2005 Subaru Legacy and Outback Feature Major Improvements over Previous Models

New Subaru Legacy 2.5i Sedan Starts at Aggressively Competitive Price

Subaru is readying a new range of flagship Legacy and Outback models that will go a long way toward raising perceptions about the brands near-premium cars and crossover SUVs.

Subaru has built up an enviable reputation for quality and reliability, but similar to Swedens Volvo brand it has only recently started showing a keener sense of style. The Japanese brands new Legacy and Outback models are at the forefront of this new design philosophy, and should reward Subaru with dramatically increased sales as a result.

An additional part of the equation that has resulted in Volvos recent upsurge on the sales charts included enhanced performance, both under the hood with new more powerful engines, sport-oriented transmission choices and optional all-wheel drive, as well as more dynamically tuned suspension setups.

Subaru has long offered all-wheel drive on all of its models, putting it at the forefront of drivetrain technologies. The brand also offers 5-speed manual and manually-actuated automatic transmissions in current products, while in specific models such as the Impreza WRX STi, engine performance is class leading.

Subaru plans to capitalize on the performance image of such models and attract more performance-oriented buyers to its new 2005 Legacy and Outback. The new midsize Subarus also make improvements over their predecessors when it comes to standard equipment and safety features.

The Legacy line starts with the 2.5i sedan, powered by a naturally aspirated 168 horsepower 2.5-liter boxer engine, up 3 horsepower over last years base engine. Standard equipment includes side-impact airbags, new side-curtain airbags and new intelligent dual-stage deployment frontal airbags, plus active head restraints, remote keyless entry, a trip computer, AM/FM/CD audio system, and power windows. The base price is $20,995.

The Legacy 2.5i Limited features the same engine but adds a new Sport Shift sequential-shifting automatic transmission, plus an assortment of luxury equipment including automatic climate control and leather seating surfaces. Prices for this sedan start at $24,445.

Sport-oriented buyers can opt for the Legacy 2.5 GT, in either sedan or wagon guise. The new model gets an all-new 250 horsepower turbocharged boxer engine. Either a 5-speed manual or optional Sport Shift automatic transmission can be chosen, with the former resulting in a base price of $25,995. Last but hardly least is the Legacy 2.5 GT Limited at $28,495.

Subaru makes a point of calling the Outbacks many crossover rivals imitators in its press release, which is somewhat valid. While the Outback wasnt the first of its type ever to be made, American Motor Corporations (AMC) once popular 4WD Eagle wagon arrived on the scene in 1979 as a 1980 model, it can be attributed to starting the current trend.

The Outback arrived in 1994 as a 1995 model, a Legacy L wagon with special trim. The first true stand alone Outback model came a year later as a 1996 model. Since that time the car has been through two generations, the first running from 1996 through 1997, with the second starting in 1998 and running through to the present day 2004 model. The 2005 model will be the third-generation Outback, and like the Legacy makes a bold statement for design and performance.

The entry-level model (not the Impreza-based Outback Sport) is the Outback 2.5i, also powered by the same naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer engine as featured in the upgraded Legacy 2.5i. Equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission the Outback 2.5i starts at $23,995. A Sport Shift automatic is also available. A Limited version of the 2.5i starts at $26,995.

Outback buyers with the need for speed can also opt for the all-new 250 horsepower turbocharged and intercooled drivetrain in the Outback 2.5 XT. The new model starts at $27,995.

Those that would prefer the performance and refinement of a 6-cylinder engine over the racy attitude the turbocharged XT offers, can move up to either the Outback 3.0 R, the only sedan in the bunch, the Outback 3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition or Outback 3.0 R VDC. All three cars feature a horizontally opposed H-6 engine developing 250 horsepower. Power delivery is smoother than the 4-cylinder, while the engine is said to be quieter. The 3.0-liter engine also offers greater towing capacity. The entry 6-cylinder model starts at $30,995, while the L.L. Bean Edition goes for $32,195. The top-line 3.0 R VDC retails for $33,395. For the extra money the VDC features leather seating, a glass sunroof and premium audio, as well as Subarus Vehicle Dynamics Control yaw and traction control system. A 5-speed SportShift automatic transmission is standard.

While sales of the Outback sport utility sedan (SUS) have been quite low since it was introduced, Subaru is continuing forth with what is now Americas only crossover sedan still available. When initially offered, Subaru dubbed its 4-door 3-box variant as "the worlds first sport-utility sedan," another claim that raised contention with AMC Eagle devotees, stating that the domestic manufacturer had offered a 4WD sedan with raised ground clearance and enhanced rugged styling far in advance of the Japanese automaker.

Such contention is a moot point now, however, as AMC and the Eagle nameplate no longer exists. Subaru is alive and well mind you, and appears likely to do better than ever with the advent of its 2005 Legacy and Outback models.