Used 1996 Subaru Legacy Consumer Reviews
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Long Time Owner
Gonk, 11/12/2009
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I owned this for over 13 years. Absolutely fun to drive. The most memorable drives were shortly after purchasing it in March 1996. We drove up to the mountains to get a good look at Comet Hyakutake. This began about 10:00PM and for the last 12 miles or so (past the road closed sign) we saw nothing but snowmobile tracks. I drove in perfect confidence. It was amazing. There were many other drives like that. I very reluctantly gave up on it after too many engine expenses.
Solid, reliable, and practical
ajpress, 03/20/2003
1996 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Sedan AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my Subaru for two primary reasons: Subaru's reputation for reliabilty, and AWD. The car has been rock solid reliable, without a single unscheduled repair in nearly seven years. The AWD had come in handy on occassion (especially this year), and is nice to have. Handling is excellent. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly and downshifts predictably when needed. The interior is comfortable, though material quality is unimpressive. My only complaint is the lack of low end power - I have the 2.2 engine, and should have sprung for the 2.5.
1996 Subaru Legacy for sale near you
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- L WagonMSRP: $2,9982,159 mi away
Dead reliable , but clumsy & thirsty
WriConsult, 06/29/2010
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
I've had Subarus because I need a reliable wagon. Few choices in the decadent SUV era. Bought our Outback when our beloved '90 Legacy w/205,000 mi got stolen. Glad we got a '96 5speed, the only 2.2 L Outback ever. Great for camping/biking/ski trips but not so fun in town: too long for many urban parking spots, HUGE turning radius made tight spots even harder, big blind spots in the rear view. Would drive the smaller, nimbler Forester or Impreza if got better mpg (they don't!) and didn't have the troublesome 2.5 L. I'm a skilled winter driver & use winter tires, so I'd even do without AWD for the extra 2 mpg. Subaru's fuel economy will be unacceptable in the future era of $5 gas.
Super 'Ru
Lil Joe Rice, 09/22/2005
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
There are few words to accurately describe how much I love my 'Ru. It's absolutely amazing! I ford rivers/creeks in it, I've driven through 2 feet of snow in it, climbed rocks in it. Plus, I put about 60 miles on it a day going to and from work. All in all, it's the best all around car I've owned in my driving career and it has effectively sold me on the brand. I own my dream car. It will never win a drag race, it will never place high in a mud bog, but it gets me to work everyday, regardless of weather, temperature, terrain or obstacles. I've even been known to drive over a parking lot barrier or two just to prove the car's mettle. How do I feel about my 'Ru? In a word or two: It's amazing.
Future cult car?
aimee, 03/21/2008
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great car. I live in New Zealand a country with all types of terrain, this grand wagon badged SUV tackles mud, snow, shallow rivers with an ability riviaing the best. Of course on road dynamics excel too. I'm unsure if many owners/admirers are aware of their off-road ability. Reliable, no motor troubles and smooth auto. 87,000km going strong. Brilliant 4WD layout. Added all-terrain tyres, plan to lift suspension 1.5"(37mm)