1998 Subaru Legacy Review | Edmunds.com
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1998 Subaru Legacy

 
 
 
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Subaru Legacy Features and Specs

Features & Specs

  • Engine 2.5 L Flat 4-cylinder
  • Drivetrain All Wheel Drive
  • Transmission 5-speed Manual
  • Horse Power 165 hp @ 5600 rpm
  • Fuel Economy 19/25 mpg
  • Bluetooth No
  • Navigation No
  • Heated Seats No
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Review of the 1998 Subaru Legacy

  • Info is not yet available.

  • Safety

  • Pros

    All-wheel drive. Gutsy boxer engine. Great handling. An automotive Swiss Army knife.

  • Cons

    Inadequate seat travel. Dumb cupholder location.

  • What's New for 1998

    Prices remain stable while equipment is shuffled and the LSi model is dropped. All Legacy sedans and wagons, except the Outback, sport…

 
What Others Are Saying

Customer Reviews

  Average Consumer Rating (13 total reviews)

Fun to drive, but the

by on
Vehicle: 1998 Subaru Legacy GT 4dr Sedan AWD

I've had my LGT for about two years now and overall it's been a great car for me. I love the AWD, and comparing it to the Audi quattro I had prior, I'd take the Subaru any day. The only real gripe I have is as the others have mentioned, the 2.5L motor is notorious for head gasket issues due to its open deck design. However, Subaru has remedied this problem in their newer models. If you run into head gasket troubles, be prepared for a ~$2k repair, but make sure your mechanic installs the new steel head gaskets as opposed to the pressed graphite gaskets that are the original equipment. The steel gaskets will hold up to the wear and tear that this engine design doles out.



Amazing vehicle - keeps on

by on
Vehicle: 1998 Subaru Legacy GT 4dr Sedan AWD

245,000. This engine is still very zippy. However, the previous owner "cooked" the original engine; probably the head gaskets. So, we were fortunate that the car had a newer engine and have had "zero" problems since we purchased it four years ago. We have had the paint touched up, installed an immobilizer, beefed up the sound system, bought it high- performance tires and started running it on synthetic. Have had it up to 140km/h recently, just for fun on a straight open highway and the car barely vibrates... so smooth! My 6 and 7-1/2yr old kids love it and since we've started looking for something a little less hungry for fuel, they've been sad that we may trade it in. I'm a little sad too!


1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Road hugging utility

by on
Vehicle: 1998 Subaru Legacy GT 4dr Sedan AWD

Purchased new and have 99,000+ mi on it. Lot's of leg room front and back. Back seats drop down for utility. The GT sits about an inch lower than an Outback and has a sport-tuned suspension. When combined with the low center of gravity from the design of the engine, the car is glued to the road. I had an older Subaru that was great in the snow, but it could get sideways when braking. This one has ABS to go with the AWD, so it goes and stops under control.


 
 
 
Gas Mileage

EPA-Rated MPG

  • 19
  • cty
/
  • 25
  • highway
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Other Legacy Years

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Full 1998 Subaru Legacy Review

What's New for 1998

Prices remain stable while equipment is shuffled and the LSi model is dropped. All Legacy sedans and wagons, except the Outback, sport the grille and multireflector halogen lights found on the 2.5GT. A new Limited model joins the 2.5GT lineup, and a dual power moonroof package is available for the Outback Limited wagon. Outbacks get new alloy wheels, an overhead console and longer splash guards, while midyear Outback Limiteds with revised trim and added content were dubbed 30th Anniversary models. The cold weather package has heated windshield wiper nozzles this year instead of an engine block heater. The Brighton wagon's stereo loses half its wattage, Limited models have a standard CD player and the base Outback comes with a weatherband radio. Full power airbags continue, despite new government rules allowing automakers to install reduced force bags to better protect small adults.

Talk About The 1998 Legacy

1998 Subaru Legacy Discussions See all Started By

nsunbeam
nsunbeam
02-05-2013
1998 Legacy Outback Wagon - Unknown Wheel Issue
I recently purchased a 1998 Subaru Legacy Outback wagon, with a 2.5L engine and 5-speed manual transmission. I bought it at about 149,000 miles and have driven it a couple thousand more in the month t...

gengro
gengro
01-07-2011
1998 Legacy L Diff/at-transaxle "wheel Hop" Prob - Urgent Help Please
Hi, I just purchased a 1998 Subaru Legacy L 2.2 sedan in "mint" condition with 210,000km on it and when I had it in a parkade I really noticed bad "wheel hop" when turning tight on...

lbwavedude
lbwavedude
03-16-2010
1998 Automatic Subaru Outback Legcay Transmission Dipstick?
Might sound silly but does anyone know if the '98 Outback Legacy has a Transmission Dipstick? I can't seem to locate one anyway. If not by what means are you to change the transmission oil?...


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