1996 Subaru Legacy Review
1996 Subaru Legacy Review

Used Legacy for sale
Appraise This CarSubaru Legacy model years
Subaru Legacy types
- Sedan
- Wagon
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
A new sport model debuts, with a larger, more powerful engine. The 2.5GT is available in sedan or wagon format. The luxury-oriented LSi model also gets the new motor. A knobby-tired, raised-roof Outback wagon appears, offering 7.3 inches of ground clearance and an optional 2.5-liter engine. Designed specifically for American consumers, the Outback provides a carlike ride with light-duty off-road ability.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Subaru Legacy LS 4dr Sedan AWD and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$176/mo for Legacy LS
Legacy LS
vs
$168/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
The Legacy is a model of car that suffers from multiple personality disorder; half family sedan, half sport-utility wagon, this car has a lot of diversity. Try to imagine another lineup of vehicles that competes with both the Toyota Camry and the Jeep Cherokee for customers. Not too many are there?
Stying on the Legacy sedan is attractive, and the availablity of AWD on any trim-level makes this car as desirable as any Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. Unlike the Camry and Accord, however, the Legacy doesn't have the power to match its sharp handling and good looks. An optional six-cylinder engine, or better yet the resurrection of the 2.2 L turbo, would inject much needed vigor into an otherwise desirable family of cars.
The mainstay of the Legacy lineup is the wagon, for thirteen years Subaru has sold more wagons in the US than any other importer. The AWD wagon in general, and the Outback wagon in particular, is Subaru's response to the sport-utility shopper. AWD, optional ABS, improved ground clearance, and a host of safety features not generally found on a truck, make the Outback wagon a decent choice for anyone looking for the utiltity of a wagon, the comfort of a car, and the capabilities of a light truck.
We think that the Legacy's AWD sedans and wagons are a great idea, we just wish that they were a little bit faster.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Subaru Legacy.
5 star(37%)
4 star(46%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(1%)
82 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
BEAST
krash5, 10/27/2014
1996 Subaru Legacy GT 4dr Wagon AWD
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")
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
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!
3.25 out of 5 stars
Keeps stalling
Louisa, 05/02/2009
1996 Subaru Legacy LSi 4dr Wagon AWD
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!!!!
4.38 out of 5 stars
Love this car!
speedy2015, 07/18/2011
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
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.
1996 Legacy Highlights
Sedan
LS
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $176/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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