Safety

The car has standard dual front, side and side curtain air bags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has not yet crash tested the new 2005 Legacy or Outback. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated it a "Best Pick" in its category in frontal impacts. The Legacy received a Marginal note in lateral impacts.

Conclusion

The Legacy has a very mechanical feel to it. The engine is rumbly, the shifter is notchy and you can almost feel the AWD system working when the roads are covered in snow. The impression is that of a solid piece of machinery that will not fail. To add to the package, the pedals are perfectly positioned for heel-toe action. Of all the midsize sedans on the market at the moment, I could confidently say that the Legacy is in the top 5 most involving and rewarding cars to drive.

The $36,495 Legacy 2.5 GT does make the smaller $35,495 WRX look over-priced and under-achieving. Their levels of equipment and performances are similar but the Legacy has better appointed interior and more usable space. I think Subaru should revise some of their pricing if only to make the WRX more affordable so that I may purchase one...

Again on the pricing issue, for a car that costs over $40,000, it lacks in basic features. The absence of traction and stability control is difficult to justify. Even with an excellent AWD system, some assistance can never do any real harm, as long as it can be fully deactivated. To make the Legacy fly even faster, the base prices would have to drop by $3,000 to $4,000. This way, it would represent more direct competition to a Honda Accord or a Nissan Altima.

Good stuff:
One word: Turbo
A few more: All-wheel drive
Exterior styling

Not so good stuff:
Steep entry fee
No traction or stability control
High fuel consumption