Used 2003 Subaru Legacy Wagon Consumer Reviews
Used Legacy for sale
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.
Great Subaru Can't Go Wrong
barufan, 04/02/2012
2003 Subaru Legacy L Special Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
21 of 21 people found this review helpful
This car has been rock solid. Over 150,000 miles and counting. The review that talks about the shifting, just drop into 3rd on the automatic in-town; the 4th gear is overdrive for the highway...read the manual! The head gaskets have been an issue, but there is a replacement gasket that permanently fixes the problem. I did mine as a preventative and it is still cheaper to own than many other car brands that I won't mention. I think this is a great car and will buy Subarus forever. Can't wait for the diesel model to hit the US.
fooled
A.V., 01/14/2010
2003 Subaru Legacy L Special Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
I bought this car brand new seven years ago thinking that since it was a Subaru I wouldn't have to worry about a major repair bill until well after it hit 100,000 mi....I was wrong. This car only has 86,000 mi. on it and the cylinder head gasket is leaking. Cost estimate for repair is $920 to repair the one, and if I want to replace both the estimate is around $1700. Shortly after I bought the car, Subaru had a recall on it to fix something in the transmission. So much for the Subaru reputation for building a reliable car. Another irritation is the heater, it gets my right foot nice and toasty but leaves my left foot cold. On the positive side; it is a comfortable ride.
2003 Subaru Legacy for sale near you
Showing 3 of 8 listings
- L Special Edition WagonMSRP: $2,995324 mi away
- 2.5 GT WagonMSRP: $1,400626 mi away
- L SedanMSRP: $2,750636 mi away
See all 8 listings
Not like previous Subarus
Russ, 03/12/2010
2003 Subaru Legacy L Special Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
17 of 19 people found this review helpful
This model was a lemon from the start. First two days discovered there was almost no transmission fluid in the transmission. Dealer blamed us but rescinded when I wrote to Subaru Regional Manager. 70K miles car overheated due to blown gaskets, $3,000+ replacement of heads. Now at 125,000 it is being towed away as a donor as either the rod bearings or main bearings are starting to go. Two previous Subarus (1990's models) are still on the road after we gave them away at 225,000 miles years ago. This is the last Subaru we will buy.
2003 Subaru Legacy
RJDouglas, 11/15/2003
2003 Subaru Legacy L AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I am the mother of three boys and I also work full time. I live in a rural area where the roads can be very hard to drive on in snowy or rainy conditions. This car has yet to fail me. It goes in the snow or rain like a dream. It is the dependable family car, but also is very nice in apperance. It comes with two moon roofs and a very nice CD player-stereo system. It is very comfortable to ride in on long trips and gets excellent gas mileage, especially on the highway. Also, being the parent of three kids, I needed something affordable and I found all of what I needed with the Subaru Legacy. I love this car!
2.5 GT Wagon
Shaggy , 08/02/2002
2003 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
With the new GT package with a more luxury feel, this wagon is one of the best values on the market. We looked for six months, but anything comparable cost $7,000 to 10,000 more. Getting leather in a wagon was worth the wait. We paid 25,700 the TMV model was reading at 26,300 so its reading a little high on this car, which underscores what a good value it is.
Fun to drive, but needs good clutch
DAGreek, 02/15/2009
2003 Subaru Legacy L Special Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I get about 20 mpg in town and 24-28 on freeways. The only major repair in 70K miles was a new clutch at 50K, which is miserable. A local Subaru specialist replaced it with a heavier version. The notchy tranny needs a 6th gear and the seats are no help for me, I am 6'3". The car is fun to drive on windy Sierra highways, and the AWD is a blessing in the snow. The engine could use more power, but if you use the whole power band and the 5 speed, it works. If I get better mileage out of the second clutch, I'll buy the Recaros.
Clutch Problems
in NJ, 09/23/2005
2003 Subaru Legacy L Special Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
In 3 years our only real complaint is the clutch. From day 1, when you try to shift into first gear when the car has not been run for a few hours, the entire car shudders and bucks like you are learning to drive a manual for the first time. There is another review in here that mentions the same problem. Make sure you drive this car cold before you purchase. Otherwise, we are pretty happy with the car.
Eh... won't do again
thumbsabit down, 05/28/2004
2003 Subaru Legacy L AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Liked it alot when I bought it -but won't do this model again. Many people I know LOVE their Subaru- but, IMHO- it's too much $$ for the bang. Our plan was to buy a new car that we can drive for many years. It's cramped when 4 in the car- and worse if an avg size dog comes with us. Exterior paint stinks-chips easily. Too many blind spots to find during test-drive. (I didn't read the articles for testing- beforehand.) Thought gas would be better- 19-21 is best mileage yet.Don't fall for the brouha-ha... I'm going with Honda or Toyota for my next car- asap.
8 years on: many major repairs
tommchugh, 12/02/2011
2003 Subaru Legacy L AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 17 people found this review helpful
Bought this car new in 2003 because of manual transmission,wagon&4wheel disc. Until 2006 this was a reasonable car for my wife to drive for errands and commute. 2006 brought out the true character, noticed the clutch slipping at 48K. Had moved, took it to a dealer in new location, need 3 part clutch and brakes, calipers and rotors for ~$4.2K. Brakes had never "chirped", pass. front rotor very thin. Subaru after much back and forth did the parts but not the labor ($2.4K) at 48,000 miles. Fast forward to 2011, front brakes rotors and calipers @ 8 K mi., and today at 88K same for rears + fluid flush because of heat damage. Called Subaru today, thanked for report. Will NOT buy Subaru again
Not so sexy, but....
Welldav, 04/20/2009
2003 Subaru Legacy L Special Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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
BrysImpreza, 01/25/2003
2003 Subaru Legacy L Special Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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
lukewarm, 01/31/2004
2003 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Reliable, but boring...
ilovesnow, 04/08/2004
2003 Subaru Legacy L Special Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Ol' Reliable
snowmobile, 06/08/2005
2003 Subaru Legacy L Special Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my second Subaru wagon. I love the versatility of the vehicle, and the knowledge that it will get you where you want to go no matter what. If you can live with the lack of style, mediocre gas mileage, and lack of get up and go, this is a great vehicle. It is much more spirited with a manual transmission. Gas mileage is great compared to any SUV, however is not up to par with any front or rear wheel drive vehicle. That being stated, the AWD is impressive in rain, snow, and mud. This is an excellent alternative to a small or mid-size SUV. Reliability is uncompromised, Subaru owners generally purchase Subaru's again and again.
Love it....
Choreographics, 11/19/2002
2003 Subaru Legacy L Special Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car after many years of wanting a AWD vehicle. Looked at several alternatives and decided upon a Legacy. Bought it for $20,800 which was, at the time a better deal than what was being offered for end of year 2002 models. My biggest complaint so far is that I seem to be only able to get 20mpg or less around town. That's a couple less than the rating was. No big deal, but.... Just had our first storm in Vermont (10/17) and the snows were due to go on in a couple of days. No problem. Took a while to get used to the fact that it was easier to move in the Subaru than stop (on ice). Looking forward to performance once the snow tires get on.
Love It
LuvIt, 01/31/2003
2003 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Wagon
EMIL TOLEDO, 08/30/2003
2003 Subaru Legacy L Special Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I replaced a Passat and found the subaru less powerful and providing less gas milage than the Passat.The pluses are the all drive and the fa.ct that it runs on low test gas.The superior reliability and better braking are also plusses so on balance I like it better than the Passat.
Best Wagon for the $
Richardson, 09/16/2003
2003 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After test driving both the Passat and Volvo V70 series wagons we weren't totally satisfied. Then we decided to give Subaru a try. First we drove a base model Outback & liked the look but not all the features. Then the sales person showed us the 2.5 GT Legacy wagon. We kept the car over night and really tested it out. The handling is superb, sound system rocks! Seats are comfortable with plenty of room to spare. We were a bit worried that the 4 cyl. engine wouldn't be enough power, but it's fine for most driving and it's quieter.
New Subaru
MC98, 11/11/2003
2003 Subaru Legacy L Special Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Seems to be a great car, have 950 miles on it so far. Hope as good as previous Subaru's.
Great Car Often Overlooked
SensibleDriver, 01/15/2004
2003 Subaru Legacy L Special Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car. I have always owned new Subaru's since my first Legacy in 1991. It was a L+ edition that was $18k. I drove it thru college and 140k miles. I then purchased an 96 Outback. In Oct.2003 I purchased this L Sped Ed Wagon, one of two 2003's left on the lot. I have been pleased with it! Got it for $19,500! Not much more than my first in 1991, but with many more features. Love the dual sunroofs. Goes in the snow like a tank!
Handling + Safety Topnotch
tanjv, 03/07/2003
2003 Subaru Legacy L Special Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The day I got this car there was a blizzard that evening and I drove home from a party. While all the other cars (especially SUVs) were skidding all over the road this baby cruised passed them like nothing happened. Not a single skid! Try this with a Honda Accord like I did and you'll be swimming left and right. I understand it got top safety ratings from the National Highway tests.
Great value
mgraze, 03/18/2003
2003 Subaru Legacy L Special Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Recently test drove the special edition Legacy wagon. Impressed with the value in the package. Very nice ride and handling. At first acceleration seemed underwhelming but I found out that you have to really floor it to get the trans to kick down and get the engin into the higher rev range. Once you stomp on it, it goes pretty good. This thing is huge inside with the seats folded down. The cargo capacity rivals the much taller Honda CRV. I thought the interior was of good quality for the price range. Exterior styling is understated but it kind of grows on you. Overall, I think it is a great alternative to an SUV.