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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  <$30K sport sedan of choice - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By MichaelS - September 27 - 5:06 pm

  Looking for an AWD sport sedan in the $25-30K range? Look no further. With better acceleration than a WRX and all the amenities of any other $25-30K sedan, this car is a sleeper and is the "adult" WRX.

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  Be SPEC-tacular - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Max - September 27 - 1:36 am

  I recently shopped for a Subaru Legacy GT, when the dealer offered an outstanding buy on his only spec.B. The combination of improved handling dynamics, navigation system and other features turned it into an irresistible buy. Any enthusiast who has driven the turbo GT Legacy knows that the 250 HP rating offered by Subaru is WAY low. Zero-to-60 in 5.3 (which this car does) means something more on the order of 275+ flywheel HP. Great performance, handling and all wheel drive make this a terrific buy!

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  Great Car - but stumped the expert - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Jeff Lampe - September 26 - 7:33 am

  I have had the Subaru GT Ltd for about 9 months. I absolutely love this car, it fits me like a glove and drives like no other car I have ever had. It is classic, conservative, but with an attitude that I can turn on with a little pressure on the gas. I blow the doors off the hot little Hondas and German cars. The handling is tight and I love cruising around in it. However, things came crashing down after taking it thru a car wash. The ECU, bulkhead wire harness, integrated unit have been replaced and who knows what else is needed, certainly not the dealers or the Subaru expert knows why it will not start, or not run for more than 30 min. It has been in the shop for the past 9 weeks.

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  How could you not love it? - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By NY Subaru - September 26 - 6:23 am

  This is by far the best car I have owned. Had it 6 months and have 11K miles on it. Great look, feel, style. Get 31 MPG at 80 MPH on highway. Average about 28 MPG combined highway/city. About 450 miles off one tank. Excellent and fun to drive in good weather and snow. Great features, easy to drive, easy to use controls. a lot of power for a small car, zips in and out of traffic. Why buy the turbo and pay more and spend more on gas when this is almost the same. Good pick up and excellent braking. I would suggest this car to anyone looking for a car priced under $25K, that wants reliability, and a great car.

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  Legacy for a Legacy - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By J - September 26 - 2:53 am

  This car replaces my 1990 Legacy LS which lasted me 167,000 miles (until cracked engine block). 07 edition looks good, handles well, gets great mileage, has decent trunk space and is more peppier (w/2.5L) than my 1990 (w/2.0L). One quirk: car bucks at a certain rpm in all gears when when foot held steady on gas pedal on moderate downgrades (supposedly due to electronic gas pedal). Dealer says thats the way the car is designed. If you have a manual tranny, try this yourself, as this is supposedly common to all Legacy SIs. That said, Id still rather have a 5 speed stick than an auto transmission.

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  Kills Accord / Camry - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Gomo - September 22 - 3:53 pm

  Had a 96 Camry, traded for 04 Accord, now Im in a Subie and in love. Negatives first - Being an outside sales rep, I need more places to put my wallet, sunglasses, phone, note pad etc. on long drives. My Accord had all of those things, but what it didnt have was the uniqueness and fun to drive characteristics that my new Legacy has. Also, rear seat width is a bit lacking. Cant put 2 adults and a child seat in the back comfortably (couldnt really in my Accord either, but it was more comfy). This car has gotta be the best performing fastest 4 cylinder engine out there! I do 30k miles per year, the last 6k have been the most fun. Oh, best of all I dont feel like just another guy in an Accord/Camry.

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  Great Car - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By John - September 16 - 6:16 am

  Ive owned this car for 6 months and it is great, I am very impressed. Ive owned foreign and domestic cars and this is the best by far. I averaged 25.8 MPG mixed city and highway over 7000 miles. The controls are well thought out and the car is very comfortable. Test drive it and you will not be disappointed.

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  AWD Excellent - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By Sean Hynes - September 11 - 2:00 pm

  This car has done a great job. AWD is excellent in the snow, and we get 100+ inches each year. Gas mpg average 23 with a good amount of highway driving. Quality and reliability have been excellent, not one problem in almost 3 years! Could use a few more horses, and interior space is limited, basically a 4 seater.

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  Solid, Dependable, Fun to Drive - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By Dave Crawford - September 10 - 4:43 pm

  Purchased to replace 1996 Legacy GT Automatic. Loved the 5 speed feel and control. The SOHC 2.5 is more responsive and easier to maintain. We have done basically nothing to the car except maintain it in 112000 miles. The only weak area seems to be maintaining wheel alignment. We have had a ball with the car. Intend to keep it another 3 years at least.

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  On your left...Move over Bimmer(s)!!! - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By stevegs got a subi - September 7 - 5:13 am

  Well its been about 3 weeks now since I purchased my silver GT Ltd Sedan and not one ounce of disappointment in my decision.I am still very impressed. I have always thought the Subaru made excellent AWD rally racing cars and the WRX/STI models are great high performance cars although with too much of a boy racer look. Take your pick especially with the Big Shopping Cart wings! If only Subaru would make something with similar performance.Well the wait is over and the GT Legacy is a force to be reckoned with now if only they make a STI version with 300+ horsepower that would would leave those with Audi S4s and BMW M3s crying in its wake!!