It was released in 1989. The body styles included a sedan and a wagon, both featuring frameless doors. The RS model equipped with the EJ20 turbo engine was Subaru’s homologation model for participating in the WRC from 1990 to 1992. However, due to regulation changes introduced in 1993, the Legacy body could no longer compete, leading Subaru to enter the championship with the smaller and lighter Impreza instead.

In the British Rally Championship, Colin McRae won the championship in 1991 and 1992