CD Article: 2007 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT wagon

[CD_Editor]

Test Drive:

Station wagon
Crossover vehicles may be growing in popularity, but wagons are still cool, says Chris Chase.  The Legacy 2.5GT wagon offers a large cargo area with "a traditional wagon roofline that stretches way back to an upright tailgate," he notes, plus a 243-hp turbocharged 2.5-litre flat-four engine "with the balls to at least keep up with V6-equipped versions of other mid-size cars."
   
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[JSCC]

I don't blame Subaru for charging more than the other Japanese brands.

Basically they are doing the same what VW is doing, trying to convince the mass market that they contain more value and are more exclusive.

Both VW and Subaru have like 1-2% market share each, in Canada.
Instead of lowering prices to match the other Japanese brands and trying to maximize market share, they are focusing on maximizing profits.

The market share fight is left to Toyota (10%), Honda (7%), Nissan (5%) and Mazda (5%).

[coldcase]

Like all Subaru GT or SpecB models reviewed on this site this winter, I'll just repeat myself.  Higher end Subaru trims are overpriced.  The Subaru GT is becoming so exclusive that it's almost non existent.  It's a great car.  But not at $45 000.

[Snowman]

Ewww..A slushbox. Subaru’s are not for everyone especially a LGT wagon. I drove one when I was debating what to replace my 2002 WRX with and came so very close to getting one. The thing was a rocket with an MT and if you spent another +/-$2k on COBB enhancements you would get 300 ft. lbs of torque.

These niche vehicles don’t have mass appeal and that is part of the attraction for me as well as the best performing 2.5 l driveline on the planet. One thing with the Subaru is you can have all this fun without trips to the dealer for warranty work that German made cars demanding the same price.

[random006]

One thing with the Subaru is you can have all this fun without trips to the dealer for warranty work that German made cars demanding the same price.

 

You got that right.  I would not want to spend that kind of cash on a Subie myself but the subsequent trips to the dealer for the other "exotics" if one can call them that make the Legacy GT worth a look if you are in the market for such a beast.

 

[JSCC]

Richomnd Hill Subaru has setup a demo with the B9 and a Spec B. at Pacific Mall.

When I opened the Spec. B's driver door, I go what the heck?
It felt like opening a Japanese paper door. 

How does Subaru get gold status from IIHS with doors like that?
Is there something special with the design or structure? 

[quadzilla]

Richomnd Hill Subaru has setup a demo with the B9 and a Spec B. at Pacific Mall.

When I opened the Spec. B's driver door, I go what the heck?
It felt like opening a Japanese paper door. 

How does Subaru get gold status from IIHS with doors like that?
Is there something special with the design or structure? 

I don't think the weight/feel of the door is any indication of crash worthiness.  If that was the case my '89 Z24 would have had 10 stars 

[jonl]

For sure with Subaru, the bargains are on the entry level end of the lineup.  An Impreza at $23k, or a Legacy wagon at $28k is a lot of car for the money, but for $45k, I'd be in something altogether nicer.

What a shame that Canadians get the shaft on the WRX, which should cost Cdn $28-29k instead of what,$7k more?

[Snowman]

Richomnd Hill Subaru has setup a demo with the B9 and a Spec B. at Pacific Mall.

When I opened the Spec. B's driver door, I go what the heck?
It felt like opening a Japanese paper door. 

How does Subaru get gold status from IIHS with doors like that?
Is there something special with the design or structure? 

Advanced engineering designs results in structural integrity without increasing weight.

[Mike s]

I struggle to understand why anyone consider the subaru or mazda6 with thier old engine technology over a Passat 2.0T which gives much better daily driving performance, if not total performance, with amazing fuel economy.  This is also the world auto press engine of the year.  V-6 means nothing when some manufacturers offer direct direct injection & low pressure turbo's for outstandning fuel eff, and performance.  To get this type of technology from mazda you need to spend 40k and 46k to get it on an acura.  If AWD is your thing, just get snow tires.

PS - Subura's & Mazda fair marginally better if at all on reliability.

[UmroAyyar]

Richomnd Hill Subaru has setup a demo with the B9 and a Spec B. at Pacific Mall.

When I opened the Spec. B's driver door, I go what the heck?
It felt like opening a Japanese paper door. 

How does Subaru get gold status from IIHS with doors like that?
Is there something special with the design or structure? 

I think Johngenx posted an image showing the internal structure of Subaru pillars and its body.

[JSCC]

But most people make car buying decisions from feeling and emotion, not scientific analyzing techniques.

[JSCC]

For sure with Subaru, the bargains are on the entry level end of the lineup.  An Impreza at $23k, or a Legacy wagon at $28k is a lot of car for the money, but for $45k, I'd be in something altogether nicer.

What a shame that Canadians get the shaft on the WRX, which should cost Cdn $28-29k instead of what,$7 more?

That might change if Mitsu brings out the Lancer Ralliart AWD with 220HP+ for CAD$30,000.

[UmroAyyar]

Here it is.

http://www.drive.subaru.com/Sum06_WhatsInside.htm


B-pillars (the pillars between the front and rear doors) in today’s Subaru feature short reinforcement rods (colored orange) mounted along the mid section. The reverse side is reinforced by a high-strength, high-tension steel plate (colored blue). These add to strength and rigidity, enhancing occupant protection.


The Subaru Impreza, WRX, WRX STI, Forester, Legacy, Outback and Baja models all feature heavily reinforced B-pillars. The pillars appear perfectly normal, but their designs and the choices of steel used in manufacturing make them very substantial components for vehicle crashworthiness.

All the metal in the B-pillars is made of high-strength, high-tension steel. Boron is an example of this type of exotic metal. In addition, the individual roof pillars are made from metal pieces of varying thickness called tailored blanks. The B-pillars are cut and welded with a laser, then welded along their edges to form the eight-layer pillar.

[tortoise]

PS - Subura's & Mazda fair marginally better if at all on reliability.

Wow, that didn't take long for this thread to turn into a "VW reliability sucks" fest.

[JSCC]

Hey, it wasn't me! 

[Snowman]

PS - Subura's & Mazda fair marginally better if at all on reliability  Show me the back up for that statement. The auto knowledgeable know otherwise.

[AVToller]

I'm not sure about Subura (a new Chinese make??), but it's definitely not true about Subaru. Oh, and the word is "fare", not "fair".

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Yet no one has mentioned that the tester stalled... and it's an automatic?!

I like the Subarus though. Think base models offer good value, while the higher end models are pricey but have excellent performance and few competitive equals.

Doesn't really matter to me how good they are since they don't have enough headroom 

[Snowman]

I think is a question of compromise. The VW’s are superior in aesthetics, interior material refinement, interior layout and ergonomics while the Subaru has better engineered components resulting in higher reliability and performance. If we wanted it all we would buy a Lexus.