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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  ETC problems - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Jaime - June 11 - 9:06 am

  The ETC hesitates when you are needing quick acceleration. This hesitation is a dangerous situation when you must accelerate now. I have had three situations with one very near miss serious accident due to vehicle hesitating when I needed to move quickly to get out of the way of another vehicle about to rear end me. Other than being dangerous it also takes the fun out of driving it as it contributes to poor performance. Subaru says it is a common complaint for the 2,5i. Really, arent they concerned about the safety and welfare of the people in Subaru vehicles! This has been reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Division. Dont buy this vehicle.

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  love it. - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Riley - June 7 - 3:20 pm

  I really like this car. The interior design is the perfect blend of sporty and classy. It feels upscale but still racy. I would love to see a boost gauge somewhere though. The AWD is great in snow and rain (and grips like crazy on dry pavement!). Only a couple gripes - 25mpg is poor for a midsize sedan, even though it is turbocharged with AWD. Also, the rear seats dont fold down, and its a little hard to use the power outlet in the dash (folds out). I also would have liked to see an aux audio jack for mp3 players. The car drives like a dream, blows anything else in its class out of the water, and looks great. The transmission really isnt half bad for an autobox.

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  Suprise! - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Brian - May 30 - 2:10 am

  OK, so my clunker died and it was time for new wheels. I am a 35 year old man, and a father. I wanted something fun, sporty, comfy, and fun to drive. And I found it! I could not be happier with my Legacy 3.0R Limited. The car is a rocket, smooth as silk on the road, and is loaded with enough features to keep me busy for the next 6 months figuring them all out. Nav works well, although sometimes takes an odd turn or two. The car is a beauty, and accelerates better than any I have ever driven (and I test drive frequently as I am a car lover). This is a drivers car in every way, and Subaru deserves more street cred after making a machine like this one! I truly look forward to driving.

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  Luxury, sleek, fun - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Zechariah - May 27 - 9:31 pm

  This is my first Subaru Ive owned and I must say I love it. I financed with all of the warranties and the company is great about notifying you of your oil changes and monitoring everything online. I have the EYESIGHT feature which is amazing, you literally cant get better safety features on any other vehicle. The ONLY thing I wish this car had is Apple CarPlay. Thats it. I got the heated leather seats in front and back, moonroof; pretty much the works on this car and it honestly feel like being in a Lexus. My friend has a same year Acura and it is not as well designed, elegant or luxurious as this car; this is a side note from the outstanding safety features, gas mileage, and great consumer support from Subaru(reminders of oil changes, sales promotions, and great warranties). I couldnt be more happy with this vehicle, I feel like it covers all corners on quality, luxury, safety, and economy. Ill probably buy another Subaru after this one is paid off in a few years. You really get A LOT for the price on this vehicle. Mine was about $31,000 but you feel like youre driving a $50-$60,000 car.

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  Great car - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Michele Martinez - May 26 - 4:27 am

  Its mine

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  The Force Fed "Premium Entertainment Package" is R - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Bruce Pelton - May 25 - 11:08 am

  In order to get the Eyesight Collision Avoidance System we were forced to buy a package that included a Harmon Kardon so-called premium entertainment radio and Nav System. The audio sounds about as good as my computer speakers. The Nav system is clunky and takes tons of steps to find a location. It makes Apple Maps look good and Google Maps look brilliant.It does not show proper accident information or offer alternate routing. There is minimal lane guidance. The system offers and app that is called Aha which lacks most of the stations and content we want. It also "offers" Pandora which has 1/30th of the music on Spotify. The radio has a tendency to continue to play while you make or receive a call. This system will make you crazy as you fight it. Sirius was free for a while but not relevant since we can find what we want on the internet for free. After the introductory period they are going to have the audacity to ask us to pay for this junk.

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  Subaru Legacy GT Top of the Line?? - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By silverlady - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a Subaru Legacy GT Sedan, my first new car! Overall it seems to be an excellent car. One problem: when I take it through a high powered, touchless car wash, the drivers side and passenger side windows leak! The dealer said there was nothing they could do; they took me through the car wash with another new Legacy and it also leaked. They said dont use touchless car washes. It is a design flaw I must learn to live with. Bummer, $27,000 for a car and I cant take it through the car wash! Subaru may be built to handle the winter roads, but they are not built to handle a touchless car wash!

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  The best - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By TOM - May 23 - 4:06 am

  I love this vehicle snow, rain, ice, whatever the world throws at you it handles. I autocross and it is impressive there. On the highway I avg 32 mpg hills 28. I love it and recommend it

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  spec b ing - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By wilson - May 19 - 10:03 pm

  This car is great in the snow especially fitted with snow tires. Acceleration is good it pulls when its in s#sharp mode. The bilsteins are plush but stiffens up a bit when carving the corners. Interior is not up to par while previous car acura tsx had better interior. The body has a nice sleeper stealthy look but it dings easily cause of thin panels. Fuel economy is decent for a turbocharged car, overall Ive gotten 22 city and hwy, if its all highway Ive gotten 29.7 mpg. Navigation is horrible, it needs to be updated and easier to use.

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  OK But Doesnt - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By lukewarm - May 18 - 2:00 am

  We went the Suba-route once the repairs on our 90 Volvo 240DL wagon became prohibitive. Many if not most of our friends drive Subaru wagons (mainly outbacks) and LOVE them. Unfortunately, I dont. The Legacy is quite a low rider, and the interior design seems to hinder visibility and is a bit cramped. Im not that tall (58") and I find the drivers seat a bit snug. The interior styling could be a touch more sophisticated at this price point. But on a positive note, it handles wonderfully in poor weather.