The Subaru Legacy is Subaru's mainstream family sedan. Sized to compete with the best-selling cars in America, it maintains Subaru's tradition of distinctive engineering while effectively contending with more conventional cars. Subaru builds Legacy models for the North American market at a plant in Lafayette, Indiana.
Standard all-wheel drive and engines with cylinders arranged in the flat "boxer" style are currently the Subaru Legacy's most readily apparent distinctions compared to its direct competition. Subaru's advanced all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent traction even when roads are wet or otherwise slippery. The flat engine, whether four or six cylinders and with or without a turbocharger, produces a unique sound and allows for a slightly lower hood line. The Subaru Legacy isn't easily mistaken for other cars.
The Subaru Legacy name first appeared for the 1990 model year. Offered as a sedan or wagon, the first Legacy was available only with SOHC four-cylinder boxer engines and with either front- or all-wheel drive. A turbocharged model was available, further setting the Subaru Legacy apart.
A second-generation Subaru Legacy sedan and wagon went on sale for the 1995 model year. Slightly larger than before, and refined for a better ride and comfort, the second Legacy generation included a wagon with a raised suspension and off-road-inspired decoration known as the Outback. All-wheel drive became standard on all Subarus sold in North America starting with the 1996 model year. The Legacy grew increasingly popular in snowbound northeastern states like Vermont and New Hampshire, leading the company to introduce a misbegotten Outback version of the sedan. The Outback sedan was short-lived, and the Subaru Outback survived the indignity.
The Subaru Legacy's third generation arrived for the 2000 model year and it grew larger yet again. In 2001 a new flat-6 was offered for the first time in a Subaru Legacy.
The fourth-generation Subaru came in 2004, growing slightly again. In Japan a sport version of the Legacy known as the B4 appeared during this generation and in Europe the Subaru Legacy was offered with a new flat-4 diesel.
Yet another generation Subaru Legacy became available and, for the first time, the Outback was considered its own separate model.
