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Subaru Legacy III (BE,BH, facelift 2001) 2.5 (156 Hp) AWD
Overall Rating
Subaru Legacy:
The Subaru Legacy is a mid-size car built by Japanese automobile manufacturer Subaru from 1989 to 2025. The maker's flagship car, it is unique in its class for offering all-wheel drive as a standard feature, and Subaru's traditional boxer engine.
In 1996, a variant of the Legacy with heightened suspension called the Legacy Outback was introduced to compete in the burgeoning sport-utility vehicle class, and proved to be a sales success for Subaru. The Outback line was split into its own model in 2008, known as the Subaru Outback....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III (BE,BH, facelift 2001) Overview:
Subaru Legacy (III (BE,BH, facelift 2001)). With 223 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
2.5 (156 Hp) AWD Verdict:
Performance Verdict
With the manual transmission, this 2.5L engine offers a more engaging driving experience and better utilization of its 156 hp, making it feel more responsive than its automatic counterpart.
Fuel Economy
Slightly better fuel efficiency compared to the automatic version, but still within the expected range for an AWD vehicle of this size.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for superior traction
- • Reliable boxer engines (especially if well-maintained)
- • Comfortable ride quality for long journeys
- • Practical sedan body style with good trunk space
- • Distinctive Subaru driving feel and character
Cons:
- • Fuel economy can be average, particularly with larger engines and automatic transmissions
- • Some interior plastics feel dated compared to rivals
- • Limited engine options for high-performance enthusiasts (excluding the 3.0 H6)
- • Potential for head gasket issues on some EJ25 engines if not properly maintained
- • Rear legroom can be tight for taller passengers
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III Station Wagon (BE,BH): 1998 - 2001).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Subaru |
| Model: | Legacy |
| Generation: | III (BE,BH, facelift 2001) |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.5 (156 Hp) AWD |
| Start of production: | 2001 |
| End of production: | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 156 Hp @ 5600 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 63.5 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 223 Nm @ 3600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | EJ25 [Same engine] More details about the engine EJ25 |
| Engine displacement: | 2457 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Boxer |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.5 l |
| Coolant: | 6.8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 99.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 79 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Max. weight: | 1910 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 465 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 64 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4685 mm mm [5mm more] |
| Width: | 1745 mm mm [50mm more] |
| Height: | 1415 mm mm [100mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2650 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1460 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1460 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 155 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.4 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/50 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Subaru Legacy rank in your book?