I needed AWD so Subaru was the first car I thought of. My buddy works at the dealer so I went over, saw the Legacy, took it for a test drive, then had them get the papers together. The look of the car inside and out really sold me. The AWD was also key. This has got to be, by far, the best car you can get for the price that has AWD. I love the standard features like the iPod hookup. The rear seats have plenty of leg and head room as well as the front seats. Unless Subaru changes their quality and styling, Ill be a customer for a long long time. Now if it would only snow to test the AWD...

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  The $20K Mercedes - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By jonster2 - February 24 - 6:19 am

  My Legacys about to go off-lease after 3 years and I still dont see many of this new design on the road. Last week I had to use my fathers 2001 Outback and Im astounded at how well theyve redone it. These cars have a long history of reliability. They are practically maintenance-free. Now that theyre full-size, I finally found myself in one and Im glad I did. I traded in my 97 BMW 528i after too many winters spent without traction control (in the Northeast). When I moved to the top of a hill, I knew I needed AWD. I researched Subaru and found they are the only car manufactured by Fuji Industries in Japan. It is a dream to drive and I never feel unsafe anymore.

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  Love It - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By NevadaSubie - February 13 - 9:16 am

  After owning an Audi A4 then having 2 kids I felt the need to trade it in for an SUV. My requirements were AWD and comfort. I never even considered a Subaru, (I had not seen the 2010) and was very pleasantly surprised. Upon test driving the 3.6R it instantly took me back to my days of owning my Audi, but with more comfort and room. Exterior noise is quiet, but not as silent as the Audi. I sat in the backseat of both the A6 and Legacy with my 62" husband comfortably in the drivers seat and it was roomier and easier to get in and out of the Legacy. I LOVE IT!!!

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  Nice Car - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By myturbo66 - February 12 - 2:37 am

  Just picked up my new GT today but wanted to give a quick review. GTs are very hard to find. I had to order it. 7 weeks later it came in. First of all let me say the car is extremely quiet. Also, the car has really good acceleration. The turbo is a blast to drive. There is also a ton of room in the car. I will write a follow up in a few months to give additional input. If you are looking for a family sedan that isnt an Accord or a Camry give it a try. Im glad I did.

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  The car to buy... - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By kohanlon - February 7 - 7:00 pm

  The all wheel drive, 250 hp engine, way it hugs the road, sharp look inside and outside, smooth ride, 6 airbags, gentle braking and overall fun make this car a great buy. It has everything a person needs and wants in a vehicle. It has the luxury to compete with more expensive cars, the power of a sports car and safety for your most precious cargo. All it will take is one test drive to prove to you that this is not the Subaru of old but one that fulfills the potential of a Subaru vehicle.

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  Exceptional Value - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By cpuuri - February 6 - 4:10 am

  I love this car! I spent 5+ years researching cars (hobby). I poured over reviews here, on the NHTSA complaints database and several other sites. The only serious complaint I read was about MPG. If you want MPG, dont get an AWD car. I challenge you to find a true AWD car with better MPG than this car. The AWD system is amazing now that they have VDC on it! I test drove an Audi A3 and A4, a Lexus IS 250 AWD, an Acura RL SH-AWD, a Volvo S40 AWD, and a Mercury Milan AWD. In winter driving, all of them had trouble engaging AWD fast enough on a packed snow turn and all struggled in fresh wet snow. The Legacy (and the new Impreza) had no problem. Love this car!