Subaru Legacy 1991-2013Change

own for many years and its very reliable repairs not overlt -y costlyi even bought the same one for my wife

My Dad bought the car all the way back in 2006 after he got a bonus. Then in 2013 he "gave" it to me. (had to share with my siblings meh!)

For the first 3 years of have my first ride, the car was amazing. The engine sounded great, the AWD was perfect for Winter and the fuel economy was even better than my mother's new Tiguan.

But now, its an 11 year old car. The problems are starting to show up regularly and I'm already $ 5k in repairs this year.

I think it is time to let it go, but I'm not going to abandon the Subaru brand just yet.

Hasn't let me down yet. bought it used in 2016 with 129 000kms
it's now at 160 000 and if I keep maintining the small things it will keep going forever

It might not have the looks of WRX or an STI, but it performs as good as a WRX "" far from STi"
economic but uses only premium, this is why 4/5, very reliable, it is also a timing chain and not a belt, so it is a rock solid fascinating reliable car, I drove this car all across Canada and USA, shore to shore and never had a single problem and would always look for another when it is time for it to go if it ever did

I bought my Legacy used with 200k on it. It was great car for whole year driving, with only minor repairs that I have dne after I purchased it and then just changed the oil. Very good on gas and amazing acceleration thanks to the gearbox.

This is my fourth Legacy. I've had a 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2013. Solid vehicle with no mechanical issues. It's unstoppable in the snow. I've gotten 40 mpg(US) on the highway with my 2.5L Boxer engine but generally average close to 30 mpg combined. I like the look of the 3.6R with the dual exhaust but I don't want to take a chance on fuel economy. Subaru needs to update the navigation to include voice recognition for destinations (don't know if it's been done yet). I plan to get another Legacy when I'm ready. BTW, I sell Hyundai, which is also a great car but no AWD sedans except for the Genesis which is more than I want to spend.

Comfort: The car is roomy. Headroom is very good. The Seats are wide, you can sit 3 comfortably in the back. The trunk is large too. The front bucket seats adjust every which way to accommodate a variety of body sizes and shapes. The 6 cylinder is quiet.
Performance: The optional 6 with the automatic transmission is very decent. You have lots of power for passing. Not to mention, the vehicle has AWD. Traction in snow, and ice as well as wet pavement is excellent. The automatic works decent. No buzzy noises, and it is decisive. If you opt for the smaller 4 (2.5L with CVT) you will notice the droning sound. The 2.5L has adequate power. It definitely won't win any rally races.

Fuel Economy: One of the downfalls of full time AWD is that the car uses more fuel than a FWD vehicle. With spirited driving the 6 cylinder engine will not achieve the posted 11L /100Km. I get about 13 in summer time.

Exterior styling: It has character, especially when compared to an Accord or Camry. Definitely when compared to the new generation of Legacy's. The side skirts are a nice touch.The bold arches on the wheel wells give the car character.

Interior design: The hard plastics on the dash are cheap. The excessive use of silver in the radio/climate/gear shift areas look crappy. The "Fake wood" in the limited really is sucky looking. I love the seats, the soft touch materials to the touch on the doors, and center console. The stock radio and "Bluetooth connect" look 1980s. If you get the optional NAV Deck the performance on it is bad! In addition there is no voice button on the steering wheel. The moon roof is a source of excessive noise. The Harmon Kardan amp/speakers sound great in the car. I am unsure what the point of the analog fuel consumption gauge was for. I would have much rather had a temp gauge.

Bottom line - love the car!

Great car for the following reasons:

AWD is fantastic. This is real AWD using same TORSEN technology as Quattro, 4Matic and X-Drive. NOT THE SAME AS 4MOTION - much better! Great Winter car.

Heated front seats. Again, great Winter car.

Seats and cockpit layout is ergonomic and seats are hard and conform well. Good quality interior look-and-feel.

Really good headlights.

With suspension upgrade by way of Bilstein dampers and a Spec.B component, as well as good HP tires this car handles like its on rails and is relaxing and fun to drive Otherwise ho-hum.

Lots of good aftermarket parts and components to make this car yours.

Overall reliability is really good except for engine head-gasket issues (see below), which brings my rating down.

This car has some challenges in the following areas:

Standard suspension is not quite right - bit too soft and therefore porpoises, dives and squats due to short wheelbase. Can be easily remedied using some Spec. B components.

Gas economy is just OK - but to be expected with older engine design and AWDs weight and components. Needs a 6th speed and DOHC as standard.

This engine has well documented head-gasket issues at approx. 100K miles, and is prevalent on all Subaru models with this particular engine type. Can lead to engine failure at worst, and head-gasket replacement at best. This is no longer an issue with latest Impreza and Legacy models, and Foresters post-2010.

Sorry Subie! Great ride for long distances, hard to beat at high speed cruising, super-smooth 6 cylinder boxer that revs to the redline with no qualms, tough car for carrying really heavy loads, takes on most terrains regular family cars would get stuck on, saved us from many tricky road situations (ice, snow, heavy rain) with surefooted handling, but after 150K so many things started to go wrong at great expense - shafts that wore out (both front and central one going to rear. $2k+), bearings that whined (changed 2 so already $500+). Small electrical issues (hatch solenoid, rear wipers etc.) and several small bits of broken plastic trim.
Four wheel drive and boxer engine layout takes a toll on cabin space - there's little more room inside than a Honda Civic, except maybe wider a little. Large trunk swallows almost anything though.
Drank like a sailor (13l/100km city mostly, could never get it below 10l/100km even on long lightfooted cruises). I'm sure I actually saw the fuel needle moving down visibly before as I accelerated on highways!
Totaled by a stupid truck with a heavy bullhorn recently.
Overall, I will miss this car in spite of its quirkiness. Loads of character. It's a great car but be prepared to pay to keep it going.

Best Car I have ever owned. It's got room for the family, but can handle the windy back roads like a sports car. Great in the snow.

I'm Subaru driver having influenced to family members. My dad purchased Legacy over my 2000 2.5RS because he realized AWD and reliable is matter to him even in Canadian condition.

The performance and handle are same, but only difference is size and space; especially the length of wheel base. If you are a parent of family, Legacy or Outback is recommended. If you are single, get Impreza or WRX then. I wish he should purchased Spec-B because it is one of sleeper vehicle lists!!

Warning; Upon purchase of a Subaru you may experience side effects including: hysterical laughter through the winter months, lots of snow drifting, and the need to go out for a drive after it snows.
In the summer, you will experience the phenomenal grip of a perfectly symmetrical drive-train and the smooth power delivery of a boxer engine.

The car rides in comfort; The only vibrations you feel come from the road, and you won't ever want to go back to a non-boxer engine ever again. The interior is well designed, the back seats are quite comfortable, and the controls inside are all easy to reach.

Fuel economy is very good for an All-Wheel Drive vehicle, but you won't be getting much below 8L/100km ... With mixed driving, be prepared to hit ~9.5L/100km (again: that's pretty good).

The outside looks sleek, elegant, and downright sexy from some angles. There is something about the looks of the car that makes it really eye catching.

Reliability is legendary. Keep to the maintenance schedule and take care of the car, and it will go strong for hundreds of thousands of kms. The N/A engine is rev-happy and doesn't mind being slapped around at 4-5,000 RPM. If you have a manual, try to never rev past 6,000.

Yah, that's all. If you're looking for a reliable car that gets you through everything the world can throw at you, get a Legacy. Specifically, a Gen.4 (2005-2009).

Have had this car for 6+ years. It's been as comfortable, reliable vehicle for both my wife and myself. Very pleasant to drive both in-town and on the highway. We no longer need a second car, but we're keeping our newer Subaru. Maintenance and repairs have been good for an older vehicle. If looked after, it should last for several more years as Subarus often go 300 K to 400 K. There really are good reasons that Subarus cost a bit more.

Maintenance has been minimal. Holds loads well and is easy to get a kayak on and off of.
Lots of pep loaded.
Sport model has a great sound system.

This is a well appointed Outback with the ultimate security for winter traction. The heater, defroster, heated seats and above all the stability, make this a perfect winter car. If driving in heavy rain the stability is also superb.

Second owner, took it about 2 and a half years ago at 207000 km and rode it for another 40000 km .
Didn't have any problem with it.
It is a pleasure in the summer. Very safe and maneuverable in winter, through deep snow or icy roads.
The car also enjoys long rides on the highway, increasing the mileage considerably for an AWD of its size and power.
All in all, a beautiful family car one can enjoy and rely on.

Bought a 2006 Subaru Legacy GT Limited used when it was 1.5 years old back in 2007 with only 9000 miles on it and continuing to love its spirited performance and comfortable ride 8 years and 70K miles later. A great reliable vehicle that has one of the best AWD systems available. Wicked traction in all winter conditions with snows mounted - have a hard time breaking traction on snow even while accelerating with all of the 250 hp available. Low cost of maintenance ownership except that it likes to drink premium fuel but worthy of having such a fabulous performing vehicle.

This is the car you will feel you have full control, specially when you seat you can see every angel outside by those nice wide mirror.

Driving is very exciting while Subaru Symmetric AWD in action. More control in driving and more safe.

Never think you will be stuck in winter very powerful engine will let you move always.

Leather seat, power seat, heated seat will let you feel you are in summer while outside enjoy nice snow.

This Outback was the second of the family and has never given myself or my wife any reason to complain. We had three more Subaru cars in the family and have come to the conclusion that you cannot get much better than that. My only problem with the car is myself - at 6'6" and 325 lbs most of their models are a tight fit for me. But this is obviously not their fault; aside from that, if I could make a wish, it would be for a TDI version, just for the sake of fuel efficiency.

Bought this brand new (first brand new car btw) and have loved it up until last year (2013) when I had the Check Engine light come on. Took it into get it looked at and it was determined that 2 of the cylinders were misfiring. My mechanic had to recore the cylinders and the injectors which really meant a complete gut job of the engine. Ended up being about a $5K repair which has left a bad taste in my mouth about Subaru's reliability (hence the 2 stars). Other than that the only things I've had to replace due to normal wear and tear are the spark plugs and clutch.

This car has served us very well. We have driven in many weather conditions and it performed beautifully. It is a fun car to drive in that it hugs the corners well! It is also a great car for people who need to haul items around, great cargo space. The only reason we are selling was so that we could buy a newer Subaru for retirement.

As my second Subaru, the Legacy has an Excellent ride and Perfect handling on snow and all year long. Never had an issue with it. Exterior is sporty and not boring like other cars in this class. Interior has more features than most higher end sedans. Can't go wrong with the solid Subaru platform that's for sure.

excellent on snow & ice - comes with 4 winter tires for driving to the mountain
carry all your sports & camping gear, including your best friend - dog & cat

This car has always been reliable regardless of the weather. Since I live in Ottawa we have some bad winters, and since I've driven this I never had a problem going anywhere, never even close to an accident since the braking, steering and acceleration are top notch. Summer driving with this car is amazing as well, with all the windows and sunroof open, you can really appreciate how the car hugs the roads and provides you with a safe yet exciting drive everytime.

Nice car, this is my second one. Love the handling and size.

Drawbacks - interior finish is behind the competition by a long ways. Noisy on the highway. Remote start disengages when a door is open, meaning that you have to re-start the car once you get the brush out, should be on the foot brake/gear selector like others.