Subaru is bidding farewell to a fan-favorite model after 36 years

The Japanese automaker will be focusing on crossovers, and future EVs.

Apr 25, 2024 - 06:30

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Subaru is bidding farewell to a fan-favorite model after 36 years

Japanese automaker Subaru (FUJHF) is known for a wide variety of cars, including the Forester and Crosstrek crossovers, the sporty WRX, as well as the Outback station wagon, but one model that has been at the forefront of its history is bidding farewell.

After more than 36 years on sale, Subaru has announced that the 2025 model year will be the last for the Legacy midsize sedan.

The automaker cites a shift in customer preferences as the reason for the discontinuation; simply stating that its customers lean more towards its crossover and SUV offerings.

"Though the Legacy is the longest-running Subaru model line, its discontinuation reflects market shifts from passenger cars to SUVs and crossovers and Subaru’s transition to electrified and fully electric vehicles," Subaru said in a statement.

Born with a very fitting name in 1989, the Legacy midsize sedan was the vehicle that drove Subaru's legacy in the conscience of owners and enthusiasts. According to Subaru, it was the first model the automaker ever produced in the United States, being the inaugural model produced at the brand's Indiana production plant.

Across the span of six generations, over 1.3 million Legacy sedans have been sold in the United States, and have been lauded by critics and satisfied Subaru owners for their trusty all-wheel-drive capabilities, safety features and near-bulletproof reliability.

Additionally, the Subaru Legacy was also known for its service to Subaru's World Rally Championship team. In 1993, the Legacy drove Scottish rally driver Colin McRae to the first of his many rally victories throughout his career.

With the outgoing Legacy, Subaru joins automakers such as Ford (F) , Volkswagen (VLKAF) , and Mazda (MZDAF) in discontinuing midsize sedan offerings, a segment that is still dominated by the likes of the bestselling Toyota Camry (TM) and Honda Accord (HMC) .