Used 1997 Subaru Legacy Sedan Consumer Reviews
No Major Issues
Besides the fact that my Subaru has been a magnant for door dings I have no major gripes. My alternator had no problems, but was replaced by the recall. The heater and AC control lights are also mysteriously out.
Reliable +++
I have 138,000 miles on my 1997 Outback. I just replaced the battery and have the original suspension system. Just periodic recommended maintenance has kept this an extremely reliable car. In the wintery Northeast it is a must. I was so impressed that my wife and I bought her the sedan.
Subaru could be much better
I have had this car for 4 yrs now, and I must say it is not what I thought it would be....I have spent over 3,000$ repairing it in the past year....head gasket(1500$)....wheel bearings, struts, the heater only works on full blast(had it fixed once already), the lights on the heater control and the seat heaters dont work, the powerlocks dont work, the enging howls at 40mph....and it leaks oild like a siv...I take good care of my cars, and this one has not been reliable at all....
A Sad Tale
This was a great car for 7 years and about 65,000 miles, then the engine problems started: the engine seals leaking, the throttle sensor failing. Same thing the other reviewers experienced. The dealer estimates it needs close to $3,000 in repairs. I took it to an independent mechanic who agreed with the dealer's assessment, but would charge somewhat less to fix it. He said this should not happen to a car with such low mileage, but he said he has replaced Subaru engines because of the problem. Will I fix it? No! Trade it? Yes! BUT NOT ON ANOTHER SUBARU. Never again will I buy a Subaru, and that's a darn shame.
Absolutely Perfect
Where to begin--it's an wonderful car without the monotony of its competitors. We were searching for a sedan-like car and the Subaru Outback was that and more. It's never spent any time in a repair garage, and can really do anything from stop-and-go city driving to very pleasant long trips. Lots of small touches make it special.