Picture Gallery: 2007 Subaru Legacy GT Wagon
Day 1:
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Starting at $27,995, the Subaru Legacy line is one of the very few wagons available in Canada with full time all-wheel drive. My test model is the GT version of the Legacy Wagon, putting out 243hp and 241lb/ft of torque. With that much power under your right foot you can sleep in and still get the kids to school and get to work in plenty of time.
Finally here’s a vehicle in which it’s easy to figure out option packages and options. Subaru provides a simple method when it comes to options and packages. Each package is available as a model, and some like this method some do not as it limits the ability to make one’s vehicle unique. It does help lower cost and lower prices on options though, and it provides you with an easy-to-understand set of packages as a consumer.
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The only option on the Legacy GT Wagon is the automatic transmission. My tester also has an optional accessory of a satellite radio priced at $499, bringing the total price of admission for this sports wagon to $43, 295.
Other features on the GT include leather seating surfaces with heated front seats, dual zone climate control, power mirrors, power windows and moonroof.
Subaru is also synonymous with safety; the Legacy GT is equipped with side curtain airbags, front airbags and front seat side-impact airbags. Also included are disc brakes all around including ABS and EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution).
Also standard on the GT is Subaru’s SI-DRIVE (Subaru Intelligent Drive), which includes three modes: Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp. If you are interested in more detailed information on the SI-DRIVE system there is an excellent article available on CanadianDriver by Jim Kerr here.
2007 Subaru Legacy GT Wagon
MSRP as tested: $43,295
For more information on Subaru and the Legacy visit Subaru Canada
Updated November 14th 2006
Day 2:
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I suppose I can agree with the critics that $43,000 for a Subaru seems rather obscene. But in the grand scheme of things, having driven a lot of vehicles in the past year, I would not dismiss this vehicle based on price. Competition is few and far between and if you really wanted a sporty vehicle with power to spare this vehicle has it in spades.
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I have been playing with the Subaru SI-Drive system that this vehicle is equipped with. And I can confirm that it does indeed adjust the throttle response and responsiveness of the automatic transmission. Set in the “I” mode and the fuel delivery - controlled by the drive-by-wire system - is slower, resulting in smoother acceleration around town but causing the vehicle to feel slightly sluggish and slow to respond.
The “S#” or Sport Sharp mode provides extremely fast throttle response and holds the gears a little longer on the automatic transmission. Using this mode can be a little harsh on fuel due to the transmission programming. It would be perfect on a manual vehicle as it would allow you to choose your own gear yet keep the throttle response, although I will admit the throttle is a little touchy resulting in jerky starts.
The standard “S” or sport mode is as expected, giving performance that slots in between these two other settings. Personally, I love the quick throttle response of S# and loath the Intelligent mode; leaving it in “S” seems to be the best compromise for the pocket book.
Updated November 15th 2006
Day 3:
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At $43,000, there is a lot of competition for this vehicle in terms of price, but not so much in terms of sportiness and practicality; sometimes priorities change based on the price vs. value equation. Even though the Legacy is a well executed vehicle that drives extremely well, I noted a few shortcomings today.
At $43,000 Subaru is playing in a high end segment and there are just some little touches this vehicle is missing. There is no drivers arm rest on the right side between the seats. On a long journey this could become an issue; it certainly makes cruising in the Legacy a little less comfortable.
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Maybe this is being a little too critical, but no trunk lighting? I’ve driven much less expensive vehicles with at least some type of lighting in the trunk area. As a bonus, the interior light switch is on the center dome and not on the front reading lamps which means you need to climb into the rear seat to change the setting - unless you have really long arms.
As far as ride comfort and overall feel though, the Legacy does deliver. Although the suspension is sporty, which means firm, the Legacy does not ride rough at all. It feels very solid and smooth, especially on the highway. The chassis feels very stiff although not as substantial or solid as one might expect at this price range, which is unfortunate, as the Legacy really drives phenomenally.
Updated November 16th 2006
Day 4:
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During the week I added a few highway runs on the queensway here in Ottawa, as well as my weekly jaunt into the country which is a series of 80km/h roadways. This reduced my average consumption to 12.6L/100km. On the highway, the Legacy seems to provide decent fuel consumption to the tune of approximately 8L/100km; in the city, on the other hand, on average you could be looking at 14L/100km.
These numbers by the way are not that far removed from the Natural Resources Canada ratings of 12.3L/100km city and 8.2L/100km. If you wish to come close to these numbers you will really have to be light on the throttle. During the course of weekly test drive I usually average very close fuel to the consumption figures provided by Natural Resources Canada, although I do not typically have to be very light on the throttle to be so. The Subaru seems to really enjoy its fuel when exploring the upper realms of its capabilities.
The Legacy may be a tad overpriced for the features and feel of the vehicle, but it does cater to a niche market. If you are in the market for this type of vehicle there are not that many options out there for you to explore. You could always beef up the horsepower on some other vehicles, but the out-of-the-box performance of the Legacy is hard to match.
*Rating out of 5:
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2007 Subaru Legacy GT Wagon
MSRP as tested: $43,295
For more information on Subaru and the Legacy visit Subaru Canada
to our site.
November 17, 2006, 01:04:29 pm I say Niche market as it is a performance wagon with luxury. WRX wagon is a performance wagon but no luxury. V70R or maybe the larger BMW's with AWD could compete, there aren't many out there.
November 17, 2006, 01:22:39 pm Makes sense... though due to the popularity of SUV's right now and the cost of most of the 'sports wagons', I still think they're 'niche vehicles' more as a product of costing than necessarily what the public would buy. Maybe that's just what I want to believe though and I guess reality dictates that the stupid SUV's will continue to steal the sport wagons' lunch (case in point: rumours of the Mazda6 wagon not making it to the next update of the model)..
November 17, 2006, 01:54:57 pm Spoke with my brother-in-law last night. His best friend has a 2006 Legacy GT and he (the owner) jokes about how bad it is on fuel.
Food for thought: SRT8 Magnum starts at $46,590 according to the dodge website. $42,490 for the R/T w/AWD.
November 17, 2006, 07:57:53 pm Too bad there is no Speed6 Wagon as it would seriously give the Legacy GT "a good run for its money". So far, though I will admit I haven't paid close attention to my fuel economy, but I have been surprised by how good it seems to be. I would say I average overall between 10L-11L/100Km but I will need to confirm that.
I adore the Xenon headlamps; they are so good the fog lamps are pretty much useless and more a styling exercise than a functional one. The Speed 6 has standard ESP and audio/speed controls on the steering wheel, including a practical mute button. It doesn't have dual climate control but I don't find that option not very beneficial (had it on my previous ride). Add the Intelligent Key system, auto up and down feature for all 4 power windows, and the Speed6 is a much more interesting proposal IMO.
November 17, 2006, 08:29:50 pm
I adore the Xenon headlamps; they are so good the fog lamps are pretty much useless and more a styling exercise than a functional one. The Speed 6 has standard ESP and audio/speed controls on the steering wheel, including a practical mute button. It doesn't have dual climate control but I don't find that option not very beneficial (had it on my previous ride). Add the Intelligent Key system, auto up and down feature for all 4 power windows, and the Speed6 is a much more interesting proposal IMO.
I agree, I think a Speed6 Wagon would definitely give Subaru a fun for its money.
November 17, 2006, 11:42:01 pm
I adore the Xenon headlamps; they are so good the fog lamps are pretty much useless and more a styling exercise than a functional one. The Speed 6 has standard ESP and audio/speed controls on the steering wheel, including a practical mute button. It doesn't have dual climate control but I don't find that option not very beneficial (had it on my previous ride). Add the Intelligent Key system, auto up and down feature for all 4 power windows, and the Speed6 is a much more interesting proposal IMO.
I agree, I think a Speed6 Wagon would definitely give Subaru a fun for its money.
I have taken the LGT and MPS6 on extensive test drives. The MPS6’s AWD system is not in the same league as the LGT. The MPS6 has a cleaver mechanism to combat torque steer and the sudden change from understeer to oversteer under aggressive cornering when the ecu detects rear wheel slip is unsettling to say the least. The LGT may have an obvious oversteer when at the handling limits but at least it is predictable and easy to control.
November 18, 2006, 02:13:05 am
I agree, I think a Speed6 Wagon would definitely give Subaru a fun for its money.
yes. For the regular consumers. But for those who are in the know, the Speed6 really is no LGT wagon. But if it sounds like a duck, looks like a duck, then it must be one too eh?
Alot of cars will give the M3 a run for its money too. I can think of countless ones, but let's not kid ourselves mmkay.
November 18, 2006, 02:27:50 am
I agree, I think a Speed6 Wagon would definitely give Subaru a fun for its money.
yes. For the regular consumers. But for those who are in the know, the Speed6 really is no LGT wagon. But if it sounds like a duck, looks like a duck, then it must be one too eh?
Alot of cars will give the M3 a run for its money too. I can think of countless ones, but let's not kid ourselves mmkay.
And maybe these are niche cars and so... those in the know would be the ones forking over more money to get the Speed and GT versions.
I'm curious though. The Speed6 seems to be a top rated car by automobile journalists. Do you think it's no LGT wagon for the same reason as Snowy (the AWD system it has?) or some other reason?.......
November 18, 2006, 10:28:31 am
I agree, I think a Speed6 Wagon would definitely give Subaru a fun for its money.
And maybe these are niche cars and so... those in the know would be the ones forking over more money to get the Speed and GT versions.
Good point Julie.
I too would like to know the specifics as to why the Speed6 is no LGT wagon (besides there is no Speed6 wagon
November 18, 2006, 01:22:30 pm
I adore the Xenon headlamps; they are so good the fog lamps are pretty much useless and more a styling exercise than a functional one. The Speed 6 has standard ESP and audio/speed controls on the steering wheel, including a practical mute button. It doesn't have dual climate control but I don't find that option not very beneficial (had it on my previous ride). Add the Intelligent Key system, auto up and down feature for all 4 power windows, and the Speed6 is a much more interesting proposal IMO.
I agree, I think a Speed6 Wagon would definitely give Subaru a fun for its money.
I have taken the LGT and MPS6 on extensive test drives. The MPS6’s AWD system is not in the same league as the LGT. The MPS6 has a cleaver mechanism to combat torque steer and the sudden change from understeer to oversteer under aggressive cornering when the ecu detects rear wheel slip is unsettling to say the least. The LGT may have an obvious oversteer when at the handling limits but at least it is predictable and easy to control.
I too prefer oversteer and a RWD biased AWD system. However, the Speed6 handling capabilities appears to be very high so far and I don't expect to test or experience its dry pavement limit on public roads.
The Speed6 electronic AWD system has a cool benefit the mechanical Subaru AWD system can't match, and it should make winter driving really fun. When the parking brake is applied, the Speed6 automatically disengage the rear wheels and that should allow for great controlled slides. Oversteering is obviously great fun in the snow too but usually requires more speed and more maneuvering space.
I can't wait to test the Speed in the snow.
November 19, 2006, 02:17:06 pm I took a serious look at this vehicle and thought I was going to buy it, but like many posters above felt that the vehicle didn't offer good value. It's pretty much the same price as an A4 Avant 2.0T. It does have more power, but the Audi has enough for me, it does have more cargo room which I want, but come on the Subaru interior is not in the same league as Audi who have the best interiors in the business, and the Legacy GT does not offer HID lights or stability control.
The other aspect I didn't like was the poor fuel economy. My reason for getting a wagon was so that it would be cheaper than an SUV and use less gas. Well at 14L/100 km you could drive around in a much bigger Acura MDX and get comparable mileage. Yes the MDX is more, but you get 3 rows of seats, way more cargo room, stability control and other features.
One other thing that bothers me is how Subaru is priced in Canada vs the US. They're far more expensive in Canada even after exchange is factored in.
It's too bad, I really wanted to buy this vehicle, but Subaru of Canada prices it too high. For what the car is I'd happily buy it for $36k or $37k, but at $42k or $43k the value is not there.
I'd consider importing a US car, but you can't buy a manual GT wagon in the US.
November 20, 2006, 08:37:23 pm First, my admission of bias: I own a 2005 LGT wagon, non-limited, which had an MSRP when I got it of $37.5k. 2 years later I love it more everyday, and I challenge any wagon that costs less than twice what I paid to keep up on a track. True that the fuel economy is not great, but I didn't buy it to drive conservatively.
Anyway, on to my reasons for posting...
First, a minor point: Mine has a trunk light. Strange that yours didn't. It seems unlikelly to me that they'd remove it, so perhaps yours just wasn't on?
Second, why the desire from so many ppl here for HID's? The projector headlights on this car are better than anything else I've been in, with the exception of the 100W driving lights on my '85 GTI. Here's an interesting read about HID's:
(as a guest I can't post a link. For the curious, check out Daniel Stern Lighting (you'll have to guess the URL, but it shouldn't be that hard) and look under Tech -> Bulbs -> HID)
November 20, 2006, 08:47:42 pm I agree the Legacy halogens are very good, but most HIDs I've used have been better. I have read Daniel Stern before and it is correct in some cases and it does depend on the vehicle / beam pattern. I find myself squinting with most lights that are non-HID, so for me there is no question.
November 21, 2006, 04:37:03 am
Totally agree. In this price range HID should be an option at the very least. Having HID myself I'm never going back to halogen.
November 21, 2006, 06:40:35 am I like very much the projector headlamps of our Mazda6 and consider them the best Halogen headlamps I have experienced. We do a lot of driving at night. I wanted HIDs on my next car but I was so pleased with the Mazda6 projector beams that HIDs became a nice thing to have instead of being a have to have feature.
But the Speed6 HIDs are definitely better; I have had many opportunites to make back to back comparisons. I haven't come across one driver yet that have been annoyed by them (nobody flashed me with their highbeams...). HIDs are now back on my must have list...
November 21, 2006, 12:16:01 pm
Projector halogens may be shy of the illumination you get from HIDs, but they certainly are far superior to halogen reflectors - especially for on-coming drivers. HIDs without projection lenses can be blinding - especially when level-set incorrectly. HID projectors give the best light IMO, but the new Sylvania white halogens behind projectors are the best bang-for-the-buck.
November 22, 2006, 09:55:11 am Our Forester easily has the best headlamps of any car we've owned. I think that reflector design and size has more to do with it than anything else. The tall, square lamps on the Forester with their reflector design really works. Our old 88 626 had TERRIBLE lights, as did our 90 Integra.
Now, I do wish Subaru would offer HID on all their models. The real gripe I have is with Mazda. In the US, you can get the 3 with HIDs. Why not here?
November 22, 2006, 10:00:39 am I believe that it is now possible to get a 3 with HIDs. When you build it, there is now a "3 GT Premium" package with Leather and HIDs I think. Could be wrong.
November 22, 2006, 11:26:17 am Yes the new 3 does have HIDs.
November 22, 2006, 12:26:31 pm WOT d'YA CALL a coupla Subie enthusiasts lookin' at the $45K Subaru Legacy GT Wagon...
...........wait.............
............for..................
........IT..........................
A DOUBLE BLIND STUDY...................
November 29, 2006, 11:30:42 am Interesting options...
http://www.canadiandriver.com/classifieds/index.php?a=2&b=168
http://www.canadiandriver.com/classifieds/index.php?a=2&b=169
November 29, 2006, 09:15:49 pm
http://www.canadiandriver.com/classifieds/index.php?a=2&b=168
http://www.canadiandriver.com/classifieds/index.php?a=2&b=169
I know huh?
December 05, 2006, 09:11:58 pm I have recently purchase a 2006 Legacy wagon Special Edition 2.5i. I recently when on a long trip, 5,000km, and the gas mileage was terrible. The car is rated at 7.2l/100km and I calculate that I got an average of 8.5l/100km ( 33miles/gal). Has anyone else experience the same? Is this typical?
I previously owned a 02 Camry and I could consistenly get 43miles/gal. I drove the same way with the two Cars.
December 05, 2006, 09:20:04 pm
I previously owned a 02 Camry and I could consistenly get 43miles/gal. I drove the same way with the two Cars.
Hey Leonce, welcome to the forum!
That doesn't actually sound like bad gas mileage at all (based on what I've heard of others' experiences with Subarus.)
But we also have a Camry, and its pretty miserly on gas too, so I could understand that you would feel a difference...
December 05, 2006, 09:29:36 pm
I previously owned a 02 Camry and I could consistenly get 43miles/gal. I drove the same way with the two Cars.
Doesn't sound too bad considering you have twice as many wheels driving!