2007 Subaru Legacy

That all changed in the 1990s as Subarus became more refined and the automaker's Outback crossover model did a fair job of combining features of a station wagon and small sport-utility vehicle.

Into Big Leagues
Subaru definitely has stepped up to the big leagues with its redesigned 2005 Legacy line. It includes a much improved sedan and wagon—and Outback sedan and wagon, which has such sport-utility features as a raised suspension.

All get slicker styling, more features, added power and slightly larger exterior dimensions.

I drove the Legacy GT sedan and mechanically identical GT wagon—not the Outback, which is in the crossover or "hybrid" vehicle market and wasn't available for immediate testing.

The 2004 Legacy GT sedan and wagon were generally above-average, but were seriously handicapped by bland styling, a plain interior and only a 165-horsepower 4-cylinder engine.

Lots More Power
However, with such items as a 250-horsepower engine, the new GT has become the racy member of the 2005 Legacy compact line.

That fourth-generation line contains the lower-level Legacy 2.5i sedans and wagons with a 168-horsepower engine that has Subaru's traditional Porsche-style horizontally opposed piston design for a compact size. The 2.5i is fine for many Subaru buyers, but a little slow during highway performance.

Another Story
The GT sedan and roomier wagon, which has different rear styling than the sedan, are another story; they have such features as that potent turbocharged and intercooled 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine.

The GT sedan has especially sharp, aerodynamic styling with a pronounced wedge body shape that gives it a European high-performance look—not that the wagon isn't also handsome. Even the hood scoop of both versions is functional, feeding air to the intercooler for more horsepower.

Tailpipe tips that extend from the dual-muffler exhaust system through bumper cutouts add a sporty flair.

The wheelbase (distance between axles) of the Legacy has been increased from 104.3 inches to 105.1 inches and overall length is up about two inches from the 2004 model. The unitized body structure is stiffer for a more solid feel and improved ride and handling, and a modified suspension also helps out here.

Upgraded Interior
Subarus have had generally mediocre interiors, but the Legacy's interior is considerably upgraded with a good design and high-quality materials. That's especially true for the GT and GT Limited version; the latter has leather upholstery, power front passenger seat and power sunroof, with dual power sunroofs for the wagon.

The GT sedan is $26,245, with the Limited version at $28,745. The GT wagon, which offers more cargo room, lists at $27,245, with the Limited version costing $29,945.

While slower, with less precise handling, the lower-line 2.5i sedans and wagons are fairly well equipped and go from $21,445 to $25,895.

Loaded With Equipment
Both GT versions are loaded with comfort and convenience items. They include air conditioning with dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, a power driver's seat, heated front seats, a tilt steering wheel, an AM/FM/CD sound system and power windows, mirrors and locks with remote keyless entry.

Safety items include anti-lock brakes, front-seat side airbags and head-protecting side-curtain airbags.

The GT's engine is a detuned version of the engine in Subaru's ferocious 300-horsepower WRX STi rally-style sedan, which is less refined than the Legacy GT. The wagon's performance is nearly identical to that of the sedan because the wagon is only slightly heavier.

Both versions have decent room for four 6-footers, although some taller occupants might wish for more rear seat head room.

Roomier Wagon
The sedan has a roomy trunk with a low, wide opening, The wagon also has a low cargo area opening, but no separate-opening tailgate glass—and also split-folding rear seats for more cargo volume.

The sedan has fixed rear seatbacks, but there is a pass-through area from the trunk to the rear-seat area.

The sophisticated GT engine features dual overhead camshafts, variable valve timing and a compact design for a low center of gravity and sharper handling.

Turbo Lag
The GT streaks to 60 mph from a standing start in 5.9 seconds. But the engine has annoying turbo lag when the gas pedal is floored. Such lag momentarily delays response in passing and merging situations. That's particularly true when the GT engine is hooked to $1,200 5-speed automatic transmission instead of to the standard, improved 5-speed manual gearbox, which should be ordered with the $339 short-throw shifter for the most efficient shifting.

A 6-speed manual gearbox would be nicer, but Subaru used a 5-speed unit partly to hold down costs. The new automatic is a big improvement over the 2004 4-speed GT automatic. It has faster shifts and a manual-shift feature that cuts down on turbo lag.

Fuel economy of the GT is in the high teens in the city and about 25 mpg on the highway. The 168-horsepower engine on the less exciting Legacy 2.5i gets a few more miles per gallon.

Superb Handling
The new GT has a quicker steering ratio, requiring just 2.8 turns of the wheel lock-to-lock, instead of 3.2 turns. Subaru's all-wheel-drive system and its revised suspension help provide superb handling, besides better grip on slippery roads.

Subaru gave the GT more balanced handling by trimming weight from both ends of the car, with an aluminum hood, lighter bumpers and movement of the battery farther back in the engine compartment—besides giving the wagon an aluminum tailgate.

Cutting weight at the ends of a car helps to concentrate more mass near its center of gravity, which enhances handling.

The ride is comfortable, and the GT has larger 17-inch wheels with wider 45-series tires for better grip. It also has larger front brakes and vented rear brakes for shorter stopping distances.

Comfortable Seats
The front bucket seats are supportive, and the back seats have good thigh support for comfort on long trips.

The leather-wrapped MOMO steering wheel has a nearly perfect size, and the electroluminescent gauges are easy to read under a variety of lighting conditions. Audio and climate controls are large and within easy reach of a driver.

Body color mirrors with integrated turn signals can be folded against the side window glass to prevent damage in tight parking spots.

The 2005 GT sedan and wagon are good enough to compete with higher-priced European sports sedans and wagons, which is something nobody was predicting a few years ago.