Subaru Legacy History
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The Subaru Legacy sedan and station wagon were Subaru’s first foray into the mid-size market in 1989; the fifth generation of the Legacy four-door sedan was launched for the 2010 model year. As of 2008, the Legacy station wagon sold in previous generations was no longer offered, with all Subaru wagons carrying the more outdoorsy Outback crossover label introduced in 1995.
Starting at about $20,000, the Legacy sedan now competes with the sportier end of the mid-size sedan segment, including such cars as the Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, and Mazda Mazda6. It is distinguished from all of these by its full-time all-wheel-drive system, a Subaru trademark for many years. Subaru Legacy sedans and the related Outback wagons sold in North America have been built since 1989 in a factory located in Lafayette, Indiana.
The Subaru Legacy has run on five-year model cycles, with revised models in 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2010. Earlier models used a 2.2-liter engine, in Subaru’s characteristic flat-four configuration, enlarged in 2000 to 2.5 liters. Turbocharged flat-fours have been offered intermittently, both as an option for Legacy sedans and station wagons, and in the performance GT model. A 3.0-liter flat six was added as a high-end option for 2008 (it had been offered for several years in Outback wagons), and enlarged to 3.6 liters for 2010. A high-performance Legacy GT model with a turbocharged and intercooled flat four has also been offered since the early years, including comparatively rare Legacy GT station wagons until the 2010 model year. An even rarer “spec.B” model of the GT was offered in 2008, with additional performance features. Equally rare are the few hundred right-hand-drive first-generation Legacy station wagons built for use by mail carriers on rural routes, some still in service after several hundred thousand miles and two decades.
For the model launched in 2010, the Legacy four-door sedan comes in base (2.5i), sporting (2.5GT), and luxury (3.6R) models, with various trim options depending on engine choice. The highest-end model is the Limited trim package, including leather seats and a navigation system (the Legacy’s first) built into the dashboard center stack. Other options include a Harman Kardon stereo, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, a backup camera system, and a moonroof, along with various other convenience features. Rather than a conventional automatic transmission, the latest Legacy comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for higher fuel efficiency, with a six-speed manual as a rare option.
Subaru has been unusual among manufacturers in also offering a Partial Zero-Emissions Vehicle, or PZEV, option in those states that have not adopted California’s slightly stricter emissions limits. For $300, this option (on CVT models only) adds better control of evaporative emissions and lower tailpipe emissions, along with badges including a now de rigeur leaf logo that displays the car’s green-friendly credentials.
For 2013, Subaru has subbed in its new, more efficient 2.5-liter four, making 173 hp and offering a broader torque curve. It's also retuned the suspension for better agility, a smoother ride, and less cabin noise. Audio systems have been revamped, with Bluetooth hands-free and audio capabilities, a USB charging port, and iPod controls added, as well as an available EyeSight suite of accident avoidance features including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision sensing.
