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2008 Subaru Legacy Full Review
Date Published: 7/19/08
Also in the 2008 Subaru Legacy Review:
5.
6.
Subaru Legacy Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Subaru Legacy Review
The 2008 Subaru Legacy gets freshened styling, a revised dashboard, and a new model with a 6-cylinder engine. These midsize sedans offer all-wheel drive and horizontally opposed engines. Note that a wagon body style is no longer offered. Legacy is available in 2.5i and 2.5 GT trims, each with 4-cylinder engines. The 2.5i models have 170 hp. GT and sport-themed GT spec.B are turbocharged and have 243 hp. New for '08 is the 3.0 R Limited, and it has a 245-hp 6-cylinder. Manual transmission is standard on 2.5 models. Automatic is optional on 2.5i and non-spec.B GTs. The automatic is standard on the 3.0. Automatic-transmission Legacys include steering wheel shift paddles for '08. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. The spec.B has a sport suspension and specific interior trim.
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 Kia Rondo. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 5, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, and Mazda 5.
Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Kia Rondo. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 5, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, and Mazda 5.
News
These cars should mark time for the next couple of years.
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2008 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
Only Legacy GT models have been made available for testing so far. They have good power--7.8 seconds 0-60 mph in our test. Throttle response is dulled by annoying turbo lag. Some of our testers find the manual transmission to have imprecise, overly long shift action. Note that a short-throw shifter is optional.
| 2.5 GT Limited, manual | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.6 |
Only Legacy GT models have been made available for testing so far. They have good power--7.8 seconds 0-60 mph in our test. Throttle response is dulled by annoying turbo lag. Some of our testers find the manual transmission to have imprecise, overly long shift action. Note that a short-throw shifter is optional.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, a GT with manual transmission averaged 20.1 mpg in mostly highway driving. Subaru recommends premium-grade gas for the 3.0 R and requires it for the GT. Legacy 2.5i models use regular.
| 2.5 GT Limited, manual | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a GT with manual transmission averaged 20.1 mpg in mostly highway driving. Subaru recommends premium-grade gas for the 3.0 R and requires it for the GT. Legacy 2.5i models use regular.
Ride Quality
GTs ride firmly on their 17-inch wheels, with larger road imperfections pounding through into the cabin.
| 2.5 GT Limited, manual | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 |
GTs ride firmly on their 17-inch wheels, with larger road imperfections pounding through into the cabin.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Quick steering on the GTs can hinder straight-line tracking on highway. Their handling is composed, with little body lean in fast corners. Brakes feel strong on all.
| 2.5 GT Limited, manual | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 |
Quick steering on the GTs can hinder straight-line tracking on highway. Their handling is composed, with little body lean in fast corners. Brakes feel strong on all.
Quietness
The turbocharged engine is subdued and refined. Some testers complain of body drumming over broken pavement. A fair amount of wind and tire noise filters into the cabin at highway speeds.
| 2.5 GT Limited, manual | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 |
The turbocharged engine is subdued and refined. Some testers complain of body drumming over broken pavement. A fair amount of wind and tire noise filters into the cabin at highway speeds.
Controls
The revised gauges are brightly lit, but they're not easy to read in bright sunlight. The navigation system is separate from audio and climate controls, though the screen is small and difficult to read at a glance.
| 2.5 GT Limited, manual | Class Average |
| 6 | 6.3 |
The revised gauges are brightly lit, but they're not easy to read in bright sunlight. The navigation system is separate from audio and climate controls, though the screen is small and difficult to read at a glance.
Details
Assembly quality has been good on models tested. Despite a revamped interior, materials are nothing special given Legacy's near-premium pricing.
| 2.5 GT Limited, manual | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.5 |
Assembly quality has been good on models tested. Despite a revamped interior, materials are nothing special given Legacy's near-premium pricing.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Plenty of legroom, but headroom is tight for taller riders. All seats are comfortable, and the GT's contoured seats offer more lateral support. Visibility is good in all directions.
| 2.5 GT Limited, manual | Class Average |
| 6 | 6.7 |
Plenty of legroom, but headroom is tight for taller riders. All seats are comfortable, and the GT's contoured seats offer more lateral support. Visibility is good in all directions.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Headroom is good. Foot space is cramped, even with the front seats raised. The cushion is mounted on the low side, forcing passengers to ride in an uncomfortable knees-up position.
| 2.5 GT Limited, manual | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.1 |
Headroom is good. Foot space is cramped, even with the front seats raised. The cushion is mounted on the low side, forcing passengers to ride in an uncomfortable knees-up position.
Cargo Room
These sedans have a wide trunk opening and low liftover. The hinges are shrouded to avoid cargo damage, but they take up some space. Standard 60/40 split rear seatbacks fold almost flat.
| 2.5 GT Limited, manual | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 |
These sedans have a wide trunk opening and low liftover. The hinges are shrouded to avoid cargo damage, but they take up some space. Standard 60/40 split rear seatbacks fold almost flat.
Value within Class
Legacys don't provide generous rear-seat room compared to some other midsize cars, and these cars are pricey against front-wheel-drive competitors. They do have some appeal for their all-wheel-drive capability and numerous available safety features.
| 2.5 GT Limited, manual | Class Average |
| 5 | 6.2 |
Legacys don't provide generous rear-seat room compared to some other midsize cars, and these cars are pricey against front-wheel-drive competitors. They do have some appeal for their all-wheel-drive capability and numerous available safety features.
Total Score
| 2.5 GT Limited, manual | Class Average |
| 60 | 63 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 48 | |
| Average Score | 63 | |
| High Score | 74 |
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2008 Subaru Legacy Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/13/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2.5i 4-door sedan, manual | $20,495 | $19,365 | $645 |
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| 2.5i 4-door sedan, automatic | $21,495 | $20,277 | $645 |
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| 2.5i Special Edition 4-door sedan, manual | $20,795 | $19,639 | $645 |
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| 2.5i Special Edition 4-door sedan, automatic | $21,795 | $20,551 | $645 |
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| 2.5i Limited 4-door sedan, automatic | $24,095 | $22,615 | $645 |
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| 2.5 GT Limited 4-door sedan, manual | $28,295 | $26,438 | $645 |
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| 2.5 GT Limited 4-door sedan, automatic | $29,795 | $27,807 | $645 |
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| 2.5 GT Limited 4-door sedan w/navigation, automatic | $31,995 | $29,710 | $645 |
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| 2.5 GT spec. B 4-door sedan, manual | $33,995 | $31,534 | $645 |
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| 3.0 R Limited 4-door sedan, automatic | $31,295 | $29,167 | $645 |
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, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 205/50R17 tires, alloy wheels.
2.5i Special Edition adds to 2.5i:
Comfort and Convenience Features
8-way power driver seat, power sunroof.
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.
Comfort and Convenience Features
4-way power passenger seat.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Mirror-mounted turn signals, sport suspension, 215/45ZR17 tires.
2.5 GT spec. B adds to 2.5 GT Limited:
Powertrain
6-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Safety
Antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather/alcantara upholstery, driver-seat memory, navigation system, steering wheel radio controls.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Performance suspension, 215/45YR18 tires.
3.0 R Limited adds to 2.5 GT Limited:
Powertrain
3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, traction control.
Safety
Antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
215/45YR18 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Popular Equipment Group 1
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2.5 GT Limited, 2.5 GT spec. B, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Special Edition, 3.0 R Limited
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$304
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$198
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, security system shock sensor.
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Popular Equipment Group 1 w/universal garage-door opener
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2.5 GT Limited, 2.5 GT spec. B, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Special Edition, 3.0 R Limited
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$381
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$248
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Popular Equipment Group 2
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2.5i
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$515
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$371
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Fog lights, mud guards.
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Sport Trim Group
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2.5i sedan, 2.5i Special Edition
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$1,146
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$677
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Rocker panel trim, rear spoiler, fog lights.
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Appearance Pkg.
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2.5 GT Limited, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Special Edition, 3.0 R Limited
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$784
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$405
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Rocker panel trim, rear spoiler. NA spec. B.
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Powertrain |
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California/Northeast emissions
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2.5i, 2.5i Special Edition, 2.5i Limited
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$200
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$200
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Required in Calif., Mass. Maine, Vt., N.Y., Pa.
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Short-throw shifter
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2.5i, 2.5i Special Edition, 2.5 GT Limited
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$374
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$243
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2.5 GT Spec.B
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$451
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$338
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NA w/automatic transmission.
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Safety |
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Antiskid system
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2.5i Limited, 2.5 GT Limited
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$300
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$275
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Includes traction control. Requires automatic transmission.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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2.5 GT Limited
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$2,000
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$1,721
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Requires automatic transmission.
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror
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2.5 GT Limited, 2.5 GT spec. B, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Special Edition, 3.0 R Limited
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$183
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$119
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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, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Special Edition, 3.0 R Limited
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$260
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$169
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Includes compass.
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Satellite radio
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2.5 GT Limited, 2.5 GT spec. B, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Special Edition, 3.0 R Limited
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$456
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$342
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Remote engine start
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automatic
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$442
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$288
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Rubber floormats
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2.5 GT Limited, 2.5 GT spec. B, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Special Edition, 3.0 R Limited
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$55
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$33
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Rear spoiler
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2.5 GT Limited, 2.5 GT spec. B, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Special Edition, 3.0 R Limited
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$389
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$292
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Fog lights
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2.5i, 2.5i Special Edition
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$362
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$272
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Trailer hitch
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2.5 GT Limited, 2.5 GT spec. B, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Special Edition, 3.0 R Limited
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$353
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$229
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2008 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 | dohc H6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.5 /150 | 2.5 /150 | 3.0 /183 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 170 @ 6000 | 243 @ 6000 | 245 @ 6600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 170 @ 4400 | 241 @ 3600 | 215 @ 4200 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 20/27 | 19/24 | --/-- |
| 6-speed manual | --/-- | 17/24 | --/-- |
| 4-speed automatic | 20/27 | --/-- | --/-- |
| 5-speed automatic | --/-- | 18/24 | 17/24 |
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 |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 | 4 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 | 5 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 | 5 |
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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Subaru Legacy Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Subaru Legacy Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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Vehicle History Report
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