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Used 1996 Subaru Legacy Consumer Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
82 reviews

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4.75 out of 5 stars

BEAST

krash5, 10/27/2014
1996 Subaru Legacy GT 4dr Wagon AWD
19 of 20 people found this review helpful

It's strange... Looks like a Jeep Cherokee on the outside, feels like Honda on the inside, & drives like a Sherman Tank. The Pros outweigh the Cons, as this is one of the most reliable, safest, & unstoppable vehicles ever made. (Just youtube the words "Outback/Snow/Ice")

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Climb a tree if you hit it right!

rainbowrev, 08/30/2012
1996 Subaru Legacy LS 4dr Sedan AWD
9 of 9 people found this review helpful

This was the second car i ever owned and after a Hyundai Elantra this eas a god send. The 4 cylinders are great on gas especially on the highway. I took it mudding because i was young and kept up with a 4x4 bronco in the mud. I kept the gas down and it kept moving. I had alot of fun on ice as well, the awd is remarkable. I put alot of wear into that car but it never let up. I wrecked the suspension(totally my fault!) but it took a serious beating. also destroyed the bearings which where a cheap fix. lifters ticked after 157,000 miles with an oil leak. coolant problems at 175,000 miles but a new radiator for 1oo bucks self installed corected this. I sold it cheap. Loved the car. Great buy!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

1996 Subaru Outback wagon AWD

frank, 04/18/2008
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

This car has 350,000 on it and its' still going. However, I had to replace the engine. Watch out for engines in this car - they eat oil. I put in a used 1996 engine and started have oil eating problems within the first month. Oh, well, its still running! I'd buy another Subaru

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3.25 out of 5 stars

Keeps stalling

Louisa, 05/02/2009
1996 Subaru Legacy LSi 4dr Wagon AWD
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

I have owned this car for only 5 months and it has been a horrible experience. Its check engine light keeps coming on. I changed master air flow, a wire, the differential, and the main computer. The car is still stalling in traffic and other most inopportune places. I bought this car for my daughter's 21 birthday and she has only driven it maybe two weeks out of owning the car. What else could it be!!!!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Love this car!

speedy2015, 07/18/2011
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I live in Maine and needed a car that could withstand our weather. I bought my '96 in December because I had heard good reviews about Subaru's. My dad was unsure about it because he had never worked on a Subaru before, but quickly changed his mind when he drove it in the snow. It doesn't shift very smoothly (for an automatic) anymore and the 2.5 likes the liquids a little more than I prefer. The check engine light has been on since I got the car (the previous owner said it was because of an oil leak) and the gas mileage is comparable to a half ton Dodge pick-up truck, but I still love this car.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

No regrets

Chris, 05/18/2009
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
8 of 9 people found this review helpful

My car is getting old now, but is still the best car I've ever owned, beating even a BMW. It's fun to drive (manual trans) gets 26 mpg and keeps going in Chicago winters--through snow, rain, ice and crazy drivers. The engine (2.2l) is the best. My mechanic loves this car! While I've had work on auxiliary systems it's all been expected maintenance (brakes, clutch, water pump etc). The engine itself is still in great shape. The car seats are a little hard, and really, the cup holder over the CD player? Whose idea was that? My next car will be a Subaru, too.

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4 out of 5 stars

Great car but 2.5L mechanically is terrible

emilyxmay, 11/25/2011
1996 Subaru Legacy LSi 4dr Wagon AWD
5 of 6 people found this review helpful

Purchased 2.5L Legacy Outback 10/09 - 156k - w/o inspection. W/in a week $1400 transfer case repair...had no AWD. Wonderful AWD now, BUT has cost $4500 past 2 yrs incl transfer case, timing belt, radiator + bi-mo. repairs. A/C has never worked. Ck eng light on constantly altho turns off by itself several days later. Recently a long-standing misfire issue became full blown problem. Car barely started making noises like a starter problem, shook horribly, probably only running on 1 cylinder. Today, it does start, runs somewhat smoothly, engine sounds odd. Blown engine? Will miss my beloved Outback. R.I.P. Now allocating my Suby repair budget to buy new car.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Campus Cruisin' Econo-style

Darren Greco, 06/16/2004
1996 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Sedan AWD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

My parents bought it for me with 40k miles back in 2000, now it has 75k. The only thing it has ever needed was a new timing belt, which is recommended at about 60000 miles. All in all a great value. So all you parents out there looking for a car for your kid... get 'em a Subaru! Trust me, my Subie's been through it all, and she still runs like she did the day I got her. I Hope I never have to sell it!

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5 out of 5 stars

220,000+ miles

Montana Wildhack, 09/24/2016
1996 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Wagon AWD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

She goes and goes and goes. Great in the snow, holds the road, doesn't burn oil. Whenever I suggest at work maybe I should look for a new car someone asks, "Can I buy your Subie?"

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great awd car that thinks it's an SUV

pasublvr, 09/22/2010
1996 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Wagon AWD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

After years of owning American made SUVs, and still wanting the roominess and 4wd of one, I settled on this. I am single and have no children, so friends and family thought I was crazy at first, but what a great car it has turned out to be! Am trading it in, 80k miles and no major repairs later, for a much newer Outback tomorrow.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

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.

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4 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

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)

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Skip the 2.5...go for a stick 2.2 outbac

amc62, 05/09/2003
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Many of the problems associated with the outback are due to the 2.5 liter engine option...1996 was the only year you could get a 2.2 with a manual in the outback. on the other hand, the car has a poor clutch (still grabs fine, just shudders and squeaks and chirps). Also, be aware that a used outback that has had mismatched tires is hard to determine until you get the characteristic transfer case binding. i have heard of miracle cures for the automatic transmission-equipped cars, but good luck with the manuals. seems you have to buy an entirely new viscous coupler to solve the problem (subaru didn't design the coupler to be serviced).

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4 out of 5 stars

No Toyota or Honda

T. Rush, 11/23/2003
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Subaru has had alternator replaced, light bulbs in dash burned out and extremely expensive to replace. No thought given by Subaru to maintainability. Paint job thin and not durable. Second set of tires, still losing air pressure (since day one, up to 3 lbs per week per tire).I assume issues are with the factory rims. Oil leaks here and there requiring seal/gasket replacement. Not up to par with Toyota or Honda in my 30 years of car ownership experience. Still driving my 89 Camry All-Trac with 186K miles and aside from routine maintenence, have spent less in repairs than I have on the 96 Outback.

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1 out of 5 stars

Don't buy a Subaru

vawest, 02/02/2003
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

A real disappointment! Transmission Problem just 6 months into ownership.It routinely rev's the RPM's > 4000 when on hills. We paid extra for the bigger engine (2.5L), yet the engine's performance is absymal No p/u whatsoever. The gas mileage is poor at best.And Lately the engine light is on continuously. Four times we have had the dealer look at it. They know that the trouble is the EGR Valve, yet haven't been able to fix it. Along the way, we have put out hundreds of dollars trying to get it repaired.Twice the car has stalled & wouldn't start up due to this issue. What a piece of junk! I will never, ever buy a Subaru again!

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5 out of 5 stars

I love this car - the best I ever had

Myra, 08/27/2008
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I live up a rock based road of 3 miles off a 2 lane black topped road. This car has had very few repairs in the 12 years I have owned it and used it. It is a comfortable ride despite rough roads; I love to turn corners in it - it is so easy to steer and turns on a dime (well, never really tried that, but you know what I mean). Just took it for its annual check up, all it needed was oil changed and tires inflated. It's supportive like a good man, without the hassle of inviting it into the house!

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5 out of 5 stars

Hard to Beat!

mtnsnows, 05/09/2003
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
2 of 7 people found this review helpful

Bought with 60K, now 170. Have the 2.5 - NEVER buy the 2.2! I drive in snowy mountains and fast, hard highway driving. Can't imagine a better car. Comfy and full featured. Just noticed the seats could be better (I'm 6'4", 230 lbs.), but has adj. lumber support and seat heater makes popcorn! Fantastic reliability. NO unsched. maint. until 10K mi. ago. Overheated, led to head gaskets. Re: other reviews. The oil seal is designed to be replaced with timing belts (at 60-80K), any GOOD, TRUSTY dealer/mech will do this. Awesome AWD, goes thru snow that leaves Jeeps, Explorers and Rodeos stuck. Love it! Hard to replace.

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5 out of 5 stars

Awesome 1996 LS AWD wagon

sunnie, 02/16/2005
1996 Subaru Legacy LS 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this wagon from a friend who purchased it new so I have driven it for 9 years, as I drove for her. It has been reliable, comfortable and great fun to drive. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone, but especially old sports car buffs as it handles like the a dream. With 87,000 miles there have been no serious mechanical problems, only routine stuff like battery, tires, etc.

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4 out of 5 stars

Happy Subaru owner

slamck, 02/07/2002
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Our Outback Wagon has served us over 6 years with no major problem. Now with over 70,000 miles on the odo, we are ready to trade ours in for a new Outback. Subaru makes great practical and reliable vehicles. Now with the WRX, Subaru's are even fun to drive.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

mediocre...

Marco Vera, 11/05/2003
1996 Subaru Legacy GT 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great AWD, but then it's not snowing but 5% of the time even in MN! Awful clutch, replaced at 78,000mi, had been slipping for the past 20,000. Below average fuel consumption, average performance, and pretty crummy breaks. Air leak out of corroded front rims..reminds me of the FIAT I once owned... Don't think it deserves it's reliability reputation!

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3.13 out of 5 stars

Wish it was a '97!

Usergonemad, 11/03/2002
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Good handling, reasonable power, wonderful bad-weather car with plenty of room and good comfort. But at 22K the trick 16-valve 2.5L quad-cam boxer engine (only made in '96) started pinging like an old GM diesel, even on 94.5 octane premium gas. Dealer no help. Now at 99K it has bad oil seals, a bad wheel bearing, needs a 3rd set of brakes, bad CV joint, engine sensors, more. Love the car, hate the reliability. Service expensive, parts expensive, fuel economy is poor for the power. Absolutely incredible deep snow capability makes up in part for the rickety nature. 100K trouble-free is not a lot to ask from a car nowadays!

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4 out of 5 stars

1996 Outback

dblanchj89, 09/27/2008
1996 Subaru Legacy LSi 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is hands down one of the best cars on the road. I purchased one of these after I spent thousands on repairing the constant flaws of my explorer and Jimmy. I could not be happier with this car. I was so please with it that I bought another 96 LSi. My only warning is to make sure you watch your oil! My outback uses a little on freeway trips but the LSi uses it quite a bit. Also, do not be upset if you have to replace head gaskets. The Lsi had them done and the outback has been lucky so far with almost 200,000 miles (knock on wood). The AWD is great and fuel economy is pretty decent. These cars will last over 300,000 miles. Timing belts made need to be done as well. Still a great car!

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Great Car

DonSS3, 07/17/2002
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought my Subaru in 2000 with about 68,000 miles. It's got 168K on it now and still drives great. Had to replace timing belt at about 140K (even tho it should have been replaced earlier). The belt broke, but luckily no damage to the valvetrain. Alternator died at about 115K, replaced under Subaru recall program. Yes, I would buy another!

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4 out of 5 stars

I still love it

B. P, 08/25/2005
1996 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I really like my car. I bought it for the NY winters and it hasn't let me down. I've had to put some money into it but almost all problems have been rust related (catalytic converters, gas line, oil seal leaks). My best money spent on it was to improve the wheels to after-market 5-spoke alloys. Makes the car look more unique and much better. If this car was in any other state than NY I assume that it would be best car ever built. I recommend them to anyone who needs AWD.

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3 out of 5 stars

Buy a Toyota

seattle, 02/10/2005
1996 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I agree with the other reviewers who tell you not to buy this car with more than 60,000 miles. I've had numerous, expensive repairs done which I NEVER had to do on Toyotas I've owned. I LOVE the looks, size and idea of the legacy, but I'm really going to have to think twice before I buy another Subaru.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

My wife loves it!

randall, 09/23/2002
1996 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great for dogs, kids, vacations in Lake Tahoe, the beach, wherever. Had a steep dilapidated asphalt driveway with tight turns... no problem.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Read me....

danklug, 03/25/2005
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car has 297,000 miles on it. It has been very reliable and still gets close to 26 mpg. This is not a car to buy if you are a do it yourself person. The spark plugs are impossible to change without dislocating your wrist. The replacement parts are high. It eats brakes. Heater lamps burn out constantly. The 2.5 engine leaves a lot to be desired. Overall a good car and a great value for the $4K range.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Love my Subaru

Karen, 08/28/2005
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great car all around. No major complaints over the 9 years I've had it. I get 21-24 miles per gallon with mixed city and highway driving on a daily basis. Travels long distances well and can pack a lot of stuff inside and on top.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Dependable Car

Zach and Maggie, 11/26/2002
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Have enjoyed driving this vehicle since day one. Handles wonderfully in all types of road conditions. Liked our 1996 so well that we purchased a second one in 2001. A pleasure to drive.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Way better than a gas-guzzling SUV

targent, 01/17/2004
1996 Subaru Legacy Brighton 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased this car used six years ago at 30,000 miles. It now has 90,000. Until this week, I had virtually no problems with it, driving it on many long trips (including coast-to-coast several times) and through sand, snow, and other less-than-ideal road conditions. Depsite the $900 repair bill for a new water pump, various oil seals/gaskets, a tensioner bearing, and a timing belt, I've been very, very pleased with the car, especially mechanically.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great Vehicle

thor831, 12/12/2003
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I'm very happy with this vehicle. The AWD is great. Goes right through snow.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

This car is built to last

dudemanken, 12/31/2003
1996 Subaru Legacy LS 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car new in 96 and have amassed 133K+ miles. There was never any major issues with this car. It has been flawless in all weather elements, especially in some recent brutal Northeast snowstorms. And, with the fold-down seats, it has held up well for the weekend warrior Home Depot trips. I will be trading the car in today for a Mercedes E320 4Matic and hope the new car will hold up as well as this Subaru.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Used car buyers... this is the one!

Travis, 10/01/2002
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Ok, so I've only had the car for about a month now. But even at 102,000 when I bought it, I feel like I am driving a new car! I have put about a thousand miles on it already and find the comfort level of the car to be very good. I am a recent college grad who didn't want the massive gas bills of an SUV, but still liked the idea of being able to move stuff around. I feel like I really am driving a luxury vehicle that I purchased for only $7500. For you recent college grads who's parents can't afford to give you a car graduation gift, try a used Subaru, it has the flexibility and luxury that I think you will really enjoy.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Reliable

snailster, 01/22/2006
1996 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought my '96 used with 48k miles on it. Now has 102k and had no repairs except regular maintenance (timing belt at 70k, oil/filter changes, one set of brake pads). The alternator was replaced as a part of a recall. Extremely reliable and ages well! The brake pads last forever, I tend to downshift when braking. Only glitch so far: the light on the climate control is out so a bit hard to adjust at night.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Subaru in the mountains

TR, 04/28/2002
1996 Subaru Legacy LS 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a second car in the mountains and is driven in the mountains. It is a great around town car, but the seats are less than comfortable on long trips

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Very good car.

enriquemm73, 02/17/2004
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Very reliable and safe car. Good stability, even in unfaborable weather conditions. Manteinance in not quite expensive and Subaru dealers are usually fast and reliable. Integrity is not greatly affected by weather but for a few pieces like the gas stay of the rear gate which may become rusty. Nice traction in snowy and/or icy roads.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

My Subaru

DaveSubaruOwner, 12/31/2002
1996 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Has been a totally reliable car. 64,000 miles with no costs beyond maintenance. Daughter was t-boned by a Toyota Corolla, damage amounted to unopenable rear passenger door, bent wheel and broken strut. I am 6'5" and the car is not comfortable to me on trips of over three hours drive time.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

'96 Subaru Wagon --My "Work Horse"

tracyd123, 02/19/2004
1996 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just love my Subaru Wagon. It has 58000 original miles (i'm original owner). The AWD is great on ice, snow, slick wet desert roads, and gravel/sandy roads. It's big enough to travel 2000 miles/yr with my two big dogs in back seat and my fish, and all my belongings--for my animals and me for an extended summer vacation. I've driven it thru blizzards and gumbo (mud) in SD, flash floods in Las Vegas, ice and snow in UT, and on hot/dry and slick/wet roads throughout America. It is virtually problem free (only tires, battery, and brake shoes needed) and totally reliable.

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5 out of 5 stars

GREAT Car

VoxDrive, 02/03/2004
1996 Subaru Legacy GT 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Purchased this vehicle as a lease turn- in. What a GREAT car!!! Fit and finish are excellent. The leather interior is quite comfortable and shows little wear after 8 years and 140,000 miles of ownership. While I have been fairly attentive to "normal" service intervals, I would be remiss to say that this car owes me nothing!! I have replaced the brake pads all arond twice and the front rotors once (at Subaru). Other than that (also changed the timing belt at 90G as precaution), the only other service the car needed was a Thermostat (stuck open) at 136,000 miles. This is my 5th Subaru. I will drive it until it is dead, and then I'm going to buy another one.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Love this Car!

rusbkee, 12/27/2002
1996 Subaru Legacy LSi 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Have thoroughly enjoyed owning this automobile. Fun to own and drive. Minor repair items along the way. Super reliable!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Great in deep snow & Perfectly Reliable

beenhappy, 02/24/2004
1996 Subaru Legacy LS 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is very dependable and has been very comforting to drive in very bad weather. We've gone on numerous road trips, skiing, boating, camping etc., with the car completly packed with gear. I've never hesitated going off the beaten path into remote areas. AWD and ABS are amazing. It feels really good on the highways, nice and smooth.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

96 Outback Wagon

mikesreed, 08/04/2006
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought used and LOVE it. Car is most reliable vehicle I have ever owned in my 37 years. Outstanding in all weather and especially in snow. Subaru value is unmatched in all aspects.

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5 out of 5 stars

Best Car I've ever owned!

Carl Thormeyer, 10/31/2008
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car has been a very reliable workhorse. It's great in the mountains and in snow. Great for transporting kids and hauling stuff. Best car I've ever owned. New clutch at 80K miles plus a few other major repairs over time, but nothing unexpected. Keep up the regular servicing and this car will treat you right! But, after 12 years, it's time for a new Outback. I will hate to give up my 1996 edition!

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Oil Seal Defects

QuintrKD, 06/27/2002
1996 Subaru Legacy LS 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Oil Seals on my wife's Legacy went bad at 75,000. About same mileage as went my Oil Seals went bad on my Forester. After some research, I've found that this is a relatively common and recurring problem. I like the AWD, but I'll never buy another Subaru as Honda's and Toyota's appear to be more reliable.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

1996 Subaru L AWD Station Wagon

mustang, 03/07/2003
1996 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Terrific car. AWD works amazingly well in all weather conditions. Power is somewhat lacking, but enough. Car has 98000 miles and has had no major problems. We had two sensors go out with a total cost of $216.00. Get about 31 mpg on the road and about 26 on stop and go driving. Cupholder unhandy. Plenty of cargo room with more available with rear seats down. Good styling that does not diminish with age. Wife's car and will not have anything else.

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1.5 out of 5 stars

Profound Disappointment

Budster, 02/26/2003
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Purchased this car new, largely on the strength of Subaru's reputation for safety and reliability. Mistake One: did not check cost of repair rating with insurer-- insurance cost STEEP. Mistake Two: did not buy this car from a standalone Subaru dealer. Multimark dealers do not maintain parts or knowledgable mechanics on site. (Found this to be true with several dealers.) This car is fine in poor conditions-- but so are many others. It was cheaply built of cheap materials. The absolute WORST paint job I've ever experienced. Alloy wheels corrode so badly that tires won't hold air! The ride is absurdly poor, and always has been. No more Subies for me!

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4.25 out of 5 stars

absolutely rock solid vehicle

estokes-tucson, 07/14/2002
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We bought this vehicle for the fuel economy and AWD. We felt a SUV and minivan were over kill. We are so glad we made the choice. Our Outback has served very faithfully. We have kept up with the maintenence and the car has not let us down. The only repair so far has been a broken spark plug wire. How easy is that. We would gladly buy another Subaru and will recommend this model to anyone.

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