1997 Subaru Legacy Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
While I purchased this Outback Limited used (68,000 miles, second owner), it has performed admirably in all weather and driving circumstances. Overall, a fine vehicle. The AWD is excellent in the snow, as Subarus are famous for, but many owners swear by using more aggressive tires in the winter. I can attest to this making a big difference. One thing to be aware of is the EJ25 engine which is standard in the Outback model. This particular engine is prone to blowing head gaskets in this generation of production and Subaru is aware of the issue but is unwilling to address it. The cause is original head gaskets speced at .3000 thickness rather than the current replacements at .5000. The average cost of repair is $1800 at a Subaru dealership. Having this repair done at any other garage means that they MUST be familiar with the idiosyncracies of the Subaru boxer engine. It occurs to a significant percentage of vehicles from 1996-2000. The first clue to a failure is overheating without coolant loss at first. This hasn't happened to me yet, but I'm watchful. Also, make sure you replace the timing belt every 100,000 miles or sooner. The EJ25 is an "interference" engine and will cause valve train damage if the belt breaks. Many owners replace the timing pulleys and water pump at this time procatively to save issues and extra labor costs.
VS
Critical Review
Before buying this car: (1)Make sure the head gaskets and timing belts have been replaced. (2)Consider buying a 2.2L H4, 3.0L H6 or the 2.5L H4 turbo. Blowing an OE/stock head gasket on the 1996-2004 DOHC 2.5L H4 motor is very common, but the aftermarket/replaced head gaskets should last for the life of the car. Also, breaking timing belts and pulleys is common on Subarus with more than 70k on their timing belt. And, if the one of the timing belt pulleys wear-out or if the belt breaks the DOHC 2.5L motor will be destroyed, due to valve-piston interference. The AWD transmission definitely helps it excel in the snow. Put snow tires on it, and it seems unstoppable. However, it's more FWD, since its torque is divided 80/20, and therefore it doesn't compare to the newer (05+) symmetrical AWD. Its 165 horsepower is hardly sufficient for driving up mountains, but it does fairly well on flat highway and city streets. I get an average of 23.6 mpg. Overall, it's an okay car if you get it for a good price and if its head gaskets and timing belt and pulleys have been replaced. But if I were to repurchase in the same price range, I would buy a Subaru with the SOHC 2.2L or SOHC 2.5L motor or the the 3.0L H6 motor, as they do not have the same head gasket/timing belt issues, making them a lot more reliable. (Although, it's still a good idea to insure the timing belt, pulleys, and water pump have been replaced on a car with more than 100k, as well as other parts such as shocks and spark plugs.)
1997 Legacy Reviews
Showing 8 of 332 reviews.
Bought the car when it was 1 year old in 98 still have it with 411 0000 miles trany went out at 360000.
styling, performance, comfort, winter weather
automatic trans let go, cup holders, gas mileage
The gas mileage in this car is mid, for a 1999 AWD wagon you get what you get, it could be worse. Only issues I’ve experienced is my transmission. I got my car from a junkyard & they said it had been sitting for a year and a half. The car only had 117k miles & the junkyard threw in a new transmission. I had to drive the old transmission for about 1mo and a half & 2nd gear downshifted as ur going down hill and would slam into gear. The new transmission is pretty great, but only on really steep hills it likes to down shift as you’re going down them. If this transmission fails again I’m gonna get a manual as I love every other part of this car. Handles great, and has a lot of torque! Everytime I hear the little boxer engine growl i can’t help but smile. I live on top of a hill in New England & one snow storm I’m going up the road and I can see a few Honda’s & Acura’s struggling to get up the hill. I was expecting to struggle too but the car drove up the hill like the snow wasn’t there. The interior is very 90’s and the only draw for me are the cup holders. They often get jammed, are flimsy, and cover my radio as I’m driving. The seats are comfortable as well as the suspension. The wagon has a sporty look with a rear small wing & a hood scoop. I love the back light bar and the angry look of the headlights. This cars styling is very simple and sporty which is a lot better than modern, over styled cars today. Even though my car is 30 years old I want to keep this car as long as possible.
Smooth and dependable, excellent 4x4
Wished it had a little more get up and go
The previous owner would go to the liquor store instead of school. Whiskey dents on all 4 corners and made funny noise in engine,. After an oil change and additive, it perked up and drove like a dream. My girlfriend took a 3/4 ton 4x4 oulfield truck and rammed it several times but it's still runs like a top, in the snow it's a beast. Love this car
Relatively quiet and solid car. AWD a plus .
25-27 mpg is a bit thirsty and seats only ok.
It has held up very well for a 23 year old car driven in Maine, absolutely no rust! 238,000 miles, doing timing belt, flushing cooling system, transmission , differentials and transfer case service and a new brake master cylinder. Previous owner had driven at least 100,000 miles without doing anything except pads and rotors and new tires. Had a very good rustproofing when new, that's what saved it.
At age 81, I do not want to get a new car as this
Needs brake repair.
T he few repairs this car has needed have all been made by the same dealership. Right now the dealership has told me that the brakes need repairing.
Reliable
Low to ground
Great car
Reliable, traverses well with AWD.
NONE
The car is reliable, HAS plenty of pickup, handles extremely well on corners. It takes me up roads I would never attempt with other vehicles. The gas mileage is fine. I have had Jerp mechanics say they would prefer this car to ANY Jeep!
Corners, handles very nice. Firm control. Traction
A bit of rust one tiny spot over left wheel. 1999
I am 2nd owner. Bought at 72k odometer in 2006. Retired military enlisted. Truly the very Best vehicle I have ever owned. A trustworthy machine. Traction Is astounding with winter tires on. Corners like a real sports-car. Looks very snazzy and very cool. Distinctively Subie looks. Single color spruce-green. Don't waste money on other brands. I would keep mine over any new car. I trust it.
