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2003 Subaru Legacy Owner Ratings & Reviews

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5.0
Overall
2 Reviews

2003 Subaru Legacy - Best car ever

Samuel
Big Sky, Montana
Overall
5.0
Value
5.0
Performance
4.0
Style
3.0
Comfort
3.0
Fuel Economy
3.0
Reliability
5.0
My 2003 Subaru Legacy is the best car I've ever owned. It has 225,000 miles on it, has performed beautifully in all kinds of inclement weather, and has only been stuck in the snow twice in the ten years I've owned it. That is ten Wisconsin/Montana winters! This car was my champion when I lived in a mountain canyon through three of those winters. The highway through the canyon was treacherous October through April, and my Subaru made it up and down the canyon almost every day, without a complaint. It has taken me on hundreds of adventures down dirt roads to dozens of outdoor music festivals and up and over mountain passes with my cross-country skis in the back. One thing I don't like about this car is that it gets a little cramped, with me, my dog, and all our traveling gear. The road n... (more)
Story
One day, during a Madison, Wisconsin, snowstorm, cars were getting stuck in the middle of one of the main roads on the isthmus: the snow was so deep. I was on my way to work and kept having to turn onto a side road to circle around blocking traffic. On one of the side streets were a couple guys pushing a big pickup truck up the street far enough to reach level ground and gain some traction. Th... (more)
Pros
This car drives through snow like it's not even there. Cuts through it like a tank but is agile and easy to drive. Maintenance has been low, maybe $700 a year for the past three years.
Cons
The gas mileage is dismal, 25 highway mpg, if I don't drive above 70 mph. The road noise is ridiculous. It smells like exhaust inside when you first start it, and my mechanic says this is normal for an older Subaru.

2003 Subaru Legacy - Great In Snow

Fred
Owensburg, Indiana
Overall
5.0
Value
5.0
Performance
4.0
Style
3.0
Comfort
3.0
Fuel Economy
3.0
Reliability
5.0
This little car has helped us get into work for years now. It really goes through the snow. With it's roof rack and station wagon styling it is also surprisingly good for hauling stuff. We've hauled appliances, pets, and lumber in it.
Story
We live in a suburban/rural area and we were able to get out of our driveway when there was over 18" of snow on it. Our neighbors, many with trucks, were unable to get out because of the snow and ice.
Pros
This car is built like a tank. Very solid. It's been very dependable. The upholstery and trim materials have held up really well. The heat and A/C work great.
Cons
Fuel economy isn't great. Even though it's a small car the AWD means that it weighs more than similar sized cars. We average around 20 mpg. We've had to replace the alternator 3 times. I'm not sure if we've just been unlucky or if there is some design flaw. Another issue is that the trim around the front windows doesn't seal well and so the car is noisy at higher speeds, especially on windy days.

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