![]() | This article may be too technical for most readers to understand.(March 2020) |
BE-BH-BT series Legacy | |
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Subaru (Fuji Heavy Industries) |
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 |
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.