Used 1999 Subaru Legacy Wagon Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
very dissappointed in the quality
subaru does not select quality parts when producing its vehicles. Head gaskets went bad (expensive repair), alternator went bad (dangerous situation), wheel joint went bad and the cylinder guides are now going, meaning it will need the heads replaced (very expensive repair). I will never purchase another Subaru product and I will be getting rid of this one immediately. also found out many other Subaru owners had to replace their head gaskets and alternator for this year Subaru.
1999 Outback Legacy Wagon
Unlike many of the reviews, I bought my Outback brand new. It currently has 87k miles on it and has never stranded me anywhere. I change the oil religiously and keep up with the maintenance. When you buy a used car, you never know how the persons) before you have driven or maintained the car. As old as she is, I still enjoy driving her. Too bad the new Outback's do not have manual transmissions. I guest I will have to keep driving her until she blows up.
- Outback WagonMSRP: $3,299594 mi away
- TLMSRP: $4,9741,523 mi away
- TLMSRP: $5,5001,624 mi away
Just what I needed
I purchased this vehicle about a month ago and have been loving it! It has 129,000 miles on it and it drives great! I went from an Acura RSX to a station wagon, so I obviously didn't buy it for style. I love the way it drives and haven't had any problems with it so far. The only thing I am disappointed in is the gas-mileage. 21 MPG is pretty bad for a 4-cylinder. The rear latch for the hatch is broken and I can only purchase a new one from the dealer, which will cost me about $180, a total rip-off if you ask me. Not ever wanting a truck, this vehicle is great for home-improvement projects. If this holds up I would buy another one.
Watch Out!
In case you are considering this type of vehicle, please do your homework on the specific car you are looking at! Especially when the last time the head gaskets were changed. It could save many headaches. Subaru had a problem with the head gasket design in the 97- 99 2.5 liter engines. They have redesigned it at least three times. My Subaru was my third and will be my last. Love the car and expected reliability, got a $1400 repair bill within 3 weeks of ownership to replace the HGs. Dealer had a big grin when he quoted me without looking it up and said, 'yeah, we do a lot of those.' BEWARE!
The Overlooked Gem
We have now had three Subaru Legacy/Outback wagons. We purchased our first Limited about a year ago with 155k on the clock. This car amazes me even more than the other 2 ever have. This 14 year old car performs perfectly. All the "luxury" features work flawlessly. It cruses around corners and along highways like a BMW. Take it down a dirt road and you'll fall in love. Whenever it snows, I know I am going to get where I need to go without a doubt. These cars are incredibly safe and not one function was overlooked by Subaru. Truly a quality, do-it-all luxury wagon! Only wish it had the dual sunroof..
Outstanding value, build quality
My 1999 Subaru Outback wagon has not had one mechanical problem during 9 years (and counting) of service, with the lone exception of the time my father destroyed the clutch in one day of shiftless driving, which was his fault, not the car's. Additionally, I have been hit twice while driving the car, and it holds up like a champ. In one case, a woman who rear ended me at a stoplight totaled her car, while the Subaru escaped with minor damage in the rear end. A side swipe from another reckless driver who ran a red light dented my side doors, but you can not even see the damage inside the Outback. I trust this car with my life, and more importantly my two kids' lives. Great car.
Hall anything anywhere
Great car. I had to replace the valve cover gasket. That was pretty much it. Peppy, great on fuel economy.
Great Vehicle!
This car has been great! It takes all the great attributes of an SUV and melds it with both an economy car and a family car. We have lived in both snowy/icy climates and warm/hot climates, and it performs great. We have had no mechanical problems, and it is fun to drive. I highly recommend this vehicle.
subaru tank
having put 130,000 miles on my outback, i have only positive things to say. i never had a problem with the engine or electronics in four years. the only money i've put into the car is tires and brakes, oil changes, regular maintenance, and a head gasket. i would have to say this car gives you the impression that it is indestructable, you can load it up with hundreds of pounds of heavy equiptment, or open it up on a gravel road and experience the rally car feel of the impressive AWD system. i had a jeep wrangler before this, i honestly think that the outback was better in the snow and adverse weather conditions.
Good car for the money
Performance isn't bad, has some trouble with high speeds, engine struggles to accelerate when RPMS is above 4. But enough with the bad, the car has a decent sound system, is quite reliable, and gets you all the use an SUV would give you with much better gas mileage.
Outback CO Front Range
While it worked, great car for Rocky Mtn winters for ten years. Great traction, stability. Not so great mileage for a 4-cyl engine (maybe 22 mpg average). Inside, not so good -- cup holders block radio, radio reception subpar, seats lost cushioning. Plenty of storage space. Had two major mechanical problems: 1. timing belt broke at 105,200 miles, just 200 miles past scheduled change mileage (needed new engine block, $3000); 2. head gasket blew at 171,000 miles on new engine (sold car for parts for $700). Will not buy another Subaru.
Impressed
I could not figure out why a buick dealer had a 10 yr old subaru on his lot. Dealers usually wholesale units after they are 5 yrs old. But 5 years later, I like it as much as the day I bought it. Very good quality, good ride, roadhandling and economy. I am very pleased. Keeping the car in the family and buying a newer Outback.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Reliable, simple & uncomfortable
I bought this car over a camry or accord because it seemed faster, more sure-footed and useful. The car has been driven across country in Jan/Feb twice through the worst weather and just performed admirably under all conditions. The 2.2 litre flat 4 is reliable and powerful enough when mated to the Man 5. Wouldn't get the auto with this engine or the 2.5. I like the spartan no-nonsense interior with manual everything windows,doors, locks etc... 24 to 32 MPG 78000 trouble-free miles
They don't build em like they used to
I have a 1992 legacy 2.2 with 245K miles, that still works flawlessly. However, I needed a lower mileage vehicle so how could I go wrong with another Suby so I bought a 1999 which now has 101K (I think because the speedometer/odometer is garbage). The 2.2 SOHC changed from a noninterference on my 92, to interference on the 2.2 SOHC 99 (won't get off with just a broken timing belt). No speedometer cable on the 99 only cheap three strand spaghetti wires (way too many). Subaru changed from reliable, to electrically ridden piles of crap, overpriced for the reliability. Love the wagon though. Ford Freestyles are a great AWD wagon alternative,good mpg too :). Sorry Subaru this will be my last one.
I'll Stay Away From Subaru's
New auto tranny needed at 65000, need I say more ? I dont know how consumer reports mag. rates this car so high. I liked the car overall (Performance,Practical) but just had to many problems incl. ongoing brake maint/replacement, very rough running powertrane, & minor elec. problems and tranny replacement. Theres alot of subs in my area (finger lakes) & my mechanic see's many. He dosent have good things to say about them nor do the people I know or meet that have mid to late 90's subaru's. If your thinking about driving a subaru past 60000 miles, I would suggest getting all the info you can on the subject of reliability.
needbetterdealers
I love my car, but I have had many problems with the dealerships (more than one). The car itself looks great, is always fun to drive, holds up well and actually gets pretty good mileage considering the weight and AWD (always 25+ mpg). I've had a few minor problems...that seemed like major ones thanks to the "lack of service" departments. Everything takes weeks to do and more than once I have been billed for things that just weren't done. At the latest routine service, I was actually given the car back with the check engine light on!!! For these reasons, I probably won't ever buy a Subaru again, but that's ok because I hope to keep this one forever.
1999 GT Wagon
I love this car!! It makes me feel like I am sixteen again. I look for any reason to go for a ride. It's fun to drive with its great ride. This car is also great on gas, very hot topic today with the high gas prices. Subaru did a great job with this car.
I'm Done with Subaru
Burnt valve. Complete engine replacement. Need I say more, but I will. We (family) bought this car as an SUV/Minivan alternative and as a good, all-around utility vehicle, but now that we have 2 kids it is way too small. The car is completely underpowered--I always had my foot to the floor. Both my wife and I have owned three subarus in the past, but we are now thru. I needed 150,000 miles out of this one, and only got half that. Its now for sale, after a $3,000 repair. After a little research, It appears that they had problems with this engine and reverted back to the SOHC design the next year.
Very good AWD car, but...
I bought my Outback Wagon (OBW) in April of 03 with 42k on it. At the time I was unaware of the dreaded head gasket problem! Mine had the AT and the "Rocky Mountain Edition" package which included heated seats, mirrors and wipers. About that: the only seat heater that worked was the driver's side. As near as I can tell the mirror and windshield wiper "heaters" do absolutely nothing. Either that or mine were broken. Lots of fun to drive, especially on dirt roads - it's fun to play rally racer in this car! Ground clearance is better than average at about 7.5" but this is not an off-roader. Mud can get packed into the driveshaft tunnel. Has a lot of capacity. Good car for the money.
Dealer is the worst - Paul Brother VA
I like the car very much but not after seeing the dealership. The car is troubled after 50K miles. The whole car will shake from RPM 2500 to 3200. My transmission forward will delayed. The dealer has not willing to fix the car problems and keep ignore me coz my car still under the powertrain warranty(no money to earn). Dealer just keep postpone the fix time and put all problems on Subaru Corp. It's waste me lot of time without solve my car problems. I don't think I will buy Subaru car in rest of my life just because the dealer so terrible.
Good Car with Some Quirks
Have 110,000 miles on the car and I bought it with 60k on it used. I do all my own work on my cars and I did not really have anything besides routine maintenance until about 103k. At that time the driver side wheel bearing went out and needed to be replaced. Soon after the front crank seal started to leak really bad. I pulled apart the front of the engine and replaced the seal, timing belt because it was due, coolant, belts, hoses, and the water pump ($60 insurance). The oil leak caused quite a bit of smoke for a small leak. Now the front seal is fixed but one of the valve covers has a leak as well as the oil pan, which are all rather close to the exhaust resulting in a slight smell.
Great Car but Subaru Dealers SUCK!
Bought the Subaru wagon used in June 2002. Had a oil leak problem that has escalated to a severe problem. Under warranty, took to dealer to fix. Dealer mechanics are idiots! Customer service was horrible! They treated me like crap! But I still love my car.
‘99 Outback lives on !
I bought a ‘99 Outback Limited with 116k miles, very low for the year. The leather interior was in great shape, as was the body, only having visible rust on the inside of the drivers door. I treated the area with rust prevention spray, and then sprayed it with a light coat of paint. The car was purchased with knowledge of (2) major issues: the steering rack was shot (leaking very bad), and a check engine light. Fixed the rack with a rebuilt unit purchased for $240, of which I will be refunded $80 for the core that I returned. The other issue was diagnosed as an emissions line leak. Smoke tested the evap system, and found the leak was on top of the fuel tank. Not worth the cost of dropping the tank, etc. as the car runs fine with the aforementioned leak. Received a waiver from my e-check facility, pulled the bulb for the check engine light, and we have an excellent looking / driving all-wheel-drive wagon for under $2k. Just noticed a bad lower ball joint on the passenger side (part cost $18), and will replace it ASAP. Still will be right around $2k after this repair. Nearly all of the options on the car work, including heated seats and mirrors, am/fm/cd/WB radio, cruise control, rear sunroof, fog lamps, etc. The front sun roof has been sealed shut, as it would open, but not shut. Probably just a bad switch, as the motor sounds fine. So far I’m very happy with my old Subie ...
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
This car is falling apart :-((
Great vehicle until it falls apart. Unfortunately it happens right after the warranty expired. Simple inside but runs great. For last year (from 60K to 70K miles) wheel bearing died, clutch was replaced, famous head gasket blown out and finally crankshaft bearings burned out (new engine required). It looks like head gasket problem is very common (more then 20% of cars?). Unfortunately engine replacement (without prior problems - no overheats till red line) before 100K miles is not unique for that car. So my advise - if you have it - get rid of it right away. Otherwise if you plan to own it for a warranty terms length it's a great car.
Not as reliable as I wanted
The Subaru did well for the first 5 years of ownership but at 86,000 it started to fall apart. We've put in new wheel bearings, clutch, and transmission in the last 6000 miles but still have major problems. I really expect a car in this price range to last longer. I'm told by my local mechanic that the AWD feature causes transmissions to fail sooner than in 2D and 4D vehicles.
Great bike and ski car
Have had lots of fun with this Outback. Very good in the snow. Got rid of factory Michelin's--a little slick in upstate NY, Great ski and bike car. Good automatic--my 3rd Subaru. Stay away from 5 spd. Service great in Hudson Valley at Colonial-Kingston NY. Very few problems--all minor. Would reccommend. Service never a problem! To bad dealer aren't as good elsewhere.
Would buy another one...
Our first Outback was purchased in 2000. My wife was in a major accident with our first Outback when a 1970's Lincoln Continental ran a red light and smashed into the front portion of my wife's car...it was totaled. She suffered minor injuries. While she was being taken by ambulance to the hospital, she was asked by the EMT what car she was in. After saying she was in an Outback, the EMT replied that the car probably saved her life. He also added that he bought his wife an Outback based on what he has seen from many accidents involving Outbacks. It was quite an endorsement, and we bought a replacement Outback two weeks later.
Snow bound in Siberia
The car was purchased prior to transfer to Finland for its 4wd. It's handled great on the ice covered roads of northern Finland with some issues related to brakes wearing out early (Maybe too much salt on the roads). It does suck down the gas but has reliable starting history and only required some minor maintenance on the cooling system to date. It is an oil burner but not such that it needs any additional in the 3,000 mile change intervals that I am using. Found the Fully synt oil burns or runs out faster than the partially synt. Now looking at a new clutch set replacement after 120k. Not bad since it does take a bit of abuse.
Wonderful car!
i bought this car, expecting a boring station wagon. what i got was a great little peppy all-wheel drive beast.
My only... and LAST Subaru
I call my car "the Subaru from Hell" as I seem to be the only person I know who has had bad luck with Subarus. It was essentially fine until 70,000 miles, and since it's been one thing after another... most expensive. A major oil leak that went to the dealership and 2 other mechanics before it was fixed; tires will not stay inflated - something to do with rims, as tires were replaced, speedometer, air conditioner no longer function, trunk latch, hood latch replaced twice, electrical issues with the radio and int. lights, now the clutch is on its way out, and its again leaking oil. I could go on, but you get the idea. I trade it in this week...YEEHAH! It kicks in the snow, which I love.
Dependable car
Our Subaru L AWD wagon has been a good reliable kid car. It has never given us any problems. It has gotten decent gas mileage, which I am very grateful for now that the price of gas is high. The wagon and rack on top has been very useful for us in hauling things. If I get another car, I will get another Subaru.
very satisfied
bought this over the volvo wagon because i liked the size and design better. I'm very happy with my decision. Great gas mileage, roomy and fun to drive.
I modified mines, no problems!
I bought a 99 Legacy Outback. The only problem I had was an intermittent speedo. It took me a while but I figured it out. I have a led foot, it has not let me down. I'm impressed with the performance. It has over 140,000! As soon as I bought it I did a tuneup, ignition, engine and transmission etc. You don't know how the previous owner treated an took care of the car. When you buy a used car you have to be aware there are worn parts and eventually you will be replacing them. If your vehicle is smoking don't wait till it cashes fire so you can complain about it.
Not Recommended
Several people complain about needing a head gasket. When mine blew, 1000 miles beyond warranty and without warning, I had to replace the entire engine. It sounds as if Subaru should have sent a warning to owners, but they are the least helpful manufacturer that I have ever dealt with. Their dealers are equally unresponsive, and I have yet to find one in our area that I would ever deal with again.
Not sporty at all but great car!
This was my very first car, and for my first car I am very pleased with it. All wheel drive is awesome to have in virtually any road conditions. The car currently has 129k and is running strong. I have no mechanical problems with car. The only thing that bothered my about this car was that the hear shields have the tendency to rattle which is repairable by anyone with metal zip clamps. I also don't like the cup holders... worst design ever! Like I stated in the title its not very fast at all especially on hills. It is a good reliable car though.
I love my Subaru
I have owned several vehicles in my life and this is by far my favorite. It is fun to drive and stress free even in bad weather.
Not for families
I bought this car when I was 7 months pregnant with my first child because I wanted a good family car. I found out quickly that it is extremely difficult to fit a car seat into the back. I had to purchase FIVE seats until I found one that fit. Subaru of America was not at all helpful and denied any problems.
Good 4wd capability
This is my 5th Subaru, and I buy them for the value, the 4wd handling, and the gas mileage. I definitely recommend the cargo liner, floor mats, fog lights, cruise control and roof rack. Cons: The engine is not real peppy, and I have had problems with it burning oil above 130,000 miles. Also, the light assemblies are fastened with plastic clips, which frequently break. Lastly, the radio antenna extension is not reliable over the long term.
I really do love my wagon!
208,000 miles and still running strong. New head gasket, transmission,wheel bearings,struts,sway bars, and lots of oil leaks and I still love it. It has 2 sun roofs, 9 speaker stereo, heated leather, whats not to love. Last year in 24 hours we got 36" of snow in north Idaho, I pushed the snow with the back bumper out into the street. it came over the roof and down the hood. We're taking a family road trip to the San Diego zoo in May, in the Subaru. I have no doubt my car will do amazing. This car has blown me away every day since I bought it. I've put 130,000 of the 208,000 miles on it, the tires wear great. I just put on my 3rd set this spring. I can't emphasize it enough, I love my Subaru!
1999 Subaru Legacy Outback
I love this car. It has been nothing but reliable. I've put 70,000 miles on it over the past 3+ years mostly driving around Texas and Alaska (two extremely harsh climates). It has experienced temperatures from 125 degrees to -55 degrees (F) and survived with flair. It handles off-road travel well and requires only regular servicing. The only thing I've had it in the shop for is a small part recall. My main complaint is that I didn't get one with more features: autostart and heated seats for cold weather, power seats, sunroof, and 5- speed tranny. Other than overpaying for mine (crooked, lying dealership + my own stupidity) I love it!!!
All of our friends liked THEIR subaru.......
We don't. We have had this vehicle in the shop more than any other vehicle we have ever driven. We have had to have the engine oil seals replaced twice. The clutch release lever went out. We had already replaced the clutch... The air conditioning system went out. Ok, I could go on, but you get the idea. We can't wait to sell our problem child to someone else!
Transmission issues
Transmission going at 85,000 miles. Heard that this is an issue that Subaru will not admit is a problem. Cup holders in a very stupid place, Cannot get to heating controls when cups in holders also they are right above the CD player so pray that you don't spill anything. Would not recomment purchasing this car!
Great Car for Winter and Summer Seasons!
The 1999 Subaru Outback has it all. This low to the ground SUV has all the features a SUV can bring. Not only is this car really nice during those winter storms, it is excellent to take on those summer camping trips! Driving in the winter I feel a lot more confidence cause I am lower to the ground.
Never buy a Subaru
This is a very bad idea from me to try this car, I always have a Honda or Toyota. This Outback was overheating since the first day I got it. On my way home from the dealer the problems started. The first was the speedometer didn't work, second the motor mount broken and A/C out of service, the worst part was the overheating problem. Three months after we got this car start overheating and the dealer told me that to fix that problem will cost me $4,300.00. I took the vehicle to my local mechanic and I expended $2,850.00 replacing the heads gasket and refurnishing the head of the engine and after that I used the vehicle for another two months and start overheating. I sold it for $500.00
99 outback legacy
I originally bought a '99 new, but totalled it, and it did great in the wreck. Believe me, the Blazer looked worse... I got another used one, same year, and have had nothing but problems. Loose front end, weird noises, exhaust leaks. The worst problem is the clutch. Subaru puts lousy manual transmissions in their vehicles. I'm on my 3rd in 75,000 miles and am a VERY conservative driver with a manual. Throw out bearing squeak, pilot bearing shot, clutch shudder, etc.
Sweet looking money pit...terribly disappointed with this completely unreliable vehicle
1st Subaru. Worst (supposed to be the nicest) car I've ever had. Got it used from a dealer w/80,000 miles. Only put on 30,000 in 6 yrs, but its required thousands $$$ in repairs. Problems, big & small started immediately & never stopped. Bad tie rod ends, rack boot, steering gear, thermostat, water pump, timing belt, rattling, squealing, smoking, losing power while driving, light out in clock, windshield & sunroof leaks, CD player useless, hatch stuck, passenger window falls out of track, repeatedly corroding battery terminals & whatever else I'm forgetting. Now catalytic converter. I expected more from a Subaru. Next time I'll definitely do my homework about a specific model before buying!
Subaru is not always a reliable car
I have a 1999 Outback wagon. Ever since it reached 65K miles, I have nothing but problems. First was the alternator, then the coil, last week was the blinker and this week is the thermostat.
Subie's good!!!
Just bought a used subie(30th year limited outback edition) a couple of months back. I have already put 4k miles in two months, just roaming in- state of colorado. Because of it's high ground clearance, I am able to take it onto dirt roads filled with snow which I wouldn't dare otherwise. Subie's vibration damping is good and body roll is largely contained during twisty turns on the mountains. I really like this car & just couldn't wait for the ski season.
Quirky little bugger!
I've had this car for a few months now and it's already been in the shop three times. I actually love the car but wish that a mechanic could deteremine why the car has difficulty shifting from reverse to drive (it's an automatic transmission).
Another Subaru Owner
Started driving Subaru vehicles in 1985. This is the 4th Subaru in our family (1985 SW, 1986 SW (son), 1999 Brighton SW, 2005 Imprezza SW (wife)). The 1999 Brighton has been a solid car; excellent handing and good in the snow with Michelin all-season tires. Only one mechanical problem -- at 77000 miles, the front viscous coupling failed. Dealer recommended replacement of the clutch at the same time. Hope to replace this car at some point with another Subaru; will probably will opt for a Forester or the cheapest Outback.