EDMUNDS.COM 2005 SUBARU LEGACY
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
A tight chassis, a turbocharged engine and a slick cockpit have transformed the all-wheel-drive Legacy into a serious driver''s car. Whether you''re an enthusiast in need of four doors or a safety-conscious parent in need of some fun, this one is worth a try.
Pros
Don''t have to pay extra for all-wheel drive, generous standard equipment list, top-notch build and materials quality, excellent power in GT models, great highway ride, sharp handling.
Cons
Stability control not available, smaller backseat than most competitors, so-so stereo offerings.
What''s New for 2005
An all-new and vastly improved Legacy is introduced in sedan and wagon body styles. Topping the list of upgrades are a 250-horsepower turbocharged engine, a stylish new interior and a full menu of airbags.
Overview
Introduction:
Known primarily as the wagon that spawned the Outback, the Legacy is the oldest nameplate in the Subaru lineup, dating back to 1990. In recent years, it has been living in the shadow of its armored-wagon offspring. Starved for power and features, the 2000-2004 Legacy wagon was what you bought if you couldn''t afford one of Volkswagen''s expensive Passat 4Motion wagons, and/or you wouldn''t be caught dead in a Taurus. The sedan, meanwhile, offered a winter-friendly alternative to the Accord and Camry, but had little else to distinguish it in the cutthroat family sedan segment. Happily, Subaru has given buyers more reasons to consider its midsize sedan and wagon for 2005: The redesigned Legacy has slimmed down, powered up and slipped into some more stylish threads. Some of the biggest news is under the hood, as GT models feature a modified version of the WRX STi''s 2.5-liter turbocharged engine rated for 250 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. Although the continued absence of six-cylinder power in the Legacy might seem like a blow, rest assured that you won''t miss it. The turbo four responds with the heart and refinement of a much larger steed. Meanwhile, power delivery rivals V6 engines for smoothness, and the engine is quiet at cruising speeds. For buyers on a tighter budget, Subaru continues to offer a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Output has not improved by much; horsepower maxes out at 168 (163 in PZEV-mandated states like California). You can however expect better acceleration this year, as all Legacys lost roughly 100 pounds in the redesign, thanks to the increased use of lighter, stronger materials like aluminum. Additionally, engineers fiddled with the gearing to improve the shift response of the automatic transmission. All-wheel drive remains a staple of the 2005 Legacy lineup, but this is no longer a vehicle that will appeal only to those living in cold climates. Subaru''s midsize car has always been known for its fine handling, but this time around the company wanted it behave to like a sporty entry-luxury car. Accordingly, both the sedan and wagon ride beautifully on the highway, while providing a high level of entertainment on twisty back roads. Style and luxury were never within the previous Legacy''s grasp, but no apologies need be made for the new cockpits, which are some of the best-looking designs in this price range. They don''t break any new ground in styling, but one can''t help but like the symmetrical dash design, convincing faux aluminum trim, electroluminescent gauges and three-spoke Momo steering wheel found in GT models. Materials quality is excellent -- you could buy a Legacy and feel like you got a VW. Everything about the way the new Legacy looks, feels and drives is so much more cohesive and satisfying than before. Don''t buy a TSX or Mazda 6 without trying this Subaru first.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Legacy comes in sedan and wagon body styles in either 2.5i or 2.5 GT trim. A Limited Package is available on both trim levels. The 2.5i comes with the base 2.5-liter engine and offers such standard equipment as 16-inch alloy wheels, body-color door handles and moldings, air conditioning, a six-speaker CD stereo, cruise control, a trip computer, tweed upholstery, keyless entry and, on wagons only, roof rails and a cargo cover. Opt for the Limited package and you''ll get larger front brakes, a power driver seat, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated seats and mirrors, a wiper de-icer, an in-dash CD changer, dual-zone automatic climate control and dual moonroofs (the sedan gets a single large moonroof). Upgrade to the 2.5 GT and you get a turbocharged engine, along with 17-inch wheels, more powerful brakes, a functional hood scoop, sport seats, a Momo steering wheel and electroluminescent gauges. You''ll need to order the Limited Package to get a power driver seat, leather upholstery and a moonroof on the GT.
Powertrains and Performance:
The 2.5i model is powered by a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that makes 168 horsepower (163 in PZEV-mandated states) and 166 lb-ft of torque. The 2.5 GT uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine rated for 250 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. Either engine can be equipped with a five-speed manual transmission. The 2.5i is eligible for a four-speed automatic while the GT gets a five-speed auto; both come with an automanual mode. All-wheel drive is standard across the board.
Safety:
All Legacys have four-wheel antilock disc brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. Stability control is, unfortunately, not available. Front side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are also standard on all models. The front-seat head restraints feature dynamic whiplash protection.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Some of the biggest improvements this year are in the cabin. One can''t help but like the clean dash design and the convincing faux aluminum trim, not to mention the red-and-white gauges and three-spoke Momo steering wheel in GT models. Build and materials quality is excellent. The front seats offer an optimum blend of cushioning and support. While the backseat is comfortable for two passengers, shoulder room and legroom are still pretty tight for this class. Sedans have an 11.4-cubic-foot trunk with a ski pass-through. The wagon offers 33.5 cubic feet of capacity behind its rear seats and 66 cubes when they''re folded.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The Legacy offers a superb blend of ride comfort and handling acuity. The GT is easily as much fun as an Acura TSX or Mazda 6, and with the confidence of all four wheels putting power to the pavement, this Subaru is a satisfying substitute for the smaller, more expensive Audi A4. The base engine provides adequate acceleration, but serious drivers will want to go for the turbo motor and its vast reserves of lag-free power -- trust us, you won''t miss having a V6.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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