Used 2003 Subaru Legacy Wagon Consumer Reviews
Reliable, but boring...
I bought this car because it made the most sense for me - lots of room and all wheel drive for only $17,500. What I failed to take into account was the "fun to drive" factor. Let's be honest - this car is boring to look at and to drive. The all-wheel-drive is great, but it drains all the power that the engine has to offer. The power band on the car is really strange as well. The engine sounds great up to 3500 RPM and above 4500 RPM, but between those two limits, it sounds awful. Lastly, the drivers seat is very uncomfortable on long drives. I prefer a hard seat with lumbar support.
Not so sexy, but....
Ok, the car isn't the greatest car in the world. But it is very practical, reliable and just a plain workhorse. It hauls my family around, my toys and junk we buy. It's short so my wife and folks can get in and out without assistance (they are disabled). When I bought it my wife hated it and laughed at me for wanting a wagon, now she took it away from me, so I am stuck with the sedan.
Great Car
Awesome car, no complaints what-so- ever, the only thing that needed a change was the rear swaybar, so that was upgraded to a 20mm and it's a station wagon that handles like it's on rails
OK But Doesn't
We went the Suba-route once the repairs on our '90 Volvo 240DL wagon became prohibitive. Many if not most of our friends drive Subaru wagons (mainly outbacks) and LOVE them. Unfortunately, I don't. The Legacy is quite a low rider, and the interior design seems to hinder visibility and is a bit cramped. I'm not that tall (5'8") and I find the driver's seat a bit snug. The interior styling could be a touch more sophisticated at this price point. But on a positive note, it handles wonderfully in poor weather.
Love It
I've been driving this car for a year, and I love it. This is my first stick in 10 years and I now remember why I like them. Nice shifting, great handling car. Very comfortable for 9 hour drives. My first (and ongoing) impression is how smooth the car is. My biggest complaints are the peformance of the standard tires in the snow (goes straight great, sporting in the turns) and the lack of get up and go when the a/c is on. The flat four is a great engine; sounds funky and is the only truly smooth 4 out there.