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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  2008 Subaru Legacy SE auto - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Jim - October 14 - 6:40 am

  I leased this car back in Dec. 2008, I got the silver one. In So Cal it is rare to see one in a week. Even Subaru owners here dont know what it is, they think it is a BMW. I love the look of the car the solid drive and very quiet, I can actually listen to the radio at number 4. I am 62 and I fit with with headroom to spare this is the first car that I can have a moon roof. When you push this car in the corners you can feel how well it handles. The trunk is a good size.

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  Needs Some work - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Mike - October 13 - 12:10 am

  As a life long Audi owner I had a hard time converting but the price and test drive convinced me to go Subaru. So far after only 300 miles I have found the steering to be average with shaking at speeds above 60 (Subaru Service says this is a known issue with no known fix yet). Highway handling is fair with several corrections needed to keep the car straight. Compared to the German brethren this car lacks driving exhilaration. On the plus the car is roomy, and priced well. The styling actually grows on you. The braking is superb. Good utility car but dont expect a lot of driving wow. Ask about the wheel shake when buying.

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  Sub #6 - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Passnthru - October 11 - 3:30 am

  This is Subaru #6 for us. Seems great so far, lots of features, quiet and smooth. Best mileage of the six, avgeraging over 30 mpg in the first 3,000 miles. It doesnt feel quite as fast as our 01 GT was. Nice alloy wheels. Storage is good. Love the black metal flake paint. Headlights are awesome, providing great lighting. Also enjoy the trip computer, outside temperature and two resetable odometers. And the fact that you cant lock the keys in the ignition anymore. Most outstanding is the value for the dollar. There is nothing that comes close for less than $20K. One friend said "that looks like a seriously expensive car!" Probably less than half the cost of her SUV!

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  Incremental Improvements => Good Value - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By redeft321 - October 6 - 10:00 am

  We have driven a 1996 Legacy Brighton 5 speed 120K miles, and just purchased a 2002 Legacy L wagon wi 5 speed. Subarus strategy has been to make many improvements on a good base car instead of running wi short cycle of major reengineering and redesign. Like VWs strategy of the 60s and 70s, this has allowed Fuji Heavy Industries to spread major design and tooling costs over longer multiyear production runs. The benefits of this strategy, wi modest yen depreciation, reflected in value. Our 1996 Brighton cost us $15300 with self financing. 2002 L Wagon with the improvements and added standard equipment noted below cost us $18500 with 1.9 percent 24 month financing.

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  Subaru Legacy Limited Edition - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By Janneth Bethea - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I truly enjoy driving my Subaru Legacy Limited Edition. During the winter months, I never worried about getting stranded or having car trouble. This car is extremely reliable and very affordable. Its in a class by itself. Many of my friends are not familiar with the Subaru. We they see me they think its a Volvo, Saab or one of the expensive sedans. Yes, I love the comfort and the sleek look of my car. I highly recommended this well kept secreat.

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  Real World Performance - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Dr Dave - September 26 - 5:50 pm

  As a forty something that wants practicality, fun, style, and drives regularly on the winter worn mountains of North Idaho, the Subaru Legacy GT about perfectly fits the bill. I regularly drive a 40 mile commute up an interstate mountain pass, then take the old highway, (now partly gravel, mostly partly broken pavement, with wonderful banks and curves). The GT handles the interstate curves smoothly and quickly, extremely stable. On gravel and rough pavement, my Playstation Gran Turismo experience is transformed into real life. Absolutely tight body and chassis, and so far no reliability problems.

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  Spec. B. - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Roger Wickersham - September 24 - 5:50 am

  I was looking at the Audi A3 or A4 and the Cadillac CTS and then I drove the Legacy and knew Id found the right car. Its beautifully finished with maroon leather seats (I think they call it Dark Brick). My car is the Spec. B version and the handling is the best of any car Ive ever owned. Very predictable and agile, but not jarring like my old Trans Am. Its also nice to know it was made in Indiana. I appreciate that. Ive been as far as Iowa in the car and really never got tired of the driving.

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  Very Happy First time Suby Owner - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By rjslemm - September 23 - 11:37 am

  Have had my 09 SE for about 3.5 months, and have loved every minute of it with 109K on her. Sheila had a minor blip with a blown tranny after a week, but I can almost attribute that to the previous owner. After a fight with the dealer it was fixed for free, with a loaner I hated(2012 Nissan Altima/CVT) Unfortunately Subaru no longer makes the 4 speed auto so I wound up with a 30K tranny, but she still runs and drives like a dream, fun to drive wet and dry, and am moving from PA to OKC before the next winter, so her snow will be limited, but I know she can handle it.

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  Loving My Legacy - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By kmarkell1 - September 14 - 9:44 pm

  I recently purchased a Subaru Legacy Premium with the All Weather Package. I am a college student (who needed AWD) and I absolutely love my new car. I visited the Toyota, Honda, Hyundai and Subaru dealerships no less than 3 times each before finally picking the Legacy and I have no regrets. It is a great value and performs nicely. Good handling, very comfortable, decent acceleration for the engine size, very quiet going down the road and I have yet to experience the AC/Heater and "shimmy" problems that some of the other people have written about. However, I have experienced a little rough shifting in the automatic mode but its not horribly noticeable or overly concerning. I LOVE this car!

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  My first new car - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By easypar - September 14 - 1:00 pm

  Ive put 3800 miles on mine in 4 months, a fair amount of that on the highway, and Ive been pretty impressed. Weve had an above average year for snow and the AWD has performed as advertised. I considered BMW and Infinity before settling on the Legacy, I just could not justify that high price for a car. I felt the Subie offered excellent value for the price paid. My wife was concerned that due to my history with bigger, torqueier engines that I might feel this one was underpowered but experience has not borne that out. I chose the black exterior because I hadnt owned a black car in 25 years and think they look nice WHEN CLEAN.