My 99 legacy decided that 87,638 miles were enough. I started the car but it would not release from PARK. So I shut the car off removed the center console, put it in Neutral and then started the car. However it would not go into a gear ( only neutral). I shut the car off and could never get it to crank over again. Also the trans is in neutral regardless of the position of the shifter.

I haven't gotten under it yet, but does anyone know if the shifter is connected to the trans? by a cable, linkage or electrical? I'm guessing that the connection is electric between the shifter and trans. That being broke put the trans in neutral and is not telling the starting circuit that it's ok to start.

Any thoughts?

if your car is auto then there might be a conflict with the shift lock, mine sticks sometimes and wont let me shift from park either
i just have to press it down while i shift.

sounds like something mechanical broke, and also the shift lock messed up. Can you get the key out of the ignition?

It sounds like you may've broken a part of the shift linkage or bent it or something.