2001 Subaru Legacy Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

3.86/5 Average
33 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The Brighton model is stricken from the Legacy lineup. All 2001 Legacys comply with low-emission vehicle (LEV) standards and come with standard 24-hour roadside assistance. Legacy L models now include an ambient temperature gauge, a dual-mode digital trip odometer and a fixed intermittent rear wiper with washer on the wagons. GT models feature a power moonroof, six-way power driver seat, limited-slip rear differential and multireflector halogen foglights.

Pros:
  • All-wheel drive all the time, sharp styling, a host of standard features.
Cons:
  • Side airbags available only on Limited models, lethargic automatic transmission.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 33.00
  • Great for the Northwest roads! - 2001 Subaru Legacy
    By -

    This is my first Subaru and all I can say is "WOW"! Since my vehicle was purchased in September I have grown to love it more. It handles excellent in the Northwest rain and snow. It has a peppy 165 HP motor, not bad for a 4 cylinder! I would highly recommend getting the auto-dimming/compass mirror. I bought one after the fact, installed it myself (piece of cake) and no more rearview mirror glare from trucks.

  • Great little rig - 2001 Subaru Legacy
    By -

    This has been a great wagon for me so far. I bought it with 145,000 miles on it few months back. It had all scheduled maintenance records and had the head gaskets replaced so it has been running like a champ. -The engine has ample power with the 5 speed, it can zip around town just fine and get up to speed quickly on highways. The car cruises nicely at 70mph. Plenty of head room and leg room for driver and passengers. Overall this car is a great value, reliable, handles great in rain/snow with AWD, and styling still looks good 10 years later! I would highly recommend this vehicle as family car or vehicl for outdoors people.

  • Not The Best Car Ive owned. - 2001 Subaru Legacy
    By -

    Ok, Ive owned about 11 cars in the past 6 years. I bought this car (Less than 6 mo ago) to have something paid off to save money and get better gas mileage than my 2010 Nissan Xterra. It has failed me. After buying it while driving home the head gaskets failed even after they had been replaced already,2k to fix. Then cat started malfunctioning 900 bucks, head lights burn out in 2 weeks 13 dollars per headlight, I dont touch the bulbs while installing either. Only has 130k on it. It was even owned by a mechanic. I dont know if it was from poor maintenance or Subaru. Ive owned subaru in the past and this one has disappointed me tremendously. I am selling it asap.

  • luv it ! - 2001 Subaru Legacy
    By -

    I bought my Subaru in February 2001. Traded in a Taurus for it. Wow!! What a difference. I had a Subaru before my taurus, but hated the Taurus. MY SUBARU is great. I have less than 30,000 miles on it now in 2004, and have NEVER had a problem with it. I have a 5 speed, manual and Love it. I prefer it over the automatic as you can control your acceleration better. It is real peppy with the 5 speed! Handles snow & rain wonderful, and I actual feel like I am in a sport car when I drive it..LOL, a big change from the Taurus, which stunk taking corners...the Subaru handles corners like a sports car & handles bad weather better than most SUVs!!

  • Great winter car, has some quirks - 2001 Subaru Legacy
    By -

    I purchased this car for winter driving in NJ and it was FANTASTIC considering the brutal winters for 2002-4. Some quirks Ive noticed are the occasional burning smell coming from the vents after bad weather driving (probably an AWD thing) and a whistling windshield in high crosswinds when all windows are rolled up. Neither of these can be addressed by the dealer, of course. Through various internet user groups, it seems these are common Subaru quirks and although annoying, are mostly sporatic and shouldnt deter anyone from buying this car.

  • Fun to drive - 2001 Subaru Legacy
    By -

    When i was introduced to the car, the salesman took me to an offroad test area, and put the car through its paces. I was shocked at how well the car drove. Since we purchase this in Alaska, we moved back to the lower 48 in mid-winter, with the subaru (L Sedan) pulling a 3,000 Ib trailer down the Alcan Highway. It performed great. Since then we have even had to use it to pull a stuck ford focus out of the sand at the beach before the ocean ate it for lunch. My only complaint would be the tight fit for a tall person driving.

  • Family car for those born to drive - 2001 Subaru Legacy
    By -

    Do your research and youll find out about the excellent crash test rating. However, the Legacy L is also fun to drive when you get the manual transmission. It is not a fast car, but it has the same mass-to-horsepower ratio as a MINI Cooper base model. The Legacy L only needs 87 octane gas instead of 91 octane gas, which saves you money as well. Its roomy enough to move 6 book shelves (one at a time), yet drives like a car. Take it to the snow (which I did) and AWD shines.

  • Best buy for money - 2001 Subaru Legacy
    By -

    While Ive only had the Legacy for a short time (will review in another year after another 20k miles) it is one of the best cars for the money. I bought mine used for a very fair price. I compared the Legacy with the Accord, Camry and Altima and found that price alone was one of the best features. Performance in the Legacy surpased all the above cars. Interior and exterior design are simple but very appealing. Solid value.

  • Its not all that its cracked up to be - 2001 Subaru Legacy
    By -

    I have owned my Subaru Legacy for 10 months and in the last 2 it has had to be in the shop 3 times for various reasons. I have been severely disappointed in its performance. I owned a Subaru in the past and had virtually no problems, this time around I cant say the same thing. I will not be buying another Subaru in the past.

  • My little unstoppable AWD tank… - 2001 Subaru Legacy
    By -

    This is the best car I’ve ever had. While this car only has decent gas mileage, due mostly to the AWD, the reliability and performance of this car is unparalleled. I bought this car new and drove it to 267,000 miles. The problems I had with it were minor. I’ve gone through a couple of alternators, batteries, and clutches; but this is to be expected. At about 230,000 miles I had to replace the sychros in the manual transmission. At around 250,000 miles I developed a radiator leak which was fixed with a bottle of radiator sealant. The car was finally done by a broken timing belt. If I had replaced the timing belt when my mechanic advised, the little Subaru would still be on the road.

Subaru Legacy Reviews By Year:
Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area