Used 2005 Subaru Legacy Consumer Reviews
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Great Stealth Performer
I looked at a lot of vehicles before deciding on the Legacy. Audi, BMW, VW; but none compared to this vehicle for the price. This car has good interior room, with easy folding rear seats. The performance is excellent, especially in the manual with the short throw shifter. The fuel economy is a little less than what I expected, but the range on the tank is not good. I only get about 19-20 MPG with a range of just less than 300 miles. The AWD is wonderful in the Midwest winters. Overall, very pleased with the car so far and would consider another Subaru in the future.
Best in Snow, fun in sun
A survived a 40 mile commute during this last Ohio winter because of this car. Excellent handling in ice and snow. Sport shifting down much safer then braking on ice. It is nice to have the automatic with the option to shift manual. Now that the sun is out the sun roof is open. I love down shifting and zooming up steep hills.
- 2.5i SedanMSRP: $1,995101 mi away
- 2.5 GT Limited SedanMSRP: $7,995134 mi away
- 2.5 GT Limited SedanMSRP: $2,990148 mi away
great car except for the tires
In the 5 short months that I have owned this car I have had 4 flats and totally destroyed one tire. I was told that the size of the tires is the problem by one person and other things by others. The service manager told me that it was my problem and that there was nothing that he was going to do. I would buy this car again, it is a great car in the snow and it is fun to drive.
Legacy Wagon 2.5i
Last year I purchased the 2005 Subaru Legacy 2.5i wagon. I have been very impressed with the overall fit and finish of this vehicle. Its safety features were excellent and numerous. Its projected resale value was excellent. This vehicle has met and exceeded all of my expectations. I will be a Subaru owner for life.
i'm lovin every mile
This car performs best in blizzards and thunderstorms! The grip on the car is amazing. I recommend this car to anyone looking for a fast, fun to drive reliable car in the $25- $30k range. Get it fully loaded (GT limited) with all the options you can afford.
Love the car
Going on two years with our legacy GT LTD. Sweet car, super fast... when I drive our other car, I miss the acceleration. Turbo lag is slightly noticeable, but once the turbo kicks in, it's smile time. Handling is great, acceleration is great, driving it in the mountains is super fun. AWD is great also, but get the snow tires if you live in an icy area... the standard tires don't handle worth anything on ice. Get the short throw shifter, also. This car is a lot of fun for a very low cost compared to the G35 and Acura RL. The gas mileage isn't too heinous, we average about 25mpg, less if you're really thrashing it.
Great Car with Needs
Bought my 05 Legacy GT limited about 5 months ago. I have owned/driven many different make/model cars including Subaru's. This one is a great improvement in terms of looks / performance / amenities compared to older versions. Subaru has been very smart to replace Volvo and Saab, and also sell cars right under the noses of Toyota/Honda/Nissan (Sad, the other 3 brands are suffering from declining quality. I wish made in the U.S. meant the same thing it did 30 years ago. My gripes: As new, it is overpriced. Still, reliability/build quality is below other Japanese cars. Cutting corners in interior / mechanical / material quality is stupid. People are not dumb.
let down
Its on its 4th motor. Over 20 k in warranty claims. Paid 5k for 1st motor the 2 others Subaru paid for. I have had nothing but problems with this car.
Amazing Car
This car is roomy, comfortable, has awesome options, accelerates well, has great power no matter where you are, is great in the snow, gets respectable gas mpg, looks so good, the dealer service has been amazing. Nothing is wrong with this car.
Amazing
This is ther best car ive ever owned, My 03 Nissan Maxima is horrible compared to this car, and its just as fast.
Now I love to drive
Needing a four wheel drive vehicle, but wanting a sedan and not spending a fortune I chose the Legacy GT LTD. I do love driving this car. As a point of reference I do a lot of highway driving up mountains and going uphill I average 28 mpg, 31 mpg downhill, both with A/C on. A recent downhill trip without A/C proved 34 mpg.
Must have been built on a Monday
This car is fun to drive. Have had quite a bit of trouble with little things. Had the check engine light come on in the first 1000 miles of driving. Well, if any of you have had this problem you know that the cruise control does not work. Not good for long trips. Fuel pump went bad. In the shop three times for cruise issues. Do a lot of travel and not having cruise stinks. Had to adjust drivers window due to high pitch noise. Would not buy these high priced cars again. Does not hold value very much like other cars.
One of the Best Used Car to Buy
I bought this car used in 2009. Now has 76,000 miles. Now, 5 years later the car runs just like new sill. The paint isn't the best but every car now has bad paint. There is only one rattle but only comes once in a long time other wise everyday its quiet. Some people complain about wind noise because of frame less window but I don't hear and I know there is no wind noise unless its 30 mph winds but even cars with framed windows will here that. Seats are comfortable for shorter trips. It doesn't have all the new toys that 2010 cars now have but you don't need it. Like back-up camera, gps, mp3, push start etc. If you can drive without the new toys this is a good car to buy with awd standard
First Legacy
My first Subaru was a 1995 Impreza coupe which I loved dearly. For practicality I had to get the Legacy so hubby would be a bit more comfortable. I have had the Legacy one week and have not quite warmed up to it. Time will tell if it's reliable. I can say that Subaru in general makes a good car. I live in snow country and can attest to the AWD; I couldn't picture driving anything else.
A reliable rattle trap
The Subaru has rattled and squeaked from the beginning, the fit of the glove box and center console is a joke, the paint started to fade after 6 months, the drive shaft has had to be replaced, it took Subaru 4 times to get that right, brakes are anemic and the pads now are in need of replacement. The engine has stalled, stuttered, and bumbled along at 2500 rpm, from the beginning, so much for performance. A mistake to buy, never again.
Fun to Drive
I owned a 2002 Subaru Outback and was not satisfied with its slow pick up and faulty clutch. I decided to give the GT a try and have never looked back. It's quick and handles great for a wagon. Love the 17" wheels.
Great Value
Just purchased several days ago so here are my first impressions. It has a surprising amount of power for a four cylinder. The manual transmission feels easier to shift than the Impreza. The seats are very adjustable and comfortable. The stereo is pretty good for a factory unit with no upgrades. Mileage so far has been surprisingly good. The car is very smooth and handles great. Quiet ride even at highway speeds. The sound of the engine takes a little getting used to, but it grows on you. The trunk is pretty large and has a pass through for narrow objects. The car features a full assortment of airbags. In all, this is a great car with a lot of nice features for a reasonable price.
Lemon Legacy GT Wagon?
Recently purchased a new 2005 Legacy GT Wagon mid March of '06, guess it was a holdover from last year. This car has been back to the dealership 5 times, originally for check engine light as well as the cruise light. I also experienced shaking and loss of power each time. June 30, 2006, it went back AGAIN for same problem. I also didn't have the vehicle for approximately 15 days because of a rattle behind the dashboard which turned out to be some kind of 'cracked foam' right behind the firewall. I have as of today sent my 'certified Lemon Law letter' to the company hoping to get them to take back this UNSAFE vehicle. Not sure if I would get a Subaru again. To be continued.
Harsh reviews
I dont know about the turbo model, but the non-turbo base was 19k out the door. With that considered, any minor defect this ok with me if it get fixed under warranty. Car has been good, great handling, plows through snow and rain and the design is nice. Engine power is pretty weak but at 28 mpg average (with AWD mind you) is a pretty good trade off. Some of the minor issues with mine. Some kick panels in the interior were not assembled correctly and I had to fix them myself, dash rattle, and 2 wheel bearings went bad under warranty. Other than that not a single problem. Shade tree mechanics will find the car easy to work on, brakes, oil, plugs all easy to service.
best car ever!!!
Best all around car in its price range and for the next 2 or 3 tiers. Awesome looks, killer performance, and most of a civilized demeaner. THis car has it all, bmw and audi should be quaking in their loafers. If they dont do something to counter this car they will be in a world of hurt. I am amazed every time i step into the car, the build quality and styling is simply perfect, not to flashy but in no way bland. I love the guages as well as the sound of the motor under full throttle. This car is as close to perfection as you can come for under 80g.
As always...
As always, the NA market doesn't get the best. Everywhere in the world except North America they get the original Legacy, which has HIDs, DVD, GPS, navigation, better tires and windshield wipers, more toys, better looking front and rear bumpers, as well as many others. On the other hand, since many Americans think bigger is better, we get bigger engine (but not more horsepower) and bumpers (the original smaller ones look 10 times better). And since typical Americans are not willing to pay "too much" for a "Subaru," the Legacy comes standard with poor all-season tires that don't perform well in almost any situation, especially in snow and rain.
Super-chouette!
This car is very sweet. Very fast, well composed, an excellent balance between rougher track handling and a typical sedan. It doesn't have the badge of the status models, but it still makes you feel good everything you step in. Interior is top notch and well laid out. Good materials and build quality. Exterior is very classy and looks like it'll be a timeless design. Few people notice, but those in the know all turn their heads - this is a serious sleeper car.
Japanese feel like a European
It's my first Subaru. I always have been a Toyota fan. I have been an owner of a Corolla, Camry and the 2000 Celica. I wanted a AWD, that's why I want to try the Subaru. It's a solid car. I have always like the interior of European cars like VW and Audi. The Legacy is the first Japanese car I feel like I'm inside an European make. The traction is excellent and cornering doesn't feel like you're in a wagon. Subaru should put in a base engine with 200 horse power to make it more fun to drive without paying the premium price for GT turbo model.
Subaru ups the ante!
Subaru has done its homework. Not only is this car attractive, it's also A LOT OF FUN TO DRIVE. Driving the 5 sp Auto in manual mode was a thrilling experience. Amazing pick up, sticks to the road and hugs corners better than anything I've ever driven. Even at high speeds the 2.5GT held it's composure. There was little noise in the cabin, the steering was responsive and direct, and ride comfort was not compromised. If you have to have safety, high performance, a sleek exterior, well appointed interior with AWD and the fun to drive factor in one package, take a look at Subaru's 2.5GT Legacy.
A Wonderfully balanced car!
I must say this is a car that does it all well. It is a very comfortable and quiet car, it is quite fast and handles well, it has AWD and should do very well in bad weather, and is reasonably priced. It can be very fun to drive or comfortable to cruise in. It even comes in wagon form if you need more space. There's not much more you could reasonably ask for in a car. You can have your cake and eat it too!
never buy one again
I bought my 2005 subaru legacy gt new. This was my first time ever buying a new car. The turbo blew in March "09", they fixed it after proving I proporaly maintained it. Dec. 09 it went again. They replaced it went to test drive it and the timing jumped and blew my cam shaft and valves, they also found metal in the oil pan from the turbo. Now I am getting a hard time for proper replacement, instead of replacing the parts new (short block and the damage from poor mechanic installation) they want to put a used motor with more mileage and no history of how well it has been taken care of. I would never buy another subaru or recommend one to anyone.
Stealth hotrod
I traded a VW Passat V6 for this car and it beats the Passat in almost every way: handling, acceleration, traction, braking, comfort and standard equipment. Build quality and materials are equal to the VW -- and that's saying a lot because the VW is a great car! The Legacy feels glued to the road unlike any sedan or wagon I've driven with the exception of a BMW 3-series. In fact, a friend who own a Porsche Boxster was comparing (favorably) the Legacy's handling to his car after I let him take a spin. When he let me take a reciprocal drive in the Boxster, I understood.
Awesome Car!
Why spend so much money on a BMW or Mercedes when you can get this for so much cheaper.
No contest in affordable sport wagons
Ride is excellent balance between handling and comfort. Steering laser precise. This car absolutely hauls when on boost, and is an extremely comfortable and competent high speed cruiser. There is no competition when you figure in price, AWD, available wagon version, and performance. Dodge Magnum AWD may be faster, but no way as competent or sophisticated in handling.
SUBARU GT LTD LEGACY
This is my third Subaru, and the best. Previously had 1999 Outback, 2002 Outback and now '05 GT Limited Legacy. This is by far the most fun to drive car I have owned. I have had quite a few people ask me about my car, and highly recommend it.
Surprising Subaru
While mileage could be better, this is a drivers car in every respect. Rear seats do not fold down, and that would help increase room in trunk area. Rear seats are very comfortable, though. Otherwise, loaded with power and safety and class. A-
WRX STi for the Luxury Set
I waited three weeks to be able to test drive my '05 Legacy GT Ltd. and it was absoultelym worth it. I had compared this car to the Acura TSX, Audi A4 and BMW 325xi. The Legacy is by far the most sporting of the bunch. Power delivery is typical of a turbocharged car, but there is enough grunt from the 2.5 off-boost to keep it from being an annoyance. the handling is crisp, yet it doesn't punish you over rough surfaces. The interior is first rate, and the only complaints there are the stereo which sounds a little dull, and the cupholder which places large drinks in the path of the driver's elbox when shifting into 2nd, 4th or reverse. Great job Subaru!
True sport wagon
Had the car for 5 weeks now. No problems yet. Very powerful. Fun to drive. Has a great feel to it. Only getting around 18 mpg around town, but that's because it's hard not to put your foot in it and feel that turbo rush. Very quiet and smooth ride. Handles very well and has a comfortable ride. Build quality is very nice, especially on the inside.
The ultimate sleeper?
It looks like a practical family station wagon. It hauls like one, too. But it's as much fun to drive as my Miata was: goes like stink, handles like a German sports sedan, plus tons of safety features and all wheel drive. Very nice interior, best styling Subaru has ever done, quiet, comfortable and a blast to drive. Great highway cruiser, nimble on twisting roads, doesn't even notice wet, slick roads.
road warrior!
Traded my Mercedes: never looked back. No matter what we put on it or in it, it HAULS with class and grace. MPG 23 in town, 27 on the highway with a sportshift auto. Better in every way than my son's 2001 GT. Handles snow, ice, hard rain and speed with no problems. Family fights to drive it!
LOVE IT
This car replaced my 2001 legacy, I love my old Legacy for its dependability ,especially in the winter time. But this new one is a completely different car. Look at the Acura TSX first, but end up with this . The interior is so nice compared to the old model, and the exteror...The car look fast just sitting there. I have so much fun drving this car. Only bad thing is that I have to fight my wife every morning for it.
What An Automobile
Excellent automobile. The Subaru designers really did their homework. Smooth & fast acceleration, quiet comfortable ride, excellent handling, good road hugging qualities, stealth like appearance. The interior has the most customer friendly and easiest to use layout I have ever seen. The red interior lighting is like a fighter jet and the quality of materials is superb. Turns a lot of heads, and very few people know that a 250 hp 4 cylinder turbo lurks underneath the hood. This is my 3rd Subaru and by far the best one.
Unbelievable car
As an American muscle car owner, I was hesitant to purchase a foreign car. This car is absolutely unbelievable. The 2.5l Turbo has enough power to get down the road in style and still haul the kids and/or clients in comfort. My other car, a Chevrolet Corvette, doesn't mind sharing the garage with this little turbocharged piece of heaven.
Goodbye Maxima
I thought my 2000 Maxima SE 5MT was tops for the money. Move over Max, my new Legacy 2.5GT Limited 5MT is a whole lot of car for the price. A blast to drive!!! 1st and 2nd gear feels like you're riding a slingshot. And I'm even babying it for the 1000 mile breakin period. Handles real good, inspires confidence. Good looking, "elegant simplicity". If you have winters like we do in New Hampshire, and you love to drive fast on curvy roads, this is a no-brainer. You gotta try one out.
One of the best on the road!
This is my third Legacy....and the best, nicest, fastest, and most fun to drive yet! It turns heads everywhere I go, and performance-wise it totally hugs the road. The turbo engine and speed/handling is excellent, and the 250hp engine is a MAJOR improvement. My wife now drives my 2002 GT Limited sedan, and she is thrilled with it as well. It puts her Accord to shame with handling, safety, performance, and styling. I'll continue to buy Subarus from here on out - they've set the standard very high for performance and safety, yet they continue to keep the cost reasonable. GO SUBARU!
Used GT Legacy rides like new
My van got about 26 mpg and i fueled up every two weeks to top off a 20 gal tank. This car has seems to be getting better mileage. I agree with the others comments about the great ride and design so I will not repeat them. I just wish I bought this car instead of my Venture Van or Honda Accord. Sold my van becuase the engine gasket started leaking oil at about 50k mi. This car has more miles on it and the engine is clean.
1/2 luxury + 1/2 wrx sti = Legacy Gt
Take the luxury car with its massive amounts of comfort and gobs of performance from the wrx sti, subaru managed to create the awsome Legacy. This car has tons of performance and barely any turbo lag. It blows away the wrx in performance even in the auto version, which I love the most with its sport shift feature. No road noise except for the roll of the awsome 17" wheels and that was min. as well. I live in the snow and this baby can do it all. This thing can be thrown anyware and remain amazingly stable under any type of stress and even with my lead foot gets 22.8 mpg!
The Most Fun Car I've Ever Owned
When I started shopping for a new car my boss told me that I should try the Legacy. He and his son are car enthusiasts and told me that his son had the Subaru Impreza and loved it. I was planning on either getting a Honda Accord or a Toyota Camry so test drove both of them and took my boss's advice and test drove the Legacy. The Accord was so stiff it was killing my back and with the Camry I felt like a was driving a bulky tank. The Legacy was wonderful. The drivers seat is totally comfortable, the displays are really convenient, and the handling on the car is just unbelievable. I have never had so much fun driving a car. I totally feel like I got my money's worth with the Legacy.
One Sweet Ride
I'd been waiting for two months for this car and now that i finally have it it was worth the wait. The ride is as smooth as the design. I live in a very hilly state and thought the the stock 2.5 without turbo wouldnt have enough power but it holds its own. And with a few modifications to up the hp it will be perfect. My biggest complaint is i dont care for the seatbelt dinger. if i don't fasten my belt i shouldn't have to listen to the car ding all the time.
Subaru Legacy GT
An exceptionally designed car that is a vast improvement over its predecessor. The turbo-charged version gives it a great fun to drive quotient, and its handling is absolutely superb for a family sedan.
I still grin everytime I turn the key...
Simply put, this car has been the first vehicle in the last three years to spark my car buying interest. It offers the perfect balance between comfort and performance. Extremely fun to drive. I actually traded my 2000 SAAB 9-5 SE sedan in for my Garnet Red GT Limited Sedan(I call it my "little red devil"). Many people tell me, "you traded a SAAB for a SUBE?!" - but as soon as they see the car, they can't believe their eyes. Subaru has produced a WORLD CLASS car at last -- interior design and quality is bar none. A beautifully executed design. Bravo, Subaru!
SWEET RIDE - FAST AND FURIOUS LEGACY GT
This car is so fun to drive, you'll find any excuse to get out of the house. I have always hated winter driving, but I have never had so much fun as I have had this last month driving in terrible winter conditions. This car is a serious machine. Get rid of the lousy stock all-seasons and you're set for high performance. I have read articles comparing it to the Acura TSX. I test drove both cars, but there was no comparison. The TSX has a nice interior, but the Legacy... smiles ear to ear every time I got out of it. FYI - on the 5 speed manual, there is zero turbo lag. Makes the even the WRX seem sluggish off the line
Everyone should own this car!
My wife and I have owned this vehicle for just about 7 months and we're enjoying every mile in it. The quality of the interior is impeccable and so well designed in terms of ergonomics. Everything seems to be in its natural location. The endless supply of torque power this car has to offer is overwhelming and will make anybody feel confident behind the wheel. The confidence doesn't only come from the immense amount of power, but it comes from the symmetrical AWD system. I just can't say enough about this car it was truly one of the best decisions we made. It was worth the wait. Hey it wasn't Car of the Year in Japan twice for nothing. Think of the competition it had to beat!
Unbeatable value
I always have a smile on my face when I'm driving this car (and even after!). The torque on the car is awesome, and the ride is firmish but still very comfortable, while maintaining the sporty feel. The brakes and steering are excellent and very precise. The brakes remind me of the late model BMW 3 series that I traded in to get this car. The interior is simple, but very comfortable and functional. All the controls are intuitive, and the build quality seems excellent so far.
Stealth Rocket (I mean kid hauler)
Living with 6 months of snow, I only tested 4 wheel cars (325xi, G35x, S60R, A4, Passat) This was my favorite and cheapest! So much fun and I love that everybody thinks its is just a boring Subaru.