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2008 Subaru Legacy

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Subaru Legacy

Overview

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2008 Subaru Legacy Review

By KBB.com Editors

The 2008 Subaru Legacy offers buyers all the comforts of the finest sports sedan coupled with the sure-footedness afforded by Subaru's standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. No longer associated mainly with snowbound Vermont drivers and die-hard ski fans, the Legacy has blossomed into a handsome and sporty mainstream vehicle, offering top-notch ratings in the areas of safety, comfort and resale value. The Legacy's horizontally-opposed engines provide good power and decent fuel economy, and the GT features a turbocharged version that cranks out an impressive 243 horsepower. While not as smooth or refined as the engines offered by Honda and Toyota, the Legacy's drivetrain is every bit as reliable and its low-slung design helps reduce the height of the Legacy's center of gravity.

You'll Like This Car If...

The 2008 Subaru Legacy occupies the sparsely-populated space between high-value family sedans and premium sports sedans, offering some of the best characteristics of both.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you don't live in an area where slick roads are a regular concern, the premium price of all-wheel drive might seem unwarranted. Conversely, if you want the added peace of mind brought by traction and/or stability control, you may be disappointed to learn neither is available on the base 2.5i.

What's New for 2008

All Legacy models receive a modest exterior freshening, while the wagon models are renamed Outback, leaving only the sedans to carry the Legacy nameplate. A new trim, the 3.0 R Limited, becomes the top-of-the-line offering and features a 245-horsepower six-cylinder engine. New standard features for all Legacy models include remote keyless entry, revised dash and seat fabrics and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel.

Driving the Legacy

Driving Impressions We drove the turbocharged 2.5 GT Limited sedan with a five-speed manual transmission and enjoyed it very much. The engine's turbocharger comes on quickly, strongly and smoothly, the steering is...

also responsive and handling limits are high enough to promote outbursts of enthusiasm. Still, when driven at an everyday pace, the Legacy behaves not unlike its less-athletic competitors. With a light steering effort and small turning circle, the Legacy is pleasant around town and in a parking lot. Likewise, highway ride is well within the range of comfortable. We'd expect similar ride and handling from the less-powerful 2.5i models. For even sharper handling and sportier accessories, check out the limited-edition 2.5 GT spec.B and the 3.0 R Limited.

Favorite Features

Manual Shift Buttons
Steering wheel-mounted shift buttons provide handy manual control of the Legacy GT Limited's optional five-speed automatic transmission.

Fast-Tune Radio
The Legacy's AM/FM/CD sound system moves from station to station with minimal delay, so you can find something you want to hear more quickly.

2008 Subaru Legacy Details

Interior

Inside the Legacy, a decidedly sporty three-spoke steering wheel sets an athletic tone enhanced by supportive seats, straightforward gauges, metallic trim and crisp, contemporary styling. Combined with the liberal use of quality materials, the Legacy's passenger cabin conveys a solid sense of refinement. While it isn't the biggest midsize sedan out there, most backseat passengers should find the Legacy plenty accommodating for trips across town and beyond. Notable standard safety features include front side-impact airbags and front and rear side-curtain airbags.

Exterior

Despite an aging platform, the Legacy is still fresh enough to compete with newer designs from Honda and Toyota, avoiding the trapezoidal grille and awkward styling that permeated much of the Subaru line over the last few years. We did notice the Legacy's frameless doors make it difficult to open or hold a door without touching the window. The turbocharged 2.5 GT Limited model is identifiable by a functional hood scoop and exterior mirror-integrated turn indicators, while all Legacy models sport the same 17-inch wheels.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The base Legacy sedan and wagon include a 170-horsepower four-cylinder engine, five-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive, power windows/locks/mirrors, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD sound system, cruise control, trip computer, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, cloth seating and 17-inch alloy wheels. Standard safety equipment includes front, front-side and two-row side-curtain airbags, active front head restraints and anti-lock brakes (ABS).

Optional Equipment

Trim-level, package and stand-alone options include a 243-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, four- and five-speed manually-selectable automatic transmissions, a six-speed manual (Spec.B only) DVD touch-screen navigation system, in-dash six-CD changer, power glass moonroof, leather seating, power driver's seat, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lights, heated side mirrors, wiper de-icer, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, wood-look trim and front sport seats. The 3.0 R Limited includes a 245-horsepower 3.0-liter engine, 18-inch wheels and touch-screen navigation.

Under the Hood

Both turbo and non-turbo Legacy models feature a four-cylinder "boxer" engine in which the cylinders and pistons are arranged horizontally, with the two on one side opposing the two on the other side (thus, an "opposed" engine design), rather than being positioned vertically or in a "V" angle. One of the boxer's advantages is its lower center of gravity that promotes better handling. Depending on the model's engine/transmission configuration, each Legacy features one of three distinct all-wheel-drive systems designed to match the characteristics of the powertrain. The new 3.0 R Limited differs from the four-cylinder models, with a non-turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine good for 245 horsepower.

2.5-liter Boxer-4
170 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
170 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 (manual), 20/27 (automatic)

2.5-liter Boxer-4 Turbocharged
243 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
241 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/24 (manual), 18/24 (automatic)

3.0-liter Boxer-6
245 horsepower @ 6600 rpm
215 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Subaru Legacy vehicles for sale near you.

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2008 Subaru Legacy Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 244 Ratings for the 2005 - 2009 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

9.0/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

8.7/10

Styling

9.0/10

SAFE & RELIABLE with Decent Fuel Mileage

By Steve W. (MA) on Wednesday, April 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 51,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "AWD Capabilities, Decent Fuel mileage ( 25 mpg. )"

Cons: "Limited Exterior colors with Interior colors"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I purchased this vehicle Brand New and I currently have only 51K miles on it. I am 6 feet 7 inches tall and I have plenty of Leg room. I have driven this vehicle to many a ski trips in the mountains and I have NOT had a single issue with traction control (snow & ice) on the Highways or the Back roads. The AWD capabilities of this vehicle is simply OUTSTANDING; A TRUE STALWART. Within the Six years of Owning and Driving this vehicle (2007 Subaru Legacy) I have only had to buy 4 new tires, brakes and basic yearly maintenance. Should you be looking for a vehicle with AWD & Decent Fuel mileage (average 25 mpg.) and be Trustworthy within All Types of weather you should Truly look at purchasing this vehicle."

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LOVE THIS CAR!!!!!

By LORI (WV) on Monday, February 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 78,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Very reliable and looks very sporty."

Cons: "Not good if your over 6ft tall."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"This is my first Subaru, and I love it. Goes fantastic in the snow, has not left me stranded and is so very cute. Would highly recommend this car."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Awesome vehicle to own and drive!

By Avoitus (FL) on Monday, January 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 65,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Safe, Awesome Driving Dynamics, Fast"

Cons: "Not so good MPG, no AUX jack"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"My friend convinced me to purchase a Subaru, I ended up buy a 2006 Subaru Legacy GT Limited. I absolutely love this car, its performance and handling are very impressive and its fun to drive. I love the fact that when it rain, I don't have to worry about my wheels spinning or losing control thanks to the AWD system that Subaru designed. Its perfect for stormy Florida weather. I will be honest thought, there are some minor downsides to this car. First is MPG, it can get around 21 mpg, but because of the way it performs I always end up in the 19 mpg range (I can't keep my foot off the gas). You also MUST put in at least 91 octane because you could seriously damage the vehicle, otherwise you could end up with something called detonation which I probably don't need to explain. If you've never owned a Turbo vehicle, they aren't like regular cars. They do tend to behave differently depending on the outside weather, I personally love this since it gives the car a personality but most people won't like this. When its cold outside, the engine is very aggressive, and when its hot and humid the car feels slower. Its just something you have to live with and like I said, I don't mind. Overall the engine is very good and reliable as long as you stick with the recommended service intervals, as with all cars. I absolutely love this car, it looks good inside and out, has awesome feature, and Subaru has totally sold me on all of their cars."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Best car I have owned

By Parker (OH) on Thursday, December 06, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "Power,interior,sound system,reliability,and looks"

Cons: "comfort while driving,stiff clutch,loud engine,"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Got this car brand new early 2006 and currently has 60k miles sill feels brand new some squeaks on the dash during harsh road conditions but that is expected. The stock turbo offers plenty of power.Just make sure you change the oil every 3700 miles to avoid sludge build up because the banjo bolts are really tiny and when they clog up they cause the turbo to fail. Just some heads up. The sound system is superior and got to love the heated seats."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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Overall good car

By LauraE (WA) on Friday, November 02, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 31,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Does well in bad weather, great to park"

Cons: "hard seats, no power up hills, loud road noise"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I have owned this car for almost 2 years. It is perfect for commuting and zipping around town. It IS NOT a good road trip vehicle. It's cramped and the seats are hard. It has a lot of road noise on the highway and it just doesn't have the horsepower to get you up hills and to pass slow drivers. The airbag light has been on for a while with no explanation. Aside from that I have never had an issue with it in two years. Knock on wood :) I'd say, if you can get it for a reasonable price--buy it for a commuter if you can afford the fuel. For a midsize car it only gets about 21-24 MPG which isn't great but I attribute that to the AWD. It does amazing in snow and around town. Fits nicely in small compact parking spaces but doesn't feel so small that it's unsafe. Has 5 star crash ratings too."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Fast, Secure, Compitent, Allstar!!

By skiguy (Canada) on Tuesday, October 16, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 63,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "realiable, compitent, safe, athletic, really fun"

Cons: "paint chips easily"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I purchased the car with 40k last year. Wow this beauty is so much more then compitent. I love this body style so much more then the new one. I have the auto, which needs an extra gear. The trans can get alittle lost or vague sometimes too. Milage is good but not great but what you get from this car is soooo much more then just commuter joy! Seats are very good but could use larger side bolster for the twisties. Sound system is great. Build quality really high, great materials and feel, no rattles Car is glued to the ground in the snow. my buddy who has a new A4 2T is envious. Enough said"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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See all 244 reviews