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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  My first Subaru - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By eric - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought my first Subaru because I wanted a reliable car, good gas mileage, and all wheel drive. I dont really know how reliable it is because Ive only had it a year. I got all that with this car except for a clunking noise thats coming from the brakes when you first start the car after its been sitting a while. I step on the brakes and it sounds like the calipers are stiff when they squeeze the brake pads.

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  500 miles and counting - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By coneycone - May 26 - 12:43 am

  So far so good! Moved into the SUBI world from a pontiac grand prix gtp. I love the AWD, the overall looks, internal and external! Could use a wee bit more power, but all in all, you really cant beat the price for a brand new 4 door sedan! I bought a 2008 Pearl White Legacy 2.5i se. Sharp car, rides awesome, could use some better gas mileage, but i give this car a 8.5 outta 10!!

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  Not a happy Subaru owner - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Subaru Sufferer - May 25 - 8:18 pm

  I bought this car hoping for years of good service. The first clue should have been the expensive “official Subaru” extra mechanical warranty. The car clatters when it starts, rides rough, has wind and road noise issues, came with defective foam in rear arm rest, seat, and the cloth is terrible- horrible to keep clean. Oh and have already gotten to replace all four tires since they were to old to just buy one when it lost a tire due to a stick- it broke a cord in the low budget factory tire. As far as support from Subaru? Forget about it. This is a train wreck of depreciation to boot, so I will get to hate on this car for years! I hate this car!

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  Overrated car. - 2013 Subaru Legacy
  By mperillo - May 22 - 6:31 pm

  I had the 2010 Subaru Legacy and it was a great car so I got the 2013 Legacy. Big mistake. They changed the suspension and now the car has a harsh, noisy, jittery ride. From a great car to a lousy one. I get 17 mpg city, 34 highway. There is no noticeable improvement in handling nor any improvement in mpg. OEM tires are not good. Theyre noisy and neutralize any benefit you get from an awd vehicle. Subaru lost me as a returning customer. Will not buy/lease one again.

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  Legacy - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By Legacy - May 12 - 6:26 am

  I am an average driver, and this car has been full of issues. First the check engine light kept coming on, and took it in about 4 times with no luck. (can’t find a good Subaru dealer) After warranty was over a non Subaru mechanic found the threads to the knock sensor were striped, causing it to bounce around and get a false signal. Then at 35,000 miles the rear wheel bearing went out. There have been 2 recalls on it, a coolant additive was put in to help prevent issues with the bad head gasket design, and a rear suspension issues was the other. Now at 100,000 miles, the transmission is acting up. Should have bought a Chevy or a Ford, I never had issues like this with them.

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  WOW! What a car! - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By eppharmd - May 8 - 9:40 am

  Excellent handling, good gas mileage, fun to drive , exceptionally comfortable, best car Ive ever owned

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  Best Subaru ever - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By subieluver - May 4 - 11:13 pm

  This is my wife and my fourth Legacy. All have been exceptionally reliable and competent, but Subaru has hit the ball out of the park with the new car. Interior room on the 2010 is outstanding. No longer do you have to give up space to drive a Legacy. Also the CVT transmission is awesome on the highway. NO ONE makes an AWD car that will achieve the highway mileage like this Subaru. We were already sold on Subarus, this being our fifth, but in our first 6 weeks of ownership I can say we like this one best of all. All that remains to be seen is winter performance, but with all the Subaru AWD engineering under its belt, I doubt well have much to worry about when the white stuff starts.

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  2011 Legacy - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By james212 - April 30 - 11:09 am

  I have 5500 miles on my new Legacy and I like the car better then I thought I would. The car has some quirks. It idles high when cold. The electronic parking brake can be applied while driving. The car does not have a pass through into the trunk behind the rear seat arm rest. There are no shimmies or vibrations however my car was parked out in a blizzard and ice or snow created alarming vibrations above 35 mph. It went away after some driving. The dealership had no additional explanation. The Harmon-Karden sound system can sound muddy at highway speeds. Gas filler release door has on backup except to force it open. When the transmission is cold it does not want to shift.

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  What a Car! - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Mike - April 29 - 7:53 pm

  What a car! After 12 years and 195,000 miles I visited my local Suby dealer in hopes of replacing my 1993 Impreza with an 05 or 06 Impreza. The 93 served me well, and is still running great today. Instead I was floored by my original sighting of the 2006 Legacy. One drive and I was hooked. I passed on the Impreza and scooped up a beautiful Legacy 2.5i SE. 5 speed. Silver metallic with a great looking two tone black interior. This car hits the mark in almost every category. looks, great performer for its category, comfort and overall user friendly interior and controls. I ungraded the unit with a rear spoiler, and fog light package. People often mistake my little Suby for an Acura. Love it.

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  Everyone should own this car! - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Zac - April 26 - 7:46 am

  My wife and I have owned this vehicle for just about 7 months and were enjoying every mile in it. The quality of the interior is impeccable and so well designed in terms of ergonomics. Everything seems to be in its natural location. The endless supply of torque power this car has to offer is overwhelming and will make anybody feel confident behind the wheel. The confidence doesnt only come from the immense amount of power, but it comes from the symmetrical AWD system. I just cant say enough about this car it was truly one of the best decisions we made. It was worth the wait. Hey it wasnt Car of the Year in Japan twice for nothing. Think of the competition it had to beat!