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Used 1998 Subaru Legacy Wagon Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
61 reviews

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4.63 out of 5 stars

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)

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4 out of 5 stars

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.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

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.

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4 out of 5 stars

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.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

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.

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