New Car Review of the 2005 Subaru Legacy Mid-Size Sedan and Wagon

Description: Mid-Size Sedan and Wagon
Base MSRP Range: $21,295 - $29,795
Invoice Price Range: $19,678 - $27,386
Where built: USA

The mid-size Legacy series in Subaru's 2005 line has been redesigned for a fourth generation of sedans and station wagons. Legacy's chassis is about an inch longer and the track is wider with revised chassis dynamics and new suspension settings to foster a smooth ride quality. Trims and powertrains are different too with a total of six models in the series now.

Entry comes with Legacy 2.5 i sedan and wagon, or plush 2.5 i Limited sedan and wagon. Each draws from a revised 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine with electronic throttle control (ETC) and 168-hp. A step up in the series leads to Legacy 2.5 GT sedan and the 2.5 GT Limited sedan and wagon, each packing a 2.5-liter four with turbo-charging and inter-cooling to drive output to 250-hp. All Legacy models use AWD equipment, but GT versions with the optional 5-speed SportShift automatic transaxle have the VTD AWD system.

All also contain more on-board safety systems this year, including side-impact air bags for front seats and curtain-style air bags in headliners above front and rear outboard seats.