2008 Subaru Legacy Sedan
Based on analysis of 56 Legacy-Sedan reviews and test drives.
Subaru Legacy Sedan - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Subaru Legacy Sedan ranks 4 out of 25 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 56 published reviews and test drives of the Subaru Legacy Sedan, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Legacy delivers quick acceleration, interior comfort and all-weather safety, but can't match the body-styling and overall value of others in its class.
Despite a cramped backseat and plain exterior, the 2008 Subaru Legacy performs smoothly, has a history of reliability and is equipped with an impressive list of safety features. According to our analysis, the Legacy's quality performance and regard for safety make it a high-scoring affordable midsize sedan. But for all the praise on the Legacy's performance and practicality, its price tag scares many away. It has one of the highest MSRPs of our ranked affordable midsize sedans.
Although the Legacy carries over to 2008 with few changes, it did add an additional trim to its line up. Now Subaru offers five trims for the Legacy: the 2.5i Special Edition, the 2.5i Limited, the 2.5 GT Limited, the 2.5 GT spec.B and the brand new 3.0 R Limited. There are also three engine options, including a turbo-charged four-cylinder.
Are you interested in an affordable midsize sedan but not sure the Subaru Legacy is right for you? Consider the Honda Accord -- another top-rated sedan on our list that also received the Insurance Institute's "Top Safety Pick" distinction.
- "We thought the Legacy was a most pleasant car and very much liked the all-wheel drive. In fact, it was one of the best Suby's we have driven, but it still came up shy of our class leader here, the Honda Accord." -- MarketWatch
- "The styling was somewhere north of vanilla. I had no problems with that. The car was an easy driver. The women loved it. That made the 2008 Subaru Legacy 3.0 R Limited sedan all right with me." -- Washington Post
- "The 2008 Subaru Legacy 3.0 R Limited makes for a good car in a variety of driving conditions, but its cabin tech tops out at a decent navigation system, with only a passable stereo." -- CNET
- + "This surprising Subaru fills a niche -- well-equipped, practical-size sedan with plenty of pop, with a signature logo that's uncommon enough on the roadways to make your ride somewhat unique." -- Sacramento Bee
- "All in all, I don't think the 3.0R justifies its $32k asking price. I still love the Legacy -- just not this Legacy." -- About.com
- Following a test drive with a Legacy sedan and the Subaru Outback, Popular Mechanics writes, "Overall, we liked both vehicles. They were fun to drive, comfortable and very functional." -- Popular Mechanics
Legacy-Sedan Performance - 8.2 (Very Good)
The 2008 Legacy's quick acceleration, sharp handling and all-wheel drive solidify its position among the top-tier performance scores of the class. When reviewing the Legacy's newest trim, the 3.0R, the Washington Post notes " its easy handling and adjustable ride, firm for those who want sportiness without the expense, or the cramped cabin of a sports coupe; soft for those who just want to cruise, will please most drivers. Acceleration is excellent." Continue with our full Performance Review to learn more about the Legacy's three engine options. continue
Legacy-Sedan Exterior - 7.5 (Good)
Most are satisfied with the 2008 Subaru Legacy's body style, but still the sedan's exterior score places it in the middle of a large group. Marketwatch captures most reviewers' opinion: "We were most happy when Subaru decided to do away with the ugly noses that it put on its lineup a few years ago," it states. "The new car looks much better in our eye, but does tend to face into the background out on the road." Check out the Subaru Legacy Photo Gallery for images of the Legacy's redesigned front, or continue with our full Exterior Review to learn the different design differences between the Legacy trims. continue
Legacy-Sedan Interior - 7.5 (Good)
Despite a tight backseat and only fair cargo space, most are impressed with the five-passenger Subaru Legacy's interior cabin. Others specifically praise the Legacy's interior materials, but wish for better cabin technology. While CNET says "Subaru does a very good job with the cabin materials and fit," the review later reads, "the cabin leaves us wanting for, at the very least, a better-sounding stereo with more source options." Check out the Subaru Legacy Photo Gallery to better grasp how much room 11.4 cubic feet of cargo space affords, or continue with our full Interior Review for further reading on the Legacy's seating for five. continue
Legacy-Sedan Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)
The 2008 Subaru Legacy Sedan does very well in government crash tests, and is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety "Top Safety Pick" for good performance in front, side and rear tests. Continue with our full Safety Review for more information on the Legacy's standard safety features. continue
Legacy-Sedan Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)
The 2008 Subaru Legacy Sedan reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Subaru's basic warranty for the Legacy covers three years or 36,000 miles. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn more about the Legacy's additional coverage and reputation for sound build quality. continue
