2003 Subaru Legacy Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
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...
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.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2003 Subaru Legacy are very satisfied with their cars, highlighting their reliability, handling, and performance in adverse weather conditions. Many drivers love the all-wheel drive capabilities which ensure safety during snow and rain. However, some owners mention minor issues, like parts being expensive, and wish for additional features like an automatic trunk opener."
I've really enjoyed owning and driving this car, and it never once failed me. When I left it out in a blizzard for a few weeks, after clearing off my windshield and rearview, I was able to drive right out. I didn't even shovel the snow. It has serious power, and in my opinion serious resolve.
July 27, 2011I 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.
April 27, 2015I love subaru's they are very reliable and good looking. The AWD is great. It always keeps me safe on the snow and ice. This is my second subaru and I don't think I will own anything else for a long time.
October 4, 2011What owners say
I've really enjoyed owning and driving this car, and it never once failed me. When I left it out in a blizzard for a few weeks, after clearing off my windshield and rearview, I was able to drive right out. I didn't even shovel the snow. It has serious power, and in my opinion serious resolve.
July 27, 2011I 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.
April 27, 2015I love subaru's they are very reliable and good looking. The AWD is great. It always keeps me safe on the snow and ice. This is my second subaru and I don't think I will own anything else for a long time.
October 4, 2011I love this car. Handling is great, pick up is good. Really like the interior. It would be nice if there were an automatic trunk opener on the entry fob. The car is a lot of fun to drive, handles great in traffic. Have not had any significant issues.
May 10, 2010I am a Subaru fan. The car is not a powerhouse, but since I've owned it, the only time I miss my full-size pickup is when I need to haul a sheet of plywood or drywall. Otherwise, you'd be amazed the things I've hauled home from Lowe's in this thing. Oh yeah...and it's great in the snow.
March 31, 2008I really enjoy driving this car. It's quick, comfortable & handles like a dream.
March 31, 2008Snapped an alternator belt which in turn skipped the timing on the cambelt. got that replaced by my awesome mechanic dad. apart from that been a real pleasure to own, considering its a subaru. love the air con, rims are 1 of the easier brands to clean.
November 19, 2011I 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
December 22, 2020car is good for any kind of driving especially rain and snow.....great breaks and good miles i definitly recomend the car. it even has standard sunroof which is really cool...this is a fun car to drive and its safe
November 8, 2009I love my car, it rocks! She is smooth sleek, sofisticated and well worth the monry. top Gear team were right! The parts are expensive but the thing about this car is it doesnt really need parts that often as they never seem to break!
July 3, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $20,520 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 165 hp H4 | Cargo Capacity 12.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $26,220 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 165 hp H4 | Cargo Capacity 34.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $25,320 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 165 hp H4 | Cargo Capacity 12.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $20,020 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 165 hp H4 | Cargo Capacity 12.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $20,720 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 165 hp H4 | Cargo Capacity 34.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $21,620 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 165 hp H4 | Cargo Capacity 34.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
