The Subaru Legacy II, internally designated the BD and BG series, represented a significant evolution for Subaru’s mid-size offering. Produced between 1996 and 1999, this generation built upon the success of the original Legacy, offering increased refinement, improved safety features, and a wider range of engine and transmission options. The 2.5-liter, 150 horsepower, all-wheel drive automatic variant occupied a sweet spot in the lineup, providing a balance of performance, comfort, and practicality for American buyers. It was positioned as a step up from the base 2.2-liter models, offering more power and a smoother driving experience, while remaining more accessible than the more expensive turbocharged options.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Subaru |
| Model | Legacy |
| Generation | Legacy II (BD,BG) |
| Type | 2.5 (150 Hp) AWD Automatic |
| Start of production | 1996 |
| End of production | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.9 l/100 km (16.9 US mpg, 20.3 UK mpg, 7.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.1 l/100 km (29 US mpg, 34.9 UK mpg, 12.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg, 27.7 UK mpg, 9.8 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 205 km/h (127.38 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.8 kg/Hp, 114.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6 kg/Nm, 168.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 61.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 221 Nm @ 4000 rpm (163 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | EJ25 |
| Engine displacement | 2457 cm3 (149.94 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Boxer |
| Cylinder Bore | 99.5 mm (3.92 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1315 kg (2899.08 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1875 kg (4133.67 lbs.) |
| Max load | 560 kg (1234.59 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 451 l (15.93 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4595 mm (180.91 in.) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Height | 1405 mm (55.31 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2630 mm (103.54 in.) |
| Front track | 1460 mm (57.48 in.) |
| Rear track | 1455 mm (57.28 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 160 mm (6.3 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Several levers and rods |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 195/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Legacy variant was the EJ25 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine. Subaru’s horizontally opposed “boxer” configuration, where pistons move horizontally rather than vertically, provides inherent balance, reducing vibrations and contributing to a smoother driving experience. The EJ25 featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design with four valves per cylinder, and utilized multi-port fuel injection. This engine produced 150 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 221 Nm (163 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine’s longitudinal mounting and the standard all-wheel drive system contributed to the Legacy’s balanced handling characteristics. The four-speed automatic transmission was designed to provide smooth shifts and adequate acceleration, though it wasn’t as responsive as the available five-speed manual. The transmission was electronically controlled, adapting shift points based on throttle input and driving conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.5-liter automatic Legacy offered a comfortable and capable driving experience. Acceleration was adequate for everyday driving, with a 0-60 mph time of around 9.2 seconds. While not a sports car, the all-wheel drive system provided excellent traction in various weather conditions, making it a practical choice for regions with inclement weather. The automatic transmission, while smooth, did result in some power loss compared to the manual transmission versions. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency and comfortable cruising, rather than outright performance. The boxer engine’s low center of gravity contributed to stable handling, and the steering was responsive, though not overly sporty.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.5-liter automatic Legacy typically came standard with features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, and an AM/FM stereo. Higher trim levels, often denoted by “L” or “Limited” designations, added features like a sunroof, upgraded upholstery (often cloth or leather), and a premium sound system. Optional extras included alloy wheels, cruise control, and a CD player. Interior appointments were generally functional and durable, prioritizing practicality over luxury. The dashboard layout was straightforward and easy to use, with clearly marked controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Legacy II utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride and good handling. The chassis was designed to be rigid, enhancing stability and responsiveness. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs on the front wheels and solid discs on the rear. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were standard, enhancing safety by preventing wheel lockup during hard braking. The suspension was tuned to provide a balance between comfort and handling, making it suitable for both city driving and highway cruising.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2.5-liter automatic Legacy was generally well-received by critics and consumers alike. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and standard all-wheel drive. Fuel economy, however, was a common criticism, with the combined fuel consumption of 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg) being somewhat higher than some competitors. Compared to the 2.2-liter models, the 2.5-liter offered a noticeable improvement in performance. Compared to the turbocharged variants, it provided a more affordable and less complex ownership experience, albeit with less power.
Legacy
The EJ25 engine, in its various iterations, proved to be a relatively reliable powerplant. However, like all engines, it was not without its potential issues. Common concerns included head gasket failures, particularly in earlier models, and oil consumption as the engine aged. The four-speed automatic transmission, while generally durable, could experience issues with solenoid failure or valve body wear over time. Today, the Legacy II 2.5-liter automatic remains a relatively affordable and practical used car option. Its all-wheel drive system and comfortable ride continue to appeal to buyers seeking a reliable and capable mid-size sedan. Parts availability is generally good, and maintenance costs are reasonable, making it a viable choice for those seeking a classic Subaru experience.
