2003 Subaru Legacy L Special Edition review from North America

Head gasket blew at 42,000 miles, fixed under warranty.

Rear light assembly began leaking at 31,000, fixed under warranty.

OEM Bridgestone tires were terrible, now running Goodyear Tripletread and the tires are great. Handles very good.

If want to drive auto sporty, then you have to manually change gears. Doing this will allow thr best handling, taking advantage of AWD in cornering.

The ride is very firm and not suitable for long interstate driving. The seat is hard and doesn't adjust, which also is not suitable for long distance driving.

MPG is around 22, best was 25.

The car is quiet compared for older Subaru's.

Speakers were a cheap paper cone type. I upgraded the speakers, which was simple plug and play, and the stereo is great. Added a Subaru subwoofer and tweeter kit, very very easy to do.

AWD not as 'instant' in engaging on automatic models as the previous Legacy. Front wheels will spin about one revolution before AWD engages with a 'thump'.

Very disappointed in the head gasket blowing so early in life; 42k miles.

Car is OK, but, for $21k in 2003, can't complain. However Suzuki now has AWD for less, so, Subaru better watch out. ;)