CD Article: 2010 Subaru Legacy

[Shnak]

I agree with you on the styling... the current Legacy and Outback are both much better than these 2010 models...

BUT... they are small inside. That is my main problem with them. Only kids could sit somewhat comfortably behind me when I'm driving. For a vehicle as long as the Outback is, there's just no excuse for its poor interior space, especially for rear passengers. I'm glad Subaru has finally realized this and adjusted the Forester, Legacy and Outback to be more competitive.

[Mitlov]

Making it bigger and fatter is simply retrograde no matter what the rest of the segment is doing.

Even if you set aside the rest of the industry, how about what the rest of Subaru's lineup is doing?  The current Legacy doesn't offer appreciably more space than the current Impreza.  Imagine if the Accord was the same size as the Civic.  How could that possibly make sense?

It's a mystery to me how anyone could prefer the styling of this:


To this:

I didn't say I prefer it from a purely styling perspective.  I said it was "not great, but not unpleasasnt."  Yes, the 2006's styling was better.  And for what it's worth, I think that the 2010 design works better in Legacy sedan form than it does in Outback form.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Even if you set aside the rest of the industry, how about what the rest of Subaru's lineup is doing?  The current Legacy doesn't offer appreciably more space than the current Impreza.  Imagine if the Accord was the same size as the Civic.  How could that possibly make sense?

I thought making the Imprezza larger was a bad idea too. It's the same sort of incremental change that turned the Civic into an Accord, size-wise.

[Honda Owner]

I looked at the Legacy website and the 2010 was considerably cheaper than the 2009. Overall it looks like a very nice package but the lack of wagon is indeed a bit odd.

[Mitlov]

I looked at the Legacy website and the 2010 was considerably cheaper than the 2009. Overall it looks like a very nice package but the lack of wagon is indeed a bit odd.

I'd be interested to see a sales breakdown between 2009 Legacy sedan, 2009 Legacy wagon, and 2009 Outback.  I suspect the vast majority of Subie buyers took doors 1 and 3.

[tortoise]

I'd be interested to see a sales breakdown between 2009 Legacy sedan, 2009 Legacy wagon, and 2009 Outback.  I suspect the vast majority of Subie buyers took doors 1 and 3*.

*in the U.S. 

Which I supppose is all that matters.  But in Canada (and Vermont, which is kinda like Canada) I see more Legacy wagons on the roads than sedans.  And I'd say as many wagons as Outbacks.

[Shnak]

I'd be interested to see a sales breakdown between 2009 Legacy sedan, 2009 Legacy wagon, and 2009 Outback.  I suspect the vast majority of Subie buyers took doors 1 and 3*.

*in the U.S. 

Which I supppose is all that matters.  But in Canada (and Vermont, which is kinda like Canada) I see more Legacy wagons on the roads than sedans.  And I'd say as many wagons as Outbacks.

Agreed. It seems that 9 out of 10 Legacy I see on the road is of the wagon variant. I'm sure it's the complete opposite in the states.

I think Subaru simply figures everyone will move from the Legacy wagon to the Outback, but I doubt this will happen as the Outback is just too much of a jump price-wise... Make the Outback within $2k of what a Legacy Wagon costed before and then people wouldn't mind.

[Juke1]

Legacy numbers have nowhere to go but up, 1200 cars YTD is not much, the Impreza and Forrester both have sold in the 4000,s each to date.  So I see Subaru opting a new strategy with this offering.

[ggweci]

It's a mystery to me how anyone could prefer the styling of this:


To this:

My wife likes the new one much better and in fact, she actually really likes the new Impreza and Forester.  She would actually consider purchasing a Subaru now, where she wouldn't have stepped foot in a dealership with the previous gens of these models.  So, imo, Subaru is doing something right for the "mainstream" buying public.

I myself like both styles.  I really like the pre-2010 sedan and wagon, Outback not-so-much, but these 2010 model looks pleasing in both sedan and Outback versions.  It has a much more upscale look than the current gen.

[toolatecrew]

I got a good chuckle out of this when I read it:

But did you know Subaru also makes a midsize sedan?

Okay, the question’s a bit facetious, but the Legacy sedan has lagged behind its competition for years, despite having standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and a range of desirable standard features. Even Subaru executives admit that for most consumers, Legacy is not even on their list.

Anyone who reads Canadian Driver knows about the Legacy whether they want to or  not. I belive the previous version was reviewed no less than 12 times in every configuration possible. By far the most reviewed vehicle on this site.

My opinion (my father has an 08 2.5 limited) I much prefer the styling and interior of the last version. I do appreciate that they made the 2010 larger as the past version deffinitley was tight inside.

[johngenx]

How can the Subaru execs not know the CVT is HORRIBLE?  My god the thing is nothing but chain noise and it keeps the engine rpm WAY too high, above the torque band.  It's the worst transmission I've ever used.  30 seconds into a test drive and it's "whoops, we're done, not buying this POS."

The 2010 Outback Wagon is more akin to a CUV now than a wagon. I thought it ungainly tall and the rear end styling nowhere nice as the 2009 model.  As for the 2010 being larger, check the specs.  It's not really bigger where it counts.

[mmret]

What gets me is why they funneled money into a CVT project instead of just building more of the 5 cog slushbox. Ditch the four.

[johngenx]

What gets me is why they funneled money into a CVT project instead of just building more of the 5 cog slushbox. Ditch the four.

The CVT was a giant waste of money and if anyone buys one, I'll be shocked.  The NVH of the trans is horrific and the rpm it finds under acceleration is completely wrong for the engine. I'd MUCH rather have the old 2.5L four speed driveline of my 2001 Forester than the brand new CVT in the OBW.

[Erik]

Bigger, huh?
Maybe I will fit into this one.....

For me anyway, the Outback was done after this one: