1990-1994 Subaru Legacy: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1994 Subaru Legacy and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes (optional)
- Wet-weather traction (AWD)
- Acceleration (turbo)
- Handling/roadholding
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Manual-transmission linkage
- Noise
Vehicle Highlights
Legacy models are larger and more refined than the Subaru Loyale. They rode on a 101.6-inch wheelbase, 4.4-inches longer than before. Both the sedan and wagon arrived in L and LS trim levels, with either front-wheel drive or permanently engaged 4-wheel drive (all-wheel drive, or AWD). All models used a 130-horsepower 2.2-liter flat (horizontally opposed) 4-cylinder engine with four-valves-per-cylinder heads. The new Subaru engine could be paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Power steering and 4-wheel disc brakes were standard on all models. Antilock brakes were optional on AWD LS models and on AWD L models with the Value Plus Option Package.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Subaru Legacy Touring wagon Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 47 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1994 Subaru Legacy. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1994 Subaru Legacy.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Subaru Outback and Legacy:
The Legacy Sport Sedan and the LSi luxury sedans join the L and LS models introduced last year. The Sport Sedan has exclusive use of a new 160-horsepower turbocharged version of the 130-horsepower 2.2-liter flat-4 that's standard on other Legacys. The sport sedan also comes with permanently engaged 4-wheel drive.
1992 Subaru Outback and Legacy:
A new driver-side airbag and a mild facelift are the primary changes made to the 1992 Legacy. The new airbag is standard on LS and LSi Legacys and optional on L models, and was added to the options list of the Sport Sedan later in the model year. Other new features include a "pass-through" opening in the rear seat (on all but the L), a dash-mounted slide-out cupholder, and rear-seat heater ducts.
1993 Subaru Outback and Legacy:
The driver-side airbag that arrived last year, as well as other new equipment, become standard this year on the base-model Subaru L. In addition, two new wagon models join the lineup. Added to the L and LS versions are an LSi luxury model and a sporty Touring Wagon model. The new Touring Wagon joins the Sport Sedan model in providing the 160-horsepower turbocharged 2.2-liter Subaru motor. It comes paired with a standard 4-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
1994 Subaru Outback and Legacy:
To spark sales for '94, Subaru adds new series of "active lifestyle" versions to its four distinct trim levels of sedans and station wagons. The four new lifestyle models are called "Sun Sport," "Alpine Sport," "GT lifestyle," and "Outdoor lifestyle." All are based on the Legacy L wagon and each comes with its own distinctive interior fabrics, exterior trim, and alloy wheels. Sun Sport is the only one of the four with front-wheel drive; the other three are AWD models.
Our road test for the 1990-1994 Subaru Legacy includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1994 Subaru Legacy and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1994 Subaru Legacy is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
The Legacy's 2.2-liter engine solves our chief complaint lodged against previous Subarus. Though some models have come across as rather rough and gruff, this newer 4-cylinder is smooth and comparatively quiet, delivering sprightly acceleration with either the 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. However, the 5-speed seemed a bit hesitant to engage during quick gear changes and was reluctant to go into reverse. The turbocharged engine is even more powerful, and virtually devoid of turbo lag. The downside is below-average fuel economy. We averaged only 17.4 mpg in our wagon in mostly urban driving. Head room and leg room are adequate for adults both front and rear, but the back door opening is a bit narrow at the bottom, making it difficult to swing your feet in and out. A comfortable driving position is aided by the standard tilt steering wheel and, on LS and higher models, an adjustable-height driver's seat. All controls are well-placed and easy to operate while driving. The spacious trunk is well-trimmed, with a bumper-level opening and low liftover height.
Value for the Money
While the Legacy is not an outstanding value, the Subaru AWD models have few competitors, unless you step up to a sport-utility vehicle and risk losing your carlike amenities.
While the Legacy is not an outstanding value, the Subaru AWD models have few competitors, unless you step up to a sport-utility vehicle and risk losing your carlike amenities.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Subaru Legacy Touring wagon Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 47 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Subaru Outback and Legacy includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Subaru Outback and Legacy .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
If the transmission is slow to engage after being parked, the torque converter is draining down and a new cooler line with a check valve must be installed. (1990-91)
Automatic transmission:
The automatic transmission dipstick may break requiring the broken bits to be removed. (1990+)
Automatic transmission:
If it is difficult to shift out of park, the transmission's parking pawl must be replaced. (1990-91)
Brakes:
Some of the ABS (antilock brake system) hydraulic motors were faulty, causing them to run intermittently even after the key is turned off. (1990-94)
Hard starting:
Hard starting can be caused by silicone contaminating the ignition relay. (All)
Heater core:
A clicking noise caused by the heater mode door actuator can be fixed by installing a new resistor in the wiring harness. (1992-94)
Poor transmission shift:
Erratic shifting of the automatic transmission accompanied by a check-engine light is often due to a corroded battery ground connection at the engine. (1990-94)
Seat:
Misaligned side rails prevent the seat from locking in place. Shims must be added to the outer rail to remedy the problem. (1990-94)
Vehicle noise:
Popping noises from the front end are usually due to loose stabilizer-bar bushing clamps that must be rebent and reinstalled. (1990-92)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $430 |
| Alternator | $400 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $975 |
| Brakes | $245 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $480 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $460 |
| Exhaust System | $340 |
| Radiator | $360 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $645 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $195 |
Our price chart for this generation Subaru Outback and Legacy details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1994 | |||
| Legacy 2WD | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Legacy AWD | $1,500-2,400 | $1,000-1,600 | $200-300 |
| 1993 | |||
| Legacy 2WD | $1,200-1,700 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Legacy AWD | $1,400-2,100 | $900-1,300 | $200-300 |
| 1992 | |||
| Legacy 2WD | $1,100-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Legacy AWD | $1,300-1,900 | $800-1,200 | $200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Legacy 2WD | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Legacy AWD | $1,200-1,700 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Legacy 2WD | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Legacy AWD | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Subaru Outback and Legacy include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 101.6 | 101.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 178.9 | 181.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.5 | 66.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 53.5 | 54.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2740 | 2860 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.3 | 71.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.9 | 15.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.0 | 38.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.1 | 43.1 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.0 | 37.8 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.8 | 35.0 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
All models use a 2.2-liter flat (horizontally opposed) 4-cylinder engine with four-valve-per-cylinder heads. It provides 130 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 137 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. The new Subaru engine can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Models with the automatic feature a shift-lock system that requires that the brake be applied before shifting into drive or reverse. For 1991, Subaru added a turbocharged version of its 2.2-liter turbo 4-cylinder, for standard use in its new AWD Sport Sedan. The same engine also comes standard on the AWD Touring Wagon model, first introduced in 1993. It delivers 160 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 181 pound-feet of torque at 2800 rpm.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc H4 | 2.2 / 135 | 130 | 137 | 5-speed manual: 23/31 4-speed automatic: 22/29 |
5-speed manual: 24.1 4-speed automatic: 22.7 |
| Turbocharged ohc H4 | 2.2 / 135 | 160 | 181 | 5-speed manual: 19/25 4-speed automatic: 18/23 |
5-speed manual: 17.4 4-speed automatic: 19 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan, USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Subaru Outback and Legacy include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1994 Legacy |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1994 Subaru Legacy directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990:
Lever pin of defroster shutter door may become dislocated and allow the shutter to close, preventing defroster from functioning and affecting visibility.
1990-91:
Torque of latch screws on front doors may loosen over time, due to gap between latch base plate and inner door panel, so door could not be opened from inside the car.
1990-91:
Under certain conditions on cars with 4EAT electronically controlled automatic transmission, park gear may not disengage immediately when lever is moved from "Park" to "Reverse," which could result in abrupt vehicle movement and possible loss of control.
1990-93 all-wheel drive:
5-speed manual gearbox may leak if driven continuously in extreme cold or high humidity; transmission could seize, bringing vehicle to sudden stop.
1992:
Top of fuel tank may have been punctured during assembly, which could cause fuel leakage that results in fire if leak occurs near an ignition source.
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