Subaru Legacy III Station Wagon (BE,BH, facelift 2001) 2.5 (156 Hp) AWD Automatic


Overall Rating

7.5 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Subaru Legacy:

The Subaru Legacy is a mid-size car built by Japanese automobile manufacturer Subaru from 1989 to 2025. The maker's flagship car, it is unique in its class for offering all-wheel drive as a standard feature, and Subaru's traditional boxer engine.
In 1996, a variant of the Legacy with heightened suspension called the Legacy Outback was introduced to compete in the burgeoning sport-utility vehicle class, and proved to be a sales success for Subaru. The Outback line was split into its own model in 2008, known as the Subaru Outback....(Read more on Wikipedia)

III Station Wagon (BE,BH, facelift 2001) Overview:

Subaru Legacy (III Station Wagon (BE,BH, facelift 2001)). With 223 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

2.5 (156 Hp) AWD Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers adequate power for daily driving and highway cruising, though the 4-speed automatic can feel sluggish and impact responsiveness, especially during spirited driving.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption is moderate, typical for an AWD Boxer engine paired with an older automatic transmission. Expect average figures for its class.

Best Use Case: Mixed driving, light towing, and all-weather conditions where AWD is beneficial, prioritizing comfort over outright speed.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Excellent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system for all-weather capability
  • • Practical and spacious station wagon body style
  • • Distinctive and smooth Boxer engine character
  • • Comfortable ride quality suitable for long journeys
  • • Robust build quality and generally reliable (with proper maintenance)

Cons:

  • • Fuel economy can be a concern, especially with the 2.5L automatic
  • • Potential for head gasket issues on the EJ25 engine if not addressed
  • • Older 4-speed automatic transmissions can feel dated and sluggish
  • • Interior design and materials may feel less premium compared to some rivals
  • • Limited engine options, with the 2.0L feeling underpowered for some

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III Station Wagon (BE,BH): 1998 - 2001).

General:
Brand:Subaru
Model:Legacy
Generation:III Station Wagon (BE,BH, facelift 2001)
Modification (Engine):2.5 (156 Hp) AWD Automatic
Start of production:2001
End of production:2003
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:156 Hp @ 5600 rpm.
Power per litre:63.5 Hp/l
Torque:223 Nm @ 3600 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:EJ25 [Same engine] More details about the engine EJ25
Engine displacement:2457
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Boxer
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:4.5 l
Coolant:6.7 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:99.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:79 mm mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Space:
Max. weight:1980
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1646 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:528 l
Fuel tank capacity:64 l
Size:
Length:4760 mm mm [80mm more]
Width:1745 mm mm [50mm more]
Height:1525 mm mm [10mm more]
Wheelbase:2650 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1460 mm
Rear (Back) track:1455 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):160 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.5 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size205/50 R16
Wheel rims size6.5J x 16
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension

The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Subaru Legacy!