Subaru Legacy (third generation)

Subaru launched the third generation Japanese and world-market Legacy in June 1998, while the North American model was introduced in May 1999 for the 2000 model year. In all markets except for the United States, production lasted through 2002, with a limited production Blitzen model sold mid-cycle under the 2003 model year in Japan. Production in the United States lasted through 2004.

At its introduction in 1999, it won the Automotive Researchers' and Journalists' Conference Car of the Year award in Japan.

All models were equipped with standard, symmetrical all wheel drive. World-market and Japanese models ranged from a naturally aspirated or twin-turbo 2.0-liter flat-4 to naturally aspirated 3.0-liter. Even though dimensions became mid-sized, it was still rated by the EPA as a compact car.

Flat roof wagons are no longer manufactured worldwide, and instead the raised roof is used for both the Legacy and Outback wagons (Lancaster in Japan).

In late 2000, the EZ30, a newly designed 3.0 L H6 was offered in the Outback and Lancaster (Japan) models.

The Legacy was the only vehicle in this class that provided AWD as standard equipment.

The B4 model was introduced for the third generation and was a sedan-only model. The RSK meaning "Rally Sport Kompressor" featured the familiar DOHC, twin-turbo 2.0-liter engine rated 276 bhp (206 kW) (265 bhp (198 kW) for automatic with manual mode). This results in a 0–60 mph (97 km/h) time of 5.2 seconds for the manual and 5.8 seconds for the automatic. This engine was popular with Japanese buyers due to reduced tax liability based on Japanese vehicle size legislation; the car offered performance advantages over larger cars sold in Japan with bigger engines but with a smaller tax bill. The B4 moniker also applied to naturally aspirated models, such as the 2.0 L TS-R.

Australia models (called B4) were detuned to run on lower octane (98 RON) fuel and were rated 258 PS (190 kW; 254 hp) for the manual and 239 PS (176 kW; 236 hp) for the automatic models. This results in a 0–60 mph time of 5.6 seconds for the manual and 6.6 seconds for the automatic.