Used 2005 Subaru Legacy Wagon Consumer Reviews
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Genuine Audi alternative
The perfect alternative for the rest of us who can't afford an Audi S4 Avant. Excellent handling, tons of power, a real pleasure to drive. My auto does not seem to suffer from the problems mentioned in the review. You can just pick the mode for your mood. Laid back = normal auto, pressing on=sport mode auto, hard driving = full manual mode. I drove a stick as well, and I will admit turbo lag seems worse in the auto for some reason.
Near perfection
What more can I say? They've taken a vehicle I already liked very much and improved upon it.
- 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 Value
Currently have 1300 miles including a 800 mile round trip to mountains. Very well balanced automobile. Could use about 20 more HP in base form for mountain driving with the automatic. Avg fuel economy right near EPA estimate of 30 MPG on regular fuel. Quiet/smooth highway ride - AWD operation is not perceptible. Great handling for a wagon. Very versatile storage options. Seating/pedal position takes a little getting used to - maybe just me. Arm rest should be standard instead of a $130 accessory. Factory rack cross-bars can be noisy at speed. I removed them until needed. No mechanical or other problems yet.
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.
Driving is fun again
This car is awesome. I actually enjoy driving again. The acceleration is breathtaking. Riding in this car is fun, driving it is an experience. I left a beloved (underpowered) Camry for this car, and I will never look back. If only the gas mileage was better, but then I don't drive this car for economy!
One hell of a Sports Wagon!!!
This car will pin you to your seat and pin a big fat grin to your face while doing it. Becareful, way to fun to drive, may get you in lots of trouble with the law. I love this car,sports demon, rocketship, whatever you want to call it!!! thats all I have to say.
A Driver's Wagon
Just got our 2005 GT Ltd. Wagon 10 days ago. I was blown away during the test drive. The engine just pulls and pulls and pulls. Besides the fantastic engine, the interior was the deal clincher for me. I always liked Subarus in the past, but the interiors have never done anything for me before. In the 2005 model, I have to say that Subaru did a fantastic job in refining everything. So far, the car feels solidly built. Doors close with a thud. No signs of rattling anywhere. Handling is great, but the ride suffers a little. It's very much a sports car ride. Lack of navigation option bugged me, because they have it in Japan and in Europe. Not a deal breaker, but it would've been nice.
Lovely Wagon
Have been driving it for about 3 months now and LOVE everything about it. I average about 23mpg combined with a 5spd and i think that is just fine for a vehicle so fun to drive. Also the build quality is very nice like an audi or bmw ( both of whose entry offerings are smoked by this ). would certainly recommend it.
Excellent value family hauler
At one month we are very pleased with car after taking it on a couple extended trips. The handling is better than I expected on windy roads-far, far better than the Camry and Accord. Comfort is good, but the climate control acts bizarre and we often end up controlling it manually. The car feels solid and substantial, more like a European than Japanese maker. Cruise control has some strange ticks-jerky when going downhill, full throttle when accelerating. If you want blazing speed, go for the GT, but the base engine is adequate for brisk highway merges. The sunroof is huge and a treat for back seat passengers. Disappointing economy-27mpg is best so far even with all highway driving.
Can't Ask for More
AWD with style, comfort, and great interior all for less than 25K. Mileage has been great so far, about 25 mpg and AWD works well on this winter's ice and snow. Feels very solid and quiet.
350 wheel hp
Twice the car of my 2000 A4, if not more.
Good fun, but turbo lag
This is my fifth Subaru, including a manual WRX wagon and manual WRX sedan. I have also owned two V8 Mustangs and a couple of BMWs. ONCE IT IS MOVING a turbo Subie is great fun! From a stoplight, unless you beat it, turbo lag is still a problem. My 10 year old V10 Dodge Pickup is faster for the first 50 to 100 yards. Responsive, stable AWD handling; good feedback; stock Bridgestones average in dry - poor on dirt and snow. I average 23 to 24 mpg in mixed driving using premium fuel. Manual shift mode is entertaining and steering wheel controls are convenient and provide flexibility.
Japanese engineering -feels like a European
All the cars I owned were Toyota's such as Corolla, Camry, Celica. I may have switched to Subaru from now on. It has the reliability of Toyota. in addition, the interior of Europe like VW and Audi. The ride is pretty firm like a sport car, very good handling and traction for a family wagon. The sunroof is huge. Although it will be nice if it come with a basic 200 HP engine will make it more fun and within the bargaining price range. Thinking about the Tribeca or Forester as our next car. Love the deep pitch sound of the flat 4 engine.
happiness
We have had the car for 4 months and 4000 miles and it has been fun to drive; it has all the features you'd need with no frills. Cars acceleration is much better than some say; fine for travel. Averaged 27mpg on a recent 900 mile trip to SC. Great space, very efficient; easy to parallel park.
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.
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.
I love good design.
The 2005 Legacy is a very well designed vehicle . It is very balanced and of high quality. I am an efficient driver and the fuel mileage ranges from 25 mpg to 33 mpg. My only complaint, which this car shares with BMW and MB cars I have owned, is the drivers seat, which gives me a sore rump on long trips.
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.
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!
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 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?
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.
SuperSportWagon!
Awesome car; terrific bargain; tuner-ready! Needs: AWD family and fun to drive vehicle (and I AM a sports car fanatic!). Considered: Audi S4 Avant (too pricey, too unreliable); BMW 330Xi and 5 series wagons (no manual transmission, slow compared to LGT); STI (wife wouldn't ride in it; too garishly styled; bit small for ski trips with kids). LGT Limited Wagon: beautiful as is; modified (ECU tuning; uppipe, downpipe, exhaust, tires, gauges, springs) a 320 HP/360 ft/lbs torque supersports wagon! Terrific aftermarket and enthusiast community for this car. Love it all the way!
2005 Subaru Wagon. Great value
The dealer is 200 miles away, but the service was superior to any closer dealers. The power is fantastic - roll on from any speed and you have lots of it. The car could use a few niceties, such as stereo controls on the steering wheel, memory seats and a little more rear leg room. Other than that, it has been reliable, fun to drive and comfortable. We just returned from a family vacation of 3000 miles return trip. Not many complaints from my wife and daughter.
Great value
After driving BMW's, Corvettes and Audis, I needed something that would drive well in all weather conditions, including snow and ice, and yet give me good performance with superior reliability and that was also fun to drive. The Legacy GT wagon with the turbo and 5 speed short throw stick is all of the above and then some. I highly recommend it, and at the price, there simply isn't anything else that comes even close. GREAT car.
2005 Legacy Wagon
First Subaru and boy I am impressed. In 1.5 years of ownership I have had zero problems. In combination driving average about 28 mpg. On a trip depending on how fast we drive we can get around 32 mpg. The car can be a little cramped on a log trip especially if you have more than one passenger. Rear seat room is tight. I am 6-1" and wish that there was a little more leg room for the driver. In summary, great car.
Almost perfect
Almost a year and a half and zero problems. Fast and fun. My second subie, my first turbo. This is not your typical wagon, that's for sure. Handles great, even in winter months. The Bridgestone re92 stock tires are all right - nothing great yet decent all around. Rarely have anyone in back seats so cannot comment on leg room. Dash layout is great and good looking. Tons of room. Can put just about anything in this car. The ride can be a little rough for someone with a bad back on longer trips but it's a GT and is supposed to have a stiff suspension so you cannot complain about things like that. All around A++.
WOW
This is my 3rd Subaru, and is by far the best to date. I had a 96 outback, then a 2004 Outback 2.5 limited, but this car blows them away. The turbo kicks in quickly, and will give you the tell-tale neck jerk! The interior is such a beautiful hole poked tan leather, you want it at home. I was never a fan of blue cars, but the regal blue looks great with the 17" wheels and lo-pro tires. Huge sunroof! Buy one!!
One hot car
I bought my Sub after seeing so many in the mountains of California. I now live in Alabama and I love driving it all year round, but it is definitely a cold weather car! The vents blow warm air so I have to keep the AC on all the time in the spring, summer and fall. The AC has a hard time keeping up with the 100+ degree weather and high humidity. But it handles great in the torrential downpours we get here and I wouldn't trade it.
Good, but not Great
We bought this car used in 2008. I negotiated the full warranty for a new car, 6 yrs and 100,000 miles, it expired in in october 2010 and soon after our transmission fluid and oil covers both leaked. Cost $500 to fix. It has been solid, but not what we expected. It is our first subaru and we are hoping to get 150K miles out of it. We bought with 45K and now have 75K. A few other nuiances are breaking down too but nothing major. I hope this last repair shop visit will last.
my subaru
An enjoyable car, practical and dependable. Insurance on this car new was less than my previous 5 year old Saab.
05 Subaru Ltd Wagon - Silver
It's our 2nd Subaru - the `94 is still running fine. The `05 5-speed (no turbo) is really quick - I can only image what the turbo does to the pick up! Our only compliant is the dealer-installed alarm system - it sets itself way too quickly!
Hate this car
I got this car as an alternative to a "real" car because it was a practical alternative to a gas guzzling SUV or a more expensive Audi or BMW. I thought I needed the wagon for my lifestyle, but I wish I'd bitten the bullet and just went for an Audi, got a bike rack and drove on down the road. This car is NOT fun to drive, although it sounded good on paper.