Ready to uncover the secrets of the Subaru Legacy lineup? Buckle up as we delve into the greatest and worst years of this well-known sedan.
In this no-nonsense guide, we’ll break down each Legacy generation, revealing which models shine and which ones you should avoid.
We’ve analyzed data from trusted sources like Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, and NHTSA to give you the authentic scoop.
From engine performance and tech features to frequent problems and recalls, we’ve got you covered. By the end, you’ll be a Legacy expert ready to make a wise buying decision.
Let’s hit the trail!
Table of ContentsShow
Subaru Legacy Generations
The Subaru Legacy isn’t just another sedan – it’s a testament to Subaru’s dedication to all-wheel drive and boxer engines. Since its late 1980s debut, the Legacy has been turning heads with its blend of safety, dependability, and practicality.
Here’s a quick look at the Legacy generations from 2000 to today:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 3rd generation (BE) | 2000-2004 |
| 4th generation (BL) | 2005-2009 |
| 5th generation (BM) | 2010-2014 |
| 6th generation (BN) | 2015-2019 |
| 7th generation (BT) | 2020-Present |
Notice a pattern? Subaru rolls out a new generation every 5 years, keeping things innovative and exciting. Each new iteration brings its own flavor of design tweaks, tech upgrades, and performance boosts. Smart buyers pay attention to these generational shifts – they can make or break your Legacy experience.
Subaru Legacy Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
When it comes to picking the cream of the Legacy crop, we don’t mess around. Our rankings consider everything from owner contentment to safety ratings. Here’s what goes into our confidential sauce:
- Owner-reported reliability (straight from the horse’s mouth)
- Annual maintenance costs (because nobody likes surprise bills)
- Safety ratings (because your family’s safety matters)
- Consumer Reports reliability and owner satisfaction scores
- NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints
- Ratings from Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley’s Blue Book, VehicleHistory, and Cars.com
Want to see how the Legacy measures up over the years? Check out this chart:
Now, let’s break it down into the good, the bad, and the “meh”:
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd generation (BE) | 2003 2004 | N/A | 2000 2001 2002 |
| 4th generation (BL) | 2006 2007 2008 2009 | N/A | 2005 |
| 5th generation (BM) | 2013 2014 | 2012 | 2010 2011 |
| 6th generation (BN) | 2018 2019 | 2017 | 2015 2016 |
| 7th generation (BT) | 2021 2022 2023 2024 | N/A | 2020 |
Remember, “neutral” years aren’t bad – they’re just not the superstars or the problematic children. They’ll get you from A to B without much fuss.
Keep in mind that NHTSA recalls can really knock a car’s reliability down a peg. Multiple complaints and recalls often spell trouble.
Ready to dig into the nitty-gritty of each Legacy generation?
Let’s go!
Best & Worst Years for Subaru Legacy 3rd Generation (2000-2004)
The 3rd gen Legacy hit the streets running from 2000 to 2004, bringing sleeker looks and more advanced tech to the table. Subaru was clearly upping its game in the safety and comfort departments.
So, which years are worth your hard-earned cash?
Let’s investigate it.
The Best Years: 2003, 2004
If you’re considering a 3rd gen Legacy, the 2003 and 2004 models are your optimal choices. Here’s why:
- Engine: A solid 2.5L four-cylinder that’s built to last
- Transmission: Take your pick – 4-speed auto or 5-speed manual
- Fuel Economy: Not too shabby at 19 city/25 highway mpg
- Safety: Beefed-up airbags and a tougher body for better crash protection
- Interior: Upgraded materials and better sound insulation for a quieter ride
These models smoothed out the kinks of earlier years, giving you a more refined Legacy experience.
The Worst Years: 2000, 2001, 2002
Now, let’s talk about the years you might want to skip. The 2000, 2001, and 2002 Legacys had some initial challenges:
- Engine woes: Head gasket failures were all too common
- Fuel system issues: Leaks were a real headache
- Transmission troubles: Who wants a failing transmission?
- Rust bucket alert: Frame corrosion was a serious problem
These issues led to a string of recalls:
- Fuel leaks
- Dodgy transmission tie rods
- Unintended acceleration (yikes!)
- Rear suspension subframe corrosion
Want the complete scoop on those early 2000s Legacy models?
Check out the NHTSA’s accounts for the 2000, 2001, and 2002 Subaru Legacy.
Best & Worst Years for Subaru Legacy 4th Generation (2005-2009)
The 4th gen Legacy rolled onto the scene in 2005, sporting a newer face and some fancy new features. But not all years are created equal. Let’s separate the wheat from the chaff.
The Best Years: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
Looking for a reliable 4th gen Legacy? The 2006-2009 models are your golden tickets. Here’s why owners love them:
- Engines: Choose between a peppy 2.5L EJ253 or a turbocharged EJ255 for some extra oomph
- Fuel Economy: A respectable 20 city/27 highway mpg
- Transmission: Smooth 4-speed auto or a fun 5-speed manual
- Safety: Beefed-up airbags and a tougher body for better protection
But heads up – even these reliable years had a recall for corroding brake lines. Nothing’s flawless, right?
The Worst Year: 2005
Now, about that 2005 model… Let’s just say it had some initial difficulties:
- Electrical gremlins: Who doesn’t love a good mystery?
- Engine troubles: Turbo failures and fuel leaks in the cold? No thanks.
- Clutch issues: Because who needs a working clutch, anyway?
- Brake problems: Those corroding rear brake lines made a comeback
Check out the 2005 NHTSA for recalls and grievances for this model.
Best & Worst Years for Subaru Legacy 5th Generation (2010-2014)
The 5th gen Legacy strutted onto the stage in 2010, boasting more space, enhanced safety tech, and a bit more pep in its step. But which years hit the perfect spot?
Let’s explore.
The Best Years: 2013, 2014
If you’re shopping for a 5th gen Legacy, the 2013 and 2014 models are your prime choices. Here’s why they’re worth the approximately $11,000 price tag:
- Engines: Standard 2.5L H4 or an optional 3.6L H6 for the power-hungry
- Fuel Economy: A solid 24 city/32 highway mpg
- Drivetrain: Subaru’s famous symmetrical all-wheel drive, of course
- Transmission: Lineartronic CVT or a 5-speed auto (our pick)
- Safety: Top-notch features like stability control and a full airbag suite
- Tech: EyeSight Driver Assist Technology for extra peace of mind
These models nabbed the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, too. Not too shabby!
The Neutral Year: 2012
The 2012 Legacy? It’s not terrible, but not great either. Think of it as the “meh” year:
- Similar features to the 2013 and 2014 models
- Less refined overall
- Watch out for that brake master cylinder recall
The Worst Years: 2010, 2011
Now, about those 2010 and 2011 models… Let’s just say they had some quirks to iron out:
- Stalling while braking (that’s not ideal)
- Excessive vibration at highway speeds
- Headlight failures (because who needs to see at night?)
- Steering wheel vibrations (for that extra arm workout)
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- Remote starter issues
- Electronic parking brake failures
- Windshield wiper motor problems
Curious about the 2010 and 2011 Legacy’s dirty laundry? Take a peek at the NHTSA’s files on recalls and complaints. Fair warning: what you find might make you rethink these model years!
Best & Worst Years for Subaru Legacy 6th Generation (2015-2019)
The 6th gen Legacy rolled out in 2015, packing more tech, a swankier interior, and some enhanced driving dynamics. But which years give you the most bang for your buck?
Let’s investigate it.
The Best Years: 2018, 2019
If you’re eyeing a 6th gen Legacy, the 2018 and 2019 models are the apex of the crop. Here’s why they’re worth a peek:
- Engines: 2.5L H4 (25 city/34 highway mpg) or a beefier 3.6L H6
- Transmission: 7/8-speed Lineartronic CVT
- Drivetrain: Subaru’s legendary symmetrical all-wheel drive
- Safety: EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, adaptive cruise control, and more
- Tech: Updated infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Comfort: Better seats and quieter cabin
Plus, they nabbed that coveted IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. Not too shabby!
The Neutral Year: 2017
The 2017 Legacy? It’s not poor, but not remarkable either. Here’s the lowdown:
- Similar features to the best years
- Some battery drain issues reported
- Transmission quirks like hesitation and hard shifting
- High oil consumption in some cases
- Spontaneous windshield cracks (because who doesn’t love a surprise?)
- Recall for potential steering loss (yikes!)
The Worst Years: 2015, 2016
Now, about those 2015 and 2016 models… Let’s just say they had some initial difficulties:
- Battery drain issues (again)
- Transmission troubles (sensing a pattern?)
- High oil consumption (still)
- More of those mysterious windshield cracks
These years also faced recalls for:
- Collision mitigation brake problems (2015)
- Transmission oil leaks (2015 and 2016)
- Drive shaft detachment (2016)
- Potential steering loss (2016)
Wondering if those 2015 and 2016 Legacys have any concealed secrets in their closets? Inspect the NHTSA’s records on recalls and complaints.
Best & Worst Years for Subaru Legacy 7th Generation (2020-Present)
The 7th gen Legacy hit the streets in 2020, bringing a tech revolution and comfort upgrades to Subaru’s reliable sedan. But as with any new generation, some years shine brighter than others.
Let’s dive in.
The Best Years: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Looking for the most reliable Legacy? The 2021-2024 models are your top bets. Here’s why they’re worth considering:
- New platform: Better handling, less noise, and improved safety
- Engines: Standard 2.5L H4 (27 city/35 highway mpg) or turbocharged 2.4L H4-T
- Transmission: Refined CVT for smoother operation
- Safety: EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, lane centering, and more
- Tech: 11.6-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Optional goodies: Driver distraction mitigation and front-view cameras
These models consistently earn that IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. Not too bad!
The Worst Year: 2020
Now, about that 2020 model… Let’s just say it had some initial hiccups:
- Spontaneous windshield cracks (a Subaru classic at this point)
- Recalls for:
- Rearview camera malfunctions
- Fuel pump failures
- Drive chain breakage (hello, power loss!)
- Missing brake pedal mounting bracket bolts (because who needs those?)
Curious about the 2020 Legacy’s growing pains? Take a glance at the NHTSA’s files on recalls and complaints.
Subaru Legacy Resale Values
Here is the edited text: Inquisitive about how well the Legacy holds its value? Check out this graph:
Conclusion
So, what’s the ultimate word on the Subaru Legacy? Keep your eyes peeled for these treasures: 2003-2004, 2006-2009, 2013-2014, 2018-2019, and 2021-2024. They’re the pick of the bunch for dependability and features.
But watch out for the mischief-makers: 2000-2002, 2005, 2010-2011, 2015-2016, and 2020. These models have more baggage than an overseas airport.
What’s your view on the Legacy?
Does our evaluation match your real-world experience?
Spill the beans in the comments!
