2005 Subaru Legacy

Automatic transmissions operate adaptively, now using more electronic control and less hydraulic control. Sudden throttle applications produce a positive downshift, while sudden throttle release can interrupt the upshift if you're in Sport mode. Each automatic transmission has three modes: Normal, Sport, SportShift manual. Semi-manual shift mode can be activated temporarily by use of steering-wheel buttons, when a quick burst of energy is needed to pass. The system returns to Normal mode after the need has passed.

Interior refinements for 2005 manage to give the Legacy a more refined demeanor.

Aluminum components, including the hood, rear gate and bumper beams, help reduce weight. Torsional rigidity has increased by five percent, while body-bending rigidity is up 14 percent.


Moving the battery 26 millimeters closer to the vehicle's center improves stability, according to Subaru. So does mounting the engine lower in the chassis, and increasing the track width by an inch. The windshield washer also sits lower, and now includes a dipstick.