2002 Subaru Legacy Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A capable all-weather sedan or wagon for an agreeable price.
Pros
All-wheel drive, a host of standard features, less expensive than many European competitors.
Cons
Side airbags available only on Limited models, no six-cylinder engine offered.
What's New for 2002
Only minor changes are in store for Subaru's midsize Legacy sedan and wagon. GT Limiteds receive a standard All-Weather Package that includes heated front seats, heated outside mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. GT models now have larger front brakes, a new ignition switch illumination ring, standard floor mats and wood grain-patterned door switch trim. Other upgrades for all Legacys include a dome light off-delay and an internal trunk release (sedans only).
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Fun to drive around mountains roads.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Subaru Legacy GT Limited AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
My car has over 170000 on it. It's still very tight and smooth. It's great in the snow (under 8") with new tires on. I've always had problems with the brakes (front calipers) and of course the wind noise. The check engine light has been on for a long time. New Catalytic converter cost over $1500). All my driving is highway but I haven't done the timing belt yet. I'll do it soon. The dealer was able to correct 50% of the wind noise. The rear defroster isn't very strong compared to other cars. I drive over 1000 miles every week. It only gets 25- 27MPG (due to the AWD and the weight of the car.
Favorite Features
Cold weather package (heated mirrors, seats, windshield), handling, sunroof
Suggested Improvements
More reliable breaks, better rear defrost, better stereo, correct wind noise. More power.
Problem after problem
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Subaru Legacy L AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
In the 5 1/2 years since we bought our 2002 legacy we've had to replace the oil pan (60k miles), head gasket (85k miles), and catalytic converters (88k miles). Our maintanence costs on this car are running at a rate of around $4000/yr, which is more than the payment of a new car. It's either a lemon, or Subaru just doesn't build them like they used too.
Favorite Features
AWD wagon.
Suggested Improvements
2002 Subaru Legacy L
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Subaru Legacy L AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
AWD is great. 110,000 miles replaced head gaskets $1200. 25-28 mpg. Back oxygen sensor out, would cost $100+ just for the part. Wind noise on driver's door correctable only by wedging paper in between gasket and window. Passenger window has be raised and lowered until perfect to cancel wind noise. Has always started. Seats aren't overly comfortable for long drives. Overall I would get another one.
Favorite Features
AWD. Towing ability.
Suggested Improvements
Rubber floor instead of carpet. Wind noise from windows.
Subaru Legacy
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 2 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Subaru Legacy GT Limited AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
First few years of ownership the car performed as desired. However in the third year of ownership road noise became louder. Car has started to rust in the rear door jams at the seams. The rear quarter panel has developed large rust areas. These days I would expect a car to last more than 5 years before rusting out.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
develop a car that will not rust in 5 years.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Worst car I ever owned
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 3 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Subaru Legacy GT AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I picked up this car with 30k miles in great shape and right away started having problems with window seals, moon roof seal, O2 sensors, head lights, check engine light, heat shield, clutch, electrical bugs, you name it, I've fixed it, until finally with 70k miles on the odometer, the engine jumped time and bent all the valves costing me $3500. No aftermarket support either, because no one wants anything to do with this lemon. I can't say that I blame them. I can't wait to be rid of this heap.
Favorite Features
Good looking car. The AWD feels more confident than the Volvo or Audi.
Suggested Improvements
Grossly underpowered engine, sub standard brakes, sloppy feeling 5 speed.
View Pricing for Other Years
Research the 2002 Subaru Legacy
Buying & Selling
Vehicle Details
Multimedia
Ratings & Reviews
- Model Review
- Road Test Ratings
- Road Test Reviews
- Consumer Reviews
- Awards History
- Reliability
- Consumer Discussions
Payment Calculators
Helpful Tools
