Acceleration

2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man.	2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto.	Class Average
6	6	5.9

No opportunity to test 175-hp model or spec.B. GT models provide good power--7.8 sec 0-60 mph in our tests. But throttle response dulled by annoying turbo lag. Some find manual transmission to have imprecise, overly long shift action. Note that short-throw shifter is standard on spec.B, optional otherwise.

Fuel Economy

2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man.	2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto.	Class Average
4	4	5.1

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

Ride Quality

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

GTs ride firmly on their 17-inch tires, with larger road imperfections pounding through into the cabin.

Steering/Handling/Braking

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

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

Quietness

2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man.	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

2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man.	2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto.	Class Average
7	7	6.7

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)

2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man.	2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6.8

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

Room/Comfort (rear)

2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man.	2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5.1

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

2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man.	2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto.	Class Average
2	8	4.8

Sedans have wide trunk opening, low liftover. Hinges shrouded, but take up some space. Standard 60/40 split rear seats fold almost flat. Wagons have low liftover but no opening glass. Standard cargo cover and under-floor storage bin are additional wagon conveniences.

Value within Class

2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man.	2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6.3

Legacys don't provide generous rear-seat room compared to some other midsize cars, and these 4-cyl cars are pricey against front-wheel-drive competitors, most of which offer V6 engines. But Legacys do appeal for their all-wheel-drive capability, available sedan and wagon body styles, and numerous standard safety features.

Total Score

2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man.	2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto.	Class Average
56	62	59.2

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		47
Average Score		59
High Score		69