2007 Subaru Legacy Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

These midsize cars offer sedan and wagon body styles and come with all-wheel drive and horizontally opposed 4-cyl engines. Legacy is available in 2.5i and 2.5 GT trim. The 2.5i models have 175 hp. GTs are turbocharged and have 243 hp. Manual transmission is standard. Automatic is optional, except on the sport-themed GT spec.B sedan. ABS, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags are standard. An antiskid system is standard on GT, unavailable otherwise. The spec.B has a sport suspension and specific interior trim. Legacys have a 60/40 split folding rear seatback for '07; it replaces a center pass-through. Remote engine start is a new option for automatic-transmission versions.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Mercury Milan, and Saturn Aura.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Saturn Aura.

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.

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2007 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

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

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2007 Subaru Legacy Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 11/14/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2.5i 4-door sedan, manual	$20,495	$19,365	$625

2.5i 4-door sedan, automatic	$21,495	$20,277	$625

2.5i 4-door wagon, manual	$21,495	$20,277	$625

2.5i Special Edition 4-door sedan, manual	$20,795	$19,639	$625

2.5i Special Edition 4-door sedan, automatic	$21,795	$20,551	$625

2.5i Special Edition 4-door wagon, automatic	$22,995	$21,645	$625

2.5i Limited 4-door sedan, automatic	$24,095	$22,615	$625

2.5i Limited 4-door wagon, automatic	$25,295	$23,708	$625

2.5 GT Limited 4-door sedan, manual	$28,295	$26,438	$625

2.5 GT Limited 4-door sedan, automatic	$29,495	$27,532	$625

2.5 GT Limited 4-door sedan w/navigation, automatic	$31,995	$29,710	$625

2.5 GT Limited 4-door wagon, automatic	$30,895	$28,807	$625

2.5 GT spec. B 4-door sedan, manual	$33,995	$31,534	$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 or 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, 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-media player connection, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, 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.

2.5i Special Edition adds to 2.5i:

Comfort and Convenience Features

8-way power driver seat, single power sunroof (sedan), dual power sunroofs (wagon).

2.5i Limited adds to 2.5i Special Edition:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate controls, heated power mirrors, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, wiper deicer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights.

2.5 GT Limited adds to 2.5i Limited:

Powertrain

2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, limited-slip differential.

Safety

Antiskid system (navigation).

Comfort and Convenience Features

4-way power passenger seat.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Mirror-mounted turn signals, 215/45ZR17 tires.

2.5 GT spec. B adds to 2.5 GT Limited:

Powertrain

6-speed manual transmission.

Safety

Antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Navigation system.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Sport suspension, 215/45YR18 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Performance Group 1
2.5i, 2.5i Special Edition, 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, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Special Edition	$304	$198
Automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, security system shock sensor.

Popular Equipment Group 1 w/universal garage-door opener
2.5 GT Limited, 2.5 GT spec. B, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Special Edition	$381	$248


Sport Trim Group
2.5i sedan, 2.5i Special Edition	$1,146	$677
Rocker panel trim, rear spoiler, fog lights.

Appearance Pkg.
sedan	$784	$405
Rocker panel trim, rear spoiler. NA spec. B.

Outdoor Recreation Group
wagon	$525	$316
Roof-mounted bin and bike carrier.

Powertrain
California/Northeast emissions
2.5 GT Limited, 2.5 GT spec. B, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Special Edition	$200	$200
Required in Calif., Mass. Maine, Vt., N.Y.

Short-throw shifter
2.5 GT Limited, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Special Edition	$374	$243
NA w/automatic transmission, spec B.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
2.5 GT Limited, 2.5 GT spec. B, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Special Edition	$183	$119
Includes compass.

Automatic day/night rearview mirror w/universal garage-door opener
2.5 GT Limited, 2.5 GT spec. B, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Special Edition	$260	$169
Includes compass.

Satellite radio
2.5 GT Limited, 2.5 GT spec. B, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Special Edition	$445	$334


Remote engine start
automatic	$442	$288


Cargo tray
wagon	$75	$46


Rubber floormats
2.5 GT Limited, 2.5 GT spec. B, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Special Edition	$55	$33


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack
wagon	$150	$85


Fog lights
2.5i, 2.5i Special Edition	$365	$274

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2007 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.	3270	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	243 @ 6000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	169 @ 4000	241 @ 3600

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	22/29	20/26

6-speed manual	--/--	19/26

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.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Subaru Legacy 4-door sedan	Subaru Legacy 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	5	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5	5

Rollover Resistance	4	NA

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

< 2007 Subaru Legacy Photos

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Also in the 2007 Subaru Legacy Review:

Subaru Legacy

Subaru Legacy Road Test

Subaru Legacy Prices & Equipment

Subaru Legacy Specs & Safety

Subaru Legacy Photos

Subaru Legacy Full Review