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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  2.5i Limited with Power Moonroof - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Landman507 - April 2 - 8:33 pm

  I have had this car about a month and absolutely love it. The continuous transmission is incredibly smooth. Although the first time I drove it, it seemed odd to have a car accelerating, but not feel it go through the gears. With the 2.5i engine, you wont win any races on the track, but its more than fast enough for urban driving. That said, Im very happy with the gas mileage so far (27+ MPG in mixed driving).

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  Legacy Limited Sedan, 2.5L 4 cylinder - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Steve05 - March 30 - 6:03 pm

  Car handling with AWD is great. Steering feel also very impressive with good suspension. Car rides solid and is comfortable. 175 HP engine provides sufficient low end torque.

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  Just couldnt get comfortable - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By Phylo74 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I have always liked Subarus, especially the AWD. I had an 83GL; 91Loyale; 97Impreza; 98Outback Sport, and an 01 Legacy. However, I recently sold my Legacy after only one year and 12000 miles. Its a reliable car with great traction, it just didnt have enough leg room, the steering wheel didnt go high enough, and there is a hard bar or something just under the seat cushioning that would make my thigh numb after about 20 minutes. I now drive my 2000 Mazda Protege instead- really comfortable.

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  Love my car - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By margie - March 20 - 10:43 pm

  I live in Northern NY, snow covered curvy, mountainous roads. I love the way the car handles and brakes.

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  Love my car - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By margie - March 20 - 10:43 pm

  I live in Northern NY, snow covered curvy, mountainous roads. I love the way the car handles and brakes.

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  Goes through headlights like crazy! - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By rachelinmn - March 16 - 8:50 pm

  I bought my 2010 Legacy new. In 4.5 years, I have had to replace 5 low-beam headlights. The dealership gave me multiple excuses that made no sense. The customer service rep at Subaru headquarters said she thought it was reasonable to replace a headlight every 22,000 miles, and would do nothing. At $70 per replacement, I cannot afford to keep this car. Very disappointed in Subarus quality and customer service.

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  Great Car? - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Kalito - March 16 - 2:23 pm

  Very good car... (could be great with a few minor upgrades!). I have had some fun cars in the past (BMW etc.) but for the price the Legacy GT is a windfall. Surefooted, powerful yet an awesome daily driver, than can provide serious fun with a minor adjustment of your right foot.

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  Even Better Than I Had Hoped For - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By DaveM - March 14 - 8:23 pm

  I have had the car for a month now, and I have driven 1300 miles. I get 33 mpg on the interstate and 22 during my short commute to work here in town. The car handles extremely well, the interior room surprises everyone who sits in it, and it drives very quietly on the highway, although I am a little disappointed in the engine noise that is apparent at slow speeds in town.

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  Overall good not perfect - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By billfeet - March 12 - 6:11 am

  I have 52K on my Legacy, it rides and handles well, the 2.5 id underpowered if you like quick acceleration but is is good for daily driving and parkway acceleration. Th plus to its power is I get 28 MPG mixed driving with AWD. The heated seat switch is in a horrible spor next to the shifter and unwanted hot seats in summer result. The interior vinyl is cheap needing a warranty replacement before 1 year on the armrest and already wearing through the replacement. Same is true for the door vinyl but has not worn out due to less constant arm pressure. The stock radio is a little weak, get the upgrade. Overall I like the car good snow performance and reliable,spend the extra on the limited

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  Consider the Legacy GT - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Bruce - March 10 - 12:53 pm

  Thus far it has proved itself to me. It is great in the snow and just a fun car to drive. People have commented on the "great looking" car for months now. The mileage is better than I anticipated unless you horse around with the accelerator. It is well built and well designed and I like the way it handles. After considering several vehicles from BMW and others in the same price range I chose this excellent AWD Subaru. I had been a Saab owner since 1973.