2010 Subaru Legacy
- 2009 Subaru Legacy
- Used Subaru Legacy
Based on analysis of 71 Legacy reviews and test drives.
Subaru Legacy - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Subaru Legacy ranks 14 out of 21 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 one of only a handful of Affordable Midsize Cars available with All-Wheel-Drive -- and many reviewers say the Subaru's symmetrical AWD system is one of the best on the market. It's also one of the safest midsize cars, according to crash test results. It earned the highest possible score in every crash test performed by the both the federal government and the insurance industry -- something few other cars can claim.
It's hard to find a Legacy for a significant discount. Subaru was one of only three automakers to sell more cars in the difficult 2009 market than one year before, and, on strong financial footing, the company isn't offering the aggressive incentives some rivals are using to sell cars.
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)
Safety is one of the best reasons to consider the Legacy. The 2010 Legacy earned the highest possible score in every crash test performed by both the federal government and the insurance industry, and was one of a small number of vehicles to win the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's coveted "Top Safety Pick" designation under new, more stringent standards. 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
