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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  Feeling good - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Subahonda - January 18 - 9:43 pm

  The interior is nicely detailed and very modern - the interior and exterior look like Subaru has tired cloning an Audi A4 wagon with some success. Best gas mileage so far is only 28 mpg on the highway - should improve with more miles on it. The non-turbo engine is much better than the older ones (my 95 Legacy is slower and less sporty) - certainly more than adequate for normal driving. The auto heat system is baffling and some things are missing that are in the competition (VSC, 5 or 6 speed auto, telescoping steering, auto up windows, integrated key fob). But the AWD trumps everything else - remarkable handling and control under any condition. Impressive crash test results from IIHS!

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  Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Hamilton - January 18 - 7:20 pm

  This is my second Subaru and all I can say is Subaru has done it again. With the new redesigned interior, the car is a dream to look at, and can easily fit 5 to 6 adults comfortably. As far as performance, the car not only handles like a dream (smooth and efficient) but the 3.6L 6 cylinder engine is a monster. Overall I am extremely happy with my new Subaru, and i would highly recommend taking a look at this car before spending a lot more on other cars whose performance doesnt even compare.

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  2003 Legacy Sedan - Excellent Family Car - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By dupre29 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I researched many cars, including Camry, and Accord, for my family with a max price of $20-21K. I was very pleased to see the Legacy sedan in this price range. I reviewed not only the specs of the car, including AWD, but the crash tests as well. If you do your homework, and you want the absolute most safe sedan under 21K for your family, pick this vehicle! We love it!

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  My Sports Sedan - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By genee - January 16 - 1:46 pm

  This is my 3rd Subaru. Although I love my Outbacks, my goal was to treat myself to a fun-to-drive awd sedan w/great handling and smooth, powerful acceleration. Oh yes, I want the one w/all the perks too. Mission accomplished! For someone who hadnt driven a turbo, I needed to adjust (and Im glad I did). I test drove this car 4 times at various dealerships to make sure this car was for me. Im sure.

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  Fun - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By SoloK - January 10 - 10:06 am

  I traded in a BMW 3 series wagon that, compared to the Legacy GT, drives like a truck. My daughter has an Audi A4 and that also does not compare. This car is more fun than any car I have owned. It accelerates wonderfully and handles well. It is very nimble and agile. I dont mind running errands because the car is so fun. There are some niceties that the BMW did have - like memory seats and mirrors - that this car is missing, but well worth the trade off. Best with a manual transmission.

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  Legacy GT-- Best Bang for the Buck - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By wsholar - January 10 - 5:40 am

  Thrilled with my GT-- fast, nimble, stable, smooth, comfortable, quiet, reliable, and practical. What more could you possibly want from a $25K sport sedan? Maybe a German badge?

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  Loving the Legacy - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Frank - January 6 - 8:33 am

  This is the first non pick up or SUV I have owned since 1986. I wanted a car but also wanted 4WD or AWD. I think the Legacy fits the bill perfectly. It drives and handles great. I think the exterior redesign is sharp and most people that see it for the first time cannot believe it is a Subaru. The interior is very sporty and comfortable. I am looking forward to using the All Weather Package this winter.

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  Nice Car - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Danlo - January 2 - 7:56 am

  I bought my Legacy used with 7000 miles. After 2 months of driving, this car is trouble free. Havent driving on snow yet. This is my first Subaru & I am very happy with this car. Gas mileage is around 25 combined & 34 on highway. Only complains are loud engine noise when cold starts & lack of storage.

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  Excellent job but not flawless - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Avishar - December 30 - 5:40 am

  Everything good has already been said. Irreplaceable problems include horrible sensitivity on key (goes off while in your pocket), the stuttering phenomena (when accelerating from low rpms), inability to replace deck, clutch stink syndrome for beginning mileage. These are minor quibbles however which you can easily get used to and overlook for the brilliance of things like performance, reliability, sleeper looks, elegant interior, and of course the AWD 250 HP Turbo setup. Definitely worth considering as a competitor to 3 series, A4, S40, 9-3, TSX, TL, etc. To me the decision was made not after looking at it but driving it; in terms of performance and joy of driving TSX is only competition.

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  2013 Subaru Legacy Sport - 2013 Subaru Legacy
  By pedrobud1 - December 26 - 7:56 pm

  I narrowed my search down to two cars, the Subaru Legacy Sport and the VW Passat TDI. Both impressed me but living in Vermont, the AWD made the most sense. I must say I am very impressed with the Legacy Sport. I am averaging over 31 miles per gallon with mostly highway miles. Great looking car and handles very well. Sport has 18 inch wheels but wish it had 16 or 17 inch wheels which would cost far less when I changed tires. Ride is nice and smooth though with the sport model, I suspect the regular Legacy models have less stiff suspension. My family has owned several Subarus and have never had a problem. Highly recommended !