Why Subaru has the longest-lasting midsize sedan on the road

With the 2015 Subaru Legacy sedan about to make its dealer launch here in the U.S, we can go back to its roots and learn what makes it a good car for sedan buyers. Subaru has been long criticized for their cheaper interiors and boxy styling, but they have been known to last longer than many brands.

Based on findings from Polk, who is an automotive data information gathering organization, they have found that 96 percent of Subaru Legacy sedans are still on the road today. In fact they say that 96 percent of all Subaru cars built in the last 12 years are still on the road today. These figures are based on Polk U.S. vehicles in operation registration information for MY2001-MY2013 as of January 2013.

Now I would question how many WRX and WRX STI’s are still on the road because of their extreme use and how many used parts are for sale on the internet. But one thing you notice about Subaru owners, is how long they hold on to their cars. Many consider them a member of the family and wouldn’t dare get rid of them. These devoted owners hold on to the cars and pass them on to family members.

The first-generation Legacy was released in Japan in 1989 and the 2015 Legacy sedan has its roots in Rally racing. In 1989 the new Legacy established a new 100,000 km world speed record with an average speed of of 223.345 km/h. In 1993, Legacy participated in the World Rally Championship and finished in first place at the New Zealand Rally. We think of the WRX STI having Rally roots, but the Legacy was the original Subaru Rally car.

In 1993 Subaru set another world speed record for station wagons with an average speed of 249.981 km/h over 1 km with the Legacy wagon at the U.S. Salt Lake Challenge. In 1998 The Legacy wagon set another new world speed record with an average speed of 270.532 km/h over 1 km.

Consumer Reports also did a study and found that the Subaru Legacy made the list of cars most likely to go over the 200,000 mile mark. They compiled the list from listings for 30 million vehicles advertised for sale during the year and looked at model years 1981-2010. Legacy was at the top of the list. The Outback wagon was another Subaru vehicle that made the list.

Subaru has a long list of customer testimonials and here is one from Marvin W from Belding, MI. “I bought this Legacy with 110,000 miles on it. I only changed the oil, tires, exhaust, and brakes. Never had problems with it and I’m still driving it. My co-workers always asked me, “How many miles now?” When I got close to 300,000 miles, they were curious if I would make it. So, I made this special photo and sent it to them. Well now I have 302,000 miles, and it’s still going strong. Just got new tires today, so I guess I’m keeping it a bit longer.”

The all-new 2015 Subaru Legacy has good roots in Rally racing and a long history of sedans and wagons that have served their owners well. It’s a good reason why Subaru has the longest-lasting midsize sedan on the road today.

Other 2015 Subaru Legacy stories of interest.
Why these two Subarus are the most likely to go 200,000 miles

Watch Subaru “25 Years of Legacy” video.