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JDM Subaru Legacy Second Generation

History of Second Generation Subaru Legacy sold in Japan

The Subaru Legacy first went on sale in early 1989 and is now in the seventh generation of design. This webpage documents Second Generation Subaru Legacy models sold in Japan for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM).

Introduction

1993/4 Subaru Legacy Touring Sports GT

1993/4 Subaru Legacy Touring Sports GT

The second generation Subaru Legacy was launched in Japan at the Tokyo International Motor Show on 7th October 1993 with two basic body styles; the four-door Touring Sports (model code BD, renamed to Touring Sedan in 1995) or five-door stepped-roof Touring Wagon (model code BG).

Both body styles were available with either all-range electronically controlled four-speed automatic trans­mission or five-speed manual trans­mission. The selectable four-wheel drive system used on entry-level manual trans­mission cars in the first generation Subaru Legacy range was no longer available, and Subaru’s full-time symmetrical four-wheel drive system was standard on all models throughout the second generation range, with certain non-turbo models also being offered as front-wheel drive.

Second Generation cars continued in production at Subaru’s Gunma factory in Japan until April 1998 for the Touring Wagon (BG) body style and November 1998 for the Touring Sedan (BD) body style, with revisions to the range in June 1996 and September 1997. In total, 36,812 examples of Touring Sedan and 336,540 examples of the Touring Wagon were built for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM). Cars for the General and Europe Market were also built at the site, with production of the Touring Wagon body style for this market ending in August 1998.

Second Generation Subaru Legacy outside of Japan

The Subaru Legacy is sold Worldwide, with the majority of production being at the Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd. facility at Gunma, Japan. However, from September 1989 the Legacy has also been built by Subaru-Isuzu Automotive, Inc. in North America (renamed to Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. in 2003). The North American subsidiary, commonly abbreviated to SIA, also built a third body style variation of the Second Generation Legacy. This was a flat-roof Station Wagon (model code BK), which was used for the majority of Wagon models sold in the USA and Canada, while the stepped-roof Touring Wagon body style (model code BG) was used for Outback models.

During the late 1990s, Japanese car manufactures were hampered by strict import quotas in many European counties. Designed to protect their domestic market, these limited the amount of cars manufactures for overseas could sell. With the highly popular Impreza Turbo accounting for most of Subaru's sales quota, production of the European specification 2.0-litre Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon partly moved to the SIA factory 1996 for left-hand drive cars, and 1997 for right-hand drive cars (production of the 2.5-litre and Outback versions for the UK market remained at Gunma). This allowed Subaru to increase Legacy sales in the UK for this model, as America was not subject to import quotas, and it continued on sale as a base model for over a year after the more expensive Third Generation Subaru Legacy became available.

Please note, this webpage only deals with vehicles built for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) so further details of these vehicles are not included here.

Revision “A” (October 1993–May 1996)

From launch in October 1993, production of the JDM Subaru Legacy remained largely unchanged until June 1996, when the range received a facelift. Cars build before the June 1996 facelift are known as Revision “A”.

At launch, there were four engine choices available, with three of these being based on the Subaru flat-four 1,994 cc EJ20 engine. This was available in three versions, 16-valve SOHC with a power output of 125 PS, 16-valve DOHC with a power output of 150 PS, and at the top of the range, 16-valve DOHC twin-turbo with a power output of 250 PS. The fourth engine option was the EJ22E which was only available in the Touring Wagon with the 4-speed automatic gearbox. The EJ22E had a displacement of 2,212 cc, 16-valve SOHC, and a maximum power output of 135 PS at 5,500 rpm.

All Revision “A” twin-turbo cars, irrespective of body style or gearbox choice, came with the first generation Subaru EJ20H engine that had a maximum power output of 250 PS at 6,500 rpm.

In June 1994, a new base-level engine option was launched with the 1,820 cc EJ18E flat-four engine, this could be specified with any combination of five-speed manual, four-speed automatic, front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive trans­mission on the Touring Sports, but was not available with front-wheel drive on the Touring Wagon. The EJ18 engine had previously been used in the first generation Subaru Legacy as the EJ18S, and in this form had a maximum power output of 110 PS at 6,000 rpm, however in the second generation Subaru Legacy the compression ratio was lowered from 9.7:1 to 9.5:1 and maximum power output was up to 115 PS at 6,000 rpm. This new version was known as the EJ18E.

The final engine to be introduced to the range was the EJ25D, in October 1994. This was the largest capacity in the EJ engine range at 2,457 cc, and came with 16-valve double overhead camshaft (DOHC) and a maximum power output of 160 PS at 6,000 rpm.

Touring Sports (Revision “A”)

BD2A, BD3A, BD4A, BD5A, BD9A

At launch in October 1993 the Touring Sports body style was available in six trim levels; TX, Brighton, TS, TS type R, RS and GT. The TX and Brighton had the entry-level 125 PS SOHC engine, with the two TS versions having the 150 PS DOHC engine, and the RS and GT getting the 250 PS twin-turbo engine.

The 1.8ℓ LX trim level went on sale in June 1994 using the EJ18E engine. This was a new entry-level vehicle and stole sales from the previous entry-level model, the TX, which ended production in August 1994. At launch, the model name “1.8ℓ LX” was used on all marketing material, using the scripted letter “L” to represent the word “litre”, but this was soon simplified to just “LX”, which matched the badge displayed on the rear of the car.

In October 1994, to commemorate one year of production of the Second Generation Subaru Legacy, the TX type S was launched. This was marketed as a Special Edition car at launch, but soon became part of the main line-up. The TX type S used the same 125 PS EJ20E SOHC engine that had previously been used in the TX, and for the Touring Sports (BD) body it was available with four-wheel drive only, and with either the all-range electronically controlled four-speed automatic trans­mission (E-4AT) or five-speed manual trans­mission (5MT). Special Equipment added to the TX type S (over the original TX) included; Leather steering wheel, Dark chrome front grille, Front fog lights, Colour-coded door mirrors, Front underskirt, Rear spoiler, and 15 inch steel wheels with full-size centre covers.

Also in October 1994, a new top-end luxury model went on sale. Known at the 250T, this came with the new 160 PS EJ25D DOHC engine, and was only available with the all-range electronically controlled four-speed automatic trans­mission (E-4AT) and four-wheel drive.

A small number of Limited Edition versions were made available. These included the Brighton GOLD, TS-V and 250T-V.

EJ18EEJ20EEJ20DEJ20HEJ25D5-Speed Man4-Speed Auto
115 PS125 PS150 PS250 PS160 PSFF4WDFF4WD
LXBD2A42G
¥1,505,000
BD3A42J
¥1,717,000
BD2A42R
¥1,598,000
BD3A42R
¥1,810,000
TXBD4A43G
¥1,513,000
BD5A43J
¥1,725,000
BD4A43R
¥1,606,000
BD5A43R
¥1,818,000
TX type SLimited EditionBD5A43J
¥1,930,000
BD5A43R
¥2,023,000
BrightonBD4A45R
¥1,943,000
BD5A45R
¥2,155,000
Brighton GOLDLimited EditionBD4A45R
¥1,983,000
BD5A45R
¥2,195,000
TSBD4A46E
¥2,177,000
BD5A46E
¥2,389,000
TS-VLimited Edition  BD4A46E
¥?
BD5A46E
¥?
TS type RBD4A46A
¥2,184,000
BD5A46F
¥2,396,000
BD4A46E
¥2,277,000
BD5A46E
¥2,489,000
250TBD9A4AE
¥2,547,000
250T-VLimited EditionBD9A4AE
¥2,569,000
GTBD5A49P
¥2,753,000
RSBD5A48D
¥2,641,000
BD5A48P
¥2,764,000

Touring Wagon (Revision “A”)

BG3A, BG4A, BG5A, BG7A, BG9A, BGAA, BGBA, BGCA

At launch, the Touring Wagon range was similar to that of the Touring Sports, but there were a few notable differences. The EJ20 engine was also available in three versions, but there was an additional option of the EJ22E engine on the Touring Wagon Brighton, known as the Brighton 220. The EJ22E engine was carried over unchanged from the first generation Subaru Legacy with a maximum power output of 135 PS at 5,500 rpm. Four-wheel drive versions of the Touring Wagon Brighton and Brighton 220 had the option of Subaru’s self-levelling air suspension system, known as Electro-Pneumatic Suspension or simply EP-S, at an additional cost of ¥80,000.

1994 Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon GT/B-spec

1994 Subaru Legacy GT/B-spec

Unlike the Touring Sports, the Touring Wagon TS type R was only available with four-wheel drive, and the Touring Wagon was not offered as an RS. However, the Touring Wagon GT came with an additional option of five-speed manual gearbox (5MT), although the manual version of the Touring Wagon GT had fewer optional extras available compaired to the automatic. In lieu of a RS trim level for the Touring Wagon a further trim level was offered, known as the Touring Wagon GT/B-spec. The GT/B-spec came with additional standard equipment, which included ABS brakes, multi-spoke BBS 16×6.5JJ aluminium wheel and 205/50R16 Bridgestone Expedia tyres, Subaru Sports Suspension, and “Legacy Real Focus Sound System” by Kenwood. Note that the Subaru Sports Suspension did not use the Bilstein Inverted Struts found on certain later Legacy models… “B” does not stand for “Bilstein”!

The Touring Wagon 1.8ℓ LX, with the EJ18E engine, went on sale at the same time as the Touring Sports 1.8ℓ LX in June 1994, but in Touring Wagon form it was only available with four-wheel drive. Likewise, the Touring Wagon 250T went on sale with the Touring Sports 250T in October 1994, with the EJ25D DOHC engine, and like the Touring Sports version this was only available with four-speed automatic trans­mission and four-wheel drive. The Touring Wagon version of the 250T had the additional option of air-suspension at the cost of ¥80,000.

A Touring Wagon version of the TX type S was also launched at the same time as the Touring Sports version, in October 1994, to commemorate one year of production. However, unlike the Touring Sports version, the Wagon was also available as a front-wheel drive car. The Special Equipment items included with the Touring Wagon TX type S were the same as the Touring Sports version, except for the rear spoiler (Sedan only) and Cargo Floor Cover (Wagon only), and ABS Brakes were only available as an option on the four-wheel drive cars.

A large selection of Special or Limited Edition models were offered. The GT/E-spec (“Euro-spec”) was on sale from Feburary 1995, based on the GT in light-blue or silver only with 16 inch aluminium wheels, and was only available with the four-speed automatic gearbox. Subaru claimed the car had been tuned with long-distance european autobahn driving in mind, yet the vehicle was never made available on the European market. Also in August 1995, a Limited Edition version of the GT/B-spec went on sale, known as the GT/B-spec II. This came with 5-spoke 16 inch aluminium wheels and upgraded brakes.

In June and August 1995, the Special Edition 250T‑G and Brighton GOLD versions went on sale. These “Gold” specification cars added additional luxury features to the standard cars on which they were based, and could be identified by the rear badge being painted gold, and a slight golden tint to the aluminium wheels. Unlike the standard cars, these were not available with air suspension.

In November 1995, Colin McRae won the WRC Drivers Championship driving a Subaru Impreza, and to celebrate Subaru sold Limited Edition cars under the slogan “V for Victory” with a small plaque on the rear. These Limited Edition cars were based on vehicles throughout the Subaru range, and the Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon had two; the 250T-V which was based on the 250T, and the GT/V‑Limited which was based on the GT/B-spec.

On 30th August 1995, Subaru introduced the Legacy Grand Wagon. This used the Touring Wagon body but had raised suspension and restyled bumpers to make it more suitable for off-road use. The only engine option was the 160 PS EJ25D DOHC, and the only trans­mission choice was the four-speed automatic with four-wheel drive. The Legacy Grand Wagon was later sold in European, American and Canadian markets as the Legacy Outback.

EJ18EEJ20EEJ20DEJ20HEJ22EEJ25D5-Speed Man4-Speed Auto
115 PS125 PS150 PS250 PS135 PS160 PSFF4WDFF4WD
LXBG3A52J
¥1,847,000
BG3A52R
¥1,940,000
TXBG4A53G
¥1,782,000
BG5A53J
¥1,820,000
BG4A53R
¥1,875,000
BG5A53R
¥1,913,000
TX type SLimited EditionBG4A53G
¥1,825,000
BG5A53J
¥2,025,000
BG4A53R
¥1,918,000
BG5A53R
¥2,118,000
BrightonBG4A55R
¥2,058,000
BG5A55R
¥2,258,000
BrightonAir SuspensionBGAA55R
¥2,338,000
Brighton GOLDLimited EditionBG4A55R
¥2,098,000
BG5A55R
¥2,298,000
Brighton 220BG7A55R
¥2,512,000
Brighton 220Air SuspensionBGBA55R
¥2,592,000
TSBG5A56F
¥2,406,000
BG5A56E
¥2,499,000
TS-VLimited EditionBG5A56F
¥?
BG5A56E
¥?
TS type RBG5A56F
¥2,486,000
BG5A56E
¥2,579,000
GTBG5A59D
¥2,743,000
BG5A59P
¥2,866,000
GT/B-specBG5A59D
¥3,070,000
BG5A59P
¥3,193,000
GT/E-specLimited EditionBG5A59P
¥2,998,000
GT/B-spec IILimited EditionBG5A59D
¥2,643,000
BG5A59P
¥2,766,000
GT/V‑LimitedLimited EditionBG5A59D
¥2,643,000
BG5A59P
¥2,766,000
250TBG9A5AE
¥2,647,000
250TAir SuspensionBGCA5AE
¥2,727,000
250T‑GSpecial EditionBG9A5AE
¥2,747,000
250T-VLimited EditionBG9A5AE
¥2,699,000
Grand WagonBG9A5BE
¥2,697,000

Revision “B” (June 1996–August 1997)

In June 1996, Subaru gave the Second Generation Legacy a facelift, known as Revision “B” or facelift cars they continued in production until August 1997. The facelift saw new models and engines introduced, and interior and exterior changes to existing models in the range.

The most notable change to the interior was the introduction of driver’s airbag as standard on all models, with a passenger’s airbag being an optional extra. Other interior changes saw new seat fabrics and a redesign to the switches for electric windows and air vent controls. Exterior changes included a restyled front bumper with larger fog-light apertures to house a new light cluster which included both the fog lights and new turn lights. The front grille was also a new design with a central horizontal slat replacing the original wire-mesh design. The optional dual-sunroof available on Touring Wagon models was also redesigned to allow the front section of glass to tilt open, operated by an additional switch located near the interior map lights. On Revision “A” cars, this optional glass sunroof did not open.

Engines were revised throughout the range, starting with the 1,820 cc EJ18E used in the LX being replaced by the new EJ18J with a maximum power output of 120 PS at 5,600 rpm from the same displacement. The EJ20E single overhead camshaft (SOHC) engine used in the Brighton and TX type S saw an increased maximum power output from 125 PS to 135 PS. Maximum power output for the EJ20D double-overhead camshaft (DOHC) engine used in the TS type R was up from 150 PS to 155 PS, but the biggest power increase was with the EJ25D double-overhead camshaft (DOHC) engine used in the 250T, which saw power output increase from 160 PS to 175 PS.

The EJ20H twin-turbo engine also got more power achieved in part by increasing the compression ratio from 8.5:1 to 9.0:1, with maximum power output rising from 250 PS to 260 PS. A new twin-turbo engine was introduced at the top of the performance range, this was the EJ20R which came with larger 90mm air induction and “shim-over-bucket” valve gear, similar to those used on the Impreza STi, and had a maximum power output of 280 PS at 6,500 rpm. The new EJ20R engine was only available in cars fitted with five-speed manual gearbox.

The EJ22 option was discontinued in the Japanese market but continued to be available elsewhere, most natablly in the USA where the 2.2-litre Legacy Brighton (model code BK7) was, according to Subaru sales literature, “the number one selling wagon in America”.

For the first time on the Legacy, an additional option for the TX type S was available with a new EJ20N “Lean Burn” engine, available only as a Touring Wagon with manual trans­mission and four-wheel drive. The EJ20N engine used in the TX type S “Lean Burn” was based on the EJ20E engine used in the standard TX type S, but fitted with vertical vortex generation valve in the inlet port to increase flow velocity on intake air and generate a temple vortex in the cylinder, enabling lean combustion. An electronically controlled ERG was also installed. The Lean Burn version cost an additional ¥50,000 and both the quoted peak power and torque outputs were reduced (by 8% and 9% respectively) compaired to the standard TX type S. However, the official quoted fuel consumption at 60 km/h improved by an impressive 21%, from 19.3 km/l for the standard TX type S to 23.4 km/l for the Lean Burn version, making it the most fuel efficent Legacy Touring Wagon available at the time. Sales were slow with only 317 examples being build during the Revision “B” production cycle (compared with 4,505 for the TX type S fitted with the standard EJ20E engine), but the EJ20N Lean Burn engine continued to be available on this model until the end of production. Use of Lean Burn engines by Subaru continued with the third generation Subaru Legacy launched in June 1998, as standard specification on SOHC models, but these used the new Phase-2 engine design and had the code number EJ201.

Touring Sedan (Revision “B”)

BD2B, BD3B, BD4B, BD5B, BD9B

The model range for the facelift Touring Sedan was almost identical to the pre-facelift Touring Sports range. The only change was the dropping of the TX from the line-up and replacing it with the TX type S, which had previously been a Limited Edition but was now a permanent member of the line. The TS was also dropped and not replaced, while the TS type R was still available but only with four-wheel drive tranmission.

With the introduction of the facelift, the Touring Sedan RS was fitted with Bilstein Sport Suspension as standard, and the five-speed manual version received the new EJ20R engine, bringing maximum power output to 280 PS at 6,500 rpm. This version of the car is often called “RS-B” by enthusiasts, possibly due to the fitting of Bilstein suspension which had previously only been an optional extra, but this name was never used by Subaru. The automatic version of the RS and GT continued to use the EJ20H engine, although this was the revised higher compression version with maximum power output of 260 PS.

EJ18JEJ20EEJ20DEJ20HEJ20REJ25D5-Speed Man4-Speed Auto
120 PS135 PS155 PS260 PS280 PS175 PSFF4WDFF4WD
LXBD2B42G
¥1,505,000
BD3B42J
¥1,747,000
BD2B42R
¥1,598,000
BD3B42R
¥1,840,000
TX type SBD5B43J
¥1,903,000
BD5B43R
¥1,996,000
BrightonBD4B45R
¥1,953,000
BD5B45R
¥2,165,000
TS type RBD5B46F
¥2,306,000
BD5B46E
¥2,399,000
250TBD9B4AE
¥2,577,000
GTBD5B49P
¥2,785,000
RSManualBD5B48D
¥2,733,000
RSAutomaticBD5B48P
¥2,798,000

Touring Wagon (Revision “B”)

BG2B, BG3B, BG4B, BG5B, BG9B, BGAB, BGCB

Changes to the Touring Wagon model range were similar to those made to the Touring Sedan range, with both the TX and TS versions being deleted, and the TX type S becoming a permanent addition the line up. The Brighton 220 was also discontinued and thus the EJ22 engine was no longer offered on any Subaru Legacy in the Japanese market. As an entry level option, the Touring Wagon LX was made available with a front-wheel drive option for the first time, but only with the 4-speed automatic gearbox.

1996/7 Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon GT-B

1996/7 Subaru Legacy GT‑B

The Touring Wagon GT/B-spec was discontinued and replaced with a new model, the GT‑B. Manual versions of the GT‑B had the new EJ20R engine with a maximum power output of 280 PS at 6,500 rpm, while cars fitted with automatic trans­mission used the revised higher compression EJ20H engine with a maximum power output of 260 PS at 6,500 rpm. Both manual and automatic versions of the GT‑B came fitted as standard with Bilstein Inverted Strut Sport Suspension, stiffer anti-roll bars, sports “bucket” seats, body-coloured side moldings, and grey 5-spoke 17×7JJ aluminium wheels and 215/45ZR17 Bridgestone Potenza RE010 tyres. The GT‑B also came with Subaru “High Performance Brake System” with 16 inch ventilated discs and twin-piston calipers at the front, and 15 inch ventilated discs at the rear.

The Touring Wagon GT continued in production in facelifted form alongside the new GT‑B, and both manual and automatic versions of the GT used the revised EJ20H engine with maximum power output of 260 PS at 6,500 rpm. This is often a cause of confusion for prospective buyers who incorrectly believe the GT‑B replaced the GT and therefore all facelift Touring Wagon twin-turbo cars must be a GT‑B. The VIN plate mounted on the near-side suspension mount can be used to read the Applied Model Code or Chassis Number and correctly identify the vehicle. The Touring Wagon GT came with 15 inch ventilated discs and twin-piston calipers at the front, and 14 inch ventilated discs at the rear, and was fitted with 15 inch aluminium wheels and 205/60R15 tyres. The GT also had an electrically adjustable driver's seat as standard, and both the GT and 250T were available with leather interior, heated seats, and cruise control as factory fitted optional extras.

1997 Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon 250T-B

1997 Subaru Legacy 250T-B

While these vehicles were being produced Subaru was enjoying their most successful period in the World Rally Championship, so it's not surprising that more Limited Edition cars were made to commemorate certain victories. For the Legacy Revision “B” cars, these were the TS type R V‑Limited in January 1997, and the GT V‑Limited in May 1997. Other Limited Edition cars made during this period included the 250T-B in January 1997, a new version of the Brighton GOLD the following month, and the TS type R Limited II in July.

EJ18JEJ20NEJ20EEJ20DEJ20HEJ20REJ25D5-Speed Man4-Speed Auto
120 PS125 PS135 PS155 PS260 PS280 PS175 PSFF4WDFF4WD
LXBG3B52J
¥1,877,000
BG2B52R
¥1,740,000
BG3B52R
¥1,970,000
TX type SLean Burn BG5B53J
¥2,048,000
  
TX type SBG4B53G
¥1,775,000
BG5B53J
¥1,998,000
BG4B53R
¥1,868,000
BG5B53R
¥2,091,000
BrightonBG4B55R
¥2,068,000
BG5B55R
¥2,268,000
BrightonAir SuspensionBGAB55R
¥2,348,000
Brighton GOLDLimited EditionBG4B55R
¥2,098,000
BG5B55R
¥2,298,000
Brighton GOLDLimited Edition with Air SuspensionBGAB55R
¥2,378,000
TS type RBG5B56F
¥2,396,000
BG5B56E
¥2,489,000
TS type R V‑LimitedLimited EditionBG5B56F
¥2,444,000
BG5B56E
¥2,537,000
TS type R Limited IILimited EditionBG5B56F
¥2,444,000
BG5B56E
¥2,582,000
GTBG5B59D
¥2,775,000
BG5B59P
¥2,898,000
GT V‑LimitedLimited EditionBG5B59D
¥2,675,000
BG5B59P
¥2,798,000
GT‑BManualBG5B5CD
¥2,933,000
GT‑BAutomaticBG5B5CP
¥2,998,000
250TBG9B5AE
¥2,677,000
250TAir SuspensionBGCB5AE
¥2,757,000
250T-BLimited EditionBG9B5AE
¥2,698,000
Grand WagonBG9B5BE
¥2,697,000
Grand Wagon 250 CruiserLimited EditionBG9B5BE
¥2,742,000

Revision “C” (September 1997–November 1998)

The final revision to the second generation Subaru Legacy in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM), Revision “C”, entered production in June 1997 and went on sale from September 1997. Production of Revision “C” cars continued in Japan until November 1998, overlapping with the third generation Subaru Legacy which entered production in November 1997 and went on sale in June 1998.

Revision “C” cars were visually identical to the previous Revision “B” cars, but there were new body colour and interior trim options available. Most models in the range remained unchanged but went on sale with a small price reduction. The EJ20R engine, used in manual versions of the RS, GT-B, and new GT-B Limited, received a minor change with the compression ratio rising from 8.0:1 to 8.5:1 but there was no change to the manufacture quoted power and torque output.

Touring Sedan (Revision “C”)

BD2C, BD3C, BD4C, BD5C, BD9C

The only notable changes to the Revision “C” Touring Sedan model line up were the deleteion of the front-wheel drive, five-speed manual version of the LX, and the Brighton was replaced by the Brighton GOLD, which had previously been a Limited Edition model.

1997/8 Subaru Legacy Touring Sedan RS

1997/8 Subaru Legacy RS

Although a new Touring Wagon GT‑B Limited was available, featuring a redesigned front “Sports Bumper” with Bosch large diameter fog lights, a “Limited” model was not made available with the Touring Sedan body style. The new style bumper and lights could however be ordered as a factory fitted optional extra.

The Touring Sedan TS type R and Touring Sedan RS were now also available in Cashmere Yellow (colour code 797), but production numbers for Touring Sedan cars in this colour were very low with only 13 examples of the TS type R and 87 examples of the RS being built.

EJ18JEJ20EEJ20DEJ20HEJ20REJ25D5-Speed Man4-Speed Auto
120 PS135 PS155 PS260 PS280 PS175 PSFF4WDFF4WD
LXBD3C42J
¥1,747,000
BD2C42R
¥1,598,000
BD3C42R
¥1,840,000
TX type SBD5C43J
¥1,853,000
BD5C43R
¥1,946,000
Brighton GOLDBD4C45R
¥1,983,000
BD5C45R
¥2,195,000
TS type RBD5C46F
¥2,256,000
BD5C46E
¥2,349,000
250TBD9C4AE
¥2,464,000
GTBD5C49P
¥2,685,000
RSManualBD5C48D
¥2,698,000
RSAutomaticBD5C48P
¥2,763,000

Touring Wagon (Revision “C”)

BG2C, BG3C, BG4C, BG5C, BG9C, BGAC, BGCC

Changes to the Touring Wagon model range for Revision “C” vehicles were similar to those of the Touring Sedan with the front-wheel drive, five-speed manual version of the LX being discontinued, and the Brighton being replaced by the Brighton GOLD, which had previously been a Limited Edition model. Another Limited Edition model to become permanent was the 250T-B with Bilstein Sport Suspension, which didn’t have a Touring Sedan equivalent.

Both the Touring Wagon GT and Touring Wagon GT‑B models continued in production with unchanged mechanical specification, but there were minor changes to the paint and interior trim options, with the GT‑B being available in Cashmere yellow (colour code 797) for the first time.

1997/8 Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon GT-B Limited

1997/8 Subaru Legacy GT‑B Limited

A new range-topping model was introduced as the GT‑B Limited, which featured a distinctive new front “Sports Bumper” design with Bosch large diameter fog lights, switchable with the standard fog lights, and a “Limited” badge fixed to the lower black mesh. The GT‑B Limited had the same mechanical specification as the GT‑B, with the 260 PS EJ20H engine in the automatic and the 280 PS EJ20R engine in the manual. The GT‑B Limited was available in six body colours; white (colour code 51E), light silver (colour code 406), dark blue (colour code 52D), black (colour code 47A), bright red (colour code 559) and Cashmere yellow (colour code 797). Wood trim for the dashboard was optional, but even cars without this option had wood sections in the top and bottom of the Momo steering wheel, and a wooden gear knob on manual cars.

1997/8 Subaru Legacy Lancaster Limited

1997/8 Subaru Legacy Lancaster Limited

The Legacy Grand Wagon was rebranded at this time to become the Legacy Lancaster, and was offered with a five-speed, daul-range manual gearbox for the first time. The Legacy Lancaster was also offered with a Limited version, and this came as an automatic only with a higher specification and the same wood trim and partly wooden steering wheel as used in the GT‑B Limited. Although this version of the second generation Subaru Legacy was now known as the Legacy Lancaster, and the name “Grand Wagon” had been dropped, the badge on the rear of the car showed both names, as “Lancaster Grand Wagon”.

EJ18JEJ20NEJ20EEJ20DEJ20HEJ20REJ25D5-Speed Man4-Speed Auto
120 PS125 PS135 PS155 PS260 PS280 PS175 PSFF4WDFF4WD
LXBG3C52J
¥1,877,000
BG2C52R
¥1,740,000
BG3C52R
¥1,970,000
TX type SLean BurnBG5C53J
¥1,998,000
TX type SBG5C53J
¥1,948,000
BG4C53R
¥1,818,000
BG5C53R
¥2,041,000
Brighton GOLDBG4C55R
¥2,098,000
BG5C55R
¥2,298,000
Brighton GOLDAir SuspensionBGAC55R
¥2,378,000
TS type RBG5C56F
¥2,346,000
BG5C56E
¥2,439,000
TS type RB LimitedLimited EditionBG5C56F
¥2,405,000
BG5C56E
¥2,498,000
GTBG5C59D
¥2,675,000
BG5C59P
¥2,798,000
GT‑BManualBG5C5CD
¥2,898,000
GT‑BAutomaticBG5C5CP
¥2,963,000
GT‑B LimitedManualBG5C5ED
¥2,948,000
GT‑B LimitedAutomaticBG5C5EP
¥3,013,000
250TBG9C5AE
¥2,564,000
250TAir SuspensionBGCC5AE
¥2,644,000
250T-BBG9C5AE
¥2,698,000
LancasterBG9C5DF
¥2,498,000
BG9C5DE
¥2,563,000
Lancaster LimitedBG9C5BE
¥2,697,000

Limited Edition models

Subaru offered a number of Special or Limited Edition versions of the second generation Subaru Legacy throughout the production period. These were based on a standard production model, sharing the same mechanical specification, but usually came with more optional extras as standard and often a different choice of body colours or interior trim. Below is a selection of the Limited Edition models that were made available. At this time not are versions are included on this webpage, but others will be shown when information becomes available.

1995 Legacy Touring Wagon 250T‑G

On 1st June 1995, less than a year after the 250T was first introduced, a Special Equipment version of that car was introduced, known as the 250T‑G. The “G” in the model's name was for “Gold” and this was to signify that this model was the pinnacle of luxury and refinement in the Legacy range. It therefore seems odd that, unlike the standard 250T, this model was not offered with Subaru's optional air suspension system, or “Electro-Pneumatic Suspension” as it was officially known. The 250T‑G was offered as a Special Edition so build numbers were not limited, and production continued until the introduction of the Revision “B” cars in June 1996, with just under 5,000 examples made.

  • Based on Revision “A” Legacy Touring Wagon 250T, with shared mechanical specification of EJ25D normally aspirated DOHC engine with maximum power output of 160 PS at 6,000 rpm.
  • Electro 4-Speed Automatic (E-4AT) with full-time Four Wheel Drive and Active Torque Split Multi-plate Clutch (ACT-4 F4WD) was the only trans­mission option. Gear ratios were the same as the standard production 250T.
  • Although the standard 250T was available in the Touring Sedan (BD) body shape, the 250T‑G was only available as the Touring Wagon (BG) body.
  • Limited colour availability of 406 Metallic Light Silver, 416 Dark Blue Pearl, or 443 Dark Green Mica. The standard 250T was also available in these colours, but had a wider selection.
  • Grey Ecsaine® seats and door trim. (Ecsaine is a synthetic ultra-microfiber fabric, used as an artificial substitute for suede leather and known as Ultrasuede ouside of Japan)
  • “Legacy Real Focus Sound System” high performance audio system by Kenwood. Includes, 120W amplifier, CD player, full logic control cassette deck, AM/FM electronic tuner, 8 speakers, and digital signal processor (DSP) function.
  • Electrically adjustable driver's seats. (This option was not available on the standard 250T)
  • Genuine leather-wrapped MOMO steering wheel, gear selector and handbrake lever. A unique gold logo was fitted to the steering wheel on cars not fitted with the optional air bags.
  • Silver and Gold 15×6JJ 7-spoke aluminium wheels and 195/60R15 tyres. These are the same size and design as the wheels fitted to the standard 250T, but with gold accents around the rims and between the spokes.
  • Standard Subaru and 250T bootlid badges painted gold.

1995 Legacy Touring Wagon GT/B-spec II

From August 1995, the Limited Edition Legacy Touring Wagon GT/B-spec II went on sale to celebrate “15th Anniversary of Subaru Wagon Story”, which most likely referred to the 1981 launch of the Subaru Leone Touring Wagon with its unique 2-step roof design.

1995/6 Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon GT/B-spec II

1995/6 Subaru Legacy GT/B-spec II

The model was based on the Revision “A” Legacy Touring Wagon GT/B-spec, with shared mechanical specification, and was availble in 406 Metallic Light Silver, 416 Dark Blue Mica, 443 Dark Green Pearl or 47A Pearlescent Black colours only. Colour 406 Metallic Light Silver was by far the most popular and outnumbered the combined production numbers for the other three colours.

Viewed from outside, the most distinguishing feature of the Touring Wagon GT/B-spec II was the fitting of 16 inch 5-spoke aluminium wheels with 205/50R16 tyres, which made the car stand out from the standard Touring Wagon GT/B-spec which came with 16 inch cross-spoke aluminium wheels, also with 205/50R16 tyres. Inside, the car was fitted with a high-spec 100-Watt CD audio system.

The GT/B-spec II did not replace the existing GT/B-spec but was built alongside the older model as Special Edition, and early marketing material suggested that it was limited to 1,000 examples, but in reality chassis number lists show that almost 6,000 examples were built between early August and late December 1995. These cars can be identified from the chassis plate as they have Option Code 81C, 82C or 83C.

1995 Legacy Touring Wagon GT/E-spec

The Legacy Touring Wagon GT/E-spec was introduced on 4th February 1995 as a “Euro-spec” version of the Touring Wagon GT. While the vehicle was only offered on sale in Japan, the sales literature made the following statement in English…

“Euro-spec.” The name fits this Touring Wagon like a well-worn pair of driving gloves. For it can duel with sports cars on the Autobahn while delivering the ride comfort of a luxury sedan. A spacious interior makes long trips a pleasure. And while the Grand Touring concept of the Legacy remains unchanged, the GT/E-spec will satisfy your every sporting instinct. Out on the Autobahn the only GTs you will see will be in the rear view mirror.
1995/6 Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon GT/E-spec

1995/6 Subaru Legacy GT/E-spec

Despite the flowery marketing language, the GT/E-spec only had cosmetic upgrades over the standard production GT at the time, although these did include the option of the very attractive Laguna Blue Pearl paintwork (colour code 389).

  • Based on Revision “A” Legacy Touring Wagon GT automatic, with shared mechanical specification of EJ20H twin-turbo DOHC engine with maximum power output of 250 PS at 6,500 rpm.
  • Electro 4-Speed Automatic (E-4AT) with four-wheel Drive Variable Torque Distribution Centre Differential (VTD-4WD) was the only trans­mission option. Gear ratios were the same as the standard production GT.
  • Limited colour availability of 406 Metallic Light Silver or 389 Laguna Blue Pearl. This was the only JDM Legacy model available in Laguna Blue Pearl, but that colour was used in Japan on certain Impreza and SVX models, and on the Second Generation Legacy in the European market.
  • Subaru Sports Suspension.
  • Grey Ecsaine® seats, door trim, and centre console lid. (Ecsaine is a synthetic ultra-microfiber fabric, used as an artificial substitute for suede leather and known as Ultrasuede ouside of Japan)
  • Colour-coded underskirts. (black on the standard Touring Wagon GT)
  • “Legacy Real Focus Sound System” high performance audio system by Kenwood. Includes, 120W amplifier, CD player, full logic control cassette deck, AM/FM electronic tuner, 8 speakers, and digital signal processor (DSP) function.
  • Silver 16×6.5JJ 5-spoke aluminium wheels and 205/50R16 87V Bridgestone Expedia tyres.
    (standard Touring Wagon GT came with 5-spoke 15×6JJ aluminium wheels and 205/60R15 tyres)

1996 Legacy Touring Wagon GT/V‑Limited

The Legacy Touring Wagon GT/V‑Limited went on sale from March 1996 to celebrate Subaru winning the 1995 WRC Constructors’ Championship, and their driver Colin McRae winning the 1995 Drivers Championship.

  • Based on Revision “A” Legacy Touring Wagon GT, with shared mechanical specification.
  • Available in 406 Metallic Light Silver, 51E Pure White, 47A Black Mica or 416 Dark Blue Pearl only.
  • Silver 5-spoke 16×6.5JJ aluminium wheels and 205/50R16 tyres.
    (standard Touring Wagon GT came with 5-spoke 15×6JJ aluminium wheels and 205/60R15 tyres)
  • Subaru “High Performance Brake System” with 16 inch ventilated discs and twin-piston calipers at the front, and 15 inch ventilated discs at the rear.

1997 Legacy Touring Wagon GT V‑Limited

1997 Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon GT V‑Limited

1997 Subaru Legacy GT V‑Limited

The Legacy Touring Wagon GT V‑Limited went on sale from May 1997 to celebrate Subaru's Tour de Corse victory in round 6 of the 1997 World Rally Championship, with Colin McRae driving a Subaru Impreza WRC97. Like all of Subaru's “V‑Limited” cars there was a small circular plaque on the bootlid naming the victory being celebrated. For the 1997 season, Subaru had introduced the new WRC97 car and with it a new livery in a lighter shade of blue. This new colour was known as Sonic Blue Pearl (or sometimes New Rally Blue) and the Legacy Touring Wagon GT V‑Limited was the only Legacy model sold in Japan to be offered in this colour from the factory.

  • Based on Revision “B” Legacy Touring Wagon GT, with shared mechanical specification of EJ20H twin-turbo DOHC engine with maximum power output of 260 PS at 6,500 rpm.
  • Available with all-range electronically controlled four-speed automatic trans­mission (E-4AT) or five-speed manual trans­mission (5MT).
  • Available in 406 Metallic Light Silver, 51E Pure White, or 74F Sonic Blue Pearl (New Rally Blue) only.
  • Silver 5-spoke 16×6.5JJ aluminium wheels and 205/50R16 tyres.
    (the standard Legacy Touring Wagon GT came with 6-spoke 15×6JJ aluminium wheels and 205/60R15 tyres)
  • Subaru “High Performance Brake System” with 16 inch ventilated discs and twin-piston calipers at the front, and 15 inch ventilated discs at the rear.
  • Marketing material indicated this commemorative car would be limited to 3,000 units, although chassis number lists suggest that only 1,953 examples were built (1,614 with the E-4AT trans­mission and 339 with the 5MT trans­mission).
  • These cars can be identified from the chassis plate as they have Option Code 87C, 88C or 89C.

Sonic Blue Pearl colour code 74F. Later Generation 4 Legacy “V‑Limited” models used colour 02C. Certain Generation 2 non-turbo Legacys models sold with left-hand drive in Europe during 1998 were also available in colour 74F.

1998 Legacy Touring Wagon TS type RB-Limited

1998 Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon TS type RB-Limited

1998 Subaru Legacy TS type RB-Limited

Launched at the end of 1997, the Legacy Touring Wagon TS type RB-Limited was the final Limited Edition model to go on sale before production of the second generation Subaru Legacy ended.

  • Based on Revision “C” Legacy Touring Wagon TS type R, with shared mechanical specification of EJ20D normally aspirated DOHC engine with maximum power output of 155 PS at 6,400 rpm.
  • Available in 406 Metallic Light Silver, 51E Pure White or 797 Cashmere Yellow only.
  • Silver multi-spoke 16×6.5JJ aluminium wheels and 205/50R16 tyres.
    (standard Touring Wagon TS type R came with 6-spoke 15×6JJ aluminium wheels and 195/60R15 tyres)
  • Bilstein Inverted Strut Sport Suspension as standard.
  • Sports Bumper with Bosch large diameter fog lights, as used on GT‑B Limited.