Subarus have always been a bit peculiar. From their exclusive use of horizontally opposed "boxer" engines and standard all-wheel drive to their trail-friendly wagons and turbo compacts with gigantic hood scoops and rear wings, the vehicles from Fuji Heavy Industries roll to the beat of a different drummer. As the automaker puts it, those characteristics are what make a Subaru a Subaru. They're also what has helped make the small Japanese brand successful, especially during these current hard times. For 2009, Subaru's year-to-year sales, like all automakers,' are down, but only a scant 1.8 percent. Compare that to losses at Toyota (40.7 percent) and Honda (41.5 percent), and you can see why Subaru is feeling like the healthiest candy bar at the snack shop. With the launch of its all-new fifth-generation Legacy, Subaru is feeling even sweeter, as it finally has a flagship sedan that offers competitive performance, passenger volume, and fuel economy.
Since it's only grown 1.4 inches in length and around 50 pounds in curb weight, the 2010 Legacy doesn't look considerably bigger than its predecessor. But, thanks to a wheelbase stretched 3.2 inches, width pushed 3.6 inches, height raised 3.2 inches, and some clever packaging, including deeply scalloped front seatbacks, the 2010 boasts 9.5 cubic feet of additional passenger volume and 3.9 inches of extra rear legroom. Transporting five adults? This new Legacy is game. Further, the rear doors now offer 15 inches of additional entry/exit space; the trunk has swelled 3.3 cubic feet to 14.7; and the 60/40-split back seat folds flat.
To ensure the Legacy was noticeably solid, smooth, and quiet, engineers incorporated 39 percent more high-strength steel, a new control-arm rear suspension, and framed windows. Thus, this 2010 is the most robust, buttoned-down, and serene Legacy to date. Contributing to these welcome dynamics are standard four-wheel disc brakes, 16-inch wheels with 205/60 Bridgestone Turanzas, a quick 14.5:1 steering ratio, and front and rear tracks stretched 2.7 and 3.3 inches, respectively. Moreover, with help from front, front side, and curtain air bags, as well as dual rear-door side-impact beams, the Legacy, Subaru predicts, will earn top safety scores from both IIIHS and NHTSA.
Legacy 2.5i
Engine displacement: 2,457cc
Max. output/ max. torque: 170 hp@ 5,600rpm/ 170 lb-ft.@ 4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual / Lineartronic™ CVT
Legacy 2.5GT
Engine displacement: 2,457cc
Max. output/ max. torque: 265 hp@ 5,600rpm/ 258 lb-ft.@2,000- 5,200rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Legacy 3.6R
Engine displacement: 3,630cc
Max. output/ max. torque: 256 hp@ 6,000rpm/ 247 lb-ft.@ 4,400rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic