2008 Subaru
Legacy 3.0R
Six to go
By Ron Amadon, MarketWatch
For 2008, Subaru took the 3.0-liter
six that was in the Outback wagon and plopped it into the Legacy sedan to
create an
up-market model in the Suby lineup.
The 245-horsepower six purrs like a kitten out on the interstates with good
get-up-and-go.
Look for zero to sixty in about eight seconds.
It was never gruff like the smaller and older Subaru fours, something that
will probably appeal to most customers, but in our
view cut down on some of the "character" appeal of the car.
The standard five-speed automatic was a smooth shifter. In an unexpected
surprise, Subaru has installed paddle shifts as well.
The new Legacy was a pleasant ride over hill and dale for the week that we
tested it. Subaru says it comes with a stiffer
suspension with Bilstein shocks. Of course, it comes with all-wheel drive
that just might make the difference between making
it to the relatives house for Christmas or not. (We will leave it to the
reader to determine if that that is a good thing.)
The combination produces an EPA rating of 17-24 miles per gallon. With an
eye to rising gas costs, we would note that the
six requires premium fuel.
Our test vehicle had the standard SI-Drive system that allows three different
performance standards.
A knob that unfortunately looks like the dreaded i-drive on a BMW selects
the drive standards. In essence, one is for everyday
driving, the second steps up the performance of the engine, while the third
holds gears longer for still quicker acceleration.
It was our feeling that most Legacy buyers won't mess with this much, and
we generally left the setting in mode one.
Also, a week's worth of rainy days made it difficult to thoroughly test all
of the performance aspects of the car.
We were most happy when Subaru decided to do away with the ugly noses that
it put on its lineup a few years ago.
The new car looks much better in our eye, but does tend to fade into the
background out on the road.
The interior was most pleasant with nicely coordinated colors and very comfortable
seats, with materials appropriate for the price.
Getting comfortable was aided by the new telescopic/tilt steering wheel.
There was adequate head and leg room up front but some taller folks might
want a bit more head room to the rear.
Storage space was good, but we did wish for a higher-quality sound system,
something Subaru's have lacked for years.
Our test car rolled out the door for US$32,700 with a $304 Popular Equipment
Group that included an automatic dimming rear
view mirror (that didn't work -- just like most of the other automatic dimming
rear view mirrors) and a so-called "security system"
upgrade.
In conclusion, we thought the Legacy was a most pleasant car and very much
liked the all-wheel drive.
In fact, it was one of the best Suby's we have driven, but it still came
up shy of our class leader here, the Honda Accord.
We like the sportier
feel and better overall fit and finish of the Accord. Overall it felt more
solid and of higher quality.
But, if you have to live with Old Man Winter for the next few months, a trip
to your Suby dealer might be a good bet.
