Subaru Legacy

Subaru Legacy Models

The Subaru Legacy has three sedan models and two station wagons.

Legacy sedans include: L, GT and GT Limited. Legacy wagons: L and GT.

There is little difference in the specifications of these models. All are powered by Subaru's 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, which produces 165 horsepower.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard; a four-speed electronically controlled automatic is optional.

Legacy L models are well-equipped, with anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, power windows, mirrors and locks, and AM/FM/cassette.

GT models add a sport-tuned suspension, bigger wheels and tires, slightly different gear ratios, a limited-slip rear differential, sporty cloth and other features and trim. GT Limited models get side-impact airbags, leather upholstery and a CD player. We drove the Legacy GT Limited.

Driving the Subaru Legacy

Subaru has struck an excellent balance between handling and ride quality. The Legacy has a refined smooth feeling of sure-footedness. It comes from a combination of suspension design, all-wheel-drive and a low center of gravity aided by the horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. Subaru and Porsche are the only two companies with this type of engine layout on the market.

The all-wheel-drive system ensures that the power is distributed to all four wheels. This makes the car easier to control on dry pavement and is especially helpful when the road surface is slippery. Unlike part-time four-wheel-drive systems designed for off-road use, Subaru's system adds little weight, and the all-important viscous coupling unit is no larger than a grapefruit. This effectively replaces the hefty transfer case you'll find in a truck or SUV.

The four-cylinder engine produces 165 horsepower, which is good for this size of car. More important, the engine generates good low-end torque, which is the force that propels you away from intersections and up steep grades. Subaru's engine is more powerful than the four-cylinder engines in the Audi A4, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry -- and those are bigger cars. (Subaru does not offer a six-cylinder engine in the Legacy.) Under hard acceleration, the engine sounds boomy at low rpm, but that quickly gives way to an enthusiastic growl.

The manual transmission is smooth and pleasant to use. As in all four-cylinder cars it helps get the most out of the engine.

The optional automatic transmission uses a well-designed gated floor-mounted. Drive and third is a straight shot, making it easy and fun to shift between them. Move it over into a dogleg to downshift to second and first. Who needs a Tiptronic? It allows quick shifting between drive and reverse when turning around; there's never any doubt which gear is being selected. It isn't cumbersome like some of the old Mercedes gated shifters. Gear ratios are spaced well to make maximum use of engine power.

In regular driving on smooth dry roads it is all but impossible to tell the Subaru Legacy has all-wheel-drive. It is transparent to the driver, which is as it should be. The steering feels nice and precise and there is no torque steer when accelerating hard.

Handling is very balanced. Dive into a corner with too much speed and it goes into mild understeer; lift off the throttle and it transitions into oversteer. Translation: it's easy to drive, even at the limit of the tires. That's good news if you're ever upon for an evasive maneuver. Anti-lock disc brakes and the all-wheel-drive system help the driver avoid accidents by managing grip while the driver steers around the obstacles.

Subaru's Legacy GT doesn't offer a lot of sex appeal, but it's a well-designed, fun to drive all-wheel-drive sedan.