1990-1994 Subaru Legacy Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Subaru Outback and Legacy. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Subaru Outback and Legacy.

1990-1994 Subaru Legacy Review

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.

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. In 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.

1990-1994 Subaru Legacy Road Test

Pros	Cons

Antilock brakes (optional)	Fuel economy

Acceleration (turbo)	Noise

Wet-weather traction (AWD)	Manual-transmission linkage

Handling/roadholding

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.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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:	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.

1990-1994 Subaru Legacy Reliability

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 it is difficult to shift out of park, the transmission's parking pawl must be replaced. (1990-91)

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+)

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

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.

1990-1994 Subaru Legacy Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1990
Legacy 2WD	$0	$0	$0
Legacy AWD	$1,000-1,400	$600-800	$100

1991
Legacy 2WD	$1,000-1,400	$600-800	$100
Legacy AWD	$1,200-1,700	$700-1,000	$100-200

1992
Legacy 2WD	$1,100-1,700	$700-1,000	$100-200
Legacy AWD	$1,300-2,000	$800-1,300	$200

1993
Legacy 2WD	$1,200-1,800	$700-1,100	$100-200
Legacy AWD	$1,400-2,300	$900-1,500	$200-300

1994
Legacy 2WD	$1,300-1,900	$800-1,200	$200
Legacy AWD	$1,500-2,600	$1,000-1,700	$200-300

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.

1990-1994 Subaru Legacy Specs & Safety

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	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	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.

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Built In: Japan, USA

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

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Also in the 1990-1994 Subaru Legacy Review:

Subaru Legacy

Subaru Legacy Road Test

Subaru Legacy Reliability

Subaru Legacy Prices

Subaru Legacy Specs & Safety

Subaru Legacy Photos

Subaru Legacy Full Review