2007 Subaru Legacy Review

The Subaru Legacy family is available in sedan or wagon body styles in a wide range of variants for 2007. The Legacy 2.5 i, 2.5 i Special Edition, and 2.5 i Limited, along with the Outback 2.5 i Basic, 2.5 i, 2.5 i L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 i Limited, and 2.5 i Limited L.L. Bean Edition models get a 175-horsepower 2.5L horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. Legacy 2.5 GT Limited and 2.5 GT spec.B and Outback 2.5 XT Limited models have a 243-horsepower 2.5L turbocharged flat-four. And the top Outback 3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition gets the smooth 245-horsepower, 3.0L flat-six engine.

The Legacy 2.5 GT Limited Wagon and 3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition have a standard five-speed automatic transmission; Special Edition 2.5 i models have a standard four-speed automatic. Most other models have a standard five-speed manual with an automatic optional, except spec.B models, which have a six-speed manual standard.

All Legacy and Outback models have all-wheel drive systems. Legacy models have a suspension tuned for good on-road performance and handling, while Outback models have a heavy-duty, raised suspension with up to 8.7 inches of ground clearance that's oriented toward unpaved roads and trails.

Base Legacy 2.5 i models come equipped modestly but with most common conveniences such as power windows, locks, and mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, alloy wheels, and a 100-watt, MP3-compatible CD sound system with auxiliary input and six speakers. Special Edition models add a power driver's seat and power moonroof, while the 2.5 i Limited includes heated front seats and mirrors, a six-disc CD changer, dual-zone climate control, fog lamps, leather trim, and a wiper de-icer.

2.5 GT models get a new Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system, which enables three different levels of engine performance, Intelligent, Sport, and Sport Sharp. The new performance-oriented 2.5 GT spec.B Sedan also gets an exclusive Bilstein Sport Suspension with aluminum suspension components, inverted struts, 18-inch alloy wheels with summer performance tires, special ground effects, interior trim, and a standard navigation system (available on GT Limited). The 2.5 GT Limited along with the spec.B, also gets a quicker steering ratio, larger front brake rotors, and ventilated rear rotors.

The more ruggedly styled Outback is also available in both sedan and wagon variants, but as a sedan it's only available in top Limited or L.L. Bean trim. Wagon Outbacks come in a 2.5 i Basic model, which roughly compared with the Legacy 2.5 i, and the range progresses all the way up to the L.L. Bean Edition models, which add a standard navigation system, aluminum wheels, and upgraded power seats along with a special two-tone scheme.

Front-seat side-impact air bags, side-curtain air bags for all outboard occupants, and active front head restraints are standard on all models, as are anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution. The Legacy is a top performer in crash tests, and an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick Gold.
The performance-oriented Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B, which was offered as a limited-edition model for 2006, becomes a regular model for 2007. The spec.B, along with GT Limited models, gets a new Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system that allows three levels of engine performance. Other performance equipment is now standard as well.

There are also a number of smaller equipment changes to the lineup. All Legacy sedans now get the 60/40 split-fold rear seat with trunk pass-through, automatic-transmission Legacys now come pre-wired for remote engine start, and all models with cloth seat fabric get a revised material. Limited and spec.B models get a new audio system with an auxiliary input and XM satellite radio compatibility; GT Limited models get a new wheel design; and GT models get a new gauge cluster with ECO gauge and upshift light for cars with manual transmission. see less