1995-1999 Subaru Legacy: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1995-1999 Subaru Legacy and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Wet-weather traction (traction control, AWD)
- Visibility
- Antilock brakes (optional)
- Passenger and cargo room
Cons
- Fuel economy (AWD)
- Engine noise
Vehicle Highlights
Subaru's compact sedans and wagons were redesigned for 1995 and wore new sheetmetal, wrapped around a Legacy that rode on a two-inch-longer wheelbase. Sedans and wagons were offered in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive (AWD). Sedans consisted of base, L, LS, and LSi trim levels. Wagons included base, L, LS, and LSi--plus all-new Brighton and Outback configurations. The base and L had standard front-wheel drive. The LS, LSi, Brighton, and Outback came with AWD, optional on the L. All Legacys were powered by a 2.2-liter, horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine. All but the LS and LSi came with a standard 5-speed manual transmission. The LS and LSi came with a 4-speed automatic, which was optional on all but the base models. Dual airbags were standard across the board. Antilock brakes were standard on the LS, LSi, and Outback, optional on the L, and unavailable on the Brighton. The rugged-looking Outback model was positioned by Subaru to bridge the gap between a station wagon and a sport-utility vehicle.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Subaru Legacy Brighton 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 1995-1999 Subaru Legacy. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1995-1999 Subaru Legacy.
Year to Year Changes
1996 Subaru Outback and Legacy:
By focusing on AWD models, front-wheel-drive Legacys are trimmed back to just one trim level and two models--the L version of the 4-door sedan and 4-door wagon. The featured attraction for 1996 is the AWD Outback wagon, which arrives with a taller roof, a new grille, white-spoked wheels, and a raised suspension that lifts ground clearance to 7.3 inches, compared to 6.1 inches for the other Legacy models. The LSi wagon gets a new 155-horsepower 2.5-liter flat 4-cylinder and a standard 4-speed automatic--as does the new AWD 2.5GT sedan and wagon.
1997 Subaru Outback and Legacy:
Subaru hopes to build on the success of the Outback by shifting its entire line of Legacy sedans and wagons to all-wheel drive (AWD) and by adding a more luxurious "Limited" model. The 2.2-liter engine Subaru used in the L and Brighton models gains two horsepower (to 137). The same changes are also performed on the larger 2.5-liter flat-four, used in GT, LSi, and Outback models. The result there is a gain of 10 horsepower (to 165). Both engines can now be teamed with a standard 5-speed OD manual or 4-speed automatic.
1998 Subaru Outback and Legacy:
Legacy sees no major change for '98.
1999 Subaru Outback and Legacy:
For '99, all Outbacks got added sound insulation. The Outback Limited added a new grille, body-color exterior mirrors and door handles, and gold-color alloy wheels. A new, slightly bigger Legacy and Outback would appear for 2000.
Our road test for the 1995-1999 Subaru Legacy includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1995-1999 Subaru Legacy and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1995-1999 Subaru Legacy is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Legacy's 2.2-liter engine is adequate for most circumstances, but it throbs and feels strained in hard acceleration and in hilly country. It's also more gruff-sounding than most 4-cylinders. The dual-overhead-cam 2.5-liter engine is quieter and smoother, with both excellent acceleration and passing power. But note that fuel economy is unimpressive on the AWD models. Legacy's suspension strikes an admirable balance between ride and handling, with ride comfort taking precedence. Bumps are absorbed easily and all models feel stable. Body lean is noticeable in spirited cornering maneuvers, and the front end tends to plow when pushed hard--more so on front-drive versions than AWD models. A low dashboard and narrow roof pillars provide clear visibility in all directions. Front head and leg room are ample. In back, people under six feet tall should have adequate room, and both body styles provide outstanding cargo space.
Value for the Money
With the addition of dual airbags, the new Legacy was a more competitive entry in the compact class. But its trump card remained the competent line of all-wheel-drive sedans and wagons, which Subaru finally stressed in its advertising.
With the addition of dual airbags, the new Legacy was a more competitive entry in the compact class. But its trump card remained the competent line of all-wheel-drive sedans and wagons, which Subaru finally stressed in its advertising.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Subaru Legacy Brighton 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.
Alternator belt:
The company issued a (nonsafety) recall to replace the alternators. (1996 and some later)
Automatic transmission:
The automatic transmission dipstick may break requiring the broken bits to be removed. (1995-97)
Automatic transmission:
Severely cracked secondary pulleys and pump drives cause the ECVT to slip. (1995)
Brake noise:
There may be a buzzing sound coming from the ABS (antilock brake system) hydraulic unit motor and/or an ABS warning light glowing, caused by a faulty ABS relay for which there is a revised part. (1995-97)
Brakes:
Some of the ABS (antilock brake system) hydraulic motors were faulty, causing them to run intermittently even after the key is turned off. (1995-98)
Dashboard lights:
If the check-engine light comes on in cold weather it is likely due to ice forming in the vacuum line between the engine and transmission. (1995)
Engine mounts:
Due to the multitude of configurations (bolt holes, accessory attachment points, etc.), cylinder heads for 2.5L engines are extremely difficult to interchange, often making the simplest solution replacement of the engine. (1995-99)
Oil leak:
An oil leak between the oil pump and block is repaired by drilling out the oil return hole to 6mm diameter. (1995)
Poor transmission shift:
Hesitation or poor acceleration may be due to the powertrain-control module (PCM) misinterpreting normal engine vibrations as knock, and retarding the ignition timing requiring a replacement PCM. (1999)
Rear axle noise:
Vibration and noise from the rear when traveling over 65 mph on vehicles with AWD requires countermeasure dampers on the rear crossmember. (1997-99)
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 | $560 |
| Alternator | $345 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $940 |
| Brakes | $225 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $515 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $460 |
| Exhaust System | $565 |
| Radiator | $360 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $615 |
| 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 |
|
|
|||
| 1999 | |||
| Legacy | $2,900-4,000 | $2,200-3,000 | $700-900 |
| Legacy GT, SUS | $3,900-4,700 | $3,200-3,900 | $1,200-1,500 |
| Legacy Outback | $4,300-5,400 | $3,600-4,500 | $1,500-1,800 |
| 1998 | |||
| Legacy | $2,400-3,300 | $1,700-2,400 | $500-700 |
| Legacy GT | $3,200-3,900 | $2,500-3,000 | $800-1,000 |
| Legacy Outback | $3,800-4,500 | $3,100-3,700 | $1,200-1,400 |
| 1997 | |||
| Legacy | $2,100-3,000 | $1,500-2,100 | $400-500 |
| Legacy GT, LSi | $2,700-3,600 | $2,000-2,700 | $600-800 |
| Legacy Outback | $3,300-4,000 | $2,600-3,200 | $800-1,000 |
| 1996 | |||
| LSi, 2.5GT, Outback | $2,200-3,100 | $1,600-2,200 | $400-600 |
| Legacy | $1,700-2,800 | $1,100-1,900 | $300-400 |
| 1995 | |||
| Legacy sedan | $1,500-2,300 | $1,000-1,500 | $200-300 |
| Legacy wagon | $1,700-2,600 | $1,100-1,700 | $300-400 |
|
|
|||
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. | 103.5 | 103.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 180.9 | 183.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.5 | 67.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.3 | 57.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3115 | 3190 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.0 | 73.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.9 | 15.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.9 | 39.5 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.3 | 43.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.7 | 38.8 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.6 | 34.8 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Subaru's L, LS, and Brighton wagon models all come with a 2.2-liter flat (horizontally opposed) 4-cylinder engine with four-valve-per-cylinder heads. For 1995-96 models, it provides 135 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 140 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. The engine can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. For 1997, the 2.2-liter gains two horsepower (to 137) and an extra five pound-feet of torque (to 145), thanks to a higher compression ratio, lighter pistons, a new intake system, and revised valves that don't require any adjustment for 100,000 miles. Subaru decided to eliminate the turbocharged version of its 2.2-liter turbo 4-cylinder, making the 1995 Legacy the first Subaru flagship model in many years not to offer turbocharging. However, a new 2.5-liter flat 4-cylinder arrived as an optional powerplant in 1996, providing 155 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 155 pound-feet of torque at 2800 rpm. That year it came only with a 4-speed automatic. For 1997, the same engineering upgrades made to the 2.2-liter were also performed on the 2.5-liter flat-four, used in GT, LSi, and Outback models. The result is a gain of 10 horsepower (to 165) and seven pound-feet of torque (to 162) . Both engines can now be teamed with a standard 5-speed OD manual or 4-speed automatic. The manual transmission is revised for more positive shift action and loses its former "Hill-Holder" clutch feature.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc H4 | 2.5 / 150 | 155-165 | 155-162 | 5-speed manual: 21/27 4-speed automatic: 20/26 |
5-speed manual: 22.9 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc H4 | 2.2 / 135 | 135-137 | 140-145 | 5-speed manual: 23/30 4-speed automatic: 23/30 |
5-speed manual: 23.6 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
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 | 1999 Legacy/Outback |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | -- |
| Front Impact, Passenger | -- |
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 1995-1999 Subaru Legacy directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1995:
Front coil springs were produced with poor paint quality which, after continued exposure to corrosive salt, can result in breakage of the spring.
1995-96:
Inadvertent airbag deployment could occur after undercarriage contact of tow hooks with curbs, dips, speed bumps, etc.
1996-97:
Due to improper welding, fractures can occur on support bracket of front transverse link, resulting in separation and failure of front suspension.
1997:
Hazard-warning switch can stick in intermediate position, so turn signals become inoperable.
1997:
Omitted bearing in throttle-body assembly could eventually lead to incomplete return of throttle, resulting in fast idle.
1997-98 w/automatic transmission:
Due to poor welds, ignition key can stick, shift lever/linkages can break, and improper movement of shift lever can occur.
1998-99 w/ABS:
In extremely cold weather, master-cylinder seals could fail; brake pedal might then go to floor, increasing stopping distance.
1998-99:
Purolator oil filter can fracture, causing vaporized oil spray and subsequent oil leak at hot exhaust system; could result in underhood fire.
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