Today my 98 Legacy twice had long cranking before starting, then had almost no power, as if it was on one or two cylinders.  Once I could stomp the throttle, the problem seemed to clear. The rest of the day's starts were OK.  I haven't checked codes but the CEL was never on. 

Your input is welcomed-thanks.

Have you had any continued issues since posting this?  I'd suggest checking if any codes are stored.  If nothing comes up, I'd just chock it up to a fluke and keep an eye out if the symptoms come back.

Man I am having the same problem. It happens every other day or so. If I don't floor the gas the car won't start and once it does it takes about 20 seconds or so of driving before it gets its power back. Only MIL code is for a low signal at temp switch. Mine is a 99 obw with 2.2

I have the same problem with my 92 Leg, then after it starts I smell raw gas.

Not sure on the newer ones but on my 93 legacy, it eneded up being the coolant temp sensor, the one for the ecm, not the gauge, it would only not wanna start sometimes but putting pedal to the floor would let it start, but take a while to clear out unburned fuel.

Man I am having the same problem. It happens every other day or so. If I don't floor the gas the car won't start and once it does it takes about 20 seconds or so of driving before it gets its power back. Only MIL code is for a low signal at temp switch. Mine is a 99 obw with 2.2

 

Your issue sounds like the coolant temp sensor may be going out.  They are around $20-$25 from one of the online subaru dealers.  I'd probably suggest starting with that.

for some of these complaints, I can't help wondering if a throttlebody cleaning might help? gummy deposit causing the throttle plate to stick until warm?

 

maybe try;

 

Unless the throttle is actually sticking close, I do not recommend cleaning the throttle body.  There is a black sealant that is installed at the factory and then the TB is calibrated to flow a specific amount of air through it.