Subaru Legacy III Station Wagon (BE,BH) 2.0 (125 Hp) AWD Automatic


Overall Rating

7.7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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 Station Wagon (BE,BH) Overview:

Subaru Legacy (III Station Wagon (BE,BH)). With 184 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1450 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.2 s). The top speed reaches 180 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

2.0 (125 Hp) AWD Automatic Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

The slowest option, offering very modest acceleration, best suited for relaxed driving rather than spirited performance.

Fuel Economy

Surprisingly, this combination achieves the best listed fuel economy, likely due to the automatic's gearing and the engine's lower power.

Best Use Case: Urban commuting and drivers prioritizing fuel efficiency and automatic convenience over performance.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for superior traction
  • • Spacious and versatile station wagon body with large cargo capacity
  • • Reliable Boxer engines (EJ25, EJ20) known for durability
  • • Comfortable ride with independent suspension
  • • Good visibility and practical interior

Cons:

  • • Fuel economy can be high, especially with automatic transmissions and larger engines
  • • Performance of 2.0L engines can feel underpowered, particularly with automatic
  • • Interior design and materials might feel dated compared to some rivals
  • • Potential for head gasket issues on some EJ25 engines (common for the era)
  • • Limited availability of parts for older models in some regions

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (BD,BG): 1997 - 1999).

General:
Brand:Subaru
Model:Legacy
Generation:III Station Wagon (BE,BH)
Modification (Engine):2.0 (125 Hp) AWD Automatic
Start of production:1998
End of production:2001
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:125 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:62.7 Hp/l [85mm more]
Torque:184 Nm @ 3600 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:EJ20 More details about the engine EJ20
Engine displacement:1994
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:OHC
Engine oil capacity:4 l
Coolant:6.9 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:92 mm mm
Piston Stroke:75 mm mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:12.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8.9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:12.2 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:12.2 sec
Maximum speed:180 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:11.6 kg/Hp, 86.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.9 kg/Nm, 126.9 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:11.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1450
Max. weight:1895
Max load:445
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1646 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:528 l
Fuel tank capacity:64 l
Size:
Length:4680 mm mm [85mm more]
Width:1700 mm mm [5mm more]
Height:1515 mm mm [110mm more]
Wheelbase:2650 mm mm [20mm more]
Front track:1460 mm
Rear (Back) track:1455 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):165-155 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.5 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size185/70 R14; 195/60 R15
Wheel rims size5.5J x 14; 6.0J x 15
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension

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