After just six years on the market for its predecessor, the third generation of the Legacy came in a hurry and featured the standard all-wheel-drive for the entire range.
Subaru was already a known and respected name among the car enthusiasts, especially those watching the World Rally Championship. The Legacy was the car to drive with your family in complete confidence on a slippery road. Besides, it offered a comfortable ride with its independent suspension in all corners.

The carmaker improved the car’s design, understanding that a good look will help a car sells better. Even though it wasn’t everyone’s vanilla, it showed that it tried to make it better. The bigger headlights and taller grille offered a better stance for the Japanese all-wheel-drive sedan. Depending on the version, the car featured a functional scoop on the hood, needed to get more air into the turbocharged engine. Its frameless windows were still unique on the market and a plus for the carmaker design department.

Inside, the Japanese carmaker offered premium-segment details such as automatic climate control, leather seats, and plenty of room for five, despite the transmission tunnel that crossed the vehicle from front to back. Subaru asked the designers to install low seats to help in the corners with a lowered gravity center. For a good impression on long trips, the carmaker included a 6-CD changer as standard on the upper trim levels.

Subaru installed a boxer engine under the hood mated to either a 5-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. A flat-six engine with a 3.0-liter displacement was available on selected markets only, and so was with the turbocharged 2.0-liter version.