Road Test
Full Test: 2005 Subaru Legacy GT Wagon
Lasting Legacy
Remember when Subarus were just funky-looking cars produced by what seemed like a third-rate Japanese brand behind the likes of Honda, Toyota and even Datsun? Seems like the only thing those cars had going for them was the fact that they were different — and many of them offered all-wheel drive at a time when spinning four wheels was primarily reserved for trucks or high-dollar exotics. Subaru has grown well beyond that image and could be credited with spawning the crossover market and keeping the station wagon alive in the U.S. In recent years, the company has developed a loyal following based on its stellar WRX, well-rounded Forester and standard all-wheel drive across the lineup. In an era when power, performance and luxury are expected in a car costing over $30K, the Legacy was outclassed by almost everything else on the market. Subaru is hoping to change that with the new Legacy.
For the past few years, the Subaru flagship has been overshadowed by the surprisingly popular WRX. Now, the Legacy is moving up the ladder in terms of class and luxury. Sporting a longer, wider and sleeker body, the Legacy now looks sportier and more substantial from the outside and more upscale on the inside. It's no Lexus, but there are plenty of luxury features one might not expect from Subaru. Yes, there were the L.L. Bean and VDC Outbacks, but other than their cool flat-six engine, they just didn't seem that much more luxurious than the normal Outback or Legacy.
That's clearly not the case anymore, at least not with the 2005 Legacy 2.5 GT Limited that we tested. The interior looks and feels like a cross between a Mazda 6 and an Audi A4 with nice textures and a good-looking dash area. Many of the buttons and switches have a precision feel that imparts a sense of European quality not typical of past Subaru products. The Legacy GT's new gauge cluster features electroluminescent instrument displays not unlike those found in Lexus products.
But it's more than just fancy gauges; this new car shows an attention to detail usually reserved for much pricier brands. A perfect example is the front-seat heaters. The tactile quality of the switches that operates the warmers is excellent, but add to that the fact that there are four settings for both the driver and passenger seat and it's clear that this is not just another budget-priced Japanese import. There are other obvious signs of Subaru's upscale push; dual-zone automatic climate control as standard on Limited models, improved leather seating and a massive sunroof that takes the best parts of the previous car's design but eliminates the clunky operation.
Not only is the leather softer, but the seats are more comfortable and at the same time sportier. With soft seat bottoms and firm side bolstering, the car is pleasant for both long trips and sporty driving. One of our main complaints about the previous Legacy and Outback was that the rear-seat legroom was seriously lacking. The 2005 Legacy has a longer wheelbase that increases rear legroom by about one inch. Calling it spacious would be an overstatement, but an adult of average height will find the rear-seat legroom acceptable — while anyone much taller than 5 feet 10 inches will find the rear seat a little cozy. Still, the same is true of cars like the Mazda 6 and Audi A4, so it's not a blatant black mark against the car.
Since our tester was a wagon, we didn't need to fold down the seats often, but when we did, we managed to cram a Little Tikes Pirate Ship play set into the rear cargo area. But it wasn't the cargo capacity that impressed so much as it was how quickly and easily the rear quarters of the car can transition from people mover to cargo hauler. The rear seats flip down with the use of a simple and decidedly unawkward push-button, while the retractable cargo cover snaps in and out so easily one editor thought he'd broken the locking mechanism. The whole thing clicks in and out in one move and is very light once it's removed.
Luckily, it's not just utility that makes the new Legacy impressive. The car is downright sporty. Tired of cars pretending to be sporty that in actuality offer no more sport than a GT, SS or ST decal? That's not a problem with the Legacy. Opt for the GT and you get some real performance in the form of a 250-hp turbocharged flat four displacing 2.5 liters. That's an 82-hp advantage over the more sedate Legacy 2.5i.
The GT also benefits from bigger wheels and tires (17 inches versus 16s on the 2.5i), larger four-wheel vented disc brakes and a quicker steering ratio. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on all Legacys, but the transmission on the GT offers an upgraded clutch that ensures smoother and more direct shifts. Optional on all GT models is a five-speed automatic with both sport mode and a "sportshift" feature that allows the driver to change gears via the shift lever or steering wheel-mounted buttons.
This all sounds great on paper, and under heavy acceleration the Legacy GT is fast and offers almost all the snap of the WRX. But equipped with the optional five-speed automatic, the engine and transmission seem to be mismatched. The turbo lag really saps the fun, as it is prominent mostly in normal or moderate driving conditions. If you really get on the throttle, the car is swift and sure with positive, firm upshifts. The same is true if you baby the accelerator so much that the turbo barely even kicks in. The downside is that while driving in anything more than light traffic (or moderate acceleration), the car shifts up too quickly, causing the revs to dip out of the power band. The effect is that the car lurches as the power drops off, then again puts you back in your seat as the turbo comes on — and this continues through the second, third, fourth and fifth gear changes.
In addition, several of our editors noticed a slight surging under moderate acceleration at about highway speeds 60-75 mph. Add to all of this the fact that the five-speed automatic seems to shift too frequently, and the result can be quite taxing. The only remedy is to always use the sport mode, or for the driver to shift through each gear using the "sportshift" manual mode each and every time. The real remedy is to simply skip the automatic transmission and stick with the manual — it's the control offered by a manual transmission that perfectly matches an engine like this. Our Legacy GT Limited wagon was a preproduction model, so some of these problems may be addressed in the regular production version of the car.
Another problem we noted was the lack of a navigation system. It's not that we're trying to outspend the next guy when it comes to buying a new car, but the spirit, nature and heritage of Subaru says that these are cars you'll want to take on an adventure, be it on- or off-road. What better companion for that summer kayaking adventure or a winter ski trip than a navigation system? We think it should at least be an option for those who want to make the most of the Legacy's adventurous side — certainly the Outback will have one, right?
But not all hope is lost. Like we said earlier, the Legacy is quick and a blast to drive hard.Through the slalom, the Legacy GT wagon clocked in an average speed of 63.9 mph — a number that would make real sports car owners proud. This is a wagon that begs to be flung down twisty roads at a brisk pace. The all-wheel-drive system isn't just for those who live in the Snowbelt, as it offers a performance edge on dry pavement. With a manual transmission, the GT wagon will get you to 60 mph in less than six seconds, while our automatic-equipped model took about one second longer.
But those numbers mean nothing compared to the fun this car offers. The steering is perfectly weighted — firm without being stubborn — and provides excellent road feel. The Momo steering wheel is a nice addition, as the rim is just the right thickness. But don't think all this sportiness excludes comfort; the new Legacy is also very comfortable cruising on the highway. The ride remains quiet in almost any condition and the level of refinement is greatly improved — the Legacy now feels more like a proper touring car than ever before. The improved ride quality and quieter cabin are two specific areas where the Legacy has made big gains over the previous version — a car that tended to feel cheap no matter what the price.
Should you be inclined to take corners aggressively in this car, you'll appreciate the heavy side bolstering of the front seats, which keeps the driver in place during these maneuvers. The perforated leather upholstery in the GT Limited enhances the comfort of the cabin for those who have a long commute or take frequent road trips. All this comfort and performance doesn't come cheap, however, as our tester priced out at $31,470.
Of course, that price is for a GT Limited Wagon that's loaded with standard features, but the starting price for a non-turbo 2.5i is $21,995. For that sum, you might not get the fancy leather or all the upscale amenities, but you get all-wheel drive and the same safety equipment found on the more expensive models. The turbocharged Legacy GT starts at about $26,000, but even for that price you won't get leather, dual-zone climate control, power seats or a sunroof. Still, the GT is the car that offers the most performance, as it comes with the 250-hp engine, a functional hood scoop, 17-inch wheels and tires, Momo steering wheel and upscale electroluminescent gauges.
No matter what the price, Subaru has you covered with regard to safety. All 2005 Legacys come with side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags for the front and rear seats and dual-stage front airbags. Those features, along with daytime running lights, are standard equipment regardless of trim level.
The new Legacy is a very good car when considered alongside others in the midsize segment. The advantage of all-wheel drive may not be appreciated by everyone, but the fact that the car comes as a wagon or a sedan is a big plus. Only one other Japanese import brand — Mazda — offers a wagon, but all-wheel drive is not an option. Audi, Volvo and VW are the real competitors when looking for an all-wheel-drive station wagon, but they of course all command a premium price as well. With its new upgraded interior, sleeker-looking body and increased power output, the Legacy finally offers a no-compromises alternative to those European brands. The funky engine/transmission combination (when equipped with the automatic) and resulting turbo lag are cause for concern, but this is easily remedied by sticking with the standard manual transmission. We're still not crazy about the rear-seat legroom, and the price of the GT Limited is a little steep, but those factors seem insignificant when you consider the price, size and feature content of such cars as the Audi A4 Avant wagon, VW Passat wagon and Mazda 6 wagon.
Whereas Subarus past aimed more at value and utility, the new Legacy seeks to add some sport and style to the equation. In many ways, the company has succeeded in raising the Legacy's game. Anyone looking for a sporty midsize wagon or sedan should be visiting a Subaru dealership at some point in the shopping process.
For the past few years, the Subaru flagship has been overshadowed by the surprisingly popular WRX. Now, the Legacy is moving up the ladder in terms of class and luxury. Sporting a longer, wider and sleeker body, the Legacy now looks sportier and more substantial from the outside and more upscale on the inside. It's no Lexus, but there are plenty of luxury features one might not expect from Subaru. Yes, there were the L.L. Bean and VDC Outbacks, but other than their cool flat-six engine, they just didn't seem that much more luxurious than the normal Outback or Legacy.
That's clearly not the case anymore, at least not with the 2005 Legacy 2.5 GT Limited that we tested. The interior looks and feels like a cross between a Mazda 6 and an Audi A4 with nice textures and a good-looking dash area. Many of the buttons and switches have a precision feel that imparts a sense of European quality not typical of past Subaru products. The Legacy GT's new gauge cluster features electroluminescent instrument displays not unlike those found in Lexus products.
But it's more than just fancy gauges; this new car shows an attention to detail usually reserved for much pricier brands. A perfect example is the front-seat heaters. The tactile quality of the switches that operates the warmers is excellent, but add to that the fact that there are four settings for both the driver and passenger seat and it's clear that this is not just another budget-priced Japanese import. There are other obvious signs of Subaru's upscale push; dual-zone automatic climate control as standard on Limited models, improved leather seating and a massive sunroof that takes the best parts of the previous car's design but eliminates the clunky operation.
Not only is the leather softer, but the seats are more comfortable and at the same time sportier. With soft seat bottoms and firm side bolstering, the car is pleasant for both long trips and sporty driving. One of our main complaints about the previous Legacy and Outback was that the rear-seat legroom was seriously lacking. The 2005 Legacy has a longer wheelbase that increases rear legroom by about one inch. Calling it spacious would be an overstatement, but an adult of average height will find the rear-seat legroom acceptable — while anyone much taller than 5 feet 10 inches will find the rear seat a little cozy. Still, the same is true of cars like the Mazda 6 and Audi A4, so it's not a blatant black mark against the car.
Since our tester was a wagon, we didn't need to fold down the seats often, but when we did, we managed to cram a Little Tikes Pirate Ship play set into the rear cargo area. But it wasn't the cargo capacity that impressed so much as it was how quickly and easily the rear quarters of the car can transition from people mover to cargo hauler. The rear seats flip down with the use of a simple and decidedly unawkward push-button, while the retractable cargo cover snaps in and out so easily one editor thought he'd broken the locking mechanism. The whole thing clicks in and out in one move and is very light once it's removed.
Luckily, it's not just utility that makes the new Legacy impressive. The car is downright sporty. Tired of cars pretending to be sporty that in actuality offer no more sport than a GT, SS or ST decal? That's not a problem with the Legacy. Opt for the GT and you get some real performance in the form of a 250-hp turbocharged flat four displacing 2.5 liters. That's an 82-hp advantage over the more sedate Legacy 2.5i.
The GT also benefits from bigger wheels and tires (17 inches versus 16s on the 2.5i), larger four-wheel vented disc brakes and a quicker steering ratio. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on all Legacys, but the transmission on the GT offers an upgraded clutch that ensures smoother and more direct shifts. Optional on all GT models is a five-speed automatic with both sport mode and a "sportshift" feature that allows the driver to change gears via the shift lever or steering wheel-mounted buttons.
This all sounds great on paper, and under heavy acceleration the Legacy GT is fast and offers almost all the snap of the WRX. But equipped with the optional five-speed automatic, the engine and transmission seem to be mismatched. The turbo lag really saps the fun, as it is prominent mostly in normal or moderate driving conditions. If you really get on the throttle, the car is swift and sure with positive, firm upshifts. The same is true if you baby the accelerator so much that the turbo barely even kicks in. The downside is that while driving in anything more than light traffic (or moderate acceleration), the car shifts up too quickly, causing the revs to dip out of the power band. The effect is that the car lurches as the power drops off, then again puts you back in your seat as the turbo comes on — and this continues through the second, third, fourth and fifth gear changes.
In addition, several of our editors noticed a slight surging under moderate acceleration at about highway speeds 60-75 mph. Add to all of this the fact that the five-speed automatic seems to shift too frequently, and the result can be quite taxing. The only remedy is to always use the sport mode, or for the driver to shift through each gear using the "sportshift" manual mode each and every time. The real remedy is to simply skip the automatic transmission and stick with the manual — it's the control offered by a manual transmission that perfectly matches an engine like this. Our Legacy GT Limited wagon was a preproduction model, so some of these problems may be addressed in the regular production version of the car.
Another problem we noted was the lack of a navigation system. It's not that we're trying to outspend the next guy when it comes to buying a new car, but the spirit, nature and heritage of Subaru says that these are cars you'll want to take on an adventure, be it on- or off-road. What better companion for that summer kayaking adventure or a winter ski trip than a navigation system? We think it should at least be an option for those who want to make the most of the Legacy's adventurous side — certainly the Outback will have one, right?
But not all hope is lost. Like we said earlier, the Legacy is quick and a blast to drive hard.Through the slalom, the Legacy GT wagon clocked in an average speed of 63.9 mph — a number that would make real sports car owners proud. This is a wagon that begs to be flung down twisty roads at a brisk pace. The all-wheel-drive system isn't just for those who live in the Snowbelt, as it offers a performance edge on dry pavement. With a manual transmission, the GT wagon will get you to 60 mph in less than six seconds, while our automatic-equipped model took about one second longer.
But those numbers mean nothing compared to the fun this car offers. The steering is perfectly weighted — firm without being stubborn — and provides excellent road feel. The Momo steering wheel is a nice addition, as the rim is just the right thickness. But don't think all this sportiness excludes comfort; the new Legacy is also very comfortable cruising on the highway. The ride remains quiet in almost any condition and the level of refinement is greatly improved — the Legacy now feels more like a proper touring car than ever before. The improved ride quality and quieter cabin are two specific areas where the Legacy has made big gains over the previous version — a car that tended to feel cheap no matter what the price.
Should you be inclined to take corners aggressively in this car, you'll appreciate the heavy side bolstering of the front seats, which keeps the driver in place during these maneuvers. The perforated leather upholstery in the GT Limited enhances the comfort of the cabin for those who have a long commute or take frequent road trips. All this comfort and performance doesn't come cheap, however, as our tester priced out at $31,470.
Of course, that price is for a GT Limited Wagon that's loaded with standard features, but the starting price for a non-turbo 2.5i is $21,995. For that sum, you might not get the fancy leather or all the upscale amenities, but you get all-wheel drive and the same safety equipment found on the more expensive models. The turbocharged Legacy GT starts at about $26,000, but even for that price you won't get leather, dual-zone climate control, power seats or a sunroof. Still, the GT is the car that offers the most performance, as it comes with the 250-hp engine, a functional hood scoop, 17-inch wheels and tires, Momo steering wheel and upscale electroluminescent gauges.
No matter what the price, Subaru has you covered with regard to safety. All 2005 Legacys come with side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags for the front and rear seats and dual-stage front airbags. Those features, along with daytime running lights, are standard equipment regardless of trim level.
The new Legacy is a very good car when considered alongside others in the midsize segment. The advantage of all-wheel drive may not be appreciated by everyone, but the fact that the car comes as a wagon or a sedan is a big plus. Only one other Japanese import brand — Mazda — offers a wagon, but all-wheel drive is not an option. Audi, Volvo and VW are the real competitors when looking for an all-wheel-drive station wagon, but they of course all command a premium price as well. With its new upgraded interior, sleeker-looking body and increased power output, the Legacy finally offers a no-compromises alternative to those European brands. The funky engine/transmission combination (when equipped with the automatic) and resulting turbo lag are cause for concern, but this is easily remedied by sticking with the standard manual transmission. We're still not crazy about the rear-seat legroom, and the price of the GT Limited is a little steep, but those factors seem insignificant when you consider the price, size and feature content of such cars as the Audi A4 Avant wagon, VW Passat wagon and Mazda 6 wagon.
Whereas Subarus past aimed more at value and utility, the new Legacy seeks to add some sport and style to the equation. In many ways, the company has succeeded in raising the Legacy's game. Anyone looking for a sporty midsize wagon or sedan should be visiting a Subaru dealership at some point in the shopping process.
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