2005 Subaru Legacy

Subaru's anti-lock braking system now has electronic brake-force distribution. Active front head restraints are new, and the Legacy contains both seat-mounted and curtain-type airbags.


Previous Legacy sedans and wagons were appealing vehicles, so the 2005 versions build upon those basic virtues. Ride comfort heads the list of benefits. On smooth pavement, in particular, the Legacy eases along, transmitting minimal trouble to occupants. Despite a basic tautness, the suspension absorbs most bumps and is neatly compliant when encountering more bothersome spots.


Quick curves yield some body roll, but on the whole the Legacy 2.5 GT is well controlled, giving the driver an above-average confidence level. Pavement separators can transmit noise, and tire sounds turn up on certain road surfaces, but most of the time the Legacy runs quiet.

Turbocharging and a dual-overhead-cam for the GT nets 250 hp at 6,000 rpm plus 250 lb.-ft. at 3,600 rpm.

Performance in the 2.5 GT declines at high altitudes as turbo lag becomes evident. Otherwise, acceleration is pleasantly energetic, though hardly record setting, both from a standstill and to pass or merge. Subaru's five-speed automatic transmission changes gears with notable smoothness. Tapping a steering-wheel button to quickly drop a gear for passing is a handy feature—easier than moving into the full SportShift function on the gated gearshift lever.