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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  Great commuter car - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Elf72 - March 30 - 3:20 am

  This is my second Subaru - I traded in my Forester when I moved 90 minutes from work as I wanted more creature comforts for the long commute. This car does not disappoint. Smooth ride, great gas mileage, and the Limiteds upgraded interior makes the trip comfortable as well. Plus, when winter hits, if the AWD works as well as it did in the Forester, Im all set.

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  This is the car of my DREAMS! - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By Etiklleh - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This is my fourth Subaru. After two Legacy wagons and an Impreza Sport Coupe, I was ready to go for the real style of the line. I have NOT been disappointed. I get comments all the time about how classy the car looks. As for performance, I get the most out of the 4 cylinder engine. And the handling is outstanding. I am loyal to Subaru through and through, and Ive even converted several friends and family.

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  Still getting a feel for the LGT spec B - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By CC1977 - March 24 - 2:30 pm

  Been car shopping for a long, long time. Looked at almost everything out there, MBs, BMWs, Evos, Stis, etc. Saw an 06 LGT spec B and wasnt completely sold on the interior color. When the 07s came out I was disappointed by the blue inserts. 08 rolled around and finally an all black interior! So far with about 500 miles on it I am still happy. With the 6spd I am having problems finding the right gear at the right time (used to 5 spds). 1st and 2nd seem kinda gutless. Its annoying to have keep putting the car into sport sharp.

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  Surprised - 2013 Subaru Legacy
  By jchez - March 23 - 1:55 am

  After owning Audis I am more than a little surprised. Build quality (ie. timing chain vs. belt) is very solid, it is understandable why Subarus push the mileage limits. CVT trans offers a low hum in city driving but have been told that this will disappear around the 5K mark

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  A Great Value - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Bohunter49 - March 20 - 1:00 am

  Subaru outdid itself with the 2010 Legacy. This car has a very solid feel to it. The CVT is smooth and responsive. I like the feel and the sound it has when accelerating. Much nicer than a conventional automatic transmission. We live in the "snow belt" so the AWD is a huge plus. The interior is roomy and sharp looking. We got the moonroof and all weather package, both nice options. So far we are very pleased with this car. Anyone looking for a "family" sedan should test drive one. This is a lot of car for the money.

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  I Love My Car - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By sjl - March 14 - 5:16 pm

  I love everything about my car, its been 3 1/2 months and 7500 miles and I still love it as much as the day I got it. Its so much fun to drive. I love my stereo and heated seats. Im averaging 32 mpg overall. Thank you Subaru for making a sporty-sedan that doesnt look like it should just be driven by a young kid. The Legacy has a very sporty-but-classy look to it. I, unlike many others whove posted, didnt drive all the comparable cars in the class because my funnest car (and ugliest) Ive ever owed was a dumpy old Outback wagon that would never die. If that old 200+ thousand mile car could be so much fun and reliable to drive, I knew Id be happy with this one. I was so right!

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  2005 Legacy GT Wagon - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By DC - March 10 - 12:13 am

  Awesome drivers car! Very quick, stable and predictable. Drives like a sports car. Great heater. 100% reliable so far with 20K miles. Excellent in snow, we had 3 feet in one snowfall last week, and with a 400 driveway it has to be good. Be aware that the 17" tires are fairly expensive and if you need extra wheels for snow tires, you will have to get alloys. No steel wheels available as far as I could tell, and I tried locally and on-line. Very comfortable seats. Mine was a program car with 12,000 miles on it when I bought it and now has 20,000 miles on it. No one will regret buying this car. It does everything very well and I know of no weaknesses except rear visibility.

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  Super Subaru - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By MNTerry - March 8 - 12:43 am

  Excellent handling, impressive power, well equipped for its cost, elegant styling, high quality interior &exterior, easy-to-use instrumentation, great sound system: whats not to like about it? Okay, the fuel mileage (22mpg) is poor compared to my last Legacy, but who cares when you have this kind of power? This car evokes more unsolicited compliments from strangers about its looks; friends are effusive after they ride in it. I love the feel of the leather interior, the lumbar support, the cars styling, its features, & the power is intoxicating.

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  Fast and gorgeous Subaru! - 2018 Subaru Legacy
  By Andi - February 26 - 4:25 am

  I bought this car two weeks ago. I was hesitant to buy a Subaru because they are all over the roads here. I test drive the car, and the dealership treated me very well. After this, I knew that the Legacy V6, was the right car for me! I’m loving this car more every day that I drive it! I make excuses to drive this car as much as possible. Pros: -fast and instant acceleration. -quiet inside even with V6. - absolutely beautiful loaded interior with comfortable seats and pretty blue lights. -infotainment Center is easy to use and has STARLINK . -security system included. -elegant exterior -AWD included. -Subaru is a great company and very customer service orientated. Cons: -Remote start only runs for 15 minutes then shuts off. Haven’t figured out if I can change this. -CarPlay skips on occasion. Both cons are not faults with the vehicle itself, which is why it gets 5 stars.

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  True sport wagon - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Charlie Jenkins - February 25 - 7:50 pm

  Had the car for 5 weeks now. No problems yet. Very powerful. Fun to drive. Has a great feel to it. Only getting around 18 mpg around town, but thats because its hard not to put your foot in it and feel that turbo rush. Very quiet and smooth ride. Handles very well and has a comfortable ride. Build quality is very nice, especially on the inside.