A quick history of the Subaru Legacy

After over three and a half decades on the road, Subaru will bid goodbye to the Legacy at the end of March 2025. Although it's a painful thing to do, the Legacy has served its purpose after seven generations not just in Japan but across the globe.

2025 Subaru Legacy Outback Black Selection

As the world braces for the end of the Subaru Legacy, it's time for a quick history with Subaru's grand touring sensation from the BC/BF first-generation model to the final-generation BT5.

First Generation (1989-1993) - The first generation of the Subaru Legacy was launched in Japan in February 1989 and was offered in several variants. These included the 220 PS (162 kW) DOHC 2.0-liter turbocharged "RS" model, which was available exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission. Additionally, there were the "VZ" sedan and wagon, as well as the "TZ" sedan and wagon, both equipped with a 150 PS (110 kW) DOHC 2.0-liter engine. A smaller 102 PS (75 kW) SOHC 1.8-liter engine powered the "Vi" sedan and wagon, which were front-wheel drive only, along with the "Ti" sedan and wagon, the "Mi," and the entry-level "Ei" sedans and wagons.

In terms of motorsport involvement, the Subaru Legacy achieved significant success, including Patrik Njiru's victory in the Group N class at the 1990 Safari Rally. In 1993, it secured a one-two finish at the first leg of the Acropolis Rally, and it won the eighth round of Rally New Zealand with the late Colin McRae at the wheel.

Second Generation (1993-1998) - The second-generation Subaru Legacy featured a rounder shape compared to its predecessor, courtesy of styling by Oliver Boulay. It was offered with the choice of the Touring Wagon, the 4-door Touring Sports, and the SUV-oriented Grand Wagon. The 1996 facelift features a much cleaner design and sports a powerful new variant with the EJ20R turbo engine producing 280PS of power. The Grand Wagon was renamed Lancaster in the 1997 model.

Third Generation (1998-2003) - Launched in 1998, the third-generation Legacy features a much squarish design compared to the previous model while donning similar taillights from its predecessor. It's available in a choice of a Touring Wagon, the Lancaster, and the B4 sedan. In addition to the selection of a 2.0L or 2.5L boxer petrol engine, the Lancaster is the first Japanese car to be powered by a 3.0L boxer-six engine. This engine became so popular, that it was even added to the Touring Wagon and the B4 after the 2001 minor change.

Fourth Generation (2003-2009) - The fourth-generation Legacy sports a sharper exterior design in contrast to its predecessors. It is available in a choice of a Touring Wagon or B4, powered by a choice of a 2.0L boxer-4 (with available turbo) and a 3.0L boxer-6 engine. The Lancaster model was replaced by the Outback, marking the marque's Japan debut having been applied to foreign-model predecessors since the second and third generations. The 2005 facelift marked the debut of Subaru's SI-DRIVE while later updates feature the first-generation Subaru Eyesight system with front cameras detecting moving objects.

Fifth Generation (2009-2014) - The fifth-generation Legacy was launched in 2009 to commemorate the Legacy range's 20th anniversary. With styling inspired by the concept car from the 2009 NAIAS, the fifth-generation Legacy is offered with the choice of the Touring Wagon, the B4, and the Outback. All models are fitted with Subaru's Lineartronic CVT for better fuel economy while the 2.5GT models are mated to either a 5-speed AT or a 6-speed MT. The Outback still uses the EZ36 3.6L boxer-six engine.

The 2013 Subaru Legacy's minor model change comes with the new FA20 Direct Injection Turbo (DIT) engine. Sadly, the 6-speed manual is gone for this model year. The Touring Wagon (BR9), Legacy B4 (BM9), and Outback have engine choices of the FA20 DIT, the old EJ25, or a new FB25. The Outback also has the option of the old EZ36 engine. Depending on the model, there are a couple of transmission options. Touring Wagon, Outback, and B4 models equipped with the FB25 are mated with the second-generation Lineartronic CVT that comes with a 6-speed manual mode. Outback models with the EZ36, and models with the old EJ25, have a 5-speed automatic transmission. Touring Wagon and B4 models equipped with the new FA20 DIT engine have a new Lineartronic CVT with a 6-speed manual mode.

Sixth Generation (2014-2021) - 2014 marked the Legacy's 25th anniversary and the arrival of the sixth generation. Only the B4 sedan and the Outback were available for purchase. The Touring Wagon was no longer available, as it had been replaced by the Levorg. The only engine choice was the updated version of the FB25 Boxer, which came with Lineartronic CVT. Both models featured EyeSight ver. 3, which had adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision warning/prevention.

Seventh Generation (2021-2025) - The seventh and final generation of the Subaru Legacy is the Outback. With styling that is similar to its predecessor, it's no wonder that some enthusiasts find this new model to be the successor to their beloved legacy, or at least an appropriate follow-up to its six previous generations. In keeping with the model's tradition, this final generation offers many tech-savvy features on the interior, as well as under the hood. The previous 2.5L boxer-four petrol engine has been replaced with a CB18 1.8L DOHC DIT engine. This setup features a LINEARTRONIC CVT with an 8-speed manual mode, achieving modest fuel economy for the power it generates. This engine also boosts both the horsepower and torque in comparison to the Legacy's sixth-generation model. Perhaps the Outback's best feature is that it was redesigned and rebuilt using the Subaru Global Platform, improving the car's handling and making it stiffer.

Subaru announced that it will end production of the Legacy at the end of March 2025. To commemorate this, Subaru has unveiled a send-off limited edition model called the Subaru Legacy Outback Black Selection. This special model commemorates not only the 30th anniversary of the Subaru Outback but also the end of the Subaru Legacy. It features a blackened front grille, badges, 18-inch wheels, roof rails, and bumpers.

For seven generations, the Subaru Legacy has been the epitome of grand touring for all walks of life. Whether it's on tarmac, gravel, or snow, the Legacy is every journeyman's responsible partner that allows them to chart through uncharted paths. Now that the Legacy's story is finished, its memories will live on forever. As they said, legacy runs deep.

Thanks, Legacy.