#11

in Affordable Midsize Cars

Based on analysis of 71 Legacy reviews and test drives.

MSRP: $19,995 - $29,995
Invoice: $18,926 - $28,061
MPG: 19 City / 27 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.3
Performance:8.5
Exterior:7.9
Interior:7.6
Safety:10.0
Reliability:6.0
Pros and Cons
  • One of the most spacious rear seats in its class
  • Sure-footed all-wheel drive option
  • Affordable, even with some desirable options added
  • Optional manual transmission disappoints many reviewers
  • Some cheap interior materials

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Subaru Legacy - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Subaru Legacy ranks 11 out of 24 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 71 published reviews and test drives of the Subaru Legacy, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

No longer just a quirky option with all-wheel drive, the redesigned Subaru Legacy now one of the most spacious cars in its class. It's a fun-to-drive sedan that makes a unique styling statement no Honda or Toyota can match.

Entirely new for 2010, the Legacy is larger, quicker and more upscale than any previous Subaru sedan. Reviewers are generally impressed with the changes, but as with most products from Subaru, its styling is still divisive. Some reviewers find it awkward-looking on the outside and oddly-laid-out on the inside. Others like the more muscular look, find the ergonomics are thoughtful and love the way the Subie expresses a personality not found in the Camry or Accord.

A major flaw in previous Legacies - poor fuel economy - has been resoundingly corrected for 2010.

The Legacy is available in eight trim levels, ranging from a basic 2.5i to a near-luxury 3.6R limited. Reviewers, however, often suggest that buyers stick with four-cylinder, CVT-equipped editions and avoid the most expensive trim levels - they're more expensive, but not much better.

  • "So Subaru has created a larger, more competitive-and still fun to drive-Legacy that has a base price lower than that of the current class favorite. Doesn't really sound like much of a sacrifice anymore, does it?" -- Car and Driver
  • "No matter which midsize sedan it's challenging, the Legacy now delivers the interior room, refinement, and fuel economy to contend with the segment's mainstream leaders. Of course, the Legacy's standard Subaru-ness -- all-wheel drive and boxer engines -- continue to give it that quirky edge. Who says going mainstream has to be boring?" -- Motor Trend
  • "Quieter, quicker, more sophisticated, far roomier and more fuel efficient, the Legacy is also something of a bargain...the base 6-speed 2.5i lists at just $19,995. That's definitely a case of ‘more is less.'" -- Road and Track
  • "The new Legacy is nothing to write home about. Apart from having all-wheel drive and, considering that, pretty decent gas mileage, it doesn't offer any compelling reason to look past the litany of Camrys, Accords, Fusions, Altimas and Malibus vying for that spot in your driveway" -- Cars.com
  • "The Subaru Legacy is no longer a minor player. It's now a big, roomy, well equipped sedan that can be had for the same price or less as the barest Accord or Camry. Best of all, the Legacy features as standard equipment one of the best all-wheel-drive systems on the market." -- Gay Wheels

Legacy Performance - 8.5 (Very Good)

The 2010 Legacy is available in a wide variety of performance configurations, with three engine and transmission options. Reviewers, however, like the four-cylinder engine better than the six, and the Continuously Variable Transmission better than the automatic or manual. With those two, the Legacy is a fairly sporty family ride, but one that's easy to drive. Read More

Legacy Exterior - 7.9 (Good)

The 2010 Legacy is larger than the vehicle it replaces in every dimension, and features more aggressive styling. It wins over some reviewers, but leaves others less than impressed. Whether the Legacy's new look suits you is a simple matter of taste. Read More

Legacy Interior - 7.6 (Good)

The passenger cabin of the 2010 Subaru Legacy splits the press. Some love its stylish design and say materials feel upscale, while others are let down by what they see as cheap plastic switchgear and a quirky ergonomic layout. You may need to test drive the Legacy to see whether it fits your body type well. Reviewers are unanimous in praising its rear seat space. Read More

Legacy Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)

The 2010 Legacy has not yet been crash tested by either the federal government or the insurance industry. Subaru vehicles, however, traditionally do very well in safety testing. The Legacy comes with a full suite of safety equipment, similar to most other vehicles in its class. Read More

Legacy Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2010 Subaru Legacy 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 covers the Legacy with a basic three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty. Read More

Review Last Updated: 8/20/09