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

Love my Subie!

Written by: JC on 04/16/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


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

Vehicle

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

Review

Bought it used with 25k on it. Currently have 110k. Have not had any problems. Goes thru a lot of tires but I guess that's the AWD. Would like a few more horses under the hood but the 5 spd and the tight handling do make it a fun drive. Great in the snow. I'd buy another one but don't want to give this up!

Favorite Features

Sun roof, fit and finish solid. Reliability especially in the cold, snowy weather. Smooth 5spd shifter.

Suggested Improvements

A more powerful engine would make it just about perfect.

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Definitely won't buy another Subaru...

Written by: subaru_andrew on 12/26/2008


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	3
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	6	Reliability:	6
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	5

I purchased this car new in April 2004 and have since put approximately 97500 miles on it. Build quality isn't too good; I have experienced engine knock when cold since 20000 miles. Dealer wouldn't touch the issue, saying it's typical for these engines. Cold (under 20 degree F) starts are painful, sometimes requiring 4 or 5 tries before the engine will stay running. I've had the A/C lose charge twice (dealer and independent shop cannot find leak, so it gets charged once a year) and had the clutch bind and squeak. Dealer replaced the clutch, didn't fix the issue, I found a bad slave cylinder. Rear suspension sags at least 1.5" even with nothing in the trunk. But, I haven't been stranded-yet!

Manual transmission allows the engine to perform well. AWD is excellent in adverse conditions -- provided that you ditch the crappy Bridgestone Potenza RE92 stock tires!

Improve build quality, in addition to the issues mentioned above I had several rattles in the interior which were tracked down to improper sunroof installation at the factory. Please do something about the horrible stock tires. Why put AWD on a vehicle when the tires don't allow it to work well?!

Problems after 55,000 miles

Written by: PeggyR on 11/28/2008


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

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

I also had problems after 50,000 miles and just want to get rid of it. I also owned a 1995 Subaru before and it never gave me any troubles. My head gasket is cracked, have had transmission problems almost immediately and their is always something wrong with this car. It is sad because I used to trust Subaru as a quality car. It costs almost as much as a BMW to repair, so why not quality.

The engine, the exterior

Safe, Dependable and fun

Written by: Froggy on 07/27/2008


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

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.

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

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

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

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!

2004 Subaru Legacy Consumer Ratings & Reviews