The Subaru Legacy III (BE/BH series), particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2001, represented a significant evolution for Subaru’s mid-size offering. Produced from 2001 to 2003, the 2.5-liter, 156 horsepower, all-wheel-drive automatic variant occupied a sweet spot in the lineup, balancing performance, practicality, and comfort. This model year saw refinements to the exterior styling, interior appointments, and safety features, solidifying the Legacy’s reputation as a capable and reliable family sedan. It was primarily marketed in North America, Europe, and Australia, appealing to buyers seeking a safe, dependable, and all-weather capable vehicle.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Subaru |
| Model | Legacy |
| Generation | Legacy III (BE,BH, facelift 2001) |
| Type | 2.5 (156 Hp) AWD Automatic |
| 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 | 6.7 l / 7.08 US qt | 5.9 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 | 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 | 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 cast iron block and aluminum cylinder heads, a configuration common for durability and weight reduction. Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-port fuel injection system, providing adequate atomization for efficient combustion. The engine utilized a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, operating 16 valves (four per cylinder) to optimize airflow and enhance performance. Paired with this engine was a four-speed automatic transmission. While not as sophisticated as some contemporary transmissions, it was known for its reliability and smooth operation. The transmission was specifically tuned to work with the engine’s torque curve and the all-wheel-drive system.
Driving Characteristics
The 156 hp and 164 lb-ft of torque delivered by the EJ25 engine, when coupled with the four-speed automatic and Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, resulted in a competent and predictable driving experience. Acceleration was adequate for everyday driving, though not particularly sporty. The automatic transmission, while smooth, lacked the responsiveness of a manual gearbox, and the limited number of gears meant the engine could sometimes feel strained during aggressive acceleration. However, 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. The power delivery was linear, making it easy to modulate the throttle and maintain control. Compared to the turbocharged variants of the Legacy, this 2.5L automatic offered a more relaxed and fuel-efficient driving experience, sacrificing outright performance for practicality.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.5-liter automatic Legacy typically came with a respectable level of standard equipment. This included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a CD player, and basic cloth upholstery. Higher trim levels, often denoted by “L” or “Limited” designations, added features such as a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, leather upholstery, and alloy wheels. Optional extras could include a navigation system (a relatively new feature at the time), heated seats, and side airbags. The interior design was functional and straightforward, prioritizing usability over outright luxury. The dashboard layout was clean and intuitive, with easy-to-read gauges and 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 setup provided a comfortable ride quality while maintaining reasonable handling characteristics. The suspension was tuned to prioritize comfort over sporty handling, resulting in a relatively soft and forgiving ride. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs in the front and solid discs in the rear. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety by preventing wheel lockup during hard braking. The steering was rack-and-pinion with hydraulic power assistance, providing a responsive and predictable steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2.5-liter automatic Legacy was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and reliable family sedan. It wasn’t the most exciting car in its class, but it offered a compelling combination of features, safety, and all-weather capability. Compared to the more powerful turbocharged Legacy models, the 2.5L automatic offered better fuel economy and lower maintenance costs. However, it lacked the performance and driving engagement of its turbocharged siblings. Against competitors like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, the Legacy stood out with its standard all-wheel drive, a feature not commonly found in that segment. Fuel economy was respectable for the time, averaging around 22-26 mpg combined.
Legacy
The EJ25 engine, in its various iterations, proved to be a remarkably durable and reliable powerplant. While head gasket issues were a known concern in some earlier EJ25 engines, the later versions, including those found in the 2001-2003 Legacy, were generally more robust. The four-speed automatic transmission also proved to be relatively reliable, with proper maintenance. Today, these Legacies are often found with relatively high mileage, a testament to their inherent durability. In the used car market, they represent a relatively affordable and dependable option for buyers seeking a safe and practical all-wheel-drive sedan. Parts availability remains good, and the relatively simple mechanical design makes them relatively easy to maintain for DIY mechanics.
