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:
Showing 61 through 70 of 1,134.00-
Great car - 2009 Subaru Legacy
By Michele Martinez - May 26 - 4:27 amIts mine
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The Force Fed "Premium Entertainment Package" is R - 2016 Subaru Legacy
By Bruce Pelton - May 25 - 11:08 amIn 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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OK But Doesnt - 2003 Subaru Legacy
By lukewarm - May 18 - 2:00 amWe 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.
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A car with the shakes - 2010 Subaru Legacy
By Peter - April 28 - 11:13 amCar shakes over 60 mph, never felt anything like this in any car. So far disappointing they do not have a fix because they do not know the problem. This is BS, i thinks its the design and they dont want to spend the money to make their customers happy. Too bad without this problem it would be a better car than Honda or Toyota but ultimately it seems like Subaru has failed and will lose market share if they do not correct this problem
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Hope to NEVER own one ever again@ - 2000 Subaru Legacy
By lucymo - April 17 - 10:46 pmat 6 years and 114K miles headgaskets failed despite the special sealant/conditioner that Subaru applied to the coolant. Had to replace them and the engine that warped due to overheating (the thermometer never showed signs of overheating). Then, the catalytic converter needed to be replaced, and a whole bunch of other expensive parts. For the money I spent on this car in the last 7 years I could have purchased a new car! The tranny is starting to go - wont shift into D (at 150K m). Since I already put so much money into it, I cant part with it, but it just keeps failing... Very unreliable. I do all scheduled maintenance on time. The only good thing about it is the wagon size - gigantic
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quality declines in late model Subarus - 2002 Subaru Legacy
By ssa - April 11 - 2:00 amLess than 26000 miles and have had major brake job (all 4 wheels), new clutch, repeated problems with wind noise and check engine light coming on. Basically a big dissapointment compared to the many Subarus Ive owned in the past.
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Goes through headlights like crazy! - 2010 Subaru Legacy
By rachelinmn - March 16 - 8:50 pmI 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 until 85,000 miles, then it started to fall apart. - 2008 Subaru Legacy
By chk34kk - February 9 - 2:02 pmI really tried to love Subaru and become a lifetime buyer of there cars. My 2008 legacy provided me with great awd traction, great highway mpg 30+, low maintenance costs. The negatives started at 85,000 miles, head gasket leak, end links failure provided very loud clunking noises, power steering pump wine, heat shield rattle at start up, door panel clunking, dashboard clunking. The problems started in June 2014 and by September I gave up on the car after I realized I have the dreaded Subaru head gasket leak. The car also became a rattle box inside after about 80,000 miles which surprised me. I planned on keeping the car to well over 100,000 miles. City mpg was also sub-par 17-19mpg.
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"Sub" impressive - 2008 Subaru Legacy
By Steve - December 27 - 8:10 amBought it new. First disappointment was how big the combination key/remote is. Wont fit in my pocket. Then I found out the TPMS must be programmed by the $ dealer each time I put my snow tire rims on. I traded in the car after 18 months and 17,000 miles because the suspension is so stiff I could not take it any longer. Wind noise is awful. The engine was very rough and loud while the car was not moving. Trim on the driver door started falling off. 4 screws fell off the armrest and it fell apart. Hardly any heat would reach my feet. Annoying loud beeping sound when the trunk was opened. Way too small of a car for a six feet tall person. Seats stained from rainwater. Oh I could go on and on.
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First time Subaru owner and never again... - 2011 Subaru Legacy
By htakeuch - December 9 - 1:55 amSeeing the "Experience Love" slogan they got and after doing a little research of what the car includes I decided to go with a Legacy for both my family and my self. The car only has 2500 miles with too many problems. Clutch squeaks, car pops out of gear, and car idles roughly making it feel like it will shut off. I owned a Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla while I was in collage both cars lasted for more than 76,000 miles without exhibiting these type of issue. Taken in to account that the legacy is much more expensive than the cars I mentioned this is unacceptable. Experience disappointment...