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2006 Subaru Legacy Full Review
Date Published: 10/19/07
Also in the 2006 Subaru Legacy Review:
2006 Subaru Legacy Review
An available navigation system and new sport model highlight '06 changes for the Legacy. Sharing chassis and engine with the SUV-flavored Outback Legacy comes in sedan and wagon body styles. Every model has all-wheel drive and a horizontally opposed engine. Legacy 2.5i models has a 175-hp 4-cyl. Legacy 2.5 GT has a turbocharged 250-hp 4-cyl. Both engines come with a choice between manual or automatic transmission. The automatics have manual-shift capability. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags are standard. The Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B model has a sport suspension and 18-inch wheels. The navigation system is standard in the spec.B and is available on other models.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.
Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and Subaru Outback and Legacy.
New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Volkswagen Passat.
Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and Subaru Outback and Legacy.
New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Volkswagen Passat.
News
Though recently redesigned, the Legacy/Outback line will eventually get the signature Subaru face introduced with the B9 Tribeca SUV and now the Impreza passenger cars. Apart from that and the usual features shuffling, these cars should mark time for the next couple of years.
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
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.)
| 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
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.
| 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 GT rides firmly on its 17-inch tires, with larger road imperfections pounding through into the cabin.
| 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
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.
| 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
Turbocharged engines subdued, refined. Little tire noise, though some testers complained of body drumming over broken pavement. Wind rush evident only above 70 mph.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
| Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man. | Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto. | Class Average |
| 56 | 62 | 58.2 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 44 | |
| Average Score | 58 | |
| High Score | 70 |
2006 Subaru Legacy Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/06/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 2.5i 4-door sedan | $21,695 | $20,349 | $625 |
|
|
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| 2.5i 4-door wagon | $22,695 | $21,261 | $625 |
|
|
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| 2.5 GT Limited 4-door sedan | $28,795 | $26,782 | $625 |
|
|
|||
| 2.5 GT Limited 4-door wagon | $31,195 | $28,970 | $625 |
|
|
|||
| 2.5 GT spec.B 4-door sedan | $33,995 | $31,524 | $625 |
Price note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Subaru of America. Prices may vary in areas served by independent distributors.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
2.5i
Powertrain
2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive, locking center differential.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, trunk pass-through (sedan), split folding rear seat (wagon), power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, map lights, illuminated visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, cargo cover (wagon), rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer (wagon), automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, roof rails (wagon), 205/50R17 tires, alloy wheels.
2.5 GT Limited adds to 2.5i:
Powertrain
2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability (wagon), limited-slip differential.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, 4-way power passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel, single power sunroof (sedan), dual power sunroofs (wagon), heated power mirrors w/turn signals, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Wiper deicer, fog lights, 215/45ZR17 tires.
2.5 GT spec.B adds to 2.5 GT Limited:
Powertrain
5-speed manual transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, 215/45WR18 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Special Edition Pkg.
|
||
|
2.5i sedan
|
$300
|
$274
|
|
2.5i wagon
|
$500
|
$456
|
|
Single power sunroof (sedan), dual power sunroofs (wagon), 8-way power driver seat.
|
||
|
Limited Edition Pkg.
|
||
|
2.5i sedan
|
$3,600
|
$3,248
|
|
2.5i wagon
|
$3,800
|
$3,430
|
|
4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate controls, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, single power sunroof (sedan), dual power sunroofs (wagon), heated mirrors, wiper deicer, metallic and wood grain interior trim, fog lights.
|
||
|
Performance Group 1
|
||
|
2.5i, 2.5 GT Limited sedan
|
$650
|
$422
|
|
Short-throw shifter, metal pedals, leather-wrapped shift knob. NA w/automatic transmission.
|
||
|
Popular Equipment Group 1
|
||
|
2.5 GT Limited, 2.5 GT spec.B, 2.5i
|
$304
|
$198
|
|
Automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, security system shock sensor.
|
||
|
Popular Equipment Group 1 w/universal garage-door opener
|
||
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2.5 GT Limited, 2.5 GT spec.B, 2.5i
|
$381
|
$248
|
|
Sport Trim Group
|
||
|
2.5i sedan, 2.5 GT Limited
|
$1,161
|
$688
|
|
Rocker panel trim, rear spoiler, fog lights.
|
||
|
Appearance Pkg.
|
||
|
sedan
|
$784
|
$405
|
|
Rocker panel trim, rear spoiler. NA spec. B.
|
||
|
Outdoor Recreation Group 2
|
||
|
wagon
|
$675
|
$401
|
|
Roof rack w/bin basket and bike carrier.
|
||
|
|
||
Powertrain |
||
|
4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
|
||
|
2.5i
|
$1,000
|
$912
|
|
5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
|
||
|
2.5 GT Limited sedan
|
$1,200
|
$1,094
|
|
Short-throw shifter
|
||
|
2.5 GT Limited, 2.5 GT spec.B, 2.5i
|
$374
|
$243
|
|
NA w/automatic transmission.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
2.5 GT Limited
|
$2,000
|
$1,824
|
|
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
|
||
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2.5 GT Limited, 2.5 GT spec.B, 2.5i
|
$183
|
$119
|
|
Includes compass.
|
||
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror w/universal garage-door opener
|
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2.5 GT Limited, 2.5 GT spec.B, 2.5i
|
$260
|
$169
|
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Includes compass.
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Cargo tray
|
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wagon
|
$75
|
$46
|
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Rubber floormats
|
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2.5 GT Limited, 2.5 GT spec.B, 2.5i
|
$55
|
$33
|
|
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Rear spoiler
|
||
|
sedan
|
$389
|
$292
|
|
Roof rack
|
||
|
wagon
|
$150
|
$85
|
|
Fog lights
|
||
|
2.5i
|
$365
|
$274
|
|
|
||
2006 Subaru Legacy Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Subaru Legacy 4-door sedan | Subaru Legacy 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 105.1 | 105.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 186.2 | 188.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.1 | 68.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.1 | 58.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3250 | 3305 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 11.4 | 66.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.9 | 16.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.5 | 40.5 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 44.1 | 44.1 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.5 | 39.1 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.9 | 33.9 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc H4 | Turbocharged dohc H4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.5 /150 | 2.5 /150 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 175 @ 5600 | 250 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 169 @ 4000 | 250 @ 3600 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed manual | 22/29 | --/-- |
| 4-speed automatic | 23/30 | --/-- |
| 5-speed automatic | --/-- | 19/25 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Subaru Legacy 4-door sedan | Subaru Legacy 4-door wagon |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
Also in the 2006 Subaru Legacy Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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