2008 Subaru Legacy Consumer Reviews

I'm dating up!

Written by: karl williams on 06/06/2009

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5 I Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Okay, I almost feel guilty for driving this car. I luckily found it used because you don't see a "used" Subaru very long on the lot (especially as nice as this one) and I've been looking. I feel bad because it is soooo good. I have two friends who drive new BMW's and I can easily keep up with the Jones'. This car does everything well, including looking the part of a luxury sport sedan. Very fun to drive, handles well, and fuel economy is great for AWD. Speaking of AWD...it is wonderful in the rain..can't wait for snow. I am dating up because this car has hot looks and delivers performance even for a 4 cyl. When I tell people what I paid...they are filled with jealousy. Don't miss out!

Favorite Features

Interior fit and finish! Exterior sporty look...then there is the AWD factor.

Suggested Improvements

Could dampen the road noise a bit. Would be cool for "home link" type technology for garage door opening. A bit more storage features in the cabin.

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Couldn't be happier

Written by: j4106 on 05/25/2009

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5 I 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

After one year, and 25000 miles, I couldn't be happier. I drive 30 to and from work over a 7000 ft+ mountain summit to a city that has 3 of the top 10 ski resorts in the country within 5 miles. Naturally, traction is a concern. After having a Honda Civic Si and snow tires, I will never be without quality winter tires again because getting going is one thing, stopping is another, and the Legacy does both brilliantly when properly equipped. I confidently and safely got where I was going (and passed so many 4WD trucks and SUV's I couldn't even venture a guess at a number). I am so glad I bought this car.

Favorite Features

AWD for sure. Love the AUX input on the stereo. Unlike some of the reviews, I think the stereo sounds great. I love that the rear speakers are in the doors rather than the behind the seats. I can have the stereo at a level everyone can hear yet still talk to people in the backseat.

Suggested Improvements

The paint is a little soft, but I haven't seen a car built after about 2002 that doesn't have the same problem... my understanding is that they can no longer use lead in it.

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Happily Pre-Owned

Written by: gioguy21 on 03/05/2009

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5 I Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

So far I've owned my Legacy for a little over a month and I have to say it's by far the best car I've ever owned. I was in the market for a car that was great on the highway (safe/mpg/fun to drive) since I drive an hour each day to and from work. I will surely be purchasing another Subaru whenever this one bites the dust hopefully a long time from now. I love the sound system, was able to tweak the quality of the speakers through my ipod, the moonroof is wonderful and the car handles like it's on rails. I highly recommend anyone that wants a great car at a great price, pre-owned might be the way to go. Low miles for 5k cheaper than new a year old?...be stupid not to.

Favorite Features

Cruise, moonroof, stereo, HUGE trunk for golf clubs

Suggested Improvements

Audio controls on the steering wheel, a fifth gear, turn signals on mirrors, standard fogs

6 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Ticking When Turning the Engine Off

Written by: Dolly on 03/05/2009

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5 I 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I bought a 2008 used Subaru Legacy with 20,000 miles on it in March 2009. The only complaint I have is that after I drive it and then turn the engine off, it makes a ticking sound for approx 20 secs as though the engine is cooling down. I never heard this sound in other cars I've owned, so it's new to me. I'm wondering if anyone else has had this problem, and if it's common. The dealer said it's the engine cooling, but I'm leery of it. The engine sounds more like a cheap car and is not as quiet when started or when driving. I've owned a Honda and Dodge, Intrepid and they seemed more sturdier than the Subaru Legacy.

Favorite Features

Interior, outside exterior.

Suggested Improvements

No red lights on inside dash. Looks cheap.

2 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Honest/ Informed Review

Written by: I Stewart on 02/25/2009

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Legacy 3.0 R Limited 4dr Sedan AWD w/Navi, VDC (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

While the 3.0R boasts a larger engine and more hp, it actually has less lb/foot of torque than its 2.5GT counterpart; translating to 7 tenths of a second from 0-60. The acclaimed S/I drive is amusing, if not practical. In sport mode acceleration is noticeably boosted from intelligent mode. Paddle-shifting is also available in sport sharp, though its more burdensome than liberating. Paddle-shift levers, S/I drive console, and Navigation system all contribute to the impressive interior. Even after the romance fades, the controls are insightful and convenient. This car may be your best choice if: a. you drive in all-weather conditions b. you purchase used at a discount

Favorite Features

The 3.0R's best feature is not unique. All Subaru's are endowed with excellent symmetrical AWD. The 3.0R offers Subaru's AWD in a more refined and elegant package, setting it apart from other Legacy and Impreza models. The wheels, though not a practical benefit, complete the look nicely.

Suggested Improvements

This car was created to be the best of two worlds: Sport and Luxury. While it contains features from both realms, it excels at neither. Suspension is stiff, almost to the point of discomfort. Sound is average. In Suby's "flagship" I would expect more. Price: 2.5GT is faster and cheaper.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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So far so good

Written by: pikers on 02/16/2009

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5 I Limited 4dr Sedan AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I was lucky enough to get the last '08 on the lot and I got leather, heated seats, heated mirrors, heated wipers, 6 disc changer and auto climate control! This is easily the nicest car I've ever owned. Fit and finish and quality of materials is amazing. My girlfriend's mom has a 328xi and I honestly think this car is nicer inside and out. Bottom line, try a Legacy before you go for an Audi, BMW, or Lexus... you may be surprised.

Favorite Features

AWD, heated goodies (seats, wipers, mirrors), transmission. The transmission has auto, sport, and a shiftable gate.

Suggested Improvements

I'd like just a tad more headroom. I'm 6'4" and my head comes uncomfortably close to the roof. The stereo in this car is pretty weak. It would be nice if Subaru used a standard stereo size for aftermarket options. MPG is OK considering what it is, but I think they could do a little better.

2 out 4 people found this review helpful

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The Best

Written by: Karl on 02/06/2009

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5 I Limited 4dr Sedan AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I waited to post a review of this car until we had time to really evaluate it. After 9 mos. & nearly 11K miles we are very satisfied. The interior is the best, period. Its design looks better than any luxury sedan on the market. Handling is very good but you give up a soft ride for it. We average about 30 mpg at 80 mph and 23 around town. Still feels solid and has been totally trouble free. We drove Audi A4, BMW 3, Jag X, Volvo S40 & S60. Simply this car felt better and looked better too. If you want an awd car that is reliable, economical, and near luxury, this is the one. Leather is nice, stereo is okay but wish it had steering mounted controls (fixed in 2009). Highly recommend.

Favorite Features

AWD, great interior design, comfortable even on long trips. Reliability and economy with a touch of luxury.

Suggested Improvements

Not bad but could be a little quieter. Some tire noise at higher speeds. Steering mounted audio controls. That's it!

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Best sedan in size and quality

Written by: Jake on 02/05/2009

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5 I Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I bought a 2008 Legacy in mid 2007 and it has been hands down the best vehicle I've owned. Its hard to find a high quality sedan that's not too large. The interior is quiet and materials are superior to others. The design is perfect - everything is proportional, unlike so many new sedans that look "different" to get attention. I always buy new cars and this is the first one to go the first 20k miles without even one tiny, minor little thing to look into. It's been fantastic and I'll definitely buy another.

Favorite Features

Go anywhere, do anything. Not worried about losing traction, getting stuck when in the mountains, rainstorms, snowstorms, etc. It's like having a small SUV in a sedan package.

Suggested Improvements

The transmission isn't as smooth shifting as some competitors

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Best buy for the buck

Written by: Corey on 01/17/2009

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5 I 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

The Subaru Legacy 2.5l boxer engine has to be one of the better small size engines on the market today. Besides delivering almost 30 mpg on the high way it can pack a little punch if pushed to its limits. It's more fun to drive than anything I test drove (which included Toyota awd matrix, Nissan altima, Honda accord). The all wheel drive is superb. Anything from heavy rains to deep snow is no match for the symmetric all wheel drive. Last its not cheap by any means but for what you get it is one hell of a deal.

Favorite Features

Electro-illuminescent gauges add a european flare and give the car a more refined feel. The seats hold you in place.

Suggested Improvements

Place a thin stripping on top of the window to better protect it possibly leaking into the car or potentially breaking the glass itself

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Poor man's Audi

Written by: sam on 01/02/2009

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5 I 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Great car for Colorado. Does great in the snow and I get good MPG. I can chase BMW Xis and Audi A4s all day to the ski resorts, I might not be as fast as they are, but I can handle all the sludge on the road with easy and knowing that I can buy 2 Subarus for the price of one BMW or Audi it makes me smile when i park next to them. Great everyday car at a price that doesn't make you hate yourself every month! I think it will hold its value better as well! I'm getting 27 mpg with a space box on the roof. Would recommend this car to anybody that needs AWD!

Favorite Features

AWD! Great fit and finish! It's the best looking Subaru yet!

Suggested Improvements

Better radio. Wish I could get a 6-speed!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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