Richard Hammond and The 1999 Subaru Legacy

Join Richard Hammond as he reviews the 1999 Subaru Legacy, to find out how it fairs against it's competitors in the estate market.
[This clip is from 4 Wheels Good: Season 5, Ep. 19, originally aired 25/02/1999. The full episode can be watched here: • 4 Wheels Good: Season ... ]
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[@xritaly]

I've got two things that I trust in, my old dog and my old Subaru.

[@sehan622]

I own three items I trust: A swiss army knife, a G-shock and an Outback:D

[@xritaly]

2020 and still counting :D

[@leszekwieciech4075]

So just like me. I have Legacy III from the first supply to EU (produced in Dec 1998). And my dog...

[@maybenot6075]

Same boat or should I say tank, old foresters still going although the doggos still young

[@smallrock2328]

Hi man. With love from Russia

[@TheReapersSon]

Funny how that interior still stands up to the designs of today.

[@Aashishkebab]

Not the cup holder though

[@railfanatic1416]

@@Aashishkebab the cup holder is like the best thing about it

[@Kacpa2]

Especially since its still channel beauty of 90s japanese interiors

[@GreatGrandmasterWang]

It’s the seats. They look modern as hell man

[@lukehindle4680]

"a degree of offroad ability" nah hammond if you see where my subie goes youll change your mind about that. actually even the africa special changed his mind

[@carloS-jy1fl]

Yeep haha, i take my Outback literally up 80 meter Dunes no Problem haha, love Subies

[@gorrestfump1237]

This Video is so unironically 90s, I love it.

[@orckiller91]

I had a 1999 Subaru legacy outback (This model) the anniversary edition. And I just bought my second Subaru a 2014 impreza sport. After going with a honda for 4 years. I doubt I'll stray from Subaru again. I missed how safe I felt, as well as the "I'll get you home in that blizzard" Feeling I always had in mine.

[@jodiedavies4882]

i've had 7 now! and have 2 at the moment! cant beat them!

[@iee4g6]

My new car will probably be another Legacy

[@evanlandry7320]

More like f*ck around in a blizzard 😈

[@boboutelama5748]

Subaru is, in 2014, the last true japanese brand on the market. Toyota build in England, Mitsubishi in Thailand, Daihatsu left the market, Suzuki are building together with Opel and Nissan are more and more Renault. Subaru stayed Subaru. With exception of the gearboxes, the cars are very reliable things. Servicing is a little bit more expensive, but it's worth it.

[@WasstschoBasstscho]

I think you forgot Mazda. Love Subarus though...

[@boboutelama5748]

I'm not sure for Mazda. I believe they have assembly lines in Tcheck Republic, but I'm not sure anymore.

[@k6martini]

Subaru has production in Indiana, and were GM owned for a long time...

[@Man-ex8vx]

Some Subaru Legacy/Outbacks are made in USA

[@luisfernandoquesadaramirez5658]

Subaru legacy is built in the US

[@FlowtnWitWalden]

That canned 80's synth music at 3:36 sound's like Van Halen's "Jump!"

[@jdo1014]

Once you've bought a Subaru, chances are your next car will be another Subaru. They may not be trendy, but they have a loyal following for a reason.

[@joeyrillo]

All around car. Loved it!

[@globalcitizen8321]

There is no question that Subarus are high quality vehicules. The only thing that has always refrained me to purchase a used one was the engine design. Given that it is a boxer type, it bothers me that the oil could accumulate on the lower part and then pour to the ground due to gravity. And that this, besides bedraggling the floor, could potentially damage the engine or perhaps shortening its life span.

[@sugarnads]

@@globalcitizen8321 youre an idiot

[@sugarnads]

Had a liberty Shat headgaskets. Theyre unreliable shitboxes

[@_wallnutz_]

Head gaskets got done with 320000kms on the clock and now it's still going strong.

[@Ford_TImelord]

Warning: Many Van Halen songs were injured in the making of this clip

[@Charsept]

I wish they still looked like this

[@mikeuchiha5972]

Charsept same mate

[@costcocombopizza8229]

The two tone paint made it stand out of the crowd, which was unique.

[@trolli12345]

samee

[@mj1234321]

Same here! This 3rd gen was nice, the 4th gen even better. All downhill from there, unfortunately.

[@victorblock3421]

My still does. I purchased a pristine 2002.

[@Mystic_Christopher]

I have an 01 blue legacy, got it for 1800.00 bucks here in the U.S. earlier this year. I drive in a lot of off road places, and it still impresses me how this car can climb, and especially get through big mud pits with ease.

[@xUSMCx4xLIFEx]

I got an 06 Legacy 2.5i back in April and I like it so far. I can't wait to drive it in the snow

[@NotBen101]

I hear that he lives in the back of a subaru now.

[@TimLucasdesign]

No, he's one of the Hosts of The Grand Tour and has more money than he knows what to do with. He has a collection of super-cars and a helicopter.

[@immDroidz]

He's probably referring to the "Africa Special" in the Top Gear series, where Hammond literally lives in the back of a Subaru..

[@sk0kiE]

@@TimLucasdesign talk about taking a joke extremely literally

[@thetetons744]

All we know is, hes called the stig

[@chadweissert5853]

Not sure, but that’s where me and my dog are now and loving it. 1997

[@kernowmcrae]

Hammond got a text at 06:40

[@Prodriver33]

i have had many MANY subarus now and love them!

[@ivan9066]

Im looking at a gen 3 legacy 2.5,what can you tell me about ? What should i look for ? And how thirsty is is ?

[@Prodriver33]

well in america they have the SOHC in that gen, (not sure about the rest of the world thats why I say that) the SOHC 2.5l known as the EJ251 is where the whole subaru head gasket issue thing comes from, people always reference that as the first reliability issue typically found on subarus however they most likely have been changed already and usually people go for the triple layer metal head gaskets which solve the problem completely, the previous subaru 2.5l was a DOHC motor, the EJ25D, and was a bit more reliable than the SOHC motor imo, and a bit more effervescent as well. however the gen 3 had a better interior with a little more room and an overall higher quality feel, the older the subaru the more agricultural it feels and is. as for MPG subarus aren't the best example of frugality in a 4 cylinder lol. I get 30mpg on the HWY if i'm 100% cruise control at 55-60mph but that never happens ;), average for me anyway is around 22 mpg but the tradeoff in torque (the power you really need and want) and AWD is terrific if you need it. the gen 3 has LSD (limited slip differentials) as opposed to the previous subaru legacy having open diffs which can get embarrassing in slipperier conditions so it's a great choice imo. if you are in the north like me check the rear fender wheel arches for rust, that's where it starts.

[@ivan9066]

Thanks for the info :) didnk't know that the 3gen had an LSD lol sweet.

[@Prodriver33]

Roger Doger yep! makes going sideways easier ;)

[@alexpaumen3937]

These things are built like tanks. My classmate has one of these and respectfully complimented her on it.

[@JasonISF]

Brilliant. I have a 2004 Outback manual and I love it!

[@nlpnt]

I miss the non-Outback Legacy wagon, they should've kept it and discontinued the sedan instead if they wanted to rationalize.

[@jimbosc]

I had a 2000 Legacy GT wagon - 5 speed, 2.5L. Fun car - and absolute winter beast. The 4WD system in the stick was super simple - just the viscous lockup when you got wheel spin which meant hanging the ass end out on snow/wet surfaces was very easy and fun. The brakes were incredible - I had an incident on sand one time and could not believe how good the 4 channel ABS worked (4 channel ABS was rare on any car at that time)

[@adityasanthanam1945]

@@jimbosc My father had a 2005 Legacy 2.5GT wagon, and it was a great car that could drive over harsh terrain without fail.

[@almantinaa]

True. So sad that Legacy wagon was replaced by Outback.

[@RazgrizNinjaEX8]

Owner of a 2004 35th Anniversary flat 6 Outback. Love the damn thing so much I'm manual swapping it and going to build it up.

[@jmg4208]

2 thing's I'm still amazed at.. Hammond great sales pitch & that gold paint job!

[@steinrunenyblethansen1794]

Subaru is top quality cars!

[@steinrunenyblethansen1794]

Subaru ARE top quality cars! My spelling is failing me...

[@angelumanzor3083]

@@steinrunenyblethansen1794 That's not spelling, that's grammar...

[@steinrunenyblethansen1794]

@@angelumanzor3083 That's quite correct my good man. Nevermind. That was written drunk. Alone. At night. In utter darkness... Binging Subaru videos...

[@phoenixrising7047]

@@steinrunenyblethansen1794 ...and why are my eyes watering so much?? Keep running down my face....glug glug glug. I mean, why did they have to name me after a beer mug anyway? Could be a Dylan, Reece or Nathaniel (!) I suppose....or even a male Kelly. Heheh/

[@Wolfieluver15]

I love my 2000 Legacy Outback Ltd!

[@InitialB]

Can’t say I didn’t watch this multiple times before I bought mine

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

Subaru's are the best. Very reliable and great 4 wheel drive, with amazing handling.

[@roddydykes7053]

I had a 2001 GTB. It was 15 years old by the time I got it. I had no major issues with it. Engine blew for the next owner at just 150,000kms. The twin turbos were notoriously finicky, hence why they’re so cheap today (like $5k Canadian)

[@Isdale]

Those twin turbo GTBs still sell for heaps in NZ (if they have low KMs) compared to other cars from that era, even though everyone knows they're unreliable as fuck

[@65silvano]

Tenho uma 1995 2.2 16v 4x4 câmbio mecânico, sou terceiro dono e feliz!!! Ar gelando, toda elétrica, bancos em couro, enfim só me dá alegrias!!!!

[@asianwithoutasianeye]

i have a 2000 outback, its so great how much grip they have on snow and gravel. Swapping an h6 in it soon, fits right in.

[@roddydykes7053]

How did that go?

[@roboticunclephil]

@@roddydykes7053 sorry thats my no good son he talks all day but never does nothing but play WoW. he never swapped the h6 he couldnt even change his brakes

[@florianjeromin1760]

The first colour looks incredible!

[@traceysumner6190]

Two things: 1) that music is '80's extreme! 2) Japanese should NOT do wood interior. That plasticky wood-ish look is horrid. Aside from that, these cars are brilliant. Nothing comes close for the price.

[@nfsdude0125]

Yeah, the "wood" interior should've been given a miss lol.

[@shanehutchinson6350]

Check it out, homie...... there are different kinds of trees in Japan I bet that shit resembles true wood grain SOMEWHERE on this planet hahaha

[@practicaltomato5816]

Exactly. Whoever thought in their Japanese mind plastic wood is a good idea, deserves a harakiri

[@icemanroyal]

that music lol

[@YourFriend_Ben]

4:38 Richard doing the "Meanwhile" intro before Colbert rocked it :p

[@blingking501]

Always loved a Subaru, I was going to get one as a family car. Instead opted for a Mondeo 2.2 2 completely different kettle of fish I know! I just couldn't live with 20mpg and being best friends with the local petrol station.

[@Vool2go]

love the mobile phone interference @6:43

[@jackd1582]

That was my phone✓😬

[@touchmycamerathroughthefence]

That golden color is just tremendous

[@almantinaa]

Still the only two cars I like and don't plan to switch anywhere.

[@generalgonk4819]

I wish Hammond could have had a go in the Twin Turbo Legacy GT-B they had in Japan!

[@eurosonly]

Two decades later and these are still popular as they were upon release. I guess not all things have to change in this world. I wish I had one but I'm really into 6 cylinders and I'm not sure if subarus h6 is as realiable as ones from toyota or are even offered in this model.

[@spellward]

I still drive one!

[@mammothfire]

He used to be so much more eloquent and informative. I guess you have to dumb it down to appeal to the mainstream.

[@TheDatpussy]

mammothfire its just the way top gear is. It went from a pretty informative car channel to three blokes who go on roadtrips and have some fun. Its not for everyone, but i did quite enjoy it. Now i dont quite enjoy it as much since top gear has come to amazon but i still watch it. The new top gear on bbc aint half bad either.

[@MrWolfSnack]

I miss how the 90's looked

[@Mikey-nx5zo]

I just got myself a 2001 Subaru outback for my “first car” even tho I’ve been driving a v6 challenger but I still think it’s an upgrade

[@matthewcoupe393]

Great interior design

[@shiftyshamsk]

I had the import 2.0 twin turbo estate petrol and a new saloon twin turbo. Both auto tiptronic. They both never let me down at all. I had a Subaru forester import with 240hp and that never let me down. I had 2 Subaru Impreza WRX turbo imports and again. I drove in thick snow and on sheet ice. Across fields too. I mean deep mud on road tyres where others were getting stuck. I got my wife one and she loved it. Biggest regret was selling it for a Jeep patriot that went through wishbones like twice a year... If you want a reliable motor, buy a Subaru with a petrol engine. NOT diesel! The diesel engines are terribly unreliable.

[@kurtisbrabeck5270]

I love how Richard looks painfully bored compared to the way he looks on Top Gear.

[@the80386]

sensible, you mean?

[@AMDX1325]

Hamster looked so young

[@MrTheomighty1]

Thinking of buying the 2.0i gt wr on a 55 plate here in the uk 🇬🇧. Auto it is any good or should I stay away

[@Kytetiger]

03:05 Hammond using a turn signal, i think that might be a rare sighting

[@MusicManiaacify]

3:38 "Ya like Huey Lewis & The News?" ..."They're early work was a little too new wave for my taste.."

[@-Eric]

awh he is so young !

[@GEMC98]

It really is a great Car, and I prefer it over any other Legacy.

[@VladQuake]

@2:45 anyone else cringe when he leaned on the window glass?

[@ajmelamud]

Why is the 01 outback looks way different than the one in japan or euro versions? (Tailights, Bodywork, Interior)

[@mobiusflavoroni1705]

love hammond in all his american welsh glory

[@SqubaSquid]

It's crazy seeing Hammond in his early days. Anyways, I have a Stinkeye STI sedan but I've always loved Subie wagons! I'd love to have a Blobeye wrx wagon or a Fozzie XT....

[@luckii_966]

Only come here as I just bought on for my first car but it the 2.0ltr N/A

[@s_class7027]

How is it ?

[@evanlandry7337]

Just bought this car, it's like black and beige though

[@evanlandry7047]

I wish I got the gt model but I got the outback

[@ThePwnij]

So is the VDC basically an automatic DCCD ?

[@RazgrizNinjaEX8]

ThePwnij, different system. VDC works with ABS more.

[@802Garage]

Was that a real color option in the UK? It's incredible! Also incredible is how much Richard's accent has softened. He doesn't sound so rich and uptight! Hah.

[@railfanatic1416]

yeah, to my knowledge from scouring through countless records and spec sheets from different market gen 3 legacies for a mod I'm making for a game, it's called mustard mica, and it was offered in the EU and JDM markets, not sure about AU liberties tho

[@802Garage]

@@railfanatic1416 That's awesome! Subaru has made some very obscure 1-2 year color options over the years. Love it. Thanks for the info. Edit: Which gam, by the way?

[@railfanatic1416]

@@802Garage beamng, a physics simulator. I love gen 3 legacies, had a timberline green and a wintergreen L, along with a ruby red 97 rhd postal wagon and planning to get a GT, and when revision A gtbs or GTs are legal in the US, gonna import one if they haven't already been imported everywhere else lmao. Yeah, Subaru made a lot of nice colors for gen 3s, my favs probs being mustard mica and timberline green pearl (hunter green Metallic in other markets i think)

[@railfanatic1416]

@@802Garage oh, you're the guy who uploaded the ls swapped legacy l lol, that vid was pretty cool, never seen anything like that around here

[@802Garage]

@@railfanatic1416 Cool about the game. I too am a big fan of... Well Subaru in general, but love the gen 1-3 Legacy. Yep that was me! Not my car obvs, but that thing was wild. I'm actually building a V10 Impreza if you're interested. It's mostly a for fun silly build, but we'll see what it turns into. :)

[@OmarSlloum]

"You don't need something capable of crossing a war zone" *looks at toyota pickups*

[@user-lj7tr3uc5t]

Это моя машина один в один. 1999 год выпуска ,пригнали из австрии в 2006году.

[@shxkn]

I love my 1997 Subaru Legacy L SW, just wish it were a 5-speed.

[@tommanolatos4463]

Love my 97 sub wagon too!

[@JR-kl3cp]

Got a 2001 legacy gtb-etune 2. Slickest wagon RHD too haha.

[@alexgreene8931]

Subie love!

[@barron204]

In the country I live in, this model range between 98-03 had some of the worst depreciation I have seen of any mid range vehicle. The vehicles also are expensive to repair when they do need it. The latest versions are the same.

[@jackd1582]

So . move

[@phoenixrising7047]

Sounds like a waking nightmare. I would not wish this reality upon my worst enemy. In this day and age there is little excuse for not doing the work yourself - some tools, google and the right attitude. Guess in the smaller markets there is opportunity to charge a premium due to (percieved) exclusivity or maybe they need to to pay the bills and justify operations? All speculation I know. Where are you?

[@railfanatic1416]

from what i've heard, these were not that much of a hit in the EU markets, although they were everywhere else (USDM, JDM, AUDM)

[@AristotelisMitsiou]

What's that 80's music called?

[@roddydykes7053]

It's a remix of Jump by Van Halen I'd reckon

[@AristotelisMitsiou]

Roddy Dykes Thanks for that. Cheers.

[@phoenixrising7047]

"Generic public domain 80's background/elevator music Installment #2096, Movement 2 - Lower"

[@railfanatic1416]

@@phoenixrising7047 wat

[@phoenixrising7047]

@@railfanatic1416 Yes

[@petrmiskerik]

Love my SUBI 😍

[@sparspecker]

Richard Hammond is Alan Partridge.

[@phoenixrising7047]

"Dan!!!"

[@Deaththumbs]

hammond got a text at 6:42

[@xLuiKangx007]

Best Car Ever

[@silesiagameplay3439]

This legacy looks like my '99 suzuki esteem bigger brother.

[@mustsilm]

02:43 is that really safe to do?

[@MrSuperBullgod]

And after that he slammed the door shut by the window.. My heart stopped for a moment

[@maverickcuellar7737]

Old generation much better than the last two, I own a 1997 outback 2.5L manual transmission, and 2008 outback L.L. Bean 3.0L a pain in the ass, many electronic problem, especially with the transmission, turbine sensors, now spark plug coils, that is cost too much, subaru it's doesn't make better car like before, and now with those CTV transmission, no way, I'm in looking for another outback or forester but manual transmission, 2000 to 2004, after that, is only trash..., I would keep my old 1997 by the way, still going on with almost 300k, thanks...

[@vergecryptocurrency4552]

I hate how hammond says 'paaaaa" instead of POWER.

[@the-boring-car-guy]

Dave Dunne lol

[@Arturs.B]

I bought outback last week. Fantastic car. But its not a competetor for audi a6 or 5er. Subaru is more stiffer. A6 and bmw is much more softer and comfortable. But it doesnt matter while car have a cardan.

[@tyttuut]

Yay Mom's car :P

[@adriankeckeisen5475]

Subaru4ever

[@angelineguadagni6023]

me to

[@tyhyhh]

that color tho

[@the80386]

camouflage when you go in the mud

[@ajmelamud]

why does mine have to have orange taillights

[@jarrodmcmillian1747]

AJ Melamud u can swap em...ebay. I have an 03 outback im swapping parts to all jdm

[@milkyway6724]

why they pronounce it im-pretza like theres a pretzel in it

[@herrmayhem1915]

Why are the cars left hand drive? Where is he?

[@GEMC98]

Germany

[@fightingfalconfan]

I miss Top Gear...

[@thatsbensalafia]

This is not a ‘99 this is a ‘00

[@jz2981]

Now I know the music wasn't that sh*t in '99 :-D

[@shiftyshamsk]

Hammond's only legacy is MM. 👍🏻😆

[@bastiidavis3397]

Goood old german roads :D

[@evanlandry7320]

Donut machine in the snow

[@shaungilmartin1505]

farmers? it can't run on red diesel tho

[@buss1205]

2:43 AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

[@craigme2583]

Does he say they all blow head gaskets at 100 mile?. And so did the next generation. Discussing!

[@TheArcticGiantWalks]

Outbacks are Wet.

[@moonsapling]

2:08 A corner! I dont care... Another one? Still dont care...

[@michaelbarber7733]

Isn't that a 2000 model? My 1999 does not look like this. Lmao

[@FlowtnWitWalden]

Not sure about Europe; But in Japan the series is at least one year earlier. So a 1999 JDM will look like a 2000 U.S. market. When I'm looking at used JDM auctions the 2004 already looks like the next gen with the smaller rounded tail lights near the outer edges (no center strip).

[@andrewthornton7001]

It is a 1998 Legacy.

[@THEGENR4LLEE]

No. At least a 2000

[@jamielee25]

Subaru would not make a GOOD LOOKING Legacy for almost another DECADE, since this one. LOOKs Continues to be a weakness for Subaru. Such a shame for a company that makes a truly OUT-standing product. Did you know that Subaru makes their OWN CV joints (half shafts -drive-train) with EXTRA SET of knuckles? NOBODY DOES THIS!!! Nevermind the benefit of symetrical power/drive-train; their differentials are also slightly more efficient(less friction) than others. Magnificant manufacturer FUJI heavy ind.

[@Ianthecuckgary]

what about 06-09 subaru legacy some of the sexiest subabrus in my opinion i mean cmon the spec b?

[@lukehindle4680]

Gen 2 and Gen 4 are the best looking

[@mhkuang]

This car used to be rather good-looking. Man look at how ugly it has become in 2017.

[@phoenixrising7047]

May need a paper bag but I'd still smash. In fact I do. 02 B4.

[@trolli12345]

subielove

[@robinsontanner1234]

wow what a baby lol

[@slava_primorsk]

На золотой легаси пневма!

[@stevekdubsk]

Its all about the face lol