Review
Introduction
The fourth-generation Legacy enters its fourth model year for 2008. It’s built in the Lafayette, Indiana, assembly plant that Subaru shares with Toyota. All Legacy models are now sedans, and Subaru considers the Outback wagon version to be a separate model. Between the two models there are 13 variants.
The Legacy sedan 2.5i, 2.5i Special Edition, and 2.5i Limited come with a naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed four-cylinder. Then there are the Legacy 2.5GT Limited and 2.5GT spec.B, both of which add an intercooled turbocharger to the engine, and the top-of-the-line 3.0R Limited comes with the first six-cylinder engine in a U.S.-market Legacy sedan. The naturally aspirated, 2.5-liter versions of the Outback come in base, 2.5i, 2.5i L.L.Bean Edition, 2.5i Limited, and 2.5i Limited L.L.Bean Edition. The Outback 2.5XT Limited has the turbocharged engine, and the 3.0R L.L.Bean Edition has the six-cylinder. All models come with standard all-wheel drive. The interior is of fairly high quality compared with that of similarly priced cars, especially on the less expensive models, and the Legacy and the Outback offer plenty of driving pleasure in a family-friendly package.
Verdict
The Legacy is less common than the Toyota Camry built in the same plant, but with far more character, it’s the nonconformist’s family sedan; similarly, the Outback is the anti-SUV.
Click here to read our full review of the Subaru Legacy.
Click here to read our 40,000-mile long-term test of the Subaru Legacy.
Click here to read our latest comparison test involving the Subaru Legacy.
Click here to read our full review of the Subaru Outback.
What’s New for 2008
The Legacy 3.0R Limited debuts as the flagship model of the line, with a 245-hp, horizontally opposed six. The most noticeable changes to the Legacy and Outback this year—if you look really, really closely—are new grilles surrounded by new front headlamps. The rear fascia and the taillamps have been updated, and the two models have greater visual differentiation. The instrument panel and the interior fabrics have been revised as well. Tire-pressure monitoring, keyless entry, and a tilting-and-telescoping steering wheel are all standard.
