2008 Subaru Legacy Philadelphia

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2008 Subaru Legacy Design

The Subaru Legacy was completely restyled and re-engineered for the 2005 model year, and this fourth-generation has been updated slightly since. For 2008, it gets what we call a mid-cycle freshening. This is the same as keeping the classic blue blazer or little black skirt and changing the accessories that go with it, and accessories can really update an outfit.

Every evolution of the Legacy results in a sleeker profile, and the 2008 continues that process. While early Subarus and some recent Imprezas wore easily distinguished snouts the Legacy presents an angled-back grille with just enough chrome for highlights. A broad lower grille opening implies power, as does the sliver of hood scoop on turbocharged models.

Headlights employ projector low-beams and reflector high-beams, with the aluminum hood forming a lip above them that tapers into the front fenders. There's symmetry in the angles that form the sides of the upper and lower grilles, fog light housings, and sidelight markers.

All Legacy models use frameless door glass so there are no huge pillars to the front or sides. The rear quarter windows use a version of BMW's Hofmeister kink and viewed from the side, the rear end appears to be indented at a similar angle

Handling of the 2008 Subaru Legacy

The Legacy impresses as a solid and tight sedan that inspires confidence when the going gets nasty. Indeed, we know Subaru owners who have literally beaten the tar out of their cars and they just keep going.

Being a bit smaller than the segment volume leaders gives the Legacy a distinct edge in urban traffic as it feels much smaller and will always fit through a narrow lane. Not until you've tried to park something six inches too big do you realize a prime benefit of compact external dimensions.

And since it's a tad smaller, the Legacy tends to run a shade lighter as well, with a six-cylinder all-wheel-drive Legacy about the same or lighter than V6 front-drive versions of the mass market midsize sedans: Altima, Accord, Camry, Malibu. Finally, with the Subaru's horizontally opposed engine layout (cylinders lay flat), the weight can be kept down lower, and a lower center of gravity aids response, stability and braking.

Each of the three engines has different characteristics that change the character of the car to some extent.

2008 Subaru Legacy Lineup

There are six Legacy models if you include the 2.5i Special Edition, three engines, and three all-wheel drive systems depending on engine and transmission. The Legacy 2.5i comes with a 170-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, five-speed manual transmission, cloth upholstery, AC, 100-watt 6CD-in-dash stereo with auxiliary input and satellite capability, 40/60 split-fold rear seat, power windows/locks/mirrors, body-colored trim, projector headlamps, floor mats, cruise control, trip computer, antitheft system and 17-inch alloy wheels. A four-speed automatic is optional. Legacy 2.5i Special Edition adds an eight-way power driver" width="300">

Legacy 2.5i Limited upgrades with leather upholstery, heated front seats and side mirrors, upgraded audio, dual-zone climate control, fog lights, electric wiper de-ice. Electronic stability control is optional.

Legacy 2.5 Limited GT features a 243-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The GT Limited adds a three-spoke steering wheel with cruise control, audio and SI-DRIVE controls, electroluminescent instrumentation, four-way power passenger seat, folding exterior mirrors with signals, wider tires, larger brakes, quicker steering, limited-slip rear differential, sport front seats, and aerodynamic underbody cover. Options include a five-speed automatic with paddle-shift, stability control (automatic only) and navigation.

Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B comes with the same 243-hp GT engine but a six-speed manual transmission instead of a five-speed. Interior changes include leather-and-Alcantara upholstery, three-spoke MOMO steering wheel, driver memory system, bespoke floor mats, alloy pedal covers, and navigation system. The spec.B also receives 18-inch alloy wheels with sticky Bridgestone RE050 summer tires, Bilstein sports suspension, electronic stability control, and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential.

Legacy 3.0R Limited uses a 243-hp six-cylinder engine. The 3.0R comes with most of the interior features of a 2.5 GT Limited and includes navigation and electronic stability control. Wheels are the same size as the spec.B but use less-aggressive, longer-wearing all-season tires, and the sports suspension is calibrated for better ride comfort than the spec.B. It lacks the memory system and a couple of the motorsport-derived pieces of the spec.B. Satellite radio and a rear spoiler are optional. Accessories from interior trim to wheel locks are available.

Interior of the 2008 Subaru Legacy

Inside, the Legacy has a functional layout and shows good fit and finish of suitable materials, regardless of trim level. The driver gets the benefit of superior visibility. It's a car that's both easy to live with and easy to operate. It's sized to 15/16-scale of a typical mid-size four-door. Most notice this only in rear-seat room or trunk space, but the seating is a little narrower.

Front seats provide good comfort and support, although taller drivers might find the seat cushions on the short side. Sport seats on the GT add a sprinkle more lateral support without becoming confining, and the Alcantara inserts on the spec.B add another degree of grip to your torso and breathe better than leather. On those cars with leather upholstery, the perforated fabric just oozes money.

A relatively high seating position, narrow windshield pillars, very low cowl and sloping hood over the flat engine provide great outward visibility with no downsides. Even reversing is good because the trunk isn't a bulbous appendage and the rear-seat headrests stow in a low position.

Not overly wide, the Legacy still has lots of room up front, with more legroom than most full-size SUVs; angling the power seat allows those same tall types to clear the moonroof and the new telescoping wheel means you needn't drive like an ape anymore. The front seats are thick and take up a smidge of kneeroom in back, and on the top-line 3.0R only the passenger's side has a net pocket.

The rear seat is raked well rearward and the cushions as long as the front, though legroom is more in line with the smaller Audi A4 or Volvo S40 than the midsize Camry/Altima brigade. Each position has an adjustable headrest, the armrest includes a trunk pass-through, the seatbacks fold flat with the narrow section driver's side, and the baby seat anchors are nicely concealed under an upholstered pad that appears part of the seat until you pull the hook-and-loop fastener for access.

Conclusion

The Subaru Legacy delivers a refined drive that's surprisingly agile in a sensibly sized package that won't bust the budget. Lower trim levels are high on value, while the spec.B is devoted to enthusiasts who still need sedan practicality and all0wheel drive. The new 3.0R Limited delivers the compact luxury you'd expect from an Acura TSX, Audi A4 or Volvo S40, with six-cylinder refinement, all-wheel drive the Acura doesn't offer, and a competitive price.