SUBARU Legacy Wagon 1998-2002 Photos, engines & full specs

Subaru tried to build a car that could compete against mid-sized station-wagons on the market with an all-wheel-drive vehicle that could do more than just taking kids to school and back.

While the Japanese carmaker was known for building trustworthy pickups for small farmers and rally-cars, another vehicle deserved more attention: the Legacy. It was available as a sedan and station wagon, as well as a more rugged version named Outback. The 1998 Legacy Wagon was part of the third generation of the Legacy lineup. It was a significant but less noticed evolution.

The carmaker understood that it couldn't go on with the same design and changed it for the better. Its bigger headlights and expressive grille were no longer subtle like it was a shame to be a Subaru. It looked bold and trustworthy. Its long roofline with a raked-forward tailgate completed a vehicle's image right for the family, not too aggressive and not too shy to go on long trips. One specific detail about the Subaru was the frameless window design, which was kept and it was unique on the market.

Inside, the Japanese carmaker offered premium-segment details such as automatic climate control, leather seats, and plenty of room for five. A generous sunroof was on the options list and lightened the cabin. The carmaker included a 6-CD changer as standard on the upper trim levels to make things even better.

Subaru installed a boxer engine under the hood mated to either a 5-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. A flat-six engine with a 3.0-liter displacement was available on selected markets only, and so was with the turbocharged 2.0-liter version.