Subaru · 1998–2004

Subaru Legacy (third generation)

Subaru launched the third generation Japanese and world-market Legacy in June 1998, while the North American model was introduced in May 1999 for the 2000 model year. In all markets except for the United States, production lasted through 2002, with a limited production Blitzen model sold mid-cycle under the 2003 model year in Japan. Production in the United States lasted through 2004. At its introduction in 1999, it won the Automotive Researchers' and Journalists' Conference Car of the Year award in Japan. All models were equipped with standard, symmetrical all wheel drive. World-market and Japanese models ranged from a naturally aspirated or twin-turbo 2.0-liter flat-4 to naturally aspirated 3.0-liter. Even though dimensions became mid-sized, it was still rated by the EPA as a compact car. Flat roof wagons are no longer manufactured worldwide, and instead the raised roof is used for both the Legacy and Outback wagons (Lancaster in Japan). In late 2000, the EZ30, a newly designed 3.0 L H6 was offered in the Outback and Lancaster (Japan) models. The Legacy was the only vehicle in this class that provided AWD as standard equipment.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Subaru Legacy (second generation) · Successor: Subaru Legacy (fourth generation)

All Subaru Legacy data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years → + Compare

Architecture

=== B4 === The B4 model was introduced for the third generation and was a sedan-only model. The RSK meaning "Rally Sport Kompressor" featured the familiar DOHC, twin-turbo 2.0-liter engine rated 276 bhp (206 kW) (265 bhp (198 kW) for automatic with manual mode). This results in a 0–60 mph (97 km/h) time of 5.2 seconds for the manual and 5.8 seconds for the automatic. This engine was popular with Japanese buyers due to reduced tax liability based on Japanese vehicle size legislation; the car offered performance advantages over larger cars sold in Japan with bigger engines but with a smaller tax bill. The B4 moniker also applied to naturally aspirated models, such as the 2.0 L TS-R. Australia models (called B4) were detuned to run on lower octane (98 RON) fuel and were rated 258 PS (190 kW; 254 hp) for the manual and 239 PS (176 kW; 236 hp) for the automatic models. This results in a 0–60 mph time of 5.6 seconds for the manual and 6.6 seconds for the automatic. A B4 TS-R model was equipped with a less powerful, naturally aspirated 2.0 L DOHC AVCS engine, but shared many of the body and suspension components of the more powerful RSK. In 2001, a B4 RS25 model was introduced with a naturally aspirated 2.5 L DOHC engine. In 2002, the B4 RS30 was introduced with a naturally aspirated 3.0 L EZ30 DOHC flat-six engine. B4 Engine Structure The B4 is powered by a 'phase 2' all-alloy DOHC, 16-valve, intercooled turbo 2.0-liter boxer four. According to official Subaru literature, there are several advantages to the boxer design. Due to the balance afforded by horizontally opposed cylinders, the crankshaft requires less weighting and so there is no need to install balance shafts. This results in reduced noise, vibration and less power loss from the engine. Strength is also an advantag

Trims

=== North America === Brighton Available only for 2000 in the United States and 2001 in Canada, the Brighton was the lowest trim level of the legacy wagon available. It came standard with a 165 hp (123 kW) SOHC EJ252 and a 5-speed manual transmission, rear drum brakes, steel wheels with hubcaps, an AM/FM radio and cassette, and other basic features but lacked roof rails, a tachometer, wiring for keyless entry, power locks, cruise control, and some other features that were available on the L trim. L For most of this generation, the L was the lowest trim package available. From 2000 to 2002, it can be identified with unpainted plastic body molding, door handles, and mirrors. It came standard with the features from the Brighton, plus features that were mentioned as excluded from the Brighton trim, rear disc brakes, and larger tires. From 2003 to 2004, the L had gained standard features in the Special Edition (2003) and 35th Anniversary Edition (2004) such as the "snowflake" style 16" alloy rims from the 2000 to 2002 GT, painted plastic body molding, door handles, and mirrors, dual sunroofs on the wagon and a single sunroof on the sedan, simulated interior wood trim, a CD player, leather-wrapped shift handle and steering wheel, and other features only previously available on the GT. GT The GT (2.5GT for 2004) is a trim level that featured larger front brake discs than the standard trim, single beam dual bulb halogen headlights, foglights, sportier suspension, GT specific sideskirts, and a viscous limited-slip rear differential, as well as simulated wood interior trim. The engine is the same 2.5 L naturally aspirated EJ251 engine found in the L and Brighton trim. In 2003, the Sportshift 4-Speed Automatic with Variable Torque Distribution was introduced as an option on the GT

Baja

Subaru developed a four-door coupé utility (pickup) version of the Outback with all-wheel-drive, known as the "Subaru Baja" (pronounced ba-ha). Manufactured from 2002 to 2006 and marketed for the 2003 through to 2006 model years, the Baja combined the handling and passenger carrying characteristics of a traditional passenger car with the open-bed versatility, and to a lesser degree, load capacity of a pickup truck. Subaru marketed the Baja in the United States, Canada, and Chile. The unibody design borrowed heavily from the existing mechanicals, platform and sheet metal of the Outback wagon. Production occurred at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. factory in Lafayette, Indiana.

Specifications

=== Chassis types === Engines. === Transmissions === The 4-speed automatic transmission had a feature where the transmission could be instructed to ignore 1st gear from a standing stop to assist driving on traction limited situations, such as ice and snow. The system was activated by moving the gearshift from the "D" position down to "2nd". The car would then start in 2nd gear, and not 1st. The transmission also splits the delivered torque 50-50 between the front and rear wheels. Once the car stopped, the transmission would start back in 2nd and not 1st, until the system was upshifted to 4th. Japanese models with automatic transmission include a "Power/Econo" button that was previously installed on the gear selector has been relocated to the transmission surround on the right side, due to a redesign of the automatic transmission gear shift handle. The automatic transmission also has the ability to change the shift points, and hold the gears longer when the engine is operating at a higher RPM. This is achieved by pressing the accelerator pedal rapidly, which causes the transmission to hold the gear until 5000 rpm before shifting to the next gear. No indicator light appears in the instrument cluster, unlike previous generations. The transmission also has engine over-rev protection by shifting the transmission to the next available gear once 6500 rpm has been achieved, even if the gear selector is in a low gear position. Japanese-spec vehicles with the twin-turbo had a "Sportshift" manumatic transmission, that allowed the driver to push the automatic gearshift selector to the left, and then allow the driver to shift the automatic like a manual transmission. In-dash satellite navigation was offered on Japan-spec vehicles on upper trim level sedans and wagons starting with

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name

Legacy BE-BH-BT series

Manufacturer

Subaru (Fuji Heavy Industries)

aka

Subaru Liberty (Australia)

Production

1998–2004

Model years

2000–2004

Predecessor

Subaru Legacy (second generation)

Successor

Subaru Legacy (fourth generation)

Class

Mid-size

Related

Subaru Baja

Assembly

Ōta, Gunma, Japan, Lafayette, Indiana, USA (SIA)

Wheelbase

104.3 in

Length

187.4 in (wagon), 184.4 in (sedan)

Layout

Front engine, four-wheel drive

Width

68.7 in (Int'l), 66.7 in (Japan)

Height

55.7 in (sedan), 59.6 in (wagon), 56.5 in (Brighton wagon)

Kerb weight

3300 lb max

Body style

"B" pillar Hardtop and Wagon

Engine

2.0 L SOHC EJ20E, 125 hp H4, 2.0 L EJ201, SOHC 135 hp H4, 2.0 L EJ204, DOHC 155 hp H4, 2.0 L EJ206, DOHC 265 hp twin turbo H4 automatic, 2.0 L EJ208 DOHC 276 hp twin turbo H4 manual, 2.0 L EJ208 DOHC 289 hp twin turbo H4 manual, 2.5 L EJ251, SOHC 153 hp H4 , 2.5 L EJ251, EJ252, SOHC 165 hp H4 , 2.5 L EJ254, DOHC 165 hp H4 , 2.5 L EJ254, DOHC 170 hp H4 , 3.0 L EZ30, DOHC Flat-6 (162kW at 6000 rpm and 289 Nm at 4400 rpm)

Transmission

4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

US EPA fuel-economy records

US EPA test figures (US MPG, US test cycle).

Sources

• Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2037586CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_Legacy_(third_generation)CC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1375299321 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Subaru_Legacy_Limited_sedan_--_04-14-2010.jpgPublic domain · Photo: IFCAR · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.

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