1995 Subaru Legacy L ? from North America

Summary:

A great car for a good price

Faults:

When I first got the car, the exhaust was falling off, the front seals leaked, and the previous owner had not cleaned the car for over 5 years (so the car smelled like wet dog for about two months).

Recently the starter has been working sporadicly. For example, sometimes when I go out to my car and try to start it, all I will here is "clik", but if I turn my key literally 40 or 50 times, the car will start fine.

General Comments:

For the most part, this has been a very reliable car. My last car had all sorts of problems, so the Subaru has been a nice change. Especially since I get abut 26 miles to the gallon.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd May, 2006

29th Jun 2011, 17:37

I picked up a 95 Brighton for 300 bucks. Changed the engine with a used one, since the 20 year old previous owner NEVER added oil in 2 years of driving. Blew the connecting rods. Kept the heads and alternator, and A/C compressor and starter. All were fine.

Put in a used engine with 121k miles, installed new brake rotors and half shafts, and the thing runs like new. Transmission is perfect, interior is still nice, and the A/C didn't even need a recharge. I just folded it out of the way when installing the new engine.

These 2.2's are indestructible, and if the rotors are changed every 100k miles, it will feel like new for years.

Can't be happier in the snow. Kept pulling big Chevy and Ford 4x4's out of ditches all winter long, and still it never got stuck.

And the tires barely have any tread left.

Simple to fix, easy to diagnose, reliable as the day is long.

I've had more luxurious cars, but none better in all round driving. Peace of mind is all I want the older I get. And the Legacy 2.2 fits the bill.

1995 Subaru Legacy L AWD wagon 2.2 H4 from North America

Summary:

Extremely fun and versatile!

Faults:

So far the only thing that has really gone wrong is the engine block coolant temp sensor. $30 to replace, so no big deal, but it does throw a CEL, which can be scary!

I have also noticed some weird wear on the brake pads, both front and rear. for some reason, only the outer driver's side pad will wear down, while the other pads will remain fine. not quite sure why this is happening, but since replacing pads is neither horrendously expensive (again, $30), or time consuming (30 minutes tops), it's not a big deal.

General Comments:

Acceleration is pretty good, the 140 lb/ft of torque is definitely noticeable! Be aware that the automatics do operate mostly as FWD unless slippage is detected in the rear, causing the various differentials to shift power around. Manuals operate as 50/50 front/rear split, and see about the same mpg as the autos as a result.

The handling is pretty good for a car this size, though it could be better. both this and the acceleration can easily be fixed through after market modification, if so desired (these cars respond very well to basic intake, header, and exhaust upgrades!).

The windows do rattle quite a bit when rolled part way down, but only at highway speeds. Be aware that Subarus use frame less windows, which is quite a shock for many people.

Lastly, be careful with the dash. I tore a nice chunk out of it while trying to remove the gauge cluster (replacing the bulbs can be a pain!), and noticed how fragile the material is.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th April, 2006

1995 Subaru Legacy LS 2.2L from North America

Summary:

Reliable AWD tank!! Built to last!!

Faults:

Almost nothing... except the CD player has stopped working.

Small crack in the windshield.

General Comments:

Most reliable car I have ever owned. I bought it in May 2002 as a temporary vehicle and fell in love with it. It was pretty cheap with 170k miles on it, but I trusted Subaru. Now it has over 205k miles and still runs strong. Not one problem ever. Incredible.

The AWD is GREAT in the snow too!! You can go anywhere!!

I liked this car so much, I bought one for my sister when she went to college. She also loves her Subaru and will never buy any other car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd January, 2006

22nd Jan 2006, 15:27

Ha! a tank? Those cars are so light that the AWD Doesn't even work. Seriously, I've seen an outback going up a hill, spinning all 4 wheels as I glide by in my front wheel drive car laughing. Those things are not tanks.

9th Aug 2007, 03:58

I agree.

My 95 Legacy L AWD Sedan will smoke any FWD car in the snow or ice.

Period.

Since I've owned RWD, FWD and AWD as well as conventional 4wd, I will say that there is no way in hell a FWD car will outdo any AWD car or AWD car (Subaru included).

FWD can, however, beat a RWD pretty handily.

Otherwise, a FWD beating any AWD or 4WD vehicle is scientifically impossible.

When you have wheels pulling AND pushing, (as in the case of AWD and 4WD) you have much greater traction.

FWD Pulls (weight of engine and transmission centered over front wheels boosting traction) and beats RWD drive as RWD only has a small amount of weight over the rear wheels.

So, saying you blew by a Subaru with FWD in the winter made me blow my drink through my nose as I laughed so hard.

I couldn't believe my eyes when I read someone saying a Subaru AWD was bested by a FWD.

Sorry man, isn't true and never will be.