2004 Subaru Legacy Review
2004 Subaru Legacy Review

Used Legacy for sale
Appraise This CarSubaru Legacy model years
Subaru Legacy types
- Sedan
- Wagon
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Don't have to pay extra for all-wheel drive, generous standard equipment list, available as a sedan or a wagon, costs less than many European competitors, tight build quality.
Cons
- Side airbags available only on GT models, smaller backseat than most competitors, no six-cylinder engine offered.
What’s new
Subaru celebrates its 35 years of U.S. sales by offering a 35th anniversary special edition of the Legacy L sedan and wagon. Included are all the usual features found on L models, along with the addition of a 35th anniversary logo on the front fenders, 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a sunroof and embroidered floor mats. In other news, all Legacys get new red burl interior trim, while ebony-patterned interior trim is available on GT models.
Edmunds says
Less expensive than a Volkswagen Passat and more refined than domestic offerings, the Legacy sedan and wagon offer a winter-friendly package for those who don't have large amounts of people and cargo to haul.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2004 Subaru Legacy L AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$179/mo for Legacy L
Legacy L
vs
$170/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2004 Subaru Legacy.
5 star(57%)
4 star(35%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
37 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
Best car for the money
Froggie, 06/15/2010
2004 Subaru Legacy L 35th Anniversary Edition AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Great car. I have over 121,000 miles on it now and still not a rattle or squeak. Runs and looks like new. This is my third Subaru, all very reliable. I have had only 2 out of pocket repairs. The head gaskets were replaced at 80,000 miles and new struts at 116,000 miles. Gas mileage is OK at 22-23 Mpg in town and 27-30 Mpg on the highway.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Great driving SUV replacement
ivankong, 11/21/2013
2004 Subaru Legacy L 35th Anniversary Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
I've owned my 04 legacy 35th anniv wagon with 5spd manual since 2007. I bought it with 33K and it now has 58K miles. I had a Jeep Cherokee before this and it was not a good driving vehicle, nor was it good in the snow (surprisingly). I bought the legacy wagon because I wanted awd and some room in the back like an SUV, but I also know that 95% of the driving I do is on the road and I … wanted a car that drives like a sports car. This car does that. I have a separate set of wheels with studded snows for the winter and when I have to drive in really bad conditions (I live in CO) I have no worries at all. Awd with manual trans and studded snows all around are great.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Love my Subie!
JC, 04/17/2009
2004 Subaru Legacy L 35th Anniversary Edition AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Bought it used with 25k on it. Currently have 110k. Have not had any problems. Goes thru a lot of tires but I guess that's the AWD. Would like a few more horses under the hood but the 5 spd and the tight handling do make it a fun drive. Great in the snow. I'd buy another one but don't want to give this up!
3.88 out of 5 stars
Safe, Dependable and fun
Froggy, 07/27/2008
2004 Subaru Legacy L 35th Anniversary Edition AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
I agree with the others that the auto trans could be better.A 5 or 6 speed would improve economy (I get 25 overall) and acceleration. Reliability wise, I have over 90,000 on it and I have had only one out of pocket repair. It is still tight as a drum. My friends Honda's and Toyotas have been more problematic, in fact they all love my subie. I think many people just don't give Subaru a … look before going to Honda or Toyota. This is my third Subaru and I don't see where the others are any more reliable or better made.
2004 Legacy Highlights
Sedan
L
Base MSRP | $20,020 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $179/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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