2004 Subaru Legacy Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

Less expensive than a Volkswagen Passat and more refined than domestic offerings, the Legacy sedan and wagon offer a winter-friendly package for those who don't have large amounts of people and cargo to haul.

Pros

Don't have to pay extra for all-wheel drive, generous standard equipment list, available as a sedan or a wagon, costs less than many European competitors, tight build quality.

Cons

Side airbags available only on GT models, smaller backseat than most competitors, no six-cylinder engine offered.

What's New for 2004

Subaru celebrates its 35 years of U.S. sales by offering a 35th anniversary special edition of the Legacy L sedan and wagon. Included are all the usual features found on L models, along with the addition of a 35th anniversary logo on the front fenders, 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a sunroof and embroidered floor mats. In other news, all Legacys get new red burl interior trim, while ebony-patterned interior trim is available on GT models.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Safe, Dependable and fun

Written by: Froggy on 07/27/2008

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	4	Fun-to-Drive:	7	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	8

Vehicle

2004 Subaru Legacy L 35th Anniversary Edition AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I agree with the others that the auto trans could be better.A 5 or 6 speed would improve economy (I get 25 overall) and acceleration. Reliability wise, I have over 90,000 on it and I have had only one out of pocket repair. It is still tight as a drum. My friends Honda's and Toyotas have been more problematic, in fact they all love my subie. I think many people just don't give Subaru a look before going to Honda or Toyota. This is my third Subaru and I don't see where the others are any more reliable or better made.

Favorite Features

All wheel drive, build quality and the safe secure feeling that I get driving it. It's like driving a tank.

Suggested Improvements

A 5 or 6 speed automatic transmission. More power in the 4 cyl engine.

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Not happy

Written by: dswiss on 09/09/2007


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	2
Comfort:	5	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	4
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	9

2004 Subaru Legacy L 35th Anniversary Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Technically not a lemon, but awfully close to one! In 80,000 miles I've had a transmission replaced, three catalytic converters, three oxygen sensors, numerous cruise control problems, burning oil smell, creaking windows, etc. Finally got rid of it and found out that the trade-in value is next to nothing. But at least I am happy now!

Excellent handling.

Fix the emission control problems. Don't just keep replacing parts - fix the causes!

A car to love!

Written by: Edwardo on 08/29/2007


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	9

After owning a 98 Legacy, my wife and I wouldn't settle for anything other than another Subaru wagon. We're roadtrippers and campers and when we're not mapping new territories, we love the sense of safety and very smooth ride of our 35th Anniversary Legacy (2004), with the double sunroof and fully reclinable seats being just as sweet in the city as it is useful in the sticks.

All wheel drive, double sunroof (the rear being fully retractable), automatic everything with cruise control, substantial couchy seats (the back seat in not thin and flimsy), good control and power for a 4-cyl, solid stable drive, and keeps its sturdiness at high speed.

In subsequent models/years, I hear the lack in power has been address with more hp and less weight, but the 2004 still has a noticable gap in desired power if you're used to shuttle launches.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

04 legacy anniversary edition.

Written by: L.Nork on 05/19/2007


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	7

Some fit and finish problems notably the weather stripping coming loose. Also had to replace sunroof because of wind noise, all done by dealer with no hassle. Otherwise very dependable. Only expense has been gas, tires and brakes. No repairs.

AWD

Bigger cabin. More HP

All around great car

Written by: 35th Legacy Auto on 04/24/2007


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	9

This is an all around wonderful vehicle. Everyday performance is good but in rain or snow, good quickly changes to great. Nothing I've ever driven has compared to this car. I can't see any reason why I wouldn't buy Subaru in the future.

The AWD is incredible. Such an advantage over the FWDs I have driven in the past. Snow and ice were no problem.

MPG, I average 21 under normal circumstances. Passenger side window whistles in high speeds. Fold down back seats would be nice.

2004 Subaru Legacy Consumer Ratings & Reviews