2007 Subaru Legacy Review
The Legacy debuted as Subaru’s mid-size sedan in 1989. The Legacy really separated itself from the competition in 1998, when Subaru began only offering it as an all-wheel drive model. The third generation debuted in 2000 and the fourth version in 2005, featuring improved engine output and handling. The Legacy is one of the IIHS’s 2007 “Top Safety Picks.”
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Subaru Legacy is in a class of its own. It may not be the fastest, or the most feature packed, but that’s not what the Legacy is designed for. It’s designed to appeal to raw emotion, the feel of wheel. It’s standard AWD makes it not only practical in rough weather, but keeps in on the road in sharp, high-speed turns. The remarkable handling of the Legacy is matched with exceptional safety scores. If you have cash to spare, go for the GT spec.B for its array of extra gadgets.
What’s New For 2007:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
The Legacy earned three out of five stars in J.D. Power’s initial quality survey. The previous Legacy earned an overall “Green” rating from Automotive Information Systems. The second generation Legacy, produced in the mid-’90s had a number of issues, such as fluid leaks, shifting problems, and vehicle noise. Those Legacies were also subject to a large number of recalls. More recent models have held up better, however, facing a few recalls in the early ’00s due to loose cables, and one in 2005 for weak airbags. Expect average reliability. The standard warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Subaru Legacy received perfect government and IIHS crash test scores, and is one of this year’s IIHS “Top Safety Picks.” Side airbags, anti-lock brakes, AWD, and supportive head rests are standard. Stability control is included on GT models equipped with automatic transmissions and navigation.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Perfect crash test scores
+ Standard AWD
+ Adjustable engine on the GT spec.B
Cons
– Stability control only available on select models
– Mediocre fuel economy
– Little cargo space
Head-To-Head Competition:
Despite its standard AWD and excellent safety, the Legacy is not the most practical vehicle for the money, nor the most powerful. The Chrysler Sebring Touring features a six-cylinder with twenty more horsepower, and more cargo capacity. However, it lacks the Legacy’s AWD, ABS, and standard side airbags. The Mazda MAZDA6 features standard traction control, CD changer, and double the cargo space for the same price, but no AWD. For a bit more luxury at the same price, the Suzuki Verona offers a six-cylinder engine, leather seats, and a sunroof, despite lacking AWD.
What Others Are Saying:
“Those who do notice the Legacy will find a sport sedan or wagon whose dynamics are on par with many of the status symbols from Germany. The front strut and rear multi-link suspensions deliver neutral handling that inspires confidence, and the all-wheel-drive system is packaged with its weighty parts located near the center of the vehicle in the interest of balance. The result is initial understeer that gives way to neutrality or easily controllable oversteer, depending on how you use the throttle.” – Automobile Magazine
“The Legacy isn’t unique for its level of standard features; even the least expensive Camry comes with power windows and locks, A/C, antilock brakes and airbags all around, just like the Legacy, though it lacks the Legacy’s alloy wheels and remote locking. What sets the Legacy apart is the feel.” – About.com
“Although the Legacy GT is a hoot and receives high marks for interior amenities, exterior styling and beautiful performance, by a few measures it’s not quite the near-luxury car its makers would like to claim. For instance, though the interior is slick, it’s no Audi, BMW or Mercedes. And though there’s lots of legroom, head, hip and shoulder room are all bested by the Infiniti G35.” – Forbes
Read more about the 2007 Subaru Legacy at the Subaru manufacturer web site.
