2002 Subaru Legacy L Wagon 2.5L

Summary:

Poor head gasket material could cause major expense

Faults:

At 63K miles a little coolant leak starts..1K miles later I had to replace the head gaskets for a $2000 bill.

General Comments:

This is not rare for 1998 to 2002 2.5L engines. this is my 3rd Subaru, but might be my last. The dealer laughed at me when I asked them to consider covering some of the expense under warranty.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 6th March, 2006

25th Jun 2023, 14:43

I'd have walked out and never bought another car again from that dealer.

And yes, the head gasket is a known issue on these cars. Shame really as they are otherwise quite reliable.

2002 Subaru Legacy GT 2.5L four cylinder

Summary:

I wouldn't buy another Subaru unless they could prove that serious improvements had been made

Faults:

The clutch started to chatter and shifting became difficult at 15k miles. It was "fixed" at about 20k, but began to act up again shortly after it was fixed. I do not drive it too hard, and I have never had any other trouble with a manual transmission.

There is a lot of wind noise, and the cabin isn't too comfortable for me, I'm only 5'11" and athletic, but I don't feel like I fit well in the drivers seat.

The headlights are poorly aimed and seem too dim to do any good.

General Comments:

It handles reasonably well and all wheel drive is a great thing to have, but the clutch acts up so much I don't want to deal with it anymore.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th December, 2004

10th Jun 2005, 16:45

The same thing happened to me with my 2001 Legacy L wagon. In approximately 30 years of driving cars with a clutch this is the worst I have had, otherwise I generally like the car. I am looking now to replace the clutch with an Exedy Sport clutch kit to end my troubles in this area, but Subaru should admit problem and pay partial replacement costs.

2002 Subaru Legacy L Wagon 2.5

Summary:

Reliable value

Faults:

Dash fan had a dry, squeaky bearing and was replaced no charge. A clutch engagement judder developed after about six months, occurring at cold startup and exaggerated during rainy and/or humid conditions. Because this disappears after warm-up it still hasn't been diagnosed and corrected by the dealer.

General Comments:

Automatic equipped cars handle like front wheel drives due to the 90/10 torque split front and rear. I much preferred the 50/50 split of the manual. Once up to speed, ride is very good with neutral handling. But, due to the on/off throttle characteristics of this engine, I believe drivability should be much better with the auto.

I found the standard equipment list to be quite generous compared to any of its direct competition, making it a bargain.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st August, 2004

19th Dec 2010, 23:12

The torque split is actually more 65/35 on the 4EAT (Active AWD) models. Manuals are Continuous AWD with a 50/50 split. Models with the 5 Speed auto are 45/55 rear biased.

2002 Subaru Legacy SE

Summary:

Good getting the grocery car

Faults:

No problems to date.

General Comments:

This car is seriously under powered. I can barely get up to speed on the highway on ramp. Interior light dimmer is on the signal light stalk on constantly gets adjusted by mistake. The cruise control cannot be seen at night, even with the interior lights on. Static electricity from seats everytime I get out of the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th May, 2002