Review Car

2011 Subaru Legacy

The 2011 Subaru Legacy offers pleasant accommodations with supportive seats, simple controls and legible analog gauges. The 2011 2011 Legacy’s closest competitors include the Audi A4, the Oldsmobile Alero, and the Volvo V70. Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, H4, 165-horsepower engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The 2011 2011 Subaru Legacy is a carryover from 2003.

All-wheel drive gives the Legacy added stability in wet or snowy conditions, though there are downsides, including reduced fuel efficiency and added complexity. For buyers with limited funds and a desire for a relatively upmarket AWD sedan or wagon, the Legacy is certainly worth consideration.

2011 Subaru Legacy comes in both sedan and wagon form. The Legacy’s drive train provides more power than most other four-cylinder midsize cars, it comes up short compared to the V6s found in competitors. The cabin lacks the upscale look and feel found in some European and Japanese competitors, but materials are generally high in quality and you can always add leather upholstery. The rear seat is well cushioned, but limited leg- and shoulder room make it uncomfortable for more than two people. With the rear seats folded down, the Legacy wagon can hold 68.6 cubic feet of cargo. Base models receive items like air conditioning; a CD player; cruise control; power windows, locks and mirrors; keyless entry; and faux wood interior trim.The L Special Edition adds a power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a sunroof, carpeted floor mats, 16-inch alloy wheels. Going with a 2.5 GT adds larger front brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, special body trim, a premium sound system, leather seating (the front seats are heated) and heated side mirrors.

An in-dash CD changer is optional. 2011 Subaru Legacy sedan earned four stars (out of a possible five) for driver protection in frontal impacts and five stars for the front passenger. The wagon picked up four stars for front side-impact protection and five stars for rear side-impact protection. The Legacy earned a “Good” rating in 40-mph frontal offset crash testing and was named a “Best Pick” overall. 2011 Subaru Legacy has four-wheel antilock disc brakes and front seatbelts with load limiters and pre-tensioners. Side air bags are also standard on GT models. The best reason to take a look at the Legacy is its standard all-wheel-drive system. With all four wheels receiving power, the Legacy is more stable than a two-wheel-drive car when it comes to driving on wet, snowy and icy roads. Even on dry roads the Legacy is an entertaining car to pilot thanks to its compliant suspension and tight steering. For maximum fun, get the GT model with the five-speed manual transmission.