The 2012 Subaru Legacy has top safety ratings, symmetrical all-wheel drive, and good fuel economy making it an attractive option for a family sedan.
Key Features
The Subaru Legacy comes with a 2.5i six speed manual transmission with 170hp. Power windows and locks along with adjustable driver’s seat, front and side airbags, and keyless entry are other standard features of this vehicle. There is an option for a 3.6R six cylinder automatic version as well. The manual version offers 19 mpg for city driving and 27 mpg on highway driving. The 3.6R automatic version offers 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
Changes for 2012
The mid-level Premium has added a six speaker audio system that includes a Bluetooth phone, iPod connection, and wireless audio streaming. The top-tier Limited models have added standard fog lights.
What We Like
The ride quality is among the best, especially combined with the quiet interior. The brakes and steering are responsive giving it a sporty feel, along with stability on the road. For those who want a little more horsepower, the turbocharged Legacy 2.5GT offers 265hp with a manual transmission.
What Concerns Us
The base model of the Subaru Legacy, which has 170hp, is nothing spectacular. It can feel like it is lagging while passing other vehicles or during acceleration.
Available Models
The Subaru Legacy comes in the base model, Premium, and Legacy. The Premium has the option of a 2.5 liter flat four cylinder with a six speed manual transmission, a CVT automatic transmission, or a 3.6 liter flat six cylinder five sped automatic. The Limited version comes with a 2.5 liter flat four cylinder CVT automatic, a 3.6R flat six cylinder five speed automatic, or a 2.5GT flat four cylinder six speed manual transmission.
Major Recalls
In 2013, the Legacy was recalled due to the moonroof glass detaching because the adhesive was inadequately applied. Again in 2013, the vehicle was recalled due to components in the wiper motor bottom overheating. The Legacy was also recalled a third time in 2013 due to the engine starting up and running for 15 minutes. The 2012 recall was due to the side airbags not deploying properly. In 2011, the vehicle was recalled because the brake master cylinder could malfunction causing an increase in the time it takes the vehicle to stop after the brake is applied.
Common Issues
Common consumer complaints include the Bluetooth not working while the vehicle is in motion, bad interior cloth, A/C not cooling properly, and the passenger air bag sensor failing.
