2006 Subaru Legacy Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2006 Subaru Legacy includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Subaru Legacy from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Subaru Legacy, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Subaru Legacy help you decide if a 2006 Subaru Legacy is right for you.

2006 Subaru Legacy Road Test

Pros	Cons

Steering/handling	Engine response (turbos)

All-wheel drive	Shift action (manual transmission)

Instruments/controls

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man.	Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto.	Class Average
6	6	5.6

No opportunity to test 175-hp Legacy or 250-hp Legacy spec.B. Turbocharged Legacy 2.5 GT models provide plentiful power--7.8 sec 0-60 mph--after some annoying turbo lag. Turbo lag can hinder passing response with automatic transmission, but manual-shift feature is a help. Some testers find manual transmission to have imprecise, overly long shift action. (Note that short-throw shifter is an option.)

Fuel Economy

Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man.	Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto.	Class Average
4	4	5.2

Test GT wagon with automatic transmission averaged 15.5 mpg in mostly city driving. Test GT sedan with manual averaged 20.1 mpg with more highway mileage. Turbocharged and 6-cyl models require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man.	Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6.1

Legacy GT rides firmly on its 17-inch tires, with larger road imperfections pounding through into the cabin.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man.	Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto.	Class Average
7	7	6.1

The 2.5i models have linear, predictable steering, but it feels too light. Quicker steering on Legacy 2.5 GT can hinder straightline tracking on highway. GT's handling composed, with little body lean in fast corners.

Quietness

Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man.	Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto.	Class Average
7	7	6.2

Turbocharged engines subdued, refined. Little tire noise, though some testers complained of body drumming over broken pavement. Wind rush evident only above 70 mph.

Controls

Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man.	Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto.	Class Average
7	7	6.8

Gauges clear, easily seen. All controls within arm's reach. Interior materials a mix of budget-grade plastics and richer-feeling fabrics and coverings. Two test examples had loose plastic side panels on front seats. No opportunity to evaluate with navigation system.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man.	Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6.6

Plenty of leg room, but head room tight for taller riders. All seats comfortable, though Legacy 2.5 GT's contoured seats offer more lateral support. Interior storage adequate. Unobstructed visibility to all corners.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man.	Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5

Tall passengers may lack head room. Good leg room, unless front seats pushed far back. Toe space cramped if front seats aren't raised. Good thigh support for long-trip comfort.

Cargo Room

Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man.	Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto.	Class Average
2	8	4.5

Sedans have wide trunk opening, low liftover. Hinges shrouded, but take up some space. Seats don't fold down, but a pass-through is standard. Wagons have low liftover but no separate-opening glass; their standard 60/40 split rear seats fold almost flat to provide lots of cargo space. Standard cargo cover and under-floor storage bin are additional wagon conveniences.

Value within Class

Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man.	Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6.1

Though pricey against front-wheel-drive competitors, Legacys appeal for their all-wheel-drive capability and numerous standard safety features. Though our recommended pick is the Outback, there's some value in Legacy as well, especially if you need the versatility of all-wheel drive.

Total Score