The Subaru Legacy III (BE/BH series), particularly the facelifted models produced from 2001 to 2003, represented a significant evolution for Subaru’s mid-size offering. Positioned as a practical and reliable family sedan, the 2.5-liter, 156 horsepower, all-wheel-drive variant occupied a sweet spot in the lineup, offering a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. This model year saw Subaru refine the third-generation Legacy, addressing some criticisms of earlier versions and solidifying its reputation for safety and durability. The BE/BH series was a crucial model for Subaru in the North American market, helping to establish the brand’s identity as a provider of capable, all-weather vehicles.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Subaru |
| Model | Legacy |
| Generation | Legacy III (BE,BH, facelift 2001) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5 (156 Hp) AWD |
| Start of production | 2001 |
| End of production | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 156 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 63.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 223 Nm @ 3600 rpm / 164.48 lb.-ft. @ 3600 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 | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l / 4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt |
| Coolant | 6.8 l / 7.19 US qt | 5.98 UK qt |
| Max. weight | 1910 kg / 4210.83 lbs |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 465 l / 16.42 cu. ft |
| Fuel tank capacity | 64 l / 16.91 US gal | 14.08 UK gal |
| Length | 4685 mm / 184.45 in |
| Width | 1745 mm / 68.7 in |
| Height | 1415 mm / 55.71 in |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm / 104.33 in |
| Front track | 1460 mm / 57.48 in |
| Rear (Back) track | 1460 mm / 57.48 in |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 155 mm / 6.1 in |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.4 m / 37.4 ft |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/50 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Legacy variant is 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 for each cylinder bank, operating four valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-port fuel injection system, providing precise fuel metering for optimal combustion. The engine produced 156 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 223 Nm (164.48 lb-ft) of torque at 3600 rpm. This power was delivered to all four wheels via a standard five-speed manual transmission. The engine’s longitudinal mounting allowed for a more balanced weight distribution, enhancing handling characteristics.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.5-liter engine, paired with the five-speed manual transmission, offered a respectable level of performance for its time. Acceleration was adequate for everyday driving, with the engine providing a usable amount of torque throughout the rev range. While not a sports car, the Legacy 2.5 offered a more engaging driving experience than some of its competitors. The all-wheel-drive system provided excellent traction in various weather conditions, making it a particularly appealing choice for drivers in regions with snow or rain. Compared to the turbocharged models, the 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine offered a more linear power delivery, lacking the sudden surge of boost but providing a predictable and controllable driving experience. The manual transmission allowed for greater driver involvement and control compared to the optional automatic transmission.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2001-2003 Subaru Legacy 2.5 AWD typically came standard with features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, and an AM/FM stereo. Higher trim levels, such as the Limited, added features like leather upholstery, a sunroof, and upgraded audio systems. Safety features included anti-lock brakes (ABS) and dual front airbags. Optional extras included alloy wheels, a CD player, and a premium sound system. The interior design was functional and straightforward, prioritizing practicality and comfort over luxury. The dashboard layout was clean and easy to use, with well-placed controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Legacy III utilized an independent McPherson strut suspension in the front and an independent multi-link suspension in the rear. This suspension setup provided a comfortable ride while maintaining good handling characteristics. The car featured ventilated disc brakes in the front and solid disc brakes in the rear, providing adequate stopping power for its weight class. The steering was rack-and-pinion with hydraulic power assist, offering precise and responsive steering feel. The all-wheel-drive system employed a symmetrical design, distributing power evenly to all four wheels for optimal traction.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Subaru Legacy III 2.5 AWD was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its reliability, safety, and all-weather capability. However, some critics noted that the engine lacked the refinement and power of some of its competitors. Compared to the turbocharged Legacy models, the 2.5-liter variant offered better fuel economy and lower maintenance costs. It also appealed to a broader range of buyers who prioritized practicality and reliability over outright performance. Against competitors like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, the Legacy offered the advantage of standard all-wheel drive, making it a compelling choice for drivers in colder climates.
Legacy
The EJ25 engine, in its various iterations, proved to be a remarkably durable and reliable powerplant. The 2001-2003 Legacy 2.5 AWD models have maintained a good reputation for longevity, and well-maintained examples are still relatively common on the used car market today. While not without its potential issues (such as head gasket concerns common to many Subaru engines of this era), the EJ25 is generally considered a robust and dependable engine. The Legacy III, particularly the facelifted models, remains a popular choice for those seeking a practical, reliable, and affordable all-wheel-drive sedan. Its enduring appeal is a testament to Subaru’s commitment to building durable and capable vehicles.
