The Subaru Legacy, known for its reliability, practicality, and standard all-wheel drive, has been a staple in the mid-size sedan market for decades. Choosing the right year can significantly impact your ownership experience, avoiding potential pitfalls and maximizing value. This guide will navigate you through the best and worst years of the Subaru Legacy, providing insights to help you make an informed decision.

Subaru Legacy: Year-by-Year Overview

Generation & Model Year Key Features & Strengths Potential Issues & Concerns
1st Generation (1990-1994) Reliable engines, durable construction, pioneering AWD system. Simple mechanics make them easy to maintain. Available in sedan and wagon body styles. Good value for money. Age-related issues are common. Rust can be a significant problem, especially in areas with road salt. Parts may be harder to find. Safety features are limited compared to modern vehicles.
2nd Generation (1995-1999) Refined interior, improved handling, increased safety features. More powerful engines. Continued reliability. Optional Outback trim offered increased ground clearance. Head gasket issues can occur, especially in the later years of this generation. Rust remains a concern. Some models experienced issues with the automatic transmission.
3rd Generation (2000-2004) Sportier handling, more modern design, updated interior. Increased focus on performance. Available with a turbocharged engine in the GT trim. Head gasket issues are prevalent in the 2.5L engine. Oil consumption can be a problem. Catalytic converter failures are also reported. The interior plastics can feel cheap.
4th Generation (2005-2009) Improved safety ratings, more refined ride, spacious interior. Significant redesign. Available with a 2.5i, 2.5GT (turbocharged), and 3.0R (six-cylinder) engine. Received high praise for its handling and overall driving experience. Head gasket issues, particularly in the 2.5i engine, continue to be a concern. Oil leaks can occur. The 2.5GT models can be more expensive to maintain due to the turbocharger. Some owners reported issues with the automatic transmission.
5th Generation (2010-2014) Larger interior, increased fuel efficiency, updated technology. CVT transmission introduced. More comfortable ride. Improved safety features. CVT transmission issues, particularly in the early years of this generation (2010-2012), are a common complaint. Excessive oil consumption in some engines. The larger size can make it less nimble than previous generations. Some owners find the styling less appealing.
6th Generation (2015-2019) Improved fuel economy, refined interior, advanced safety features (EyeSight). Modern infotainment system. More comfortable and quieter ride. Infotainment system glitches can occur. Some owners report issues with the CVT transmission, although less frequent than the 5th generation. The base engine can feel underpowered for some drivers.
7th Generation (2020-2024) Standard EyeSight safety suite, turbocharged engine option, improved interior quality. Modern styling. Focus on technology and comfort. Available with a larger touchscreen infotainment system. The large touchscreen infotainment system can be distracting for some drivers. Some owners have reported issues with the infotainment system software. The lack of a manual transmission option may disappoint some enthusiasts. Early reliability data is still being compiled.

Detailed Explanations

1st Generation (1990-1994): This generation established the Legacy as a reliable and capable sedan and wagon. Its simple design and durable engines made it a popular choice. However, due to their age, finding well-maintained examples can be challenging.

2nd Generation (1995-1999): This generation refined the Legacy's design and added more features. The introduction of the Outback trim broadened its appeal. However, the dreaded head gasket issue started to emerge in this generation, particularly in the later years.

3rd Generation (2000-2004): The 3rd generation Legacy offered a sportier driving experience and a more modern design. The turbocharged GT trim added a performance-oriented option. Unfortunately, head gasket problems persisted and even worsened in this generation.

4th Generation (2005-2009): This generation brought significant improvements in safety, ride quality, and interior space. Engine options included a 2.5i, a turbocharged 2.5GT, and a 3.0R six-cylinder. While highly regarded, the head gasket issue remained a concern, especially for the 2.5i engine.

5th Generation (2010-2014): The 5th generation Legacy grew in size and introduced the CVT transmission. This generation aimed for increased fuel efficiency and a more comfortable ride. However, the early CVT transmissions (2010-2012) were prone to issues, and some engines experienced excessive oil consumption.

6th Generation (2015-2019): This generation focused on improved fuel economy, a refined interior, and advanced safety features like EyeSight. The infotainment system was also updated. While generally reliable, some owners reported glitches with the infotainment system and occasional CVT transmission issues.

7th Generation (2020-2024): The latest generation Legacy offers a modern design, standard EyeSight safety suite, and a turbocharged engine option. Interior quality has been improved, and technology is a key focus. However, the large touchscreen infotainment system can be distracting, and some owners have reported software issues.

Best Years

  • 2008-2009 (4th Generation): These years represent the pinnacle of the 4th generation, with many of the earlier issues ironed out. The 2.5GT models offer excellent performance, while the 3.0R provides a smooth and refined driving experience. Although head gaskets can still be a concern, they're less frequent in these later years.
  • 2018-2019 (6th Generation): The 6th generation Legacy saw improvements in fuel economy, safety features (EyeSight), and interior refinement. The 2018 and 2019 models are generally considered the most reliable years of this generation, with fewer reported issues compared to earlier years. The infotainment system is more refined, and the CVT transmission is more reliable.
  • 2020-2024 (7th Generation): While still relatively new, the 7th generation Legacy shows promise. The standard EyeSight safety suite, available turbocharged engine, and improved interior quality make it a compelling choice. However, it's important to be aware of potential infotainment system glitches and monitor for any long-term reliability issues.

Years to Avoid (or Proceed with Caution)

  • 2000-2004 (3rd Generation): These years are notorious for head gasket issues, which can be costly to repair. Unless you're willing to invest in preventative maintenance or are comfortable with the risk, it's best to avoid this generation.
  • 2010-2012 (5th Generation): The early years of the 5th generation suffered from CVT transmission problems. The CVT failures can be expensive to fix, making these years a risky proposition.
  • Any Legacy with a history of poor maintenance: Regardless of the model year, a Legacy that hasn't been properly maintained is more likely to experience problems. Always thoroughly inspect the vehicle and review its maintenance records before making a purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the most common problem with Subaru Legacys? Head gasket issues are a common problem, particularly in the 2.5L engines from the late 90s to the late 2000s. Repairing this can be an expensive job.

  • Are Subaru Legacys reliable cars? Yes, Subaru Legacys are generally considered reliable, especially when properly maintained. However, certain model years and engine configurations have known issues.

  • Is the Subaru Legacy expensive to maintain? The Subaru Legacy can be moderately expensive to maintain, primarily due to the potential for head gasket repairs and the specific maintenance requirements of the all-wheel-drive system.

  • What is EyeSight in Subaru Legacys? EyeSight is Subaru's suite of advanced safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking. It helps to prevent accidents and enhance driver safety.

  • Are CVT transmissions in Subaru Legacys reliable? CVT transmissions in Subaru Legacys have had mixed reliability. Early versions (2010-2012) were prone to issues, but later versions are generally more reliable.

Conclusion

Choosing the right year for a Subaru Legacy can make a significant difference in your ownership experience. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each generation, you can make an informed decision and find a Legacy that suits your needs and budget. Always prioritize well-maintained examples and be prepared for potential maintenance costs associated with Subaru's all-wheel-drive system and engine design.