Used 2008 Subaru Legacy Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
2008 Subary Legacy 3.0R
This is a great car - rides smooth, corners well, sounds great! Can't wait to open her up after the 1K mile break- in period with the Sport Sharp mode. Everywhere I go people are asking "What's that?" and are amazed at not only the style, but the features, performance and out-the-door cost. This is my first Subie and I think I'm going to be a lifelong customer.
Can't believe so highly rated.
Research head gasket failure with 2.5i engine, cost to repair, and recurrence of failure.
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Value
- 2.5 I Special Edition SedanMSRP: $4,29784 mi away
- 2.5 GT LimitedMSRP: $6,499101 mi away
- 2.5 I Limited SedanMSRP: $5,500162 mi away
An OK Car, Nothing Special
This car is OK, nothing special, it was a cheap lease. I had a VW Golf which blows the Subaru away in overall performance and quaility. The Subaru doors close like a tin can, power in the engine is non-exsitent, and the road noise is high. But it is new and get about 24 MPG, not bad for an AWD
Happily Pre-Owned
So far I've owned my Legacy for a little over a month and I have to say it's by far the best car I've ever owned. I was in the market for a car that was great on the highway (safe/mpg/fun to drive) since I drive an hour each day to and from work. I will surely be purchasing another Subaru whenever this one bites the dust hopefully a long time from now. I love the sound system, was able to tweak the quality of the speakers through my ipod, the moonroof is wonderful and the car handles like it's on rails. I highly recommend anyone that wants a great car at a great price, pre-owned might be the way to go. Low miles for 5k cheaper than new a year old?...be stupid not to.
Big Improvement over My Honda!
I love this car! I looked at many cars over several weeks and decided that the Subaru Legacy was the best value for performance, safety, and comfort. The car is quiet, smooth, and so elegant inside. I have so much fun driving the car. It has the handling of a European sedan and the reliability of a Japanese car. I recently drove the car during heavy rain and flooding - it maintained its stability like a tank. I'm very happy with my decision. If you are considering an Accord or Camry, don't make a decision until you try the Legacy. You'll be shocked by the difference!
'98 2.5RS to '08 spec.b
Owned and loved a 2.5RS since '97! Very agile car and wonderful off roads but it had missing features when the kids came: folding seats, tiny backseat, latches, high profile trunk (cargo nightmare), stripped interior. Looked at the 328ix, LS 350, Evo, STi, TT, G35, 6s. All great but the spec.b outperformed and had everything I wanted on my RS. "The WRX's older brother," a lot of punch with significantly more sophistication. Interior features and ride make this a serious luxury car with a kick. The spec.b was not designed to be as rugged as the RS (my off trail days on hold!) but I'm very happy with my purchase and ecstatic now that I've had it for 6 weeks and booked 4-digit miles :)
Love my Scooby Doo!
I drove my Mustang from California to Boston, and once winter hit knew that I needed a new car. I was looking at a lot of options, and then someone suggested looking at a Subaru. I LOVE this car! It's sporty enough for me, yet at the same time provides the safety and comfort of a luxury car twice it's price. The AWD is second to none, and the ride is unbelievably smooth. Everybody who asks me about this car is shocked to find out it's not a 40k+ luxury car. It's THAT eye-catching! Subaru has found itself a new loyal customer!
Best kept secret
1000 miles so far. Overall this is a quality car. I traded a Mazda 3. I thought I would miss the zoom-zoom factor, but there is adequate acceleration and I think the Legacy actually responses better when passing others on the freeway. Plenty of room on the inside. Clean, straightforward dash layout. Only problem I had was deciding on the Limited or GT.
Couldn't be happier
After one year, and 25000 miles, I couldn't be happier. I drive 30 to and from work over a 7000 ft+ mountain summit to a city that has 3 of the top 10 ski resorts in the country within 5 miles. Naturally, traction is a concern. After having a Honda Civic Si and snow tires, I will never be without quality winter tires again because getting going is one thing, stopping is another, and the Legacy does both brilliantly when properly equipped. I confidently and safely got where I was going (and passed so many 4WD trucks and SUV's I couldn't even venture a guess at a number). I am so glad I bought this car.
02 WRX to 08 Legacy GT
Traded in '02 WRX on '08 Legacy GT. The GT is roomier, with much better features (leather, sunroof, auto AC, auto trunk, XM, auto mirror), much quieter, and only cost $2K more than my WRX did 6 years ago. As quick as my WRX 0-60, same cornering G, but simply not as fun to drive. However, this is a much easier car to live with (quiet), and everybody who rides in it loves it. Quality is same or better than WRX - outstanding. Other than for clutch, never had a problem with the WRX in 75K miles (never even touched the brakes!). I'm looking forward to a similar experience with the Legacy GT.
Subaru all the way from now on.
Was reluctant to look at a Subaru until I disappointingly test drove Toyota's and Honda's in the same class. I fell in love with this car from the minute I set foot in it. I have found it handles highway driving brilliantly. But I especially enjoy taking it down winding back roads where I get to show off its superior handling and give the engine and suspense a great workout. It is effortless to drive and makes long distances feel like a breeze.
Underrated Camry or Accord alternative
We purchased our Legacy GT Spec B in March after looking at it at the auto show and at the dealership. The interior is very well designed, great seats (heated is a nice touch), everywhere you feel there are no gaps, it's a very well put together car. The 6 speed makes it a very fun car to drive with the turbo 4. Easy to manuever around town, very capable highway cruiser.
2008 Subaru Legacy SE auto
I leased this car back in Dec. 2008, I got the silver one. In So Cal it is rare to see one in a week. Even Subaru owners here don't know what it is, they think it is a BMW. I love the look of the car the solid drive and very quiet, I can actually listen to the radio at number 4. I am 6'2'' and I fit with with headroom to spare this is the first car that I can have a moon roof. When you push this car in the corners you can feel how well it handles. The trunk is a good size.
Best AWD Sedan Available for the Money
The spec.B is worth the premium over the 5 spd GT; much better handling, better tranny / shifter, better wheels / tires, nicer interior. An "adult muscle car" that will also excel in bad weather. Mileage is right at the EPA of 17 for city cycle after 500 miles of mostly urban commute, and I'm not always easy on the throttle. Performance could be called "stealth": quiet and comfortable until you hamnmer it! After comparing to the G35X, A4 3.2L, Passat 4Motion and Mazdaspeed 6, this car is the clear winner to me with great build quality, performance, balance of ride and handling and the ability to get a 6M tranny vs. an auto.
Great commuter car
This is my second Subaru - I traded in my Forester when I moved 90 minutes from work as I wanted more creature comforts for the long commute. This car does not disappoint. Smooth ride, great gas mileage, and the Limited's upgraded interior makes the trip comfortable as well. Plus, when winter hits, if the AWD works as well as it did in the Forester, I'm all set.
Reliable & Fun to Drive Car....
I bought my Subaru this April. Since I live in a place (SLC) that has long snow season, I wanted a car that is reliable & fun to drive. SUV was out of question due to gas prices. Subaru Legacy had everything I was looking for & I simply love this car. Just got back from our first long trip to Vegas and fuel economy was unbelievable. 32.7 MPG on freeway, even with AC on it was above 31.2 MPG. Handling was great. Comfort level while sitting for 6 hours was high. They're great cars. Love it!
Great Car
What a great car. My wife and I have been looking for a car for her for quite some time. We tested MB C Class, BMW 3s and Audi A4s. The Subaru by far out classed them on the roadways. Its handling in our opinion matched or outperformed the others. Its comfort is amazing and the power is wonderful. The 243 HP feels strong and you never need more. The car handles superbly at highway speeds and is even better in the curves. What a great car and I would recommend it to anyone. My next car will definitely be a Subaru.
Still getting a feel for the LGT spec B
Been car shopping for a long, long time. Looked at almost everything out there, MBs, BMWs, Evos, Stis, etc. Saw an 06 LGT spec B and wasn't completely sold on the interior color. When the 07s came out I was disappointed by the blue inserts. 08 rolled around and finally an all black interior! So far with about 500 miles on it I am still happy. With the 6spd I am having problems finding the right gear at the right time (used to 5 spds). 1st and 2nd seem kinda gutless. It's annoying to have keep putting the car into sport sharp.
Satisfied to a degree
The power windows are too slow. The AC system modulates too frequently and never seems to get cold. Gas mileage is not that good. However, the fun to drive, especially for a 4 banger, is pretty decent.
500 miles and counting
So far so good! Moved into the SUBI world from a pontiac grand prix gtp. I love the AWD, the overall looks, internal and external! Could use a wee bit more power, but all in all, you really cant beat the price for a brand new 4 door sedan! I bought a 2008 Pearl White Legacy 2.5i se. Sharp car, rides awesome, could use some better gas mileage, but i give this car a 8.5 outta 10!!
I'm dating up!
Okay, I almost feel guilty for driving this car. I luckily found it used because you don't see a "used" Subaru very long on the lot (especially as nice as this one) and I've been looking. I feel bad because it is soooo good. I have two friends who drive new BMW's and I can easily keep up with the Jones'. This car does everything well, including looking the part of a luxury sport sedan. Very fun to drive, handles well, and fuel economy is great for AWD. Speaking of AWD...it is wonderful in the rain..can't wait for snow. I am dating up because this car has hot looks and delivers performance even for a 4 cyl. When I tell people what I paid...they are filled with jealousy. Don't miss out!
Great deal but kinda slow
I just traded my beloved 05 WRX wagon in due to a foot injury that made shifting the manual trans difficult. I was looking at the 6-cyl 3.0R model, then I drove it... really slow! The 2.5GT was quite a bit faster but still much slower than my WRX. Ah well, the Legacy IS a heavier car and it has an auto trans. I do like the 5-speed auto for what it's worth, and the paddle shifters are a cool touch. The SI-Drive feature is a bit gimmicky really, as the three different maps aren't too much different. You still need to put your foot down to get good speed with the Sport Sharp mode. Interior quality is top-notch and the ride is smooth and quiet otherwise. Happy to own my second Subie!
Exceeds expectations
Have owned Lexus LS, Toyota Camrys and Corolla, BMW 3/5/Z4 series, and Honda Civic. Hadn't ever looked at Subaru before but researched sedans with top safety ratings and the Legacy stood out. I have had the car for 2 days and am very pleased with how well it was designed and built. Very well appointed, great value, above average performance, even providing a bit of luxury but without being pretentious in any way. Fuel economy like a small SUV, requires premium gas and frequent oil changes. More fun than a Camry/Corolla or Accord/Civic but just as practical and more bang for your buck than Lexus or BMW.
Family safe but sporty
I originally looked at this car as it was the best price for the amenities. 5 Star safety, power everything, AWD, 4 cyl gas mileage, plus it has the history of Subaru quality. What I found out after I drove it was that I not only lost the bad mileage of a V6, but I gained the nice power of a 4 cyl Boxer engine. I have no problem getting onto highways, passing, I even safely avoided an accident with the car's superior handling. If you're looking for something safe, but don't want to feel like you're trading your youth, then this car is a must to test drive.
Waiting for bad weather
Car so far seems very solid, takes the curves very nice. We are looking for mileage and safe driving in bad weather.
Hard to beat for the money!
There are several AWD vehicles on the market, but none come close to the value that the Legacy offers. Lexus, Volvo, Audi all cost thousands more, and Ford's AWD sedans are bland. This is my first Subaru, and there's no buyer's remorse here. Still, I wish the manual transmission were more available.
Traded in my Honda
I have traded in my Accord Ex for the 2008 Legacy Limited with VDC. The Legacy is by far a much better vehicle than the Accord. The Accord is a good ride but it can't match the Legacy in handling and in acceleration. The steering feels very balance in the AWD Legacy; you don't have the torque steer kickback of a front wheel drive car. The gas mileage is about the same as the Accord, which is quite good. The 4 speed auto transmission works well with the 2.5 engine. I have no problem merging into the freeways and zipping aound town. The ride is very comfortable and controlled. I have owned many brands (MB, BMW, Acura, Honda, Jeep, Nissan) and the Legacy is the best car for the money.
Wow
I test drove the '08 Saab Aero, Volvo C70, Accord, WRX and a few others and the Legacy blew them away in every way. Performance, handling, style and pricing. I've had it for about a month and recently had the cold air intake, heat shield and Cat-back system installed. With this system, this little engine actually sounds like a real muscle car. It is a true sleeper that I've surprised many a driver with already!! I feel like I stold the car getting it for 30k. Well worth the investment.
Best car I have ever owned
I purchased my Legacy with 6400 miles on it. The dealer told me it was a program car and that an executive from Subaru headquarters in Mass drove it. Come to find out it was a rental car. I bought this car because its safety, style, comfort, AWD, and because I did not want to be another guy driving in a cookie cutter car (Camry, Accord). This car has good pick up same as Camry, Accord. Same MPG too darn good for AWD. The Subie suspension is great. Nice balance of ride and handling. The boxer engine also is silky smooth and sounds good too. A boxer engine the pistons are horizontally opposed. Same as Porsche boxer design has lower center of gravity better handling, best value for its class.
Who knew?
After having to take a break from the Germans for a while this was an unexpectedly great car. It really is the Japanese BMW (without the BMW stigma!). The build quality is excellent. The handling, chassis dynamics and rigidity are very impressive. The all-wheel drive system does its job without you knowing. The flat four's power delivery is super smooth, though a little weak. The suspension is very compliant yet tight enough to not be sloppy. Once the motor gets broken in the gas mileage is pretty good. The 5-speed is notchy and vague unless you shift with a light hand and let the shifter find the gates instead of you putting it in the gates. Overall, it is a tremendous value.
Sold on Subaru
I bought a Subaru because I like the performance & handling of a German car but wanted the reliability & value of a Japanese car. I got exactly that. The only problem in two years has been a dash rattle that the dealer fixed with a foam jam (I know, but it's not a luxury brand). It would be nice to get over 30 mpg's, but the trade-off is outstanding traction, performance and safety. Having survived a serious accident, safety is a major concern of mine. No regrets here. This is my first Subaru and I know it will be hard to talk myself into buying anything else again.
Great Price and Value, Love it
This has been a great car for the past year. Very clean look and feels great on the road.
Very happy...
Purchased two years ago, drive ~15,000 miles a year. Do mostly highway driving and average 26mpg. Zero maintenance issues so far. Very happy with the purchase, has certainly proven herself sure footed in all weather conditions. In fact I bought a 2009 Legacy for my wife a year later.
We Love our "Black Beauty"
After months of testing in the mid-size class, we now have a stout and luxurious Legacy 2.5i Limited w/VDC that we really like. To get here, we've driven and kid-tested the back seats of the Accord EX-L, Camry XLE w/ Leather and Aura XR. We're getting 27 mpg, and all four of us are comfortable. Now, I confess that I am 5'4" and my wife is 5', so we fit well. But this car's price, safety, fit, finish, and driving characteristics made it our winner.
Awesome
This car is awesome. Getting 30 mpg overall and beautiful leather and features you won't find anywhere for under 35,000 dollars!! Heated wipers and washer fluid, All wheel drive, heated seats with 4 settings and heated mirrors, this car is awesome. This car has been excellent for the past week I've owned it.
A Superior All Around Car
No complaints whatsoever about this car. Superior performance, handles great, fit and finish on the car is on the mark. An outstanding car.
Overall Great car
I love my car. Overall, I average 27 MPG on the highway, 23 in the city. Trunk space is great. The back row is spacious as well. I have made several long trips between school and home in the horible winter storms we had this year. The car's traction was outstanding. It's a fun car to drive and be in.
Legacy -- all the way !
Once I drove the Legacy, I completely fell in love with it. It takes away from all other cars, including Hondas, Mazdas, and Toyotas. This car is in its own class, you really can't compare it to any others (many people think the car looks way more expensive then it actually is). I get great gas mileage, better then they say! I average 28-29 MPG with 75% highway and 25% city. I can't go anywhere with out people asking me what kind of car I drive. The Legacy is so comfortable, and the handling is great! I would recommend this car to anyone. Before buying any other car, you must test drive the Subaru Legacy. I swear, you won't regret it!
Drove in snow for first time!
I just drove my Legacy that I bought in April in snow for the first time and it is unbelievable! My driveway had over a foot of snow in the driveway and I just plowed right through it! Can't put a price on that. I've been very pleased with this car since the day I bought it, but seeing it perform in these conditions makes me LOVE this car.
What a great vehicle!
This vehicle has been outstanding in every way so far. Stylish, responsive, quiet, safe and the balanced design makes it a pleasure to drive. This is our first import and our first 4 cylinder so we researched quite a few vehicles. Once we settled on Subaru, we looked hard at the 2.5 GT turbo. That said, we have no regrets about the decision to go with the standard 2.5i. Plenty of power.
My Third Subaru
We currently own a 2004 Forester which my wife drives and loves. But the Forester is very noisy above 50 MPH. We bought a 2008 Legacy 2.5i Limited and I have driven it just under three hundred miles. The trip computer makes you very conscious of your gasoline consumption. I averaged 28.4 MPG on the first tankful. This was town and country mileage. The car is quiet and reassuringly rigid. Several people have complained about the sound system. Maybe I have tin ear but the system sounds just fine to me. As far as I am concerned, this is another outstanding car from Subaru.
Overall Excellent Vehicle
Overall a great car. Just the right size, handles wonderfully, and great on gas (if you are easy on the accelerator). Dark grey color is beautiful - get compliments constantly. AWD works great, even with stock tires. Back seat can be tight for larger adults. Build quality is good, other than one minor trim piece was misaligned. Overall, ride is good, but the low profile 17" wheels add some disruption to the ride. My major gripe is no radio controls on steering wheel - ridiculous for a 26K vehicle. The car will be too small for some, but it's the perfect size for me & my needs. Acceleration is OK - there is enough power for most, but the power-hungry should go for the turbo.
1st Subaru ever!
Just imported a Legacy. I just want to say I love it. The handling is great. Quiet, comfortable, power is just what I need. Interior is nicely laid out. Love the climate control and heated seat.
Love this car
Subaru wasn't even on my radar until my friend asked me to check them out. I needed to upgrade from my 2-door Civic because we just had a kid (so my excuse is "it's for the kid" :-P). It rides great and is very safe. I got the special edition because I wanted the moon roof and I am not disappointed. I also got the manual transmission and it is very smooth in operation. My wife loves it and thinks I made a great buy. I have enjoyed the extra room and will recommend Subaru to anyone in the future.
Everything I expected and more
This car is everything I hoped it would be. It is quiet, feels tight, handles well and gets good gas mileage. It is smaller than expected inside but it is fine since I am in the car by myself 90% of the time. There is a lack of storage space but I try not to keep much junk in the car anyway. It has good acceleration performance for a 4 cylinder too. The build quality is top notch. Very pleased with it and the price was unbeatable by any of the comparably equipped competitors. Plenty of standard safety features as well.
Won Me Over a Passat
I few months back, I traded in my 2002 GMC Envoy with 140,000 Miles for a 2008 Legacy with 16,500 Miles. I was originally going to purchase a Passat, but I wanted something that was more youthful. Overall, I do not regret my purchase at all in any way. It may be a little slow off the line, but it can haul. I do long highway stretches, and average around 80mph, but still get 25 mpg.
Perfect for my needs
Let's get the caveats out of the way: smaller back seats, lower MPG due to AWD, maintenance can be expensive, and a somewhat stiff ride. Due to these things, this car may not be right for everyone. HOWEVER, I do give this car high ratings for very well executed design and performance. I love the style of the interior and found the seats and steering to be spot on. AWD is a great thing to have with Michigan's erratic weather and this is one of the more economic choices. The Legacy is a bit heavier for the AWD, which may be why some people feel it's a bit sluggish, but it also improves grip and cornering. So you know, the 2010 model does seem to have fixed a number of these quirks.
Poor man's Audi
Great car for Colorado. Does great in the snow and I get good MPG. I can chase BMW Xis and Audi A4s all day to the ski resorts, I might not be as fast as they are, but I can handle all the sludge on the road with easy and knowing that I can buy 2 Subarus for the price of one BMW or Audi it makes me smile when i park next to them. Great everyday car at a price that doesn't make you hate yourself every month! I think it will hold its value better as well! I'm getting 27 mpg with a space box on the roof. Would recommend this car to anybody that needs AWD!
Great car
Had this car for over 2 years and have no regrets with my decision. Never owned a Subaru before, but I think I will from now on. Great in the snow, this car literally saved me from an accident several times. Had a Honda for 10 years, feel much safer in this car. Still love the interior, leather, heated seats, interior lighting. Back seat has adequate room. One review commented on the engine ping for several seconds when you first turn off. I addressed that with the service dept when first got the car, it is normal due to cooling down/environmental controls on this car.
First car
This is the first new car I have ever bought. Fun to drive and looks very stylish. I definitely get looks from other drivers. The fuel economy is marginal at best.