2008 Subaru Legacy Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$20,495 to $33,995

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.6

avg user rating

(31 reviews)

The Subaru Legacy will see several minor changes for 2008, including new instrumentation, an MP3 input jack, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. The new model year will also bring some trim-level adjustments. The wagon body style has been discontinued, and a performance-oriented 3.0 R Limited style has been added.

There are six Legacy styles to choose from, including the base 2.5i, 2.5i Special Edition, 2.5i Limited, 2.5 GT Limited, 2.5 GT spec B and 3.0 R Limited. Subaru's top-shelf sedan is available with three engine options, depending upon the trim. All styles badged 2.5i are powered by a 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder engine, which generates 175 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque. These sedans can be equipped with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The 2.5 GT Legacy houses a turbocharged version of the flat-4, bumping horsepower to 243 and torque to 241 pound-feet. Buyers may select from two transmissions again, but the automatic is upgraded to a five-speed on this trim. The GT spec B features a six-speed manual. The top-of-the-line 3.0 R Limited gets a 3-liter flat six, good for 245 horsepower and 215 pound-feet of torque. This engine is teamed with a five-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

There is considerable variation from trim to trim, with respect to features, but all 2008 Legacy models will come standard with air-conditioning, an MP3-compatible audio system with a portable device input jack, keyless entry, a trip computer and full power accessories. Mid- and upper-level trims are also eligible to receive an optional navigation system.

In the past, owners and reviewers have praised the Legacy for its controlled and forgiving ride, strong acceleration, and thoughtfully designed interior. The Subaru flagship has continued to receive the highest acclaim for safety, and the IIHS has bestowed its high honors on the 2008 model after initial crash tests. All-wheel drive is standard on all variants. The 2.5i models offer adequate performance, but enthusiasts should consider the GT trims, for more responsive steering and agile handling, despite some turbo lag off the line.

Inside, all Legacy models offer a well-crafted cabin, despite the inclusion of some lower-grade materials. Front and rear seats are accommodating, but taller passengers may run out of headroom in the rear quarters. Many drivers have reported that the Legacy could be a bit quieter: Although the turbocharged engines are quite refined, they display noticeable rumble and wind noise at higher speeds.

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 2008 Subaru Legacy

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User rating:
by Anonymous
Jun 12, 2024
The 2008 Subaru Legacy is a standout mid-size sedan, combining elegance, performance, and all-weather capability with its standard all-wheel-drive system. Its sleek design, comfortable and high-quality interior, and precise handling make for an enjoyable driving experience. Safety features are top-notch, and the range of engines, including a turbocharged option, provides excellent performance. With its reliability and solid build, the 2008 Legacy is an excellent choice for those seeking a practical yet spirited ride.Jun 12, 2024
by Demarco J
Mar 30, 2023
Great car to drive ,car sags in the back, however you can buy shock spacers to give it the look you want to help with that ,but when your car hits about 160 to 180K ,then those repairs gone kick in. Head gaskets, and tune up are going to he big so its about 2100 to 3K if you have the right mechanic, other than that you should be good . As of right now my car is at 201K still runs greatMar 30, 2023
by Phillip J
Jul 13, 2021
Great practical car and very nice body, love it Jul 13, 2021

2008 Subaru Legacy Pricing

Original MSRP
$20,495 to $33,995
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 100 watts

Brakes

Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: aluminum and leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color

Headrests

Number of rear headrests: 3

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 100 watts

Brakes

Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: aluminum and leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color

Headrests

Number of rear headrests: 3

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: with wind deflector

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 100 watts

Brakes

Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Universal garage door opener: Homelink

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color

Headrests

Number of rear headrests: 3

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: with wind deflector

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 100 watts

Brakes

Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: rear

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color

Headrests

Number of rear headrests: 3

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: with wind deflector

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 100 watts

Brakes

Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: rear

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: with wind deflector

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 100 watts

Brakes

Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: rear

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color

Headrests

Number of rear headrests: 3

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: inverted struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

See all trims (6)