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2000 Subaru Legacy Full Review
Date Published: 10/03/07
Also in the 2000 Subaru Legacy Review:
2000 Subaru Legacy Review
Subaru's largest sedans and wagons are redesigned for 2000, measuring six inches longer than previous Legacys on a 0.8-inch longer wheelbase. The popular Legacy-based Outback models are now a separate series, but share the Legacy's basic new design. Legacy sedans come in L, GT, and GT Limited trim, wagons in Brighton, L, and GT form. All use a new single-overhead-cam version of Subaru's 2.5-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine, which replaces the more expensive twincam design used previously. Horsepower is unchanged from '99, but there's more torque at lower engine speeds. Manual or optional automatic transmissions again team with Subaru's permanent all-wheel drive. All Legacys come with dual airbags and antilock brakes; the GT Limited sedan adds standard front side airbags, the only model where they're available, as well as a limited-slip differential for maximum AWD traction in very slippery conditions. For 2001, the low-cost Brighton model will likely be dropped, and Legacy's Outback sibling will offer a 6-cylinder engine that won't show up immediately in the Legacy line.
Competition
Mazda's 626 gets the nod as the Best Buy in this class. Not because it's the fastest or roomiest, but because it is the best all-around performer. Ranging in price from $18,000 to $22,000 depending on equipment and engine choice, the 626 offers room for four large adults, a comfortable but sporty ride, above average acceleration, and good fuel economy.
Recommended choices include the sporty Mitsubishi Galant, the vanilla Nissan Altima, the powerful Oldsmobile Alero, and the refined Volkswagen Passat.
Hyundai's Sonata is our Budget Buy here. Though it's just an average performer on the road, its below average price and quality construction help it stand out. Chrysler's new PT Cruiser is the wildcard in this segment. Not really a sport-utility or minivan, the PT has been well-received by our staff. It offers versatility and eye-catching styling not found among compact cars.
Recommended choices include the sporty Mitsubishi Galant, the vanilla Nissan Altima, the powerful Oldsmobile Alero, and the refined Volkswagen Passat.
Hyundai's Sonata is our Budget Buy here. Though it's just an average performer on the road, its below average price and quality construction help it stand out. Chrysler's new PT Cruiser is the wildcard in this segment. Not really a sport-utility or minivan, the PT has been well-received by our staff. It offers versatility and eye-catching styling not found among compact cars.
News
Specifics on the 2001 Legacys weren't available for this report, but we'd guess that at least one sedan and one wagon will be offered with the 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine from the new '01 Outback H6-3.0 VDC and L.L. Bean Edition wagons. Changes should otherwise be few, as Legacy has only just been redesigned.
Subaru doesn't provide separate sales breakouts for Legacys vs. the related SUV-inspired Outbacks, but total demand was flat in calendar '99, easing by 1.5 percent from 1998. The redesigned 2000 models weren't much of a factor in that performance, but they do figure in a near 16-percent combined year-to-year increase in the first four months of 2000.
Subaru doesn't provide separate sales breakouts for Legacys vs. the related SUV-inspired Outbacks, but total demand was flat in calendar '99, easing by 1.5 percent from 1998. The redesigned 2000 models weren't much of a factor in that performance, but they do figure in a near 16-percent combined year-to-year increase in the first four months of 2000.
2000 Subaru Legacy Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Cargo room (wagon) | Automatic transmission performance |
| All-wheel drive | Seat comfort |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
The revised 2.5 disappoints considering its improved low-speed torque. We clocked a manual GT Limited sedan at a mediocre 9.9 seconds 0-60 mph.
| L wgn, auto. | GT Limited sdn, man. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
The revised 2.5 disappoints considering its improved low-speed torque. We clocked a manual GT Limited sedan at a mediocre 9.9 seconds 0-60 mph.
Fuel Economy
In our tests, one manual GT Limited sedan got 22.5 mpg, another 25.4 despite hard driving. An automatic Outback averaged 24.3 mpg on a long highway trip.
| L wgn, auto. | GT Limited sdn, man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
In our tests, one manual GT Limited sedan got 22.5 mpg, another 25.4 despite hard driving. An automatic Outback averaged 24.3 mpg on a long highway trip.
Ride Quality
GTs react sharply over bumps, but all Legacys absorb rough stuff well, thanks to long suspension travel.
| L wgn, auto. | GT Limited sdn, man. | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 5 |
GTs react sharply over bumps, but all Legacys absorb rough stuff well, thanks to long suspension travel.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Brighton and L models favor ride comfort over agility, and have considerable body lean in hard turns. GTs have a much sportier driving feel.
| L wgn, auto. | GT Limited sdn, man. | Class Average |
| 4 | 6 | 5 |
Brighton and L models favor ride comfort over agility, and have considerable body lean in hard turns. GTs have a much sportier driving feel.
Quietness
Wind noise is reasonably low, but tire drone is marked on coarse pavement, and the growly, crude-sounding engine is never quiet.
| L wgn, auto. | GT Limited sdn, man. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5 |
Wind noise is reasonably low, but tire drone is marked on coarse pavement, and the growly, crude-sounding engine is never quiet.
Controls
Some audio switches remain too small, but the climate system gets modern, intuitive dials and the dashboard layout is good overall.
| L wgn, auto. | GT Limited sdn, man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6 |
Some audio switches remain too small, but the climate system gets modern, intuitive dials and the dashboard layout is good overall.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Leg and head room are good, seats are comfortable.
| L wgn, auto. | GT Limited sdn, man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
Leg and head room are good, seats are comfortable.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Too narrow for comfortable 3-across seating, and leg space is limited with the front seats back, but head room is decent for 6-footers. Doors are narrow, but entry/exit isn't difficult.
| L wgn, auto. | GT Limited sdn, man. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Too narrow for comfortable 3-across seating, and leg space is limited with the front seats back, but head room is decent for 6-footers. Doors are narrow, but entry/exit isn't difficult.
Cargo Room
Sedan's trunk is usefully shaped, with low liftover. But it's a bit small, and the lid hinges intrude into the luggage area. Wagons have good load space which can be expanded with the usual split-folding rear seats.
| L wgn, auto. | GT Limited sdn, man. | Class Average |
| 7 | 3 | 4.5 |
Sedan's trunk is usefully shaped, with low liftover. But it's a bit small, and the lid hinges intrude into the luggage area. Wagons have good load space which can be expanded with the usual split-folding rear seats.
Value within Class
The new Legacy is better than the old one in many ways, but this Subaru is still not the compact car of choice unless you simply must have all-wheel drive. Low-end models represent fair value, but the GTs can cost as much as a Honda Accord or Saturn L-Series, both of which offer V6 performance in roomier, more refined midsize packages.
| L wgn, auto. | GT Limited sdn, man. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5.3 |
The new Legacy is better than the old one in many ways, but this Subaru is still not the compact car of choice unless you simply must have all-wheel drive. Low-end models represent fair value, but the GTs can cost as much as a Honda Accord or Saturn L-Series, both of which offer V6 performance in roomier, more refined midsize packages.
Total Score
| L wgn, auto. | GT Limited sdn, man. | Class Average |
| 46 | 45 | 50.2 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 38 | |
| Average Score | 50 | |
| High Score | 65 |
2000 Subaru Legacy Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 08/09/1999
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Brighton 4-door wagon | $18,395 | $17,353 | $495 |
|
|
|||
| L 4-door sedan | $19,195 | $17,470 | $495 |
|
|
|||
| L 4-door wagon | $19,895 | $18,097 | $495 |
|
|
|||
| GT 4-door sedan | $22,795 | $20,681 | $495 |
|
|
|||
| GT 4-door wagon | $23,695 | $21,487 | $495 |
|
|
|||
| GT Limited 4-door sedan | $24,295 | $22,019 | $495 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Brighton
Powertrain
2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, permanent all-wheel drive.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power windows, AM/FM/cassette w/two speakers, intermittent wipers, rear wiper/washer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
195/60R15 tires, wheel covers.
L adds to Brighton:
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power mirrors, power door locks, cruise control, tachometer, 4-speaker sound system, rear seat trunk pass-through (sedan), cargo cover (wagon), map lights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: split folding rear seat, rear wiper/washer (sedan).
Roof rails (wagon).
GT adds to L:
Powertrain
Limited-slip differential.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual power sunroofs (wagon), single power sunroof (sedan), 6-way power driver seat, remote keyless entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel, variable intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, sport suspension, 205/55R16 tires, alloy wheels.
GT Limited adds to GT:
Safety
Front side-airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, AM/FM/weatherband/cassette/CD player.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Popular Equipment Group 1
|
||
|
L wagon
|
$334
|
$193
|
|
Roof rack, floormats, mud guards.
|
||
|
Popular Equipment Group 2
|
||
|
L sedan
|
$164
|
$97
|
|
Floormats, mud guards.
|
||
|
Popular Equipment Group 3
|
||
|
L wagon, GT wagon
|
$244
|
$144
|
|
Roof rack, floormats.
|
||
|
Premium Sound Pkg. 1A/1B
|
||
|
Brighton, L, GT
|
$905
|
$624
|
|
CD player, upgraded speakers, tweeter, subwoofer, amplifier.
|
||
|
Premium Sound Pkg. 2
|
||
|
GT
|
$1,065
|
$744
|
|
6-disc CD changer, upgraded speakers, tweeter, subwoofer, amplifier.
|
||
|
Premium Sound Pkg. 3
|
||
|
GT Limited
|
$770
|
$553
|
|
6-disc CD changer, subwoofer, amplifier.
|
||
|
Security Group
|
||
|
L
|
$360
|
$219
|
|
Remote keyless entry, security upgrade kit.
|
||
|
|
||
Powertrain |
||
|
4-speed automatic transmission
|
||
|
Brighton, GT, GT Limited, L
|
$800
|
$722
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
CD player
|
||
|
GT, L
|
$350
|
$264
|
|
6-disc CD changer
|
||
|
GT, GT Limited
|
$510
|
$384
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Rear spoiler
|
||
|
sedans
|
$325
|
$212
|
|
Fog lights
|
||
|
Brighton, L
|
$255
|
$166
|
|
Alloy wheels
|
||
|
Brighton, L
|
$550
|
$413
|
|
|
||
2000 Subaru Legacy Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Subaru Legacy 4-door sedan | Subaru Legacy 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 104.3 | 104.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 184.4 | 187.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.7 | 68.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.7 | 59.6 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3245 | 3265 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 12.4 | 68.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.9 | 16.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.1 | 38.5 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.3 | 43.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.6 | 37.2 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.2 | 34.3 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc H4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.5 /150 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 165 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 166 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed manual | 21/28 |
| 4-speed automatic | 22/27 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Subaru Legacy 4-door sedan | Subaru Legacy 4-door wagon |
| Collision | 3 | 5 |
| Collision (HLDI) | 112 | 31 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 | 4 |
| Injury | 4 | 4 |
| Injury (HLDI) | 79 | 78 |
| Side Impact, Driver | NA | 4 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | NA | 5 |
| Theft | 4 | 3 |
| Theft (HLDI) | 58 | 112 |
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
Also in the 2000 Subaru Legacy Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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