Used 2005 Subaru Legacy Consumer Reviews
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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
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.
- 2.5i SedanMSRP: $6,999478 mi away
- 2.5 GT Limited SedanMSRP: $5,275593 mi away
- 2.5i SedanMSRP: $7,777677 mi away
The New Ultimate Driving Machine
My Legacy sneaks in to the very sporty luxury class with the name of Subaru. I never would have thought a Subaru could be this fun with luxury. I remember when the WRX came out and I told myself "They need to make something compete in the family sedan class - then I'll get one." I'm car shopping, turn into the Subaru lot, and my heart is content from here. I hope Subaru always keeps it's value and price where it is.
...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.
Good enough
This car replaced my 01 Audi S4 Avant. I didn't miss it anymore. This is a very good driver's car. Great utility. Good stereo with power sub. Shifting could be smoother, but the Short shifter is great. Several service related problems: low steering and gear oil noted within the first month of driving, malfunction cruise control that dealer can't fix until another dealer changed the O2 sensor. (I complained to manufacturer). Battery leak led to corrosion of the bracket; dealer replaced the battery.
definate buy
this is a great car
Puts a smile on my face!
After having this car for a little over a month, I can honestly say I enjoy driving again. After 8 years in a 4x4 truck and an SUV, I was looking for something, faster, safer and more fun to drive plus better mpg. My highest mileage so far was 25mpg during break-in which is an improvement but negated a bit by the required premium fuel. MPG drops if you get into the boost much but you will be grinning when you do. Auto transmission shifts very fast. Don't miss the manual. Car looks and handles great. Love the interior. Doors feel very solid. Whole car feels very well engineered. Really no competition at the price point. A grown up WRX.
<$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.
Ups and Downs
Fail in love with car at first sight. Fun to drive, handles very well. Love the sound of the engine.
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.
The Wagon That Will Beat Your Pants Off
The GT is a great vehicle in many ways. It's fun to drive, practical, reasonably sized and sensibly priced. Subaru reliability is excellent (I previously owned an Impreza). After 3 months and 9,000 miles driven I still enjoy my car, only occasionally thinking about the Audi A4 Avant 2.0T 6M that I passed up. The Legacy is faster, roomier, more reliable and less expensive. However, the Legacy does lack some standard and optional features that I would like in a car (which are available on the A4 and the Volvo V50): xenon headlights, vehicle stability control, satellite radio, MP3 capability, adaptive cruise control, headlight washers, full size spare tire, seat/mirror memory are all N/A.
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.
Legacy
I would rather have my Infiniti G35 back. The quality of the Legacy is not there. Also, I rather spend $30,000 on a car with quality and one that holds its value. I have had the Legacy since Nov. 2004 and it is a big negative $10,000. For those who love Subaru, good luck to you but I will never buy another.
Subaru GT
I have been a Subaru owner for 17 years, this being my 4th Subaru. I have been waiting for Subaru to come out with a turbo charged Legacy since the sport sedan (I owned a '92 with 140k miles). Given my previous experiences with Subaru, this is a great car. Some may say that it is not the fastest or best handling or even the most stylish, but it certainly has more than a fair share of each. Include the performance and style with reliability and I feel that it is a great buy. On my wish list is that the 2.5 was the same as the 300HP found in the STi. Also, the CD player's 'random' function does not go between the CDs and the FM/AM/CD function button is a bit far away for the driver to reach.
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.
Consider the Legacy GT
Thus far it has proved itself to me. It is great in the snow and just a fun car to drive. People have commented on the "great looking" car for months now. The mileage is better than I anticipated unless you horse around with the accelerator. It is well built and well designed and I like the way it handles. After considering several vehicles from BMW and others in the same price range I chose this excellent AWD Subaru. I had been a Saab owner since 1973.
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.
Why buy a G35, TL, A4, or 330i?
You sacrifice a few irrelevant items (real wood, 6th gear, stability traction -- its got 4 wheel drive) in order to obtain a car that otherwise competes favorably in terms of pure performance with any A6, 545i, M35,TL etc., at 40% or more less cost. Only one word of advice; change the horrible Potenza RE 92's immediately for something decent such as Fuzion ZR1's or Avon MTech 500's. Brakes could use a bit of upgrading, but I haven't looked into that yet. Everything else is about nigh perfect, even the faux wood and brushed aluminum.
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.
Fun Car
I just took delivery of my 2005 Subaru Legacy GT limited. I researched and drove the Acura TL, the Infiniti G35, the Chrysler 300C and the Legacy of course. I feel that all things considered the Legacy is just a great value. The build quality is excellent and this car is high in the smile category. I have driven 550 miles in just four days. I love it so far.
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!
What a car
For years I had a Porsche 944. It got old and had 245,000 miles. Time to go. This Legacy drives very similar to the 944 in the mountains. You can set this car up in the corners very well. It's transient response in the switchbacks is remarkable - and this is a sedan! In tight hilly switchbacks - you can feel the car transitioning power front and rear. Do I have to complain? It could use a 6 speed. I'd buy this car all over again.
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.
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.
If The World Only Knew
I have spent the last 6 months researching cars much like the rest of the reviewers here. I also came to the same conclusion. Subaru has hit the nail on the head. I have heard some wishing for more horses, the same engine as the STI; well it is the same but de-tuned. I have a pocket full change that I saved buying the Legacy and it will become a rightful 300 horses like its smaller sibling. Take my advice, save your money, buy a Subaru and use the money to upgrade the ECU and some other things.
She's got the power, Scotty!
Oh my! The increased power from the 2.5 liter non-turbo Outback to the Legacy GT 2.5 turbo.Just what I needed to give me the kick in the pants I was looking for. Oh, BTW, I do drive a 3.0 liter BMW X-5 and this Subie is equally as much fun to drive for a heck of a lot less money! Like $22K less? I got one 3 days ago loaded to the limit and with the discount and rebate, I had to buy it and trade in my sluggish Outback with the 2.5 liter regular engine. Glad I did. This one's a keeper!
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.
Amazing for the cheap price of $30G
This car took one heck of a hit by a truck and I walked away This car is really great.
my Legacy
Almost great car that needs some work. No need to say more, I more than like it but less than love it. A little more attention to a few issues and this car will deserve every penny spent on it.
Older Guys GTi
So after test driving what I thought I wanted ( the VeeDub R32 and Subee WRX STi) , I decided it just wasn't a good value unless I just wanted to overtake everyone at the lights. I always liked the creature comforts in my GTi Vr6 which wasn't offered in the WRX's. The Legacy GT Limited is a GTi for grown ups. Fun to drive, comfortable plus AWD. So much more car for less.
Best Subaru Yet
The Legacy is awesome. I traded in my WRX for this car. It's not priced all that much more than the WRX, so it's a heck of a value. Given the quality, performance and luxury of this car, it's a steal. Mine is in Satin White. As part of the deal, the dealer tinted the windows. I'm thrilled with the way it looks ... not to mention how it drives.
Good Midsize Surf Wagon
OK car. My 1st Subaru. Not as solid/precise as my 1999 Honda Civic or my 2001 Nissan Pathfinder. Good gas mileage (avg. 24/25 mpg). Good interior, nice looking, car can be modified easily (springs/sway bars/intake/exhaust/shifter). The engine needs more power, Subaru has that is in the works (Forester gets the upgrade in 2006).
This car is been great!
I have owned this car since I bought it from the show room in 2004, when this new style just came out. I still love my car and its still running strong with almost 90K miles. I haven't had any problem with regular routine maintenance.
Scoobydoo
So far I have not expericenced anything that I would complain about except the mileage. I drive 80 miles round trip to work everyday and I am only averaging about 21 mpg.
competent, good looking and inexpensive
Looked at a lot of cars, never owned a Subaru before. Checked out the Legacy and was impressed with price, features and looks, not to mention AWD. Have had the car 2000 miles now and I'm pretty satisfied. Average mileage says 24.3 on avg on the onboard computer, handles nice and smooth, nice storage for golf clubs, nice onboard computer and digital compass in rearview mirror; little short in leg room - emergency brake hits thigh and dead pedal is a little short in height (I wear size 11), floormat hook sticks up too far catches my shoe, a/c is weird - will blow ice cold/then not so cold/ice cold/not so cold in a cycle (dealer says this is normal!),
Great Car
This car is really great to drive. There are many small features that are really easy to apprectiate. For instance: 1) Dual climate control 2) Tripometer 3) Dynamically adjusting power steering 4) etc.
A++
WOW what a blast to drive. I looked at 6 different makes of vehicles, but I kept coming back to the Legacy. Sporty and comfortable with plenty of room (I'm 6'3"). Not bad MPG if you can keep your foot "out of it": 25 mpg with a 50/50 mix of city to highway usage.
Awesome Car!
I had been eyeing this car up for almost a year before I decided to buy it. You don't see many of them on the road because Subaru isn't exactly a household name, but I'm glad they've kept this car a secret. I put over 500 miles on the car in the first week of ownership because it is so fun to drive. I feel bad leaving it in the garage. It begs to be driven!
None better at this price
Looking for an under $30K near luxury sport sedan with AWD? This is the car...there's none better. Plenty of power, lovely boxer 4, nice build quality, no boy-racer WRX STI like styling. Flies under the radar...fast! Stereo, even with Subwoofer/amp doesn't have the greatest sound quaility. Surprisingly smooth and quiet. The adult WRX, just nicer, smoother, stronger and faster.
Oh My!
Bought the '05 Legacy GT 3 months ago. My wife and I liked it a lot right off the bat, and now, after 3500 miles, we like it even more. No buyer's remorse in this house. Seriously fast, AWD handles like a dream in all kinds of terrain and weather, restrained but classy interior and exterior, great build quality and very adequate safety features. This is our first Subaru, and it's certainly different from some of the older ones so beloved by many of our friends. We're glad we didn't pay the extra bucks for the runners-up. For one thing, being less popular, it doesn't look like Everyman's 'cheap' Beemer or Audi. Respectable adults with a delinquent residue -- go for it!
This Wagon Hauls More than Groceries...
Picked the car up in Dec. '05 as a new '05 model, The dealer was more than enthusiastic to unload the car (last year's model) and now I am more than enthusiastic to drive the car like it was meant to be driven. Power from the turbo-4 is more seamless than any turbo I've driven before. The engine is almost too quiet -- I've stalled it a couple of times because I can't hear the engine. As for fuel economy concerns, they are simply a matter of right foot activity. Lay off the accelerator, and it will give you 30mpg plus in highway driving. But where's the fun in that?
once you owned one
I have had great experience with my subaru's I feel VERY comfortable, and/confident with the handleing and performance of these cars. I had a 96 subaru, traded it for the 2005 I never had any problems during the time with the 96. Was never in the shop for anything!! Maintenance Free, other than 3,ooo mi.oil changes and I did have the timing belts changes @60,000 for maintenance, it was a gem! So I knew that my new car was going to be another Subaru
Great Car for the Money
This car is great. Has good styling, performance, and a smooth ride. It is a pretty roomy car for the price and should accomidate a family. The safety features and AWD is also a plus.
Legacy GT LTD
Awesome car. There's no car better than this car for the price in terms of performance and luxury for under 30 grand.
Value for Money
Excellent performance. Great cornering, very stable on the road. Capable of very rapid changes in speed. Only reservations -- manual seat controls and seat structure. On a trip in excess of two hours the seats have poor to no vertical movement control. As the seats are low it is difficult to be comfortable. Worse the passenger seat base will not go back far enough to accommodate long legs. In the driver's seat, I find the left foot rest to be too high in relation to the gas pedal for long ride comfort. Passenger seat base is lower to floor than driver's seat base which affects rear passenger comfort (cannot with comfort put feet under front seat).
motoring nirvana
Congrats to Subaru for crafting a truly world class car. It was love at first sight!! Both the exterior and interior designs manage to be both fresh and timeless at the same time. After going over every square inch of the car I can't find a single production flaw! I'm still breaking the engine in, so I haven't taken full advantage of that beast under the hood, but even driving gently has been exhilarating! Handles like it's glued to the road, but somehow manages to ride very smoothly. Quite possibly the best seats of any car in this price range. Averaging 27mpg so far, pretty thrifty for 250 horses. German engineers everywhere are weeping!
Wagon of the Year
Had Legacy GT wagon since 6/05 and love it. I'm a closet gearhead but my job has me carrying a lot of trunk stock so I needed a wagon. This has it all, speed, agility, fuel mileage, space, and cool styling (for a wagon). 14,000 miles and still happy. Wished I had gotten the sunroof.
It Does the Job.
Car itself has been flawless. The rotors warped at 20,000 miles but dealer replaced them under warranty.