2005 Subaru Legacy

Does the name "Subaru" conjure images of Birkenstock-shod Deadheads? Thanks to WRXs, STis, and Lance Armstrong, that stereotype is fading. Also aiding the transformation is the '05 Legacy sedan/wagon, already launched as an '04 model in Europe and Japan. The new Legacy is for sport-sedan intenders who want something bigger, more luxurious, and less rowdy than a WRX STi. It launches in April with a new turbocharged, twin-cam 2.5-liter boxer four for the GT (250 horsepower, 230 lb-ft of torque) and a naturally aspirated version as the standard engine.

Meanwhile, Subaru is readying a new Legacy-based crossover for fall 2004, to compete with the Lexus RX 330 and the Acura MDX. That gives the '05 Outback room to become more elegant and car-like. Body-color cladding will replace the dove-gray panels of the current model. The optional 3.0-liter boxer-six, available only in the Outback, will be revised with a new variable-cam system and exhaust, and power levels about equal to the turbo four. Outback and Legacy also get a more rigid chassis, longer wheelbase, wider tread, and more interior space and utility. Lots of aluminum and some titanium keep weight down. Japanese-spec models are up to 220 pounds lighter than the old models.

And Japanese spec is what we sampled nearly a year in advance. We drove new Legacies with both the 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbo and the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer. The turbos get lots of boost in Japan, creating 280-plus horsepower, but the engine won't be certified for U.S. sale.

The cars are nearly silent at idle, and the turbos make a high whine under heavy throttle. With either the five-speed automatic or the five-speed manual, the Legacy revs easily and accelerates eagerly. Driven around a tight race circuit, the Legacy turned in with moderate understeer and suspension compliance, then settled calmly, often wagging its tail under hard exit. You can catch oversteer predictably with a snick of the light, linear steering--it's hard to get crossed up in this car. The suspension is comfortable for normal driving on rough roads, yet makes the Legacy one of the most spirited cars in its class.