2004
Subaru Legacy

Starts at:
$20,020
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New 2004 Subaru Legacy
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
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Not rated
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr L Manual
    Starts at
    $20,020
    21 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4-Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr L Manual
    Starts at
    $20,720
    21 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4-Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr L 35th Ann. Edition Manual
    Starts at
    $20,820
    21 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4-Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr L Auto
    Starts at
    $20,820
    22 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4-Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr L Auto
    Starts at
    $21,520
    22 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4-Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr L 35th Ann. Edition Auto
    Starts at
    $21,620
    22 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4-Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr L 35th Ann. Edition Manual
    Starts at
    $21,920
    21 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4-Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr L 35th Ann. Edition Auto
    Starts at
    $22,720
    22 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4-Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 2.5 GT Manual
    Starts at
    $25,220
    21 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4-Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr 2.5 GT Manual
    Starts at
    $26,120
    21 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4-Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 2.5 GT Auto
    Starts at
    $26,220
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4-Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr 2.5 GT Auto
    Starts at
    $27,120
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4-Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Notable features

Sedan and wagon body styles
165-hp, 2.5-liter six-cylinder
Manual or automatic
AWD
Available Outback versions

The good & the bad

The good

Easy to drive
Automatic-transmission performance
AWD operation
Solid construction
Frontal-offset crash-test rating

The bad

No Low-range gearing
Minimal offroad capability
See all specifications

Expert 2004 Subaru Legacy review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
A new 2.5 GT model in Subaru’s larger Legacy series consolidated the previous GT and GT Limited for the 2003 model year. A new Sportshift feature for the automatic transmission allowed manual gear selection. A Special Edition package for the L sedan and wagon added some equipment from the 2.5 GT, including a power moonroof and 16-inch alloy wheels. All Legacy models earned a freshened appearance by receiving a new grille and front bumper/fascia.

The Legacy gets only minor enhancements for the 2004 model year. The main difference is a name change: the Legacy L Special Edition will now be called the Legacy L 35th Anniversary Edition.

Legacy models include the four-cylinder L sedan and wagon, the Legacy L 35th Anniversary Edition sedan and wagon, and the Legacy 2.5 GT sedan and wagon. Subaru also offers seven Outback variants of the Legacy that feature sport utility vehicle styling cues and a higher ground clearance.

Equipped with full-time all-wheel drive, the Legacy and its Outback sibling were last redesigned for 2000 and rank as Subaru’s most popular series. Most Legacy sales come from purchases of the wagon body styles — and notably from the SUV-like Outback. The Legacy and Outback are Subaru’s only domestically built models.

Exterior
Legacy sedans ride a 104.3-inch wheelbase and measure 184.4 inches long overall, versus a 187.4-inch length for wagons. The Legacy sedan is 55.7 inches tall, compared to a 58.3-inch height for an Outback sedan, which has significantly greater ground clearance. The front fascia on the 2.5 GT integrates standard projector-beam fog lights. A sport-tuned suspension goes on the 2.5 GT, and five-spoke alloy wheels hold 16-inch tires.

Interior
Seating for five people in the Legacy is possible with its front buckets and three-place rear bench seat. All three rear positions have three-point seat belts. The Legacy’s rear seatback does not fold for additional cargo space, but there is a small pass-thru section into the trunk. Trunk capacity totals 12.4 cubic feet.

Air conditioning, cruise control, and power windows, locks and mirrors are standard even in the L sedan. The Anniversary Edition models get 16-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, halogen fog lamps and a Momo-designed steering wheel. The 2.5 GT includes a power sunroof, an eight-way power driver’s seat, side-impact airbags, leather upholstery, heated mirrors, heated front seats and a six-CD player.

Under the Hood
A 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine sends 165 horsepower to a standard five-speed-manual or optional four-speed-automatic transmission. Every Subaru vehicle has all-wheel drive, but the 2.5 GT equipped with a Sportshift automatic transmission uses Variable Torque Distribution all-wheel drive.

Safety
Antilock brakes are standard. The 2.5 GT sedan has side-impact airbags to protect front-seat occupants.

Legacy Wagon
Other than the substitution of the wagon body at the rear, the Legacy wagon is nearly identical to the sedan models in the lineup. The wagon’s cargo volume is 34.3 cubic feet with the backseat up and 68.6 cubic feet with the seat folded down. Wagon versions may be equipped with a dual sunroof.

Driving Impressions
With its all-wheel-drive lineup, Subaru occupies a unique niche in the compact-car market. The Legacy promises sufficient interior space for a small family, and it is a competent sedan that offers more than just all-season traction. Four-cylinder performance is sufficiently strong, and a smooth-operating automatic transmission is another plus. The Legacy is stable on the highway and easy to drive.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com;
Posted on 11/5/03

2004 Subaru Legacy review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
A new 2.5 GT model in Subaru’s larger Legacy series consolidated the previous GT and GT Limited for the 2003 model year. A new Sportshift feature for the automatic transmission allowed manual gear selection. A Special Edition package for the L sedan and wagon added some equipment from the 2.5 GT, including a power moonroof and 16-inch alloy wheels. All Legacy models earned a freshened appearance by receiving a new grille and front bumper/fascia.

The Legacy gets only minor enhancements for the 2004 model year. The main difference is a name change: the Legacy L Special Edition will now be called the Legacy L 35th Anniversary Edition.

Legacy models include the four-cylinder L sedan and wagon, the Legacy L 35th Anniversary Edition sedan and wagon, and the Legacy 2.5 GT sedan and wagon. Subaru also offers seven Outback variants of the Legacy that feature sport utility vehicle styling cues and a higher ground clearance.

Equipped with full-time all-wheel drive, the Legacy and its Outback sibling were last redesigned for 2000 and rank as Subaru’s most popular series. Most Legacy sales come from purchases of the wagon body styles — and notably from the SUV-like Outback. The Legacy and Outback are Subaru’s only domestically built models.

Exterior
Legacy sedans ride a 104.3-inch wheelbase and measure 184.4 inches long overall, versus a 187.4-inch length for wagons. The Legacy sedan is 55.7 inches tall, compared to a 58.3-inch height for an Outback sedan, which has significantly greater ground clearance. The front fascia on the 2.5 GT integrates standard projector-beam fog lights. A sport-tuned suspension goes on the 2.5 GT, and five-spoke alloy wheels hold 16-inch tires.

Interior
Seating for five people in the Legacy is possible with its front buckets and three-place rear bench seat. All three rear positions have three-point seat belts. The Legacy’s rear seatback does not fold for additional cargo space, but there is a small pass-thru section into the trunk. Trunk capacity totals 12.4 cubic feet.

Air conditioning, cruise control, and power windows, locks and mirrors are standard even in the L sedan. The Anniversary Edition models get 16-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, halogen fog lamps and a Momo-designed steering wheel. The 2.5 GT includes a power sunroof, an eight-way power driver’s seat, side-impact airbags, leather upholstery, heated mirrors, heated front seats and a six-CD player.

Under the Hood
A 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine sends 165 horsepower to a standard five-speed-manual or optional four-speed-automatic transmission. Every Subaru vehicle has all-wheel drive, but the 2.5 GT equipped with a Sportshift automatic transmission uses Variable Torque Distribution all-wheel drive.

Safety
Antilock brakes are standard. The 2.5 GT sedan has side-impact airbags to protect front-seat occupants.

Legacy Wagon
Other than the substitution of the wagon body at the rear, the Legacy wagon is nearly identical to the sedan models in the lineup. The wagon’s cargo volume is 34.3 cubic feet with the backseat up and 68.6 cubic feet with the seat folded down. Wagon versions may be equipped with a dual sunroof.

Driving Impressions
With its all-wheel-drive lineup, Subaru occupies a unique niche in the compact-car market. The Legacy promises sufficient interior space for a small family, and it is a competent sedan that offers more than just all-season traction. Four-cylinder performance is sufficiently strong, and a smooth-operating automatic transmission is another plus. The Legacy is stable on the highway and easy to drive.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com;
Posted on 11/5/03

Safety review

Based on the 2004 Subaru Legacy base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
5/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
4/5
Side driver
3/5
Side rear passenger
4/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 years / 80,000 miles
Basic
Coverage available for purchase
Dealer certification
152-point inspection
See all CPO program details

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Consumer reviews

81% of drivers recommend this car
4.0 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.1
Interior 4.0
Performance 3.6
Value 4.0
Exterior 4.0
Reliability 4.0

Most recent

  • By Tj Singh from Waterford, CT
    Test drove this car
    December 11, 2018

    Pretty reliable and awesome car thats in budget

    The car is great, smooth, and reliable. I live in the northeast so subaru?s are awesome cars in the winter and as a daily driver. Nothing better than a car that?s comfortable, reliable, and has performance. By no means at the level of a Mercedes or BMW, but not too shabby.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By DavidR from Pardeeville
    Owns this car
    July 22, 2018

    Good Handling and Reliable All-Weather Sedan

    The 2004 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT (Gen 3) is a sensibly sized, well-designed, good handling and good performing all wheel drive sedan. I previously owned a 1996 Legacy 2.5 GT (Gen 2) that seemed a bit more agile, edgy and sporty than the 2004 version. Although the 2004 has more horsepower and torque, the 1996 had the twin overhead cam engine with a 6500rpm redline (vs 6200rpm) which made for better sounds higher in the rev range than the single overhead cam heads on the 2004. Overall, the 2004 feels more refined, structurally sound, roomier and quieter. The heated leather seats, side air-bags, in-dash CD-changer, 6 speakers plus rear shelf subwoofer, moonroof and SportShift auto trans is a step up in entertainment, luxury and safety from the cloth seats, 4 speakers and cassette deck in the earlier model. This car has 175,000 miles and still feels tight. But that is to be expected with a Subaru, considering my 2003 Baja has 415,000 miles and still looks great and is running strong, especially considering it has weathered through 15 sloppy, salty, beat up road Wisconsin winters. I'm hoping to sample a Gen 4 Legacy Outback 3.0 R someday as that has higher ground clearance for winter snowstorms and the more powerful flat-6 engine for enhanced driving excitement.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By 80 yr old Opa from Kingston NY
    Owns this car
    October 9, 2017

    Love my '04 Sue Legacy GT

    Bought it new. 14 years of faithful service should say it all. Here in upstate NY boonies, it loves snow like my Huskies. Just bought 4 new snow tires, so plan on keeping it. I take care of it and it reciprocates nicely. Since I start work at 6am, it's a toss-up whether Subaru or the xxxxxxhit the Highway first.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Car enthusiast
    Owns this car
    August 21, 2015

    SUbaru LEgacy wago

    I've had one for 5 year in a area with a snowy and fridgeid winter. Does a phenomenal job in the snow and is very stable in the road. A very reliable car, with the great motor.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By jwv from White Mountains of New Hampshire
    Owns this car
    April 10, 2013

    Stay away

    I bought this car used, 35th anny. auto, pzev engine. When i bought this car i was looking for better mpg with 4wd and it brought me to this car. It was great for the first 5 months and 10k miles, then; 1st: started to smell burnt anti-freeze, feared the blown head gasket, but was just clogged radiator($900, with timing belt kit replacement, 100k mile Subaru recommendation ). 2nd: back brakes(rotors and pads) upgraded to cross drilled and slotted with premium pads. 3rd: cluster gauge lights started to go out, but good tip if you hit above them on the dash, some times they come back on. 4th: back brakes again(pads and rotors), back to stock again. 5th: burnt anti-freeze smell again, no leaks, not in the oil, goes through about half a gallon a month and starts to overheat every once in a while. 6th: for a 4 cyl. car it gets worst mpg then some V6's and V8's - 21-23mpg. 7th: water leaks in some where, so the car has a musty smell. 8th: there is only 122k miles on it now. 9th: NO POWER, have to make sure there is more then enough room to get out into traffic. 10th: sounds like a diesel truck, but every subaru owner/mechanic says it sounds better than most, even have a letter from subaru about the sound and how it's ok. so unless your a subaru mechanic i wouldn't buy this car!! On the upside it's great in the snow, handles and rides very good
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By DICK from Lincoln, RI
    Owns this car
    April 26, 2011

    Perfect car for my daughter

    I was looking for a car for my daughter and had a budget which allowed a certain amount, not enough for a new vehicle. Under Consumers Reports, they listed the 2004 Legacy as a Used Car to Buy. I went on line and found one that was about 60 miles away from my house (which in Rhode Island) is far. I e-mail them and purchased the vehicle, bargained a bit and drove up there with a check to pick it up. They were worried that I might want to test drive the car, I said, "no, it's a Subaru, I know how it will drive." Simple an excellent buy! Have had the car for 3 months without any issues. This is the 10th Subaru in our family. In New England, can't think of any reason not to own a Subaru!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Owned Subaru's my whole life from Alaska
    Owns this car
    November 15, 2010

    Luxury Sports Car!

    A sexy car that has the speed and still has the luxurious interior. Subaru's are very reliable and are known to run for 20 years and still be running strong. Easy vehicle to work with.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Froggie from New Jersey
    Owns this car
    August 24, 2008

    One of the safest cars on the road

    Other than needing more power, I have no complaints. There is a great feeling of safety when you drive this car. Have over 92,000 miles on it and it is tight as a drum. No squeeks or rattles. There is always room for improvement on any car. As I sad, a little more power and a 5 or 6 speed auto transmission would solve most problems. Fit and finish are as good or better than Toyota or Honda. Give it a look.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Sad & Disappointed Suburu Owner from Columbus, Ohio
    Owns this car
    May 28, 2008

    I Hate My Suburu

    Unfortunately, have another year or so of payments on it. Early on, it was in the shop several times for oil leak & knocking upon cold start. Sounded like it was going to blow up. Finally was told there is a problem with these vehicles pistons not positioned properly & short engine block was replaced. 2 years later, it's now sounding that way again. In very cold weather it clanks & bangs so loud upon start, you'd think it is going to fall apart. I think these vehicles may be over rated.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 2.0
    1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Looking for reliability from Anchorage, Alaska
    Owns this car
    February 6, 2008

    Not for tall folks.

    Sedan is sporty looking. Pretty good ride. Lugs in third gear. Will hit your head upon entry if you are too tall. Not happy when oil leak developed around 40,000 miles. During a collision, the vehicle sustained drivers side rear quarter panel damage so severe that it was totaled even though it did not look that bad. May look at a used Forester but then again may look at other brands.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Phoenix from Sheffield, MA
    Owns this car
    April 15, 2007

    The Best Car I Have Ever Owned

    This car is simply one of the best cars on the market right now, it is safe, handles excellently, extremely comfortable, and powerful. I love my 2004 Subaru Legacy 35th Anniversary Edition!!! This is the best car I have ever owned and never had any problems with it!!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Subaru dealers near you

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2004 Subaru Legacy?

The 2004 Subaru Legacy is available in 3 trim levels:

  • GT (4 styles)
  • L (4 styles)
  • L 35th Ann. Edition (4 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2004 Subaru Legacy?

The 2004 Subaru Legacy offers up to 21 MPG in city driving and 28 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2004 Subaru Legacy?

The 2004 Subaru Legacy compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2004 Subaru Legacy reliable?

The 2004 Subaru Legacy has an average reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2004 Subaru Legacy owners.

Is the 2004 Subaru Legacy a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2004 Subaru Legacy. 81.8% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.0 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.1
  • Interior: 4.0
  • Performance: 3.6
  • Value: 4.0
  • Exterior: 4.0
  • Reliability: 4.0

Subaru Legacy history

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