Used 1990 Subaru Legacy Consumer Reviews
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A Pleasure To Own
Krissy, 07/09/2008
1990 Subaru Legacy LS 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Suzy 3/1/2007 with only 129,000 miles and for a 17 year- old car back then, only 3 needed repairs, I consider excellent! An alternator, driver side cv joint and a front (passenger side) wheel bearing! Almost a year and a 1/2 later and the one repair needed is a wheel bearing in the rear on passenger side! These engines are indestructible! Bulletproof motor and a very reputable and durable car. I highly recommend these cars for anyone in need of cheap, dependable transportation. One thing: these cars for some unknown reason are pretty bad with gas mileage. I also own a '91 Chevy Corsica with the same size motor (2.2 4 cylinder)and the Chevy holds gas a bit better.
Reliability
betthat, 05/30/2002
1990 Subaru Legacy LS 4dr Sedan AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My car has 206000 miles and it just keeps running. I've had mo major mechanical expenses. The body is built poorly, but for reliability this is a great car.
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See all 0 listingsProud of the Subaru I once had.
veedubberlover, 03/02/2011
1990 Subaru Legacy LS 4dr Wagon
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my Subaru Legacy LS in the beginning of 09. I am the third owner. When purchased it had a rebuilt engine at about 80k miles. Though the car had 189k miles. Purchased for 1000$. I put about 3k into it in the last two years. It was in pretty bad shape. But after all that it was a wonderful car. Though last weekend a big suburban crunched the rear end on it. Now the insurance wants to give me 900 for it. Not happening! I intend to get at least two k. About what replacement would cost. I put a good 50k miles on the vehicle and she still purrs like a kitten. May even keep her and see if I can find another to move into and have a parts car! Other than this she has been a joy!
Pretty Dependable Car
chrissy70, 08/21/2007
1990 Subaru Legacy LS 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've owned my Subaru for almost 6 months so far. The only major issue I had with it was the alternator needed replacing. Cost me $300 to fix, but I purchased a 6 mo./7,500 mile extended warranty with the car, so I was reimbursed by the company. This car drives very smooth, but gas mileage is not that great for a 4 cylinder. My Chevy Corsica ('91) gets much better gas mileage and it has the exact same size 2.2 motor! Handles pretty well. This car has no rust on it whatsoever! The paint holds up really well and it's had no accidents. I plan on trading it in or selling it outright come tax time. I recommend these cars to anyone looking for reliability and comfort.
Solid And Reliable!
Kris, 02/15/2009
1990 Subaru Legacy LS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my baby 2 years ago with only 129k miles on the clock. She now has 156,000 miles. I drive around 13,000 miles per year and only repairs I've dealt with were alternator replacement, front brakes, cv joints and a very much needed ( overdue!) rear wheel bearing. The only thing I really hate about these cars (and the only thing!) are they have rear brake rotors, which are pretty expensive. Anyway, performance is amazing and she has tons of pep for a 2.2L. I change the oil/filter EVERY 3,000 miles and make sure ALL fluids are at proper levels. Keep up with this and routine maintenance (brakes, tires, battery, etc.) and they will last well over 300,000 miles, maybe longer! Great car
Wonderful Car- Happy Owner!!!
Kasey, 08/16/2009
1990 Subaru Legacy LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned this car almost 2 and 1/2 years and it's been a pleasure to own and drive! New parts I replaced: battery, driver cv joint, (passenger side needs new one) front/rear brakes, front/rear brake rotors, 4 new tires, alternator, spark plugs, routine oil/filter changes every 3 mos. or 3,000 miles. A Very safe car, too. Needs only a new rear hub/wheel bearing and a passenger side cv joint. Runs and drives smooth, no shakes, shimmy, or vibration anywhere in the entire car! Doesn't burn or leak a drop of oil and has 164,000 miles on her! I absolutely recommend these cars to anyone in need of cheap transportation and VERY long-lasting reliability!!
240,000 miles and still going
blackhorde, 11/12/2009
1990 Subaru Legacy 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1990 Subaru Legacy front-wheel drive sedan (aka, the Flying Blue Marmot) new in 1990. Almost 20 years old, and still going strong! About once a year, it needs some major (over $500) work besides regular maintenance, but that still beats buying a new car that doesn't get as good of gas mileage (still getting about 25 MPG City). Pros: great mileage, good power, comfortable seats, still looks stylish, even after all these years! Cons: Paint job on the trim hasn't held up, the upholstery in the back window has cracked quite a bit, and the interior door handles lock unless you hold your hand just so when opening the door.
It will never die.
Jed, 01/07/2010
1990 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My mom got the car brand new in 1990 and passed it on to me when she got a newer model. Most reliable car I have ever seen, even major parts can break but it will always get you home or to the garage without fail. The car even sat for 2 years in the drive way with a broken head gasket, never started or anything, put a fresh battery in it and it roared to life like it had been on the road the day before (that was just before I got my drivers permit). You just cant beat that kind of toughness. I have all sorts of stories but I cant fit them all here. It gets 32 MPG runs like a charm and nothing stops it. I may never drive a better vehicle ever. I am currently restoring it.
BEST cars out there!!!!
Girlygirl!, 01/17/2010
1990 Subaru Legacy LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Subaru March of 2007, with only 129,000 miles. It now has 172,000 and besides routine maintenance, all they need are oil changes done every 3kmiles or 3 months, along with keeping eye out on ALL fluid levels and condition of all fluids. This car still runs, starts and drives NEW!! All she needs are a driver cv axle and a rear wheel bearing! I couldn't be happier and will keep her until the wheels fall off!!! HIGHLY recommended to anyone in need of dependable wheels!
The 1990 Subaru car model
spower, 06/22/2002
1990 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Well, I own the 1990 Subaru Legacy wagon. The reliability/quality is not so good and the repair bills are getting high - just get a Toyota or Honda. Once this Subaru car gets old, it gets very crazy. The gas mileage is not so good - dares to be below 20 MPG. As of 6-22-2002, the mileage is almost 110,000 miles. But the A/C, power steering, locks, sunvisors and other things are not working in the proper order. The engine is noisier than it should be for its mileage. I just honestly wish that I own a vehicle that is whole a lot more reliable than this Subaru car. Just keep Toyota and Honda in each person's mind...as I will honestly do!!
It's a keeper
Sub-A-Roo, 10/16/2010
1990 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have the 1990 legacy L front wheel drive. I bought it in 1993 with over 50k on it. I'm at 280k right now and plan on keeping it at least to 300k. It has been such little maintenance that I have no reason to get rid of it. Gas mileage used to be 34 mpg, now it's closer to 28 mpg (i guess it's getting old?) If I could buy another one with lower mileage I would.
Sub Legacy 1990 AWD L Wagon
tm, 08/25/2002
1990 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Tremedously reliability with cost of ownership limited to routine maintenance. Snow and ice no problem with good tires.
Love my subaru
long time user, 10/14/2002
1990 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have thoroughly enjoyed my subaru. I test drove a 2002 Elantra, Rav4 (99), CRV (99), and my 163,000 mile 1990 Legacy beat the heck out of all of them for smooth and quiet ride. Only a Camry and Corolla even came close. I consistently get 20-22 mpg in town and 30 mpg on the highway.
Subie power
Socalsubie, 11/27/2002
1990 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Recently sold our second subie, with 234,000 miles on the original trans and engine. Never had a rebuild on either one. Clutch lasted until 212,000 miles. Mechanically great car. Didnt realize how much brand loyalty subaru owners had, all the people who called about it, were former subie owners. Will buy number 3 in the future.
11 years with 1990 Subaru
yanetoh, 12/02/2002
1990 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Most reliable car I ever had.Bought it used (12000), and drove my 1990 Subaru for 148,000 of its 160000 miles. CV joints tend to wear and need replacing every 2 years after the first 50,000 miles, but other than that, no major mechanical problems. Brakes squeaky at times, after 120,000 miles, but still good with regular maintenance. Some repair to power windows and door locks late in life.Great gas mileage, very comfortable seats and responsive handling, especially good in rain and snow. I loved my baby Subaru which gave me great service and NEVER, Ever, left me stranded.
I Love This Car!
KandyG23, 01/24/2003
1990 Subaru Legacy LS 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought a 1990 Subaru Legacy Sedan LS All Wheel drive in April of 2002. We are a family of four, and needed a four door car. The sports car was a little too small. I love it! It drives smooth and actually goes, you don't feel like a turtle. I would much rather have this vehicle then a brand new one.
will buy another
Subman, 08/23/2003
1990 Subaru Legacy LS 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been a great truck! That is how I use her, comfortable and economical. She will hold several 4x8 sheets of plywood or lumber of any length,(sticking through the sunroof). She hs only been in the shop a couple times for minor repairs, since new. I will buy another when or if "Sue" ever wears out.
Couldn't have asked for anything better
Rstolz27, 06/01/2006
1990 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
4 years owned, and put over 40,000 miles on it. loved driving it. The thing really shines in bad weather and long hauling thanks to ample cargo room and the AWD system. Very comfortable for its age. Intelligent, simple instrument cluster, responsive steering with good feel and good braking even without ABS. Cons: expensive repairs due mostly to rarity of parts, probably because they rarely need it. Soft suspension and lots of body roll All in all, I'll be hard pressed not to buy another Subie.
loved that car
subie fan, 03/27/2004
1990 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 90 Legacy sedan was the best, most reliable car I have ever owned.Orginally purchased 2nd hand with 110,000 on it, it never needed any engine work, and other than cv joints, it took only regular maintence to get 30 mpg with 258,000 mi.on it. Living in the mountains, I found the power of the engine with the 5 sp manual trans. very good. When my spouse overheated it and cracked the sleeve on cylinder 1 , I almost cried. If the car wouldn't have been starting to rust out, I would have replaced the engine. Sadly I had to part with the Legacy and am still trying to find something as good as it was to replace it.
132,000k miles
Loyal Suby owners, 06/21/2006
1990 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We own 2 1990 Subaru's and 1 is our Legacy. Bought it 11 years ago and have been driving it everyday since. VERY reliable and have had very little mechanical problems. We've had to replace the CV joints and the front axle and a couple of sensors. We've never had the clutch or starter go out, always turns over! We've had BAD problems with paint (oxidized) we had it repainted last year, and problems with the PW and PL, cruise control & plastic exterior trimming. Just recently it's been idling rough and looks like it needs another sensor replaced. Check engine light has been on since 80k miles and has started burning oil. Comfortable cruising and the air still works, we definitely got our money's worth!
great utility and low profile
flurkey, 05/26/2004
1990 Subaru Legacy LS 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car. I bought mine in 2002 with 110,000 miles for $1900. Since then, the only major repairs have been replacing the clutch ($500) and replacing the radiator ($300). Basically, my all-in cost for every aspect of this wagon is under $300 a month and dropping, as its purchase price is spread over more and more months of ownership- Plus, when I sell it, I'll get a few hundred buck under what I paid... hows that for depriciation! I plan on milking this car until 200k. I love it!
278,000 miles - remarkable car
Happy engineer, 07/17/2004
1990 Subaru Legacy LS 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used at a price of $ 7,000, ten years ago. Now the odometer is up to 278,000 miles and the engine is still purring, economical... and not a trace of smoke, transmission issues or any old age problem. We had a few repairs including seal replacements, wear parts and gaskets,CV's, alternators (2), drive belts and pulleys, pump (2) and my own recharging air cond - and now a couple of small rust spots appear on side of body. I've been careful to use best test rated friction reducing oil additives. Quite low cost per mile for such a roomy and comfortable transportation? Finally must take it to charity donation -not due to problems.
Old Reliable
bryanh, 11/15/2005
1990 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have 285,000 miles on my Legacy and still going. As far as drive trains are concerned, this has to be one of the most dependable vehicles ever built.
A good college car
Michael, 01/12/2006
1990 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've driven this car for almost half a year on a couple of long trips, including one through horrible weather. Thanks to the AWD, even with crappy all season tires the car is pretty confident in poor conditions. If you regularly go through bad weather, I would recommend getting the automatic instead of the manual, since the AWD system responds faster. The engine is "peppy" at best, but it'll get the car up to highway speeds just fine. The handling is decent enough, although there is a bit of body roll. Having the extra space in the trunk is a godsend, and the stock stereo is pretty decent (only AM/FM though). I don't have any major rattles, which is amazing for a 16 year old car.
Reliability up the wazoo
Matt, 06/10/2006
1990 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife originally bought this car, although I drive it on a regular basis. Not exciting to look at, but the cost to drive this thing is incredibly low considering how amazingly reliable it's been and how few things have actually broken. The air conditioning died about six years ago and the radio is deteriorating. While the fenders are getting quite rusty, it just keeps on ticking.
195,000 miles
Aj, 11/03/2006
1990 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second Subaru Legacy. My first had 225,000 miles on it. It had no working heat and it leaked water through the sun roof. But it started in every Wisconsin winter. My current car has 195,000 miles and even though I don't change the oil when I should, never clean it or do basic repairs it runs through everything. I can always make it to a ski hill, no matter how much snow is on the road. The only thing I did was put in after market speakers and CD player.
1990 Legacy L 4-WD
'90 Subaru Legacy, 01/23/2007
1990 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
1990, first year on the road, it took 13 international records for speed and endurance. It's a wolf in sheep's clothing. Classic, elegant but innocent looking secret bombshell of a powerhouse on just 2.2 liters. Finest car in the world.
Lasts forever
torina, 05/10/2007
1990 Subaru Legacy LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car brand new for $13,000. I have never needed transmission work, engine work or any major repairs. My Subaru has 300,000 miles on it. I would highly recommend the Legacy to anyone.
Pleased Subaru Owner
Chris777, 08/25/2007
1990 Subaru Legacy LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall I'm happy with my Subaru. For a foreign car, the transmissions on these are too whiny and very sluggish. Very quiet motor and has lots of power! On highways, I experience a VERY smooth ride. No complaints about this car, really. Subaru needs to make better quality cv boots. I've only owned this car for almost 6 months, so hopefully, I'll have lots of luck with it the longer I own it!
Happy Subaru Buyer
kris199036, 07/09/2007
1990 Subaru Legacy 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just had a brand new alternator installed Friday, July 6th at my mechanic's shop and just drove it home today. Wow! I started the motor and almost re-started it, because it was so quiet!! I thought it stalled out on me! I would definitely recommend these cars to anyone looking for dependable, inexpensive transportation. I've only owned it 4 months and 2 months it sat, due to me having another car I drive. This is my 2nd. It's a pleasure driving this car and they have very good reputations. Very fun to drive. Keep up with regular maintenance (oil changes, brakes,tires, belts/hoses, etc.) and they'll last damn near 300,000 miles. It's not unheard of! I couldn't be happier with my Suzy!
The Anytime, Anywhere Most Reliable Car!
Subi Chic, 05/03/2003
1990 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this Subaru L Wagon AWD for 8 years now, and it is by far the best car I've ever owned. Rebuilt engine after 225,000 miles and I put 265,000 miles on it before the tranny quit. By far the longest lasting car I have ever heard of. The car is still going strong, and never leaves me stranded. She drives as if it's still 1990!! I wouldn't drive another car for the world!
Most Reliable Car Ever
bdeoca, 06/17/2003
1990 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been the most reliable car I've ever had in that it has never stalled or failed to start in the 83,000 miles I've driven it. The one trouble area has been the axle (front). I've had to replace CV joints often and finally the whole axle. Other than that, it's been great even on long trips through the desert heat with the A/C on the whole time. It's not a particularly peppy car, but the gas mileage is good.
This car is a dog
jdcinbend, 08/09/2005
1990 Subaru Legacy LS 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is the worst car I have ever owned. Sure, we bought it 10 years old, but it took the dealer three months to deliver before he could sort the tranny problems. The electric door locks winked out first. Then the air suspension bottomed out -- a $1500 bill to replace with less comfortable struts. Now it has developed another personality problem in its electrical system ... won't start, unless it's sitting in the mechanic's lot. Finally died altogether yesterday, the day I traded it for a Dodge (!) Intrepid -- for the reliability! This thing is a shame to the legend of Japanese automotive excellence -- avoid it. It'll cost me another $400 just to get rid of it. Buy a Toyota - wish I had.