The Subaru Legacy III (BE/BH) 2.0, produced between 1998 and 2001, represented a significant evolution of Subaru’s mid-size offering. Positioned as a comfortable and capable all-weather sedan, this generation of the Legacy aimed to broaden its appeal beyond the niche market traditionally associated with Subaru’s all-wheel-drive systems. The 2.0-liter, 125 horsepower variant with an automatic transmission was a key model within the BE/BH lineup, intended to provide a balance of affordability, ease of use, and Subaru’s renowned symmetrical all-wheel drive. It served as a stepping stone into the Legacy range, offering a more accessible entry point compared to the more powerful 2.5-liter options.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Subaru |
| Model | Legacy |
| Generation | Legacy III (BE,BH) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 (125 Hp) AWD Automatic |
| Start of production | 1998 |
| End of production | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.3 l/100 km (19.1 US mpg, 23 UK mpg, 8.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg, 15.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.6 l/100 km (27.4 US mpg, 32.8 UK mpg, 11.6 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 206 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 188 km/h (116.82 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.3 kg/Hp, 88.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.7 kg/Nm, 130 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 125 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 62.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 184 Nm @ 3600 rpm (135.71 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | EJ20 |
| Engine displacement | 1994 cm3 (121.68 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Boxer |
| Cylinder Bore | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.9 l (7.29 US qt | 6.07 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1415 kg (3119.54 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1870 kg (4122.64 lbs.) |
| Max load | 455 kg (1003.1 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 455 l (16.07 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 64 l (16.91 US gal | 14.08 UK gal) |
| Length | 4605 mm (181.3 in.) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.73 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) | 160-155 mm (6.3 – 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 | 4 gears, automatic 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 | 185/70 R14; 195/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 14; 6.0J x 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Legacy III 2.0 was the EJ20 engine, a 1994cc naturally aspirated, horizontally-opposed (boxer) four-cylinder. This engine design, a Subaru hallmark, offered inherent balance and a lower center of gravity, contributing to the car’s handling characteristics. The EJ20 in this application featured multi-port fuel injection and a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain. While not a high-performance engine, it was known for its relative smoothness and durability. The automatic transmission was a four-speed unit, designed to provide comfortable and convenient shifting. It wasn’t particularly sophisticated by modern standards, but it was well-suited to the engine’s torque curve and the intended use case of this trim level.
Driving Characteristics
The 125 horsepower and 184 Nm (135.71 lb-ft) of torque delivered by the 2.0-liter engine and automatic transmission resulted in a driving experience focused on comfort and usability rather than outright speed. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 11.2 seconds, and top speed was limited to 116.82 mph. The automatic transmission, while smooth, did contribute to some power loss compared to the available five-speed manual. Gear ratios were optimized for fuel efficiency and relaxed cruising, meaning the engine often felt strained during aggressive acceleration. However, Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system provided excellent traction in various weather conditions, making this variant a practical choice for drivers in regions with inclement weather.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.0-liter automatic Legacy typically came with a reasonable level of standard equipment. This included power windows, power locks, air conditioning, and an AM/FM stereo. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a straightforward layout. Optional extras could include a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and alloy wheels. The trim level generally sat in the middle of the Legacy range, offering more features than the base models but lacking the luxury appointments of the higher-spec 2.5-liter variants.
Chassis & Braking
The Legacy III utilized an independent McPherson strut suspension in the front and an independent multi-link suspension in the rear. This setup provided a comfortable ride and decent handling. The 2.0-liter models typically featured ventilated disc brakes in the front and solid disc brakes in the rear. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety. The suspension was tuned for a balance between comfort and control, prioritizing ride quality over sporty handling. Stabilizer bars were present at both ends to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Legacy III 2.0 Automatic was generally well-received as a practical and reliable family sedan. Critics praised its all-wheel-drive system and comfortable ride, but noted that the engine lacked the punch of the larger 2.5-liter options. Fuel economy was average for its class, with combined figures around 27.4 US mpg. Compared to the 2.5-liter models, the 2.0-liter offered a lower purchase price and slightly better fuel efficiency, but at the cost of performance. The 2.0-liter was also a more appealing option for buyers who preferred the convenience of an automatic transmission.
Legacy
The EJ20 engine, in its various iterations, proved to be a durable and reliable powerplant. While not immune to age-related issues, the EJ20 in the Legacy III is generally considered a robust engine when properly maintained. The four-speed automatic transmission is also relatively reliable, although it may exhibit some wear and tear after many years of use. Today, the Legacy III 2.0 Automatic can be found on the used car market at affordable prices. It remains a viable option for buyers seeking a dependable and all-weather capable sedan, particularly those who prioritize practicality and affordability over performance.
