The Legacy is Subaru's most popular car, available in both sedan and wagon form. Its long list of standard features, safety record, reliability, and overall excellent performance make it an attractive family car. The 2005 Subaru Legacy gets a major update and offers a more refined, upscale interior, to make you forget its station wagon ties.
New in 2005 is a few inches added to the wheelbase and overall length, to improve both stability and handling and passenger space. Interior materials are more durable and classy, and side and side curtain airbags are now standard across the line. The 2005 Legacy also has an improved suspension and quick-ratio steering. The other big addition is a new turbo engine, which is basically a detuned WRX engine. The GT and GT Limited now hit 250-hp with the turbo 2.5-liter, H4. The 2.5i and 2.5i Limited hit 168-hp with the non-turbo H4. Both come standard with a 5-speed manual. A 4-speed auto is optional in the non-turbo, and a 5-speed auto comes with the turbo. The GT Limited is the most fully packed, with heated power leather seats and a sunroof, in addition to all the standard power features, cruise control, keyless entry and automatic climate control in the other trims. While the wagons have split-fold rear seats, the sedans do not. They do offer an armrest pass-through to the trunk.
The 2005 Legacy gets high marks for its quiet smooth ride and the AWD feature is one of its biggest selling points. Owners also feel all the features make it look more expensive than it is. Annoyances include rattling, prominent turbo lag, a confusing climate control center, an a seatbelt chime that never shuts up. The turbo models demand premium gas, which gets pricey.
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This car is fun to drive, handles magnificent and still gets pretty good gas mileage. It is tuned for 91 octane pump gas. Even with 400whp, the car still gets decent gas mileage (19 city/ 24 hwy). I think that has surprised me the most. The 6 speed Sti transmission is a much better fit than the 5 speed that came with the car. The 5 speed clutch and tranny couldn't handle the engine power, so that's why the big decision was made to swap to the better transmission. Sep 01, 2014
by Anonymous
Jun 09, 2014
This vehicle is a great dependable car and very cheap on gas and is very clean. This car has limited space for a big family but is perfect for a small family or single person. Would make a great car for a college student of a work vehicle. Jun 09, 2014
by Claudiu F
Jan 14, 2013
This is my third Subaru and it did not disappoint. Well built and extremely reliable, very comfortable for long trips. The turbocharged engine is very powerful, although there is just a hint of lag at low revs with the automatic transmission. AWD is great in the snow and wet, however this is a road car, not an off road vehicle (ground clearance too low). Handling is very safe, with moderate understeering when pushed hard. Understated styling with a very light and airy cockpit. Panoramic sunroof offers great views and is draft free even at highway speeds but it becomes noisy at speeds above 50 mph. Jan 14, 2013
User rating:
by Ryan K
Sep 01, 2014
This car is fun to drive, handles magnificent and still gets pretty good gas mileage. It is tuned for 91 octane pump gas. Even with 400whp, the car still gets decent gas mileage (19 city/ 24 hwy). I think that has surprised me the most. The 6 speed Sti transmission is a much better fit than the 5 speed that came with the car. The 5 speed clutch and tranny couldn't handle the engine power, so that's why the big decision was made to swap to the better transmission. Sep 01, 2014
by Anonymous
Jun 09, 2014
This vehicle is a great dependable car and very cheap on gas and is very clean. This car has limited space for a big family but is perfect for a small family or single person. Would make a great car for a college student of a work vehicle. Jun 09, 2014
by Claudiu F
Jan 14, 2013
This is my third Subaru and it did not disappoint. Well built and extremely reliable, very comfortable for long trips. The turbocharged engine is very powerful, although there is just a hint of lag at low revs with the automatic transmission. AWD is great in the snow and wet, however this is a road car, not an off road vehicle (ground clearance too low). Handling is very safe, with moderate understeering when pushed hard. Understated styling with a very light and airy cockpit. Panoramic sunroof offers great views and is draft free even at highway speeds but it becomes noisy at speeds above 50 mph. Jan 14, 2013
by Chuck T
Nov 24, 2011
excellent! durable! inexpensive! awd standard! IIHS top safety pick! voted the safest car for that year! highest resale value of any brand! It advertises as 25mpg highway, but i bought it used with 50k and have been averaging between 27-28 without any mods. Nov 24, 2011
by Anonymous
Dec 18, 2010
This car has a great kick, 265 horses with a 4 Cylinder Turbo and its a
light car. 0-60 in under 6 seconds and the sound ripping out of 2nd gear
could give you goose bumps. I currently get 24 mpg on the highway and
the overall performance is outstanding.Dec 18, 2010
by Kyle H
Jul 06, 2010
five stars across the board! Good on gas, plenty of get up and go. Enough room in the back for almost any outdoor activities. doesn't look like a 13 second car so your not as likely to get pulled over. very reliable. Oh and as long as you change the oil..they run forever!Jul 06, 2010
by Steinar G
Apr 10, 2010
Performance is good, but could be little better, braking is good and handling suberb. Build quality is good, no squeeks or rattles and has not broken down. Apperance is good at front but could be better at the back, but interior is very good. Gas mileage is good and maintenance is little as nothing. The car is perhaps no fun machine, but still a very good car to drive.Apr 10, 2010
by Chris S
Mar 07, 2010
Performance - Great acceleration, sharp handling and 4WD grip.
Build Quality - Little to no maintenance
Appearance - Sleek styling, understated, one of Subaru's best looking cars
Cost of Ownership - Insurance and a little high, and gas mileage a little low, but great on a 300 HP turbocharged sedan!
Fun Factor - Stick shift makes it a hoot to drive, once turbo gets boost going, it really starts moving good!Mar 07, 2010
by Bertrand B
Jan 17, 2010
It's a Subaru, that's not a WRX. It's still got a turbo, a manual transmission, heated seats, leather interior, can fit a lot of stuff in the back, has see through windows, sit down seats and anything else anyone would want in a car.Jan 17, 2010
by Dan S
Nov 15, 2009
Subaru Legacy 3.0R Spec.B 6MT Wagon
Performance: 0-60 in 6.9 seconds
Build quality: It´s a Subaru, not flashy but built to last.
Appearance: Best Legacy so far.
Cost of ownership: Fuel consumption is a bit on the high side.
Fun factor: Killing "hot hatches" at stoplights and on winding
roads in a wagon is priceless :) Nov 15, 2009
by Aaron B
Oct 28, 2009
performance and the sleeper look, what happens when wrx drivers grow up...the get leg 2.5gts! 250hp 250lbft..awd..audi killer. permium fuel a requirement is a downside the way prices are now, and if driven enthusiastically mileage pays the price - but drive relaxed and mileage is great...a true wolf in sheep's clothingOct 28, 2009
by Dan L
Jul 29, 2009
0-60 in 6sec great track car with a few mods
never needed repair there are a few rattles here and there
love the look of the 05-06s the best
about 19-21mpg
this car is a blast to drive Jul 29, 2009
by Kenny M
Jun 23, 2009
Owned the car for 4.5 years, in great shape, keep up the maintanance and the cars runs just like new. After the upgrade for the SPT power pack, the performance is amazing with 283 HP. THe aesthetic is perfect and better than the peersJun 23, 2009
by Jacob V
Feb 20, 2009
the performance of the Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT is suprisingly good. With 250 horsepower and a sporty but not punishing suspension it is entirely capable of keeping up with the more popular WRX. Build quality is very good, I haven't had any squeaks or rattles in two plus years of ownership. The fuel milege is ok, I average about 22-23 MPG. This is a suprisingly good car for the money.Feb 20, 2009
by Zach Z
Feb 11, 2009
Stock the car is an ok daily driver, slightly modded it is a fun daily driver. Next step is a bigger turbo, injectors and fuel pump. Great to have sleeper status, the car is definitely under the radar! Right now I'm running 268 awhp and 327 all wheel torque. Stock pull was about 200awhp and 200torque.
Mods: Cobb DP w/ HFC
Crucial UP
Cusco Rear sway bar
Ion Springs
Avo v2 TMIC
Avo BOV (50/50 and quiet)
Tuned by Camtuning.com @ an altitude of 5000ft
Feb 11, 2009
by Robert M
Oct 21, 2008
Great acceleration after turbo spools up, great quality, no rattles, squeaks etc. the handling is pretty good - the factory Bridgestone tires are CRAP. Mileage it ok when you drive it easy - 10L/100km in the city, 8.5 to 9.0L on the highway. the premium fuel only sucks, but it's not mad.Oct 21, 2008
by Kyle D
Sep 13, 2008
Reliable. Well built. Great performance but
suspension is a little soft. Maintenance is about as
cheap as it gets for this class of car. Pretty good on
gas despite the fact I beat the snot out of it every day.
Definitely a great car... comfortable for any trip, but
with enough oomph for a fun blast through the
country.
Sep 13, 2008
by Maxwell W
Aug 09, 2008
This is a great family sedan that can blow the doors off of most things on the road. It's highly upgradable if you want some more handling or power. Reliability has been excellent as well, even after harder than normal driving. With the all wheel drive, winter driving goes from a chore to a joy!Aug 09, 2008
by Thomas P
Jul 12, 2008
there isnt any complaint coming from me. i absolutely will put my car against ANY make or model. the performance of the car is amazing. it really Begs to be driven making this car amazingly fun to drive. another amazing part of this car is that not only does it perform great, the slender, sleek design make this car look just as amazing. the cost is WELL WORTH the package. if you don't know anything bout Subaru, they handle like dreams! with their Standard ALL symmetrical- drive on all their cars, makes handling bends at access of 60mph a CAKE WALK! i could go on but ill end saying that i recommend HIGHLY to anyone!!
SUBARU WILL OWN THE WORLD!!!! Jul 12, 2008
by Barry W
Jun 10, 2008
The 2005 legacy GT is a beautiful, fast mid size sport sedan that will blow your mind when you drive it. Same engine as the WRX, boxter 2.5 liter 4 cylinder with turbo and all wheel drive. Jun 10, 2008
by Eddie S
Jun 02, 2008
This car is AMAZING. It has a 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder Boxer motor pumping out 250 horsepower. This paired with Subaru's original Symetrical AWD system makes driving it a blast, especially around curves and bends. The hood scoop, xenon headlights, rear spoiler, and 17" alloy wheels all add sex appeal and definitely turn heads as you drive down the road. After looking at the Audi A4 1.8T, Nissan Altima 3.5 SE, Acura TSX, VW Jetta 2.0T, and Lexus IS300, I chose this, and I am DEFINITELY glad that I did. I would never have thought that I would be driving a Subaru, but there are absolutely no disappointments with my decision.Jun 02, 2008
by Ed W
Apr 10, 2008
Aside from the interior rattles (which Subaru is known for) this car is absolutely wonderful. It's highly modified (to around 400hp) but still looks subtle and drives comfortably.Apr 10, 2008
by Kevin M
Apr 01, 2008
very impressive package for value, safety, power and reliabilityApr 01, 2008
by Tyler C
Feb 28, 2008
A sports sedan for the more anonymous driver, the Legacy 2.5 GT Limited puts out 250 hp
out of its turbocharged boxer four. All Wheel Drive helps put the power to the pavement and
keep the car on the road. Leather interior, 6-disc CD changer, heated seats and dual zone
climate control keeps everybody happy. 17 inch alloy wheels and an optional GT wing keep
you going in style!Feb 28, 2008
by Anonymous
Feb 17, 2008
Best winter car I have ever owned. Wish it had better fuel economy and more performance.Feb 17, 2008
by Rudi L
Jan 17, 2008
Big car with loads of space. Few people know its performance abilities. My manual car was fitted with the same motor found in the Impreza STI. Produced 5kw less than the STi due to a more responsive twin scroll turbocharger. Subaru claimed a 0 - 100km sprint in 5.9 seconds. Amazing for a Camry sized vehicle.Jan 17, 2008
by Dorian L
Dec 22, 2007
2005 was the first and only year that Subaru offered a Legacy wagon with a turbo and a manual transmission in the US. Apparently, there are only 1000 or so in the whole country. They come factory with 250HP/250 ft-lbs of torque, but with the STi longblock that comes stock, they are easily modified to a much higher number. Mine is lightly modified comparatively with ceramic headers, uppipe, downpipe, and a Stage 2 tune. This is good enough however to run with Corvettes and non-turbo Porsche 911's. It's a fantastic sleeper that no one sees coming.Dec 22, 2007
I have a 2005 Legacy 2.5i wagon not an outback. It has 3 Cats and 5 O2 sensors. I can not find this system anywhere. I did see someplace that it could have been a CA model. Please help. Frank