Overview & Reviews

For 2003, Subaru has added standard equipment and slightly altered available trim levels. The previous Legacy GT and GT Limited models have been consolidated into one 2.5 GT series, with all GT Limited equipment now standard. The new 2.5 GT's optional four-speed automatic now comes with a Sportshift manual mode. To fill the void created by the GT consolidation, Subaru has created an L Special Edition Package that adds several features from the 2.5 GT. Base L models now come with a standard CD player and keyless entry. 2.5 GTs have an upgraded sound system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer. Finally, all Legacys receive slightly freshened front-end styling.

• All-wheel drive, a host of standard features, available as a sedan or a wagon, less expensive than many European competitors.

• Side airbags available only on 2.5 GT models, no six-cylinder engine offered.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 64.00

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  Snow Angel - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By Janice Marie - December 15 - 2:00 am

  Overall this is a reliable and fun car to own. It looks great on the road and drives even better! The Legacy has a clean and classy look that stands out against other automobiles.

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  Alternative to Hondas and Toyotas - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By ronin - November 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a vehicle that should be considered when car shopping. If you want the reliability and performance of a Honda or Toyota but dont want to have the same car as your neighbor,this is your car. Im not big on 4 cylinder engines but this has impressed me. The AWD system is outstanding! Do yourself a favor and at least test drive one.

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  You need a Subaru! - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By Rhodes275 - June 16 - 10:00 am

  The best car dollar for dollar!!

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  8 years on: many major repairs - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By tommchugh - April 28 - 6:42 pm

  Bought this car new in 2003 because of manual transmission,wagon&4wheel disc. Until 2006 this was a reasonable car for my wife to drive for errands and commute. 2006 brought out the true character, noticed the clutch slipping at 48K. Had moved, took it to a dealer in new location, need 3 part clutch and brakes, calipers and rotors for ~$4.2K. Brakes had never "chirped", pass. front rotor very thin. Subaru after much back and forth did the parts but not the labor ($2.4K) at 48,000 miles. Fast forward to 2011, front brakes rotors and calipers @ 8 K mi., and today at 88K same for rears + fluid flush because of heat damage. Called Subaru today, thanked for report. Will NOT buy Subaru again

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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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  Clutch Problems - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By in NJ - February 2 - 10:23 pm

  In 3 years our only real complaint is the clutch. From day 1, when you try to shift into first gear when the car has not been run for a few hours, the entire car shudders and bucks like you are learning to drive a manual for the first time. There is another review in here that mentions the same problem. Make sure you drive this car cold before you purchase. Otherwise, we are pretty happy with the car.

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  SUPER VALUE & FUN, TOO - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By LADriver - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Here in L.A., this car is uncommon, and thats a nice thing. GREAT handling on city streets & canyon roads, smooth and solid ride, quiet and comfortable in most situations. Theres none of the vibration when idling you often feel in 4 cylinder cars. AWD gives it a heavy, solid feel. If you like the feel of AWD, dont miss out on Subaru. The 05 Legacy design is one to watch for!

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  Good car, not great - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By Ajluptak - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Car is OK in most respects ( handling, ride, etc. AWD system shines in poor conditions. Car is only adequately powered (165hp) and the AWD system is heavy, making the car sluggish. 4 spd auto trans geared too steeply for engine power, hunts in and out of gears. Fuel economy awful, 16 mpg average and my wife is not a leadfoot. If you can find a 5 spd manual car, get it. Lack of power should be fixed with the optional 5 spd auto and 250 hp turbo 4 in the 2005 car.

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  Great value - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By mgraze - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Recently test drove the special edition Legacy wagon. Impressed with the value in the package. Very nice ride and handling. At first acceleration seemed underwhelming but I found out that you have to really floor it to get the trans to kick down and get the engin into the higher rev range. Once you stomp on it, it goes pretty good. This thing is huge inside with the seats folded down. The cargo capacity rivals the much taller Honda CRV. I thought the interior was of good quality for the price range. Exterior styling is understated but it kind of grows on you. Overall, I think it is a great alternative to an SUV.

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  Handling + Safety Topnotch - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By tanjv - November 14 - 2:00 am

  The day I got this car there was a blizzard that evening and I drove home from a party. While all the other cars (especially SUVs) were skidding all over the road this baby cruised passed them like nothing happened. Not a single skid! Try this with a Honda Accord like I did and youll be swimming left and right. I understand it got top safety ratings from the National Highway tests.