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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  This is the best car I have ever owned - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By MNlovessubies - March 10 - 2:33 am

  Extremely reliable - even at 82k miles. The clutch is tight and acceleration with my manual 5 speed transmission is good. I have achieved 30 MPG on highway trips. I take this car on long trips and the seats are the perfect mix of firmness and luxury. I live in Minnesota, so the AWD has saved me numerous times while others are stranded. I honestly havent had a single problem. I do keep up all recommended maintenance at the Subaru dealership.

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  Love my Subaru Legacy! - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Sharon Yount - March 9 - 6:51 am

  The EyeSight feature is amazing- well worth the extra cost. This car hugs the road like none other. The visibility is the best in its league. The power drivers seat is perfect. Wish Id gotten the power passenger seat but its ok anyway. The interior is well-designed. The car is so great looking. The Twilight blue color is gorgeous. Consumer Reports lists the 2016 Legacy as #1 in the mid-sized car. I have no complaints and would definitely buy a Subaru again. The gas mileage is quite good even though its all-wheel-drive. I could not find another car in its price bracket to even come close to the value packed in the Legacy. Im still working out how to use the Navigation; its not as intuitive as I would like.

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  I am Impressed! - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Robert Clarke - March 8 - 10:40 am

  I just got my Legacy a month ago and I could not be happier. We broke it in on a 3,000 mile trip to SC. It cruised through rain that had people pulling over because they could not see. We averaged 70 mph with the A/C on and the mileage was 31! Great safety with the 6 airbags and traction control. I have been told it had a 5 star rating. Great HK stereo, very quick with the 5 speed. Steering is precise and the roadholding is fantastic. I had two Audis and I like this more. Plus, if it did have a maintenance problem (which I dont think it will) it would be cheap to fix. A lot of car for 19K.

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  All around great car - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By 35th Legacy Auto - March 7 - 9:06 am

  This is an all around wonderful vehicle. Everyday performance is good but in rain or snow, good quickly changes to great. Nothing Ive ever driven has compared to this car. I cant see any reason why I wouldnt buy Subaru in the future.

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  I just love the interior - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Legacy Jack - March 1 - 8:33 pm

  As enthusiastic as I was about getting a new Legacy, my expectations were exceeded. Interior quality and styling is far superior to anything in its class and many in a higher class. Though the cockpit is a bit narrower than most, Im still very comfortable despite my overly padded body (Im working on getting the weight off). Mileage in the mid 20s (50-50 city/highway) but with just a few hundred miles on it I expect the numbers will rise. Handling and ride are great and then theres the amazing level of equipment for the price. Where on earth can you get a great handling awd mid size with leather, moonroof, XM, HK stereo, vdc, and the usual power accessories for just 23K.

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  Fun to drive - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Loyal Subaru owner - March 1 - 6:13 pm

  Love the dash setup and cup holders in the back. The car scoots even without all the turbo, and beats most from the stop light. Took a while for gas mileage to kick in, but once it hits the freeway it is pretty consistent 29 mpg. Love the average gas mileage gauge, it is accurate for the trip odometer. My new best friend is the heated seats, whod have known.

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  First week with my 2010 Legacy 3.6R Lim - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By idmd - February 16 - 4:36 pm

  Ive had the car for a week and its wonderful. 3.6R feels strong and smooth, 5-speed auto is spot on, and the car overall feels very well constructed and ridged without sacrificing ride quality. Has a sporty feeling overall. Interior room is superb (Im 65") and materials feel very high quality. iPod/iPhone integration could be better as its inconsistent (some touch screen buttons are inaccessible at times when they should not be). The NAV system also is not the most intuitive system out there but is very good. This car definitely looks better in- person compared to pictures where (for whatever reason) it tends to look awkward at times. Not so in real life.

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  Legacy a great value, different and fun - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Robert Vance - February 15 - 2:50 pm

  Subaru Legacy is a great value. The interior is roomy and the trunk is sized for most everyday things. Big rear seats fold flat for longer items. The power driver seat has a ton of settingsÂ… I am still working on dialing in that perfect seat setting for me. The paddle shifters for the CVT are fun to use. The flat-four engine revs nicely and the lower center of gravity helps keep the car balanced in corner. Mechanically it sounds good too. Subaru Legacy has the best features of many of the others but with the advantage of standard ALL Wheel Drive...itÂ’s a great mix of economy, comfort, and everyday drive-ability. Plus it had above average resell value & economical insurance.

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  What A Car! - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By socalguy1 - February 11 - 10:06 pm

  Just leased a black GT limited in manual transmission. Love it! This car is so much fun to drive - especially in the stick. We looked at the 3 series Bimmer, Audi A4, Nissan Maxima, and other sporty sedans and they could not touch this car for power. Might get better handling in a German car but would have to pay several thousand more. I now look forward to my commute.

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  I LOVE this car - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By bashopoem - February 11 - 11:36 am

  After researching and test-driving many of the cars in the LGTs class, including the Lexus IS350, I found that the Subaru LGT is hands-down the best deal out there. It handles better than the Lexus and Volvo S60R, is faster than both the BMW 3-series and the Audi A4, and costs thousands of dollars less than all of them. This car is a pleasure to drive. My only complaint is that the seats do not have a memory function, but thats small potatoes compared to everything you get for the price. I highly recommend you take one for a test drive.