Used 1998 Subaru Legacy Wagon Consumer Reviews
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28yrs Suby Pride
JPDiddy, 07/03/2002
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought this Outtie 4yrs ago in college, reliable ever since. Averaged 25+mpg on fuels, comfortable ride, ample cargo room. Accessorize with a decent CD player and you're set. Acceleration weak at times, esp over the mtns. Bigger engine/HP desirable, but this 98 does the job. Has held resale value nicely, which bodes well for the trade- in type. Maintenance also remains low. Did break speedometer and sensor however (67K)
Dad was right:
dryver, 08/21/2004
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
As the years go by, I've been consistently impressed with the reliability of my Outback, and once I discovered the difference a K&N air filter made to that mildly anemic 2.5l engine, it's been alot of fun to drive, too. The only reason I'm thinking of selling is because I continually read about the head gasket problems so many owners have had (but none on mine, so far.) The interior has stood up very well (leather still looks great, with minimal fuss)and everything still works the way it did when I bought it new. In rain and snow (esp. wet snow on icy roads, which we get near the west coast) it's performance is just stellar. AWD and ABS are the best.
Perfect for Canadian winters
davidscott, 10/28/2004
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Canada: I owned this vehicle for 4 years and 80,000kms. It was the perfect car for a small family and was truly capable in winter with some Nokian Hakka snow tires. Had to have the clutch replaced 3 times under warranty, and the short block replaced twice under warranty. A bit underpowered for my taste though. Despite these, I would definitely buy another Subaru in the future.
A reliable MULE of a car
Drive!, 10/24/2002
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
As far as reliable cars suited for inclimate conditions go, the Subaru proves to be the mule in its respective class. Interior design and comfort prove above average although not up to Audi Avant standards. Exterior design is a little above average, but you can see for yourself that she's no Porsche. The major drawback to this car resides under the hood. The car simply does not have any pep what-so- ever. Fun to drive? No. This car is not for those who enjoy a sporty ride. Overall this car is good solid transportation suited for any and all drivers who don't mind sluggish performance.
Beware
Roger, 03/15/2005
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Outback new in 1998 and enjoyed it for the first 95K miles. It was reliable and handled Minnesota winters. The first repairs were at 92K when the brake pads, rotors, and clutch cylinders were replaced. That was a good track record. Now the head gasket is blown at 95K, and I don't yet know whether there is engine damage. Unlike the Phase II engines, Subaru has no extended warranty on these head gaskets. This failure should not have happened so soon on a well maintained car.
Great car
timmind, 12/09/2002
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Simply fun to drive and own
GT Wagon - 5 speed
RSamide, 04/28/2005
1998 Subaru Legacy GT 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my first Subaru. Bought it for wagon versatility, reliability, sporty, value, Honda doesn't have wagon, and AWD was a bonus here in MN. Car has 104,000 miles. It has delivered adequately in all categories but reliability has been below my previous Hondas and Acuras. Beware of dealership performance. It has been horrendous with multiple return trips after expensive head gasket replacement. Problems started after dealer repairs. MPG 22-25.
GREAT CAR
BHERM , 04/20/2002
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought the car so we could travel when it snowed. I was pleased with its all around performance. It rides great and there is plenty of room in the back for the kids and luggage. The dog comes along to! It gives a very comfortable ride and had not given me one bit of problem over the past 4 years.
poor man's Audi
canuck, 06/11/2002
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had this car from new with no major problems only routine maintenance. A very reliable car and great in snow and rain especially with real snow tires mounted to spare rims. Could use a little more power but with the 5 speed a quick downshift brings you back into the power band. Expect to get many more years out of it and appreciate the reliability and build quality. A poor man's Audi A4 but with more room and affordable repairs and parts. Good, not great, handling and very comfortable on a recent cross country trip(4K miles in a month)
Would buy again
Harleygirl, 01/17/2003
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have loved this car until recently. At 98,000 out of nowhere we had a cracked cylinder. Still no idea why! We were far from home and made a mistake. We didn't take it to a Subaru dealer immediately. We had a "friend" put a used engine in it. Problems ever since. I looking for a new car. I am thinking SUV but have not eliminated another Outback. It goes anywhere and through everything. Just bad luck!
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