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Posted May, 2007

Road Test: 2007 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT

By Kevin S. Lowery

Subarus have been going mainstream for quite some time. Case in point: the Outback and the WRX. Both workhorses and fun to drive for very different reasons. It wasn’t always that way, though. When I was first introduced to them they were an obscure, all-wheel drive (standard) automobile that always lagged behind the likes of Honda, Toyota and even good ole Datsun in brand recognition. Do you remember Datsun? Those days are long gone.

You might say that Subaru was a trendsetter, what with the CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) being so popular these days. There is a lot to love about a Subaru. Unfortunately, that has not been true of the Legacy. I’ve always seen it as the poor relation of their line of automobiles. Not so with the all-new 2007 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Sedan and Wagon. The poor relation has come into some money and has acquired snap, style and pizzazz.

At a time when most cars resemble something closer to a Rubick’s Cube, Subaru honed its design down to the bare essentials. Less cladding on the exterior, sleek crimped line running from its Halogen (HID) headlight to its taillight. The slant of the hood and the squatty, wide front grille give this car an aggressive stance. Styling Check Plus!

It cannot, however, be accused of being all show and no substance. Under the hood, the GT is a 2.5L DOHC Intercooled Turbo Engine. A four-wheel independent suspension system and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels complete the picture.

Ingress and egress is just as easy as any other sedan. Try that in one of those monolithic monstrosities. The instrument panel features electroluminescent displays with buttons and switches that are intuitive and precise. The Momo steering system is sensitive and yet, exacting. Many of the standard features like front-seat heaters, four settings for driver and passenger seat adustment, dual-zone automatic climate control (standard on Limited models), improved leather seating and massive sunroof are features standard on other luxury vehicles. Gimme a Check here!

The seats were comfortable as well as sporty. The center of the seat has new supple, longer-lasting leather with aggressive side bolstering. Too aggressive in my view. And the longer wheelbase (increased only an inch) is not unlike the other automobiles in its class; long enough for two passengers of average height to be comfortable whether one is on a long journey or negotiating city traffic. And speaking of journeys, the 2.5GT Limited Sedan comes standard with a Nav system.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard on all Legacys. An automatic transmission with “sportshift” is offered on the GT, including an upgraded clutch that ensures smoother and more direct shifts. So, I give the interior a solid Check.

If you’re in the market for a quality sedan—without paying Audi-like prices—skip past the SUVs for a fully-loaded Subaru. And if you’re in the market for a station wagon, Subaru is just one of two manufacturers that still offer them. Not to mention the 19mpg city/25mpg highway which is better that most cars in its class. A big Check!

I drove a Legacy GT 2.5 Limited Sedan. It’s base price is $31,470 and the only option package is $304 including an auto-dimming mirror/compass and security system upgrade. Not excessive at all. Overall rating: a big Check! So all you have to do is go…check it out.. R&D