2003 Subaru Legacy Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$20,020 to $26,220

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.2

avg user rating

(16 reviews)
2003 Subaru Legacy Preview summaryImage

Just to keep you on your toes, the 2003 Subaru Legacy shuffles its trim offerings up a little bit this year, adding on some performance refinements and more standard features on its base model sedans and wagons. Last year's GT Limited becomes the 2.5GT. Last year's GT is now the L Special Edition. And last year's L is, well, the L. All three trims are available as a sedan or wagon and are powered by the 165-hp 2.5-liter H4 engine. A 5-speed manual is standard, and 4-speed auto tran optional. For the 2.5GT, the 4-speed comes with a Sportshift mode, in keeping with the bigger brakes, limited slip differential, and sport suspension offered in this trim. Short-range gearing also provides a more responsive performance in the GT versus the L trims.

The base L sedan and wagon adds a CD player and remote entry to its power features and cruise control. The new L Special Edition is a lot like the old GT. It comes with larger 16-inch tires, a sunroof, wood accents, foglights, and a leather-wrapped wheel and shifter. If you want leather seats and a new 8-way power driver's seat, you want the 2.5GT, which also gets a Momo steering wheel, a 6-CD player, and heated seats and mirrors. All of the 2003 Legacy lineup feature ABS brakes and dual front airbags, and the full-time AWD that has made Subaru such a reliable and trusted name in northern climates. Though the Legacy isn't quite as rugged or out-door oriented as its Outback sibling, it is a good family car that gets four stars and top ratings on crash tests. The wagon is a bigger seller probably because of its storage versatility (up to 68 cubic feet).

Aside from the AWD, drivers love the 2003 Legacy's handling. The horizontal boxer 4 engine sits lower, dropping the center of gravity and making the car a more stable performer. Though gas mileage is an average 21/27 mpg, it's still better than comparably-sized SUVs. Compared to the V6 Outback, the 2003 Legacy feels underpowered, and owners say the seats are uncomfortable for long rides. Overall legroom is limited, and some owners have had problems with the clutch.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2003 Subaru Legacy

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by Anonymous
Dec 22, 2020
I have a 2003 Subaru Legacy non turbo sedan automatic transmission and is a amazing car. Japanese stain steel is the best for the winter season no rusty. The all wheel drive transmission in the Subaru work perfect and that’s mean drive safe in the snow. I happy very happy after two years with my first Subaru and I want get other one newer. Also I have a 2004 Nissan Sentra and can feel the difference : engine, body and transmission Dec 22, 2020
by Anonymous
Apr 27, 2015
I totally loved my 2003 Subaru Legacy/Outback Wagon. I didn't think much of it at first...it looked like a "mom car" to me. (I am a mom but I like what I like) I didn't want a wagon. But the price was right, low miles, (I bought it in 2004) and I needed a new car. This was an "all weather" vehicle. It has a Sport shift which made driving in the snow fun! I won't buy another vehicle that isn't 4WD. (The Nissan Maxima was purchased by my husband.) I loved my Subaru. I didn't worry about stalling out, loosing brakes, or the other million and one things that can go wrong with a car. I drove this car all over and in the last 3 years, I put many, many miles on traveling to work. There are offices in 3 states. I was required to go to all offices whenever it was deemed necessary to do so. My Subaru ran great for 10 years. And, then it didn't.Apr 27, 2015
by Anonymous
Feb 03, 2015
I love how excellent the handling/ traction is for this car and the available space in the hood for me to improvise. Also I don't like how much space is in the back because, its narrow(If 3 people are sitting in the back or a full car). The Subaru Legacy L 4D Sedan (AWD) is not that common to be honest. I sometimes will run into a old Subaru Legacy L 4D Wagon (AWD) here and there but, I only saw this car two times so far. Also, I love this car because its unique and due to the fact that they don't make this model anymore (It's now referred to the GT). For a result of this review, its a beautiful car to own if you take care of it.Feb 03, 2015

2003 Subaru Legacy Pricing

Original MSRP
$20,020 to $26,220
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Airbags

Dual front airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: center

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: center

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: center

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: center

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: rear

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: center

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: dual power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

See all trims (6)