Subaru Legacy (third generation)

This article may be too technical for most readers to understand. Please help improve it to make it understandable to non-experts, without removing the technical details. (March 2020) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Legacy BE-BH-BT series
Overview
Manufacturer	Subaru (Fuji Heavy Industries)
Model code	BE/BH/BT
Also called	Subaru Liberty (Australia)
Production	1998–2004
Model years	1999–2004
Assembly	Ōta, Gunma, Japan Lafayette, Indiana, USA (SIA)
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size
Body style	"B" pillar Hardtop and Wagon
Layout	Front engine, four-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L SOHC EJ20E, 125 hp (93 kW) H4 2.0 L EJ201, SOHC 135 hp (101 kW) H4 2.0 L EJ204, DOHC 155 hp (116 kW) H4 2.0 L EJ206, DOHC 265 hp (198 kW) twin turbo H4 automatic 2.0 L EJ208 DOHC 276 hp (206 kW) twin turbo H4 manual 2.0 L EJ208 DOHC 289 hp (216 kW) twin turbo H4 manual 2.5 L EJ251, SOHC 153 hp (114 kW) H4 2.5 L EJ251, EJ252, SOHC 165 hp (123 kW) H4 2.5 L EJ254, DOHC 165 hp (123 kW) H4 2.5 L EJ254, DOHC 170 hp (130 kW) H4 3.0 L EZ30, DOHC Flat-6 (162kW at 6000 rpm and 289 N⋅m (213 ft⋅lbf) at 4400 rpm)[1]
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual 6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,650 mm (104.3 in)
Length	4,760 mm (187.4 in) (wagon) 4,680 mm (184.4 in) (sedan)
Width	1,740 mm (68.7 in) (Int'l) 1,694 mm (66.7 in) (Japan)
Height	1,410 mm (55.7 in) (sedan) 1,510 mm (59.6 in) (wagon) 1,440 mm (56.5 in) (Brighton wagon)
Curb weight	1,500 kg (3,300 lb) max
Chronology
Predecessor	Subaru Legacy (second generation)
Successor	Subaru Legacy (fourth 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 is the only vehicle in this class that provides AWD as standard equipment.