Used 2005 Subaru Legacy Consumer Reviews
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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!
- 2.5i SedanMSRP: $6,999104 mi away
- 2.5i SedanMSRP: $7,777117 mi away
- 2.5i SedanMSRP: $5,695298 mi away
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.
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!
Japanese alternative to BMW, etc....
From the moment I saw this car I thought, Subaru is finally going places. This is my second Subaru. Finally a car that delivers what it says on paper for a reasonable price and it looks awesome. The car is a sleeper, it will beat any 3 series or M-B C-class.
Best kept secret
I live in the Dakotas and need AWD. We have a lot of 2 lane roads and I want enough under the hood to pass quickly. My other car I seriously looked at was the G35x but this clearly is a much better mix of power and comfort.
i like this car
i have own the car for 1mth now and enjoy it very much.it fun to drive and its practical. the fuel economy is poor (but i knew bout it) and the cd player is not mp3 compatible and it climate control isn't the best but not not worst. the turbo engine is powerful enough to cause other drivers to do a double take and electron shift was a pleasant surprise. will try to give a 1yr review also to keep people inform
Legacy Meets WRX
After 5,000 miles, I can say that Subaru has done a wonderful engineering job. They have mated the formerly slow, boring Legacy with the racy WRX. My 4-cylinder feels like an 8. Even with the 5-speed AT, the car still moves like a BMW. Turbo lag is not noticeable. The car handles, turns and brakes great. The MOMO steering wheel, luminescent gauges and grippy heated cloth seats tell you that you're about to go racing. However, this car is perfect for a family - comfortable, a forgiving ride, quiet (even the 17-inch sport tires do not roar) and safe with the additional air bags and AWD/ABS. My father took it out for a long run over all kinds of roads and came back amazed.
I traded an M3 for this
We're starting a family, so I traded in my dream car, a '97 BMW M3, for this car. Did I hesitate? Of course. But I'd do it all over again! This car has more horsepower (250 vs. 240), as much torque (250 vs 236), and on paper, is almost as fast 0-60 (5.9 vs. 5.7). On top of that, it's got a more comfortable ride, has an adult backseat, cargo space to burn (folding seats!), and a 2700 lb. towing capacity. Hellooo boat. The gauge cluster is very nicely done, except the confusing lack of boost gauge. Feature for feature, the Legacy has almost everything the M3 had, including heated sport seats.
Legacy Limited GT Wagon 05
The perforated leather seats, dual climate control and large sunroof were far classier than other comparable models built by Subaru's competitors. The cornering and stopping capabilities of this model are astounding due to the lower positioning of the boxer style engine. The sportshift automatic transmission allows for manual shifts which makes driving incredibly fun. The turbo model has on demand power at almost all speeds above 15mph. Some competitors boast more power under the hood but the Legacy is geared lower which results in better accel.
Very unique car, great value
Impossible to find another car like this out there. For 30k get sports-car handling and acceleration, wagon- versatility, and Honda build quality.
...it gets better
This is my 4th Subaru. With my previous one being the 98 Legacy GT, I can honestly say this is a whole different experience from the traditional Subaru owning experience. I loved my 98, but always wanted a bit more...well the 2005 gives it. Add a few hundred more and it gets better...just add K&N stock replacement air filter and Cobb Tuning AccessPort (you will feel the difference, without getting your hands dirty). Subaru has really stepped up to offer its loyal owners something to brag about other than reliability and AWD.
Test Drive It To Believe It
This is a great car! I was set on buying an Acura TL & saw a commercial for this car as well as a billboard. I drove to the dealer, test drove the car, went back the next day & drove it for 2 hours & bought it the next day. The car handles as if it were on rails. Everyone comments on how smooth & quite the ride is. The trunk space is great. Trust me, drive this car and you will buy this car. The "sport" mode really makes a difference in the performance.
definate buy
this is a great car
<$30K sport sedan of choice
Looking for an AWD sport sedan in the $25-30K range? Look no further. With better acceleration than a WRX and all the amenities of any other $25-30K sedan, this car is a sleeper and is the "adult" WRX.
I have traded in 2 Mercedes for Subaru's
These cars are unstoppable in the winter. The new 2005 I bought is fast, fun to drive and kicks from a dead stop to 60 MPH. One of the safest, cheapest toys I have driven in years. It put my $43,000 Mercedes to shame in cornering and take off and stopping. Every two years I buy cars and the 2005 Turbo is a keeper. Tight, sport tuned, fun to drive, easy on a budget, this car corners like it is on tracks holding in the tightest turns. Can't wait to fiddle with the micro chip to get more HP out of this amazing car.
Me
Car rides like a BMW
This car is sweet...
I have to say I truly love this car. I bought one in Oct '04. I went to the dealer really just to look, but they had exactly the one I was looking for (color, options) and I bought it right then. I have had one minor problem with a faulty cooling fan relay which they fixed and also gave me a good will offering for the trouble. This car handles great, has great acceleration, is comfortable, and everyone I know would like to have it. Random people ask me about it quite often. This is one of my favorite cars I have ever owned and I have had about 7 or 8 different vehicles now. If you have the money, go buy one.
Wow!
This car is a blast to drive. Most fun short of a BMW! And in a Wagon. The only negatives I have are 1) fuel economy (what do you expect when going from 0-60 in 6 seconds), and I could use more upper back support.
Fun in the Sun
If you want quickness and speed at the best value money can buy, then this car is for you. I elected to go without the tail, and from behind you can't tell what it is. I have yet to have someone go faster than this car from 0-100.
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.
A mistake so far
I purchased my Subaru Legacy 2.5i exactly three months ago. I have put 1500 miles on it. It has been a dissapointment to say the least. It has had numerous rattles in the interior, engine trouble when starting, fuzzy radio reception, and a broken heater and air conditioner. However, I do think it is a fine looking car. I would caution anyone considering this car to look at a more reliable option. This is a totally redone model for 2005 and there are plenty of problems that Subaru needs to work out. I would encourage anyone who has looked at this car to wait until these problems have been fixed for 2006, or to consider a more reliable option.
No buyer's remorse
I tested many many cars before buying the Subaru Legacy Limited wagon. Very pleased with the safety features, and the space. It is one of the best priced cars in this segment of the market.
Nicely done
My wife had a 2k GT wagon that we replaced w/this one. All the issues I had w/the 2k (plain interior, road noise, inability to get out of it's own way) were addressed by the 05. Dynamically, the car is easily equal to many more expensive cars (we had a brief affair w/a 2k S4 avant- the subie is nearly as nice and about 120x more reliable). The design is nice, the ride and noise are well-controlled, power is excellent. Really a stellar deal for the price.
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.
Nice ride
Just picked up the new ride. So far I just love it. Regal blue is awesom.
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
Never had any problems with this car
Never had any problems with this car even with driving it across the country a few times. This being my second Subaru and its performance in the snow and winter conditions is everything I've expected.
5 time owner ultimately disappointed
Long time Subaru owner- this 05' Legacy GT-bought new, had for 4.5 yrs & sad; by far a let down, poor quality of electronics & mechanically. So far w/ just 60k miles I have replaced CV half shaft, Power steering pump, stereo, ac unit, main window switch, seat belt unit, tires x2, brakes, the lights by the shifter stopped being lit at 20k & now the power steering is going again & its running warm. She has shifted hard coming out of 1st, it feels like I'm being rear-ended =( windshield rattled- dealership fixed. She was well maintained, not ran hard at all. Just a total let down and a reminder never to buy after the release of a new redesign wait a couple years until they get the kinks out.
Lotta Fun
This is the most fun car to drive that I've ever owned. The pick-up is just unbelievable, and the sport shift is the best of both worlds. The interior can't compare to the Acura TL, but I probably saved myself over $5,000 so who cares? Just test drive this Legacy, and you'll want to take it home. Check it out.
Great so far!
I have been driving the 2.5i Limited AWD Sedan for about two weeks now, and I am quite happy. Very smooth drive. Power is adequate enough for me to merge quickly into any traffic - uphill too. Great value for the buck - was able to get $1700 below invoice (due to $1500 manufacturer incentive). Limited version offers a great interior that is similar to a Lexus that I once drove. No regrets at all so far.
Worth the wait.....
Waited a year for this since I heard it was the 2004 car of the year in Japan. Always liked Subaru but didn't buy one because of the lack of power (and a WRX is too small for me). Does everything well. Steering feel and response is very similar to a BMX530i I drove last year. Smooth, but firm ride, very good handling, feels like a RWD car. Love the interior, very comfortable and classy. Traded in a 2002 V-6 Altima for this car and have not regretted it one bit. Subaru has totally outclassed Nissan. Amazing...
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.
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.
Great car...if you don't have long legs!
This is a wonderful vehicle. Unfortunately, for a tall person with long legs, it's very difficult to be comfortable driving. After 1500 miles I am still struggling to be comfortable. The non-telescoping steering wheel is too far away for me. The seat is very hard and short (I have to use a pad under my butt). The angle of the gas peddle is too high and there is little room left over for the feet under the dash. The headreast does not tilt forward. Sometimes after driving 20 minutes, my right leg and back are very uncomfortable. Didn't notice this until after I bought it. I am 5'11" well proportioned. Power is smooth, and Sport mode comes in handy when passing quickly.
Just Got it
Just got it this week and I've owned 6 Subaru's and none compare to the refinement of this one.
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.
Excellent buy!
I've driven the G35x, G35 coupe, BMW 3-series, Pontiac Grand Prix, Audi A4 and A6, and Volvo S40 and S60, and bang for buck, the Subaru was the best deal. It's also a blast to drive, the interior is actually more refined than some of the luxury cars, and the performance is nice.
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.
05 GT
The car is great. Almost no turbo lag and unbelievable power. Seats are very supportive, sound system is incredible. Everything seems to have a very high quality feel to it including the floor mats. I tested a GT with a manual trans and opted for the automatic. Take off and passing is pure fun. Love this car.
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.
Terrific Value for Luxury Sedan
This is our fourth Subaru. We purchased this one for its new design, especially the interior and its many appointments and options. Subaru has always had an unbeatable AWD system, and this one is no different. I've never felt more comfortable driving in poor weather conditions than in this car. Our only complaint would be the lower powered motor makes the transmission jump down too frequently. But using "sport shift" takes care of that. Audio system is excellent, but we'd love to be able to plug in our iPods!
Worth the wait.....
I've waited a year for this car since I heard it was the 2003/2004 car of the year in Japan. Always liked Subaru but didn't buy one because of the lack of power (and a WRX is too small for me). This car is a steal. Does everything well (while not great). I can't think of another car in this price range that does everything this car can do. Steering feel and response is very similar to a BMX530i I drove last year. Smooth, but firm ride, very good handling, feels like a RWD car. Love the interior, very comfortable and classy. Traded in a 2002 V-6 Altima for this car and have not regretted it one bit. Subaru has totally outclassed Nissan. Amazing...
Subaru is for You
Love the car. A little sluggish on the upper Colorado mountain roads but except for that the car drives great. Plenty of leg room. Comfortable seats. Love all the ammenities that come standard. Car has great handling capability and is very quiet inside.
fast, fun, and a winter ride
I bought my Subie for the AWD system because i live in Pittsburgh and winter driving can be tough sometimes. Thanks Subaru for a great all around ride that drives great in the snow; so far an 8 inch storm hit the area and I drove everywhere a slip here and there but never got close to stopping - always going forward.
It gets better...
Being a 4 time Subaru owner I have come to expect reliability and value. This car gives you a bonus by throwing in performance. For a few hundred more Cobb Tuning offers a solution to address some lagging and improve boost ... all without getting your hands dirty. While you're at it, don't forget a K&N stock replacement filter. The performance you will experience will once again justify your decision to purchase this car. Where else will you find an AWD sedan that is under $30K, stays out of the shop, but can humble the G35x, 330xi, and A4? I am thankful Subaru has stepped up and shown themselves as a company that can offer it all.
varoom!!!!!!!!!!
just awesome the car is unbelievably fun to drive. I've tried to have wheelspin and can't get the car to break loose.
A Blast to Drive
This car is a blast to drive and if you aren't careful a speeding ticket. Short throw shifter is really smooth and fun to drive. Interior with the taupe leather seats is very nicely done. Stereo is pretty good if you get the subwoofer. You can usually take corners at twice the posted speed without any squealing of tires and it feels like you are on an amusement park ride. Just as much fun to drive as a BMW 330Xi, has more room, better acceleration, and is $10K less.
almost perfect
Fun, fun, fun. Great acceleration, precise steering, all wheel drive, comfortable seats, neat interior design - very intuitively laid out. Needs a couple of more speakers in the back, but not bad.