2005 Subaru Legacy

I have owned my Subaru Legacy GT since new in 2005. This car in an incredible machine. Built before the government got serious about mandating traction control, this car is simple, raw and direct. The moment I started driving this car, I knew it was the one, it was "love at first sight" so to speak. The sweeping red gauges, the turn signals integrated into the side mirrors give it a much more expensive feel that its sticker would suggest.

I'll be honest, I am a euro car guy (BMW. Audi) but this car impressed me beyond belief. The burble of the Flat-4 engine is like no other. I compared this car to an 04 G35 Sedan, 04 Acura TL, and 03 BMW 330i.

I have extensively modified my car, and I still have yet to break any of the stock parts. This car has taken a superior level of abuse, now with 75K on the odometer, it runs just as good as the day it rolled off the showroom floor.

The look of this car is amazing, I once described it as a "Angry Honda Accord". The look is similar to that of the Accord or Altima, but the hood scoop gives it that subtle note of aggression that sets it apart, not over the top like an STI, but just enough to garner a second glance.

The cost of the car is an issue some have with it. My car had only the turbo engine and automatic transmission, which priced it about $28,500. Which is a lot, but the real all wheel drive system is worth it for the price. I can hit a rain soaked on-ramp to the interstate and give the car the beans without worrying about traction.

My car is equipped with the 5-Speed Automatic Transmission, which is looked down upon by many enthusiasts, and yes it would be faster with the standard 5-Speed Manual, but the 5-Speed Auto is a fine match to this engine (despite what the critics say) It provides a level of comfort in around town driving. It is far superior to the 4-Speed autos in the WRX Turbo's, that final gear helps so much in Interstate passing maneuvers.

Not to mention this car is very easy to modify. Stock they come with 250 Horsepower and 250 Pound Feet Of Torque. After about 1-3K of parts and professional labor, I have increased that to over 300 Horsepower and 315 Pound Feet Of Torque. Combined that with the cars 3300 Pound curb weight, and I can out pace Altimas, Accords, Camry's, run even with 335i's and even worry some stock C5 Corvette owners.

My only regrets with this car are not getting the limited version, and not getting the wagon. My previous car was an S4 Avant, and I really miss having the ability to stow things in the back and occasionally sleep back there when needed. :) The fit an finish of the interior is starting to come apart with age, but your mileage may vary on this. The paint job is so-so and is starting to wear in the Florida sun. I would budget for a whole-car respray into the price of buying one of these used, unless it has been garaged its whole life.

Overall this car has been an awesome swiss-army-knife of handling, performance, looks, practicality and mod-ability. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a Subaru that just docent want to follow the pack and get a WRX.