2011 Legacy  |
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MSRP: $19,995-29,995
Invoice: $18,925-28,065
2010 Subaru Legacy news, pictures, and information | ||
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Subaru to Introduce All-New 2010 Legacy at New York International Auto Show
- Roomiest Legacy Ever wîth New Level of Comfort, Quiet and Refinement- Bold New Design Stands Apart from Mainstream Midsize Sedans
- New 6-speed Manual and CVT Transmissions for Legacy 2.5i Models
- 2.5GT Models Gain 265-hp Turbo Engine and 6-Speed Transmission
- New Legacy 3.6R Models Featuring More Powerful 6-Cylinder Engine
Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that the all-new 2010 Legacy® sedan will debut at the New York International Auto Show, providing a bolder design language in a larger midsize package. The 2010 Legacy, whose predecessor is renowned for its sporty handling and reliability, now features a longer wheelbase, almost four inches of extra rear seat legroom and a new powertrain lineup featuring the new Subaru Lineartronic™ CVT (continuously variable transmission).
The 2010 Legacy is built on a new platform that increases room and comfort while preserving the agility and fun-to-drive spirit of the previous model. New powertrains and new suspension design combine wîth proven Subaru safety technology to deliver a unique offering in the midsize §egmènt. As are all Subaru models, every Legacy is equipped as standard wîth Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, an invaluable performance- and safety-enhancing system that sets Legacy apart among midsize sedans. All-wheel drive is rare in the midsize §egmènt, and only Legacy makes it standard.
The Legacy line for 2010 will offer three levels of performance. Legacy 2.5i models -- 2.5i, 2.5i Premium and 2.5i Limited -- are powered by a revised 170-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine (with available PZEV rating) and equipped wîth a new standard 6-speed manual transmission or the new Lineartronic™ CVT. Both transmissions help to improve acceleration, response and fuel economy.
The Legacy 2.5GT models make a leap in performance for 2010. Both the 2.5GT Premium and 2.5GT Limited models are powered by a new 265-hp turbocharged / intercooled Boxer engine. The new engine features a unique turbocharger that is mounted below the engine. This new location not only contributes to smooth turbocharger response and improved emissions, but also lowers the car's center of gravity. In the Legacy 2.5GT models, this high-performance engine is mated wîth a new 6-speed manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) Designed for the discerning enthusiast, the Legacy 2.5GT models are equipped to challenge some of the best names in the sport sedan field.
Three new Legacy 3.6R models - the 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited - offer a sophisticated blend of performance and comfort. All are powered by a new 256-hp 3.6-liter 6-cylinder Boxer engine matched to a 5-speed electronic automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) Compared to the 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine it replaces, the more powerful 3.6 has the same external size and uses regular-grade fuel, rather than premium as the 3.0 required.
Bold Design Statement in the Midsize ArenaThe 2010 Legacy, while rivaling midsize §egmènt leaders in roominess, stands apart wîth a bold, high-tech look. The Subaru badge centers the new grille, which features a squared off lower edge. Character lines arc from the grille and form power bulges on the hood and taper off into the A-pillar. The sleek silhouette incorporates a larger greenhouse, and a shorter deck gives the vehicle a sporty look. Powerful wheel arches echo the power running through the Symmetrical AWD System. A range of new wheel cover- and alloy-wheel designs also debut on the 2010 Legacy, wîth the 2.5GT models featuring 18-in. alloy wheels and low-profile tires. A functional hood scoop directs air to the engine-mounted intercooler.
Besting Midsize Benchmarks
Built on an all-new platform, the 2010 Legacy offers roominess comparable to mainstream midsize sedans, wîth a focus on usable space and long-distance driving comfort. The wheelbase grows to 108.3-in., a 3.2-in. increase over the previous Legacy. The 2010 Legacy provides nearly four inches of additional rear legroom, which is enhanced by the scalloped back design of the new front seats.The new Legacy is 3.2-in. higher and 3.6-in. wider than the previous model, yielding gains in head, shoulder and hip room. The 2010 Legacy offers more total passenger room (103 cu. ft.) than many competitors. The new-generation Legacy also offers one of the largest trunks (14.7 cu. ft.) in the §egmènt - a significant achievement considering that the car's design requires packaging a rear differential and drive axles. Overall vehicle length is up by just 1.4-in. (now 186.4 in.), but overhang dimensions are reduced compared wîth the previous model.
The 2010 Legacy interior is not only more spacious than before, but takes another step up in refinement from an already-praised design in the previous model. The sporty four-dial instrument panel is augmented in all Legacy models by a multi-information display wîth trip computer located in the center of the dashboard. Richer lòòking appointments and details abound, including a sporty 3-spoke §teering wheel (leather-wrapped in all but the base 2.5i). A new electronic parking brake - wîth an electronic Hill Holder System -- eliminates the traditional parking brake handle, freeing up space in the center console.
Confident, Agile Handling and Safety for any Road ... or any Weather
The new Legacy improves crash-worthiness and provides a stiffer platform for a smoother, quieter ride - but retains the crisp handling and balance Subarus are known for. Legacy 2.5i and 2.5i Premium models feature 16-in. wheels (alloy on Premium); the 2.5GT models are exclusively equipped wîth 18-in. alloy wheels wîth 225/45R18 tires. The 6-cylinder Legacy 3.6R models have 17-in. alloy wheels wîth 225/50R17 tires.
All Legacy models for 2010 are equipped as standard wîth Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), which combines stability and traction control capability. All 2010 Legacy models are equipped wîth a standard 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) wîth Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Additionally, Subaru's Brake Assist safety system is available on all models.
MacPherson-type strut front suspension is mounted to a new engine cradle, and the engine is attached to the cradle using new hydraulic mounts. The new cradle uses high-strength steel and is designed to also enhance frontal crash protection. A new double-wishbone rear suspension, mounted to a sub frame, replaces the previous multi-link configuration to provide improved ride, stability and handling. The enhancement of body rigidity and the new suspension design help to reduce levels of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). Increased wheel travel and optimized suspension geometry also contribute to improved ride comfort.
New Level of Comfort and Convenience in All Models
Standard comfort and available amenities are increased across the Legacy line for 2010. The base 2.5i model, for example, features standard §teering wheel audio and cruise control buttons, a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, new electronic parking brake, automatic lights-on function, ambient overhead console lighting and an available iPod jack. The all-new electronic Hill Holder System holds the vehicle in place until the driver applies the throttle to pull away from a stop. Previous versions of this system only held the car for a few seconds.
Legacy Premium models add more amenities, including an 8-way power driver's seat wîth power lumbar support adjustment and driver's auto up/down window. The Premium models also offer additional comfort and convenience options, including a harman-kardon® audio system, a power moonroof, and the All-Weather Package that adds heated front seats and mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer.
The Legacy Limited models feature leather upholstery, dual zone automatic climate control and a 4-way power front passenger seat. The Limited models exclusively offer an available voice-activated GPS navigation system wîth an 8-in. LCD display and rear-view backup camera, hands-free Bluetooth® connectivity and streaming Bluetooth audio.
Revised 2.5-liter Boxer Engine wîth New 6-Speed Manual or CVT
 | Vital Stats |
| Engine : 2.5 L., 4-cylinder Power: 170 hp Torque: 170 ft-lbs Engine : 2.5 L., 4-cylinder Power: 265 hp Torque: 257 ft-lbs Engine : 3.6 L., 6-cylinder Power: 256 hp Torque: 247 ft-lbs | |
6-speed Manual, CVT, 5-speed Automatic | |
The 2.5-liter engine, which is available as PZEV-certified, is modified for 2010 to improve performance, responsiveness, and economy. The engine delivers 170 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 170 lb.-ft. of peak torque @ 4,000 rpm. The i-Active Valve Lift System (AVLS) ensures a broad torque curve and smooth response at all engine speeds, while also helping to improve fuel efficiency. All Legacy models for 2010 feature a larger fuel tank, now 18.5 gallons vs. 16.9 gallons in the previous model, to extend driving range.
Whether teamed to the new 6-speed manual transmission or the Lineartronic™ CVT, the roomier 2010 Legacy provides quicker acceleration and lower fuel consumption than comparable 2009 Legacy models. Either transmission helps make the Legacy more responsive in everyday driving.
Subaru has adopted a chain-type CVT, the world's first longitudinally mounted CVT system for AWD production vehicles. It employs smaller pulley cores, which helps make the unit compact and can help provide better fuel efficiency compared to belt-type CVTs. Únlike a conventional automatic transmission, which uses fixed gear ratios, a CVT provides infinite variability between the highest and lowest available ratios wîth no discernable steps or shifts. The CVT continuously and smoothly adapts to performance demand, helping to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range.
Because a CVT does not shift gears, the driver enjoys smoother performance in all driving situations. The selectable manual mode of the Lineartronic™ CVT uses six pre-selected steps to allow the driver to 'shift' manually using §teering wheel paddle controls.
Legacy 2.5GT: 265 Turbocharged Horses
The new-generation Legacy 2.5GT models get a significant boost in performance from the revised 2.5-liter turbocharged / intercooled engine (based on the Impreza WRX engine) teamed to a new standard 6-speed manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) Notably, the new 6-speed is more than 50 pounds lighter than the 6-speed unit used in the 2009 Legacy 2.5GT spec.B.
A larger turbocharger increases boost, and a new exhaust uses a low-density catalyst for reduced backpressure. To improve weight distribution and help lower the center of gravity, the turbocharger is now mounted below the engine. With 265 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of peak torque (compared to 243 hp and 241 lb.-ft. in the previous 2.5GT models), the 2010 Legacy 2.5GT models can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in under six seconds.
3.6-liter H6 Engine: Premium Performance wîth Regular-Grade Fuel
The new 3.6-liter H6 engine replaces the previous 3.0-liter H6, yet features the same external dimensions thanks primarily to a unique shortened connecting rod design. As a result, this larger-displacement and more powerful engine maintains its excellent low center of gravity. The 3.6 Boxer engine produces 256 horsepower and 247 lb.-ft. of peak torque, compared to 245 hp and 215 lb.-ft. of torque for the previous 3.0-liter engine. Active Valve Control System (AVCS) variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust valves optimizes power delivery across the engine's speed range while helping to reduce emissions.
Not only does the 3.6 engine offer greater performance than the previous 3.0-liter unit, but does so using regular-grade fuel compared to premium required in the 3.0. The specially tuned five-speed automatic transmission, combined wîth the greater torque output of the new engine, helps make the Legacy 3.6R models more responsive when driving in hilly areas by significantly reducing 'hunting' between gears.
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive A Key To Brand Identity
Subaru offers three different Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems in the 2010 Legacy line, each tailored to the engine and type of transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) In Legacy 2.5i models equipped wîth the 6-speed manual transmission, the AWD system uses a viscous-coupling locking center differential to distribute power 50/50 front to rear. Slippage at either set of wheels will send more power to the opposite set.
Legacy 2.5i models equipped wîth the Lineartronic™ CVT use an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch to actively control power distribution in response to driving conditions.
Legacy 3.6R models exclusively feature advanced Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) All-Wheel Drive wîth a 5-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) A planetary center differential works wîth an electronically controlled continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch to manage power distribution. The VTD system normally sends more power to the rear wheels to enhance handling agility, and it continuously adjusts power distribution in response to driving and road conditions.
The Subaru Safety Story
The Legacy, like all Subaru models, has consistently earned top scores in government and insurance crash tests. The 2010 Legacy is designed to further raise the safety quotient. Subaru's Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame safety structure, proven over a decade in all Subaru models, again forms the foundation for crash protection and occupant safety in the new-generation 2010 Legacy. A new engine cradle design improves front impact safety, and the 2010 Legacy features greater use of high-strength steel.
The 2010 Legacy models include as standard equipment front seat side impact air bags and side curtain air bags that offer additional head protection for front and rear occupants. Intelligent dual-stage deployment front air bags use sensors to detect the presence and weight of a front passenger and also the driver's distance from the §teering wheel. The system determines front air bag deployment strength for optimal occupant protection.
New in the 2010 Legacy, high-strength front seat frames provide enhanced protection against whiplash injury in a rear-end collision. With the entire seat optimized for a rear-end collision, Subaru replaced the previous active front head restraints wîth a more comfortable design.
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the Únited States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics calendar year-end 2007. In addition, Subaru boasts the most fuel-efficient line-up of all-wheel drive products sold in the market today based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy standards. ( posted on conceptcarz.com) All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only Ú.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.Source - Subaru
In February of 1989 an all-new mid-sized sedan rocked the world with its introduction. The Subaru Legacy was introduced as the replacement for the Subaru Leone/Loyale and featured a 2.0L engine that had been originally available only with all wheel drive, but later became standard worldwide. In Australia, the Legacy was marketed as the Subaru Liberty in part because of Legacy Clubs rejecting the use of their name. For 1994 and 1998 the Subaru Legacy was Wheels magazine s Car of the Year. Worldwide distribution of the Subaru Legacy began in 1990. Beginning in 1989, all USA Legacy s were built at either the Indiana plant in Lafayette, Indiana or the ta, Gunma plant in Japan.
Subaru s longest-running nameplate in the U.S., the Legacy was introduced nearly two decades ago, and has continued to be a recognized and popular vehicle. Legacy is also very often chosen as a winter-beating alternative to the midsize sedan or wagon segment because of its all-wheel drive. The Subaru Legacy has also won two Edmunds.com Editors Most Wanted SM awards. Part of the initial design goals for the Legacy model was to provide Subaru with a vehicle that they could compete with in the advantageous North American midsize market, against competitors like the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. Many higher performance variants of the Legacy area offered as competitive alternative to company exec cars like the Alfa Romeo 159, BMW 3 Series, Volkswagen Passat and the Audi A4.
A pretty large departure from Subaru offerings in the past, the first generation of the Legacy was introduced in 1989. Subaru had long held a reputation of building vehicles that had been considered to be quirky , but the introduction of the Legacy was Subaru s attempt to join the growing upscale market. The Legacy Subaru was unveiled to the public at the same time as the Lexus and Infinity. Breaking with many of Subaru s traditions, the Legacy no longer featured a spare tire in the engine compartment, but not behind the engine and above the transmission. Placed above the Leone in Subaru s model range, the Legacy was an all-new model.
Beginning with a 5-door station wagon, or 4-door sedan body styles with FWD, the Legacy featured an optional full-time AWD package, and was unveiled in the USA, Germany, UK, Japan, Australia and the Netherlands. The Legacy featured a variety of luxurious and technological advancements that were normally only found on more expensive vehicles as standard equipment. These features included central locking, power windows, fuel injection, AC, alloy wheels, power assist rack and pinion steering, 4-wheel independent suspension with both negative scrub and anti-dive and squat geometry, along with 4-wheel disc brakes. Optional items included 4-channel ABS, and air suspension height control. Japanese police departments have also used the Legacy for patrol cars, and still continue to do so today.
Currently unique to the Legacy in this class size of vehicle was the standard equipped symmetrical all-wheel drive system. Both sedan and wagon models were available in 1990, and in 1991 a turbocharged sedan model was introduced to the lineup and it came with an engine that different slightly from current market offerings. There has been four generations of the Subaru Legacy so far. The first generation Legacy was introduced from 1990 through 1994 and was in Japan by Isuzu at the Aska CX. Introduced first in the Legacy was the EJ-series engine. Featuring various improvements over the earlier engines, the EJ-series came with five main bearing rather than three. The EJ20 also featured versatility, and any EJ style engine would fit into any Subaru made from 1990 through 2006.
A notable departure from Subaru products in the past, the Legacy was formally introduced on January 23, 1989 in Japan. It was priced introductory at $18,800. The first Legacy was available at Japanese dealerships on February 1, 1989. Worldwide distribution began in 1990.
On October 7, 1991 the second generation of the Legacy s sales began. The second generation was officially debuted in 2005 in North America with a full body and chassis revision. The second generation lasted until 1999 and the exterior was designed by Olivier Boulay whom had been hired by Subaru on a short-term basis. Influenced by the taillights on the SVX, new tail lights appeared on both the sedan and wagon in this generation. Subaru chose to make AWD standard equipment in all vehicles in 1996 for the North American market from that day until today. Subaru continued to offer a choice between AWD and FWD for its domestic market vehicles for this 2nd generation.
Between 1991 and 1994, the 2.2L turbocharged four-cylinder engines were available in the North American Legacy. While featuring a single overhead camshaft, this unique version did not come with an intercooler. Beginning in 1996 2.5L, DOHC normally aspirated and fuel injected for-cylinder engines were available in the US market. Beginning in 2000, a revised version with a single overhead camshaft became available in North American models. Beginning in 2005, 2.5L, DOHC, turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder engines were made available in North American market GT models.
In 1995 Subaru introduced a raised, crossover version of the Legacy wagon which they called the Legacy Outback. The Legacy Outback with this generation came with AWD only internationally.
In 1996, USA-spec GT models that had been first available in 1990 as a turbocharged sedan or wagon in Japan, (and as a trim package for the U.S. version in 94) transformed into a top level model upgrade using the new EJ25D DOHC 2.5 L naturally-aspirated engine. Introduced in this year, Limited trim level editions came, offering heated leather or cloth, seats and trim along with a tinted, glass moonroof. The name Limited also appeared on the GT which was known as the GT Limited in 1998. In 1998, the term Limited was used by itself on the Outback. Complying with USA Federal Government regulations driver and front passenger airbags were added with the redesigned interior.
The 30th year anniversary of Subaru in America rolled around in 1991, and it also marked the end of the second generation in North America. To honor this, a special 30th Anniversary Edition was offered in the U.S. It came with an upgraded interior, sunroof, alloy wheels on the L trim level cars and spoiler. The U.S. spec Brighton trim level also came over from the previous year and remained priced below the L trim option.
The GT-B was introduced in June of 1996 in Japan. The front and rear struts were supplied by Bilstein and the upgrade was available on the RS. B designation stood for Bilstein. Turbocharged variations were still available in markets that utilized right hand drive configurations. Also available in Japan were specialty touring and racing versions, along with the DOHC 2-liter twin sequential turbocharged EJ20H version on both the Legacy GT sedan and wagon with an automatic transmission. Along with RS sedan and wagan with the EJ20R and a manual transmission and a slightly higher hp rating, both of these identified Boxer 2-stage Twin Turbo on the engine cover shroud.
In 1998 Australia finished out the last of the second generation Liberty with a special Bilstein Edition RX , which was identifiable by a Bilstein badge on the rear trunk lid. It also featured a lower stand due to front and rear Bilstein struts. The model also featured leather seats and door inserts as well as Momo sports leather steering and 16in BBS alloys, all as standard equipment. In Israel the Legacy second generation was introduced and the Legacy name was replaced by the B4 brand.
The third generation of the Subaru Legacy was launched in Japanese and Europe in June of 1998 while the North American model was debuted in late 1999 as a 2000 model. The European models ranged from a normally-aspirated 2.0 L flat-4 to the EZ30 flat-6 in the 3.0R model. The twin turbo that had been offered in the earlier generation was still offered on performance models. The EZ30, a newly designed 3.0 L H6 was available in the Outback models in 2001. The engines now meet California s LEV emission standard.
The raised roof is now used for both the Legacy wagon and the Legacy Outback and the flat roof wagons and no longer manufactured worldwide. Beginning in the 2000 model year was the introduction of daytime running lights. The following year cabin air filters were available and installed beneath and behind the glove compartment door.
Dubbed SportShift, Japanese speculation vehicles with the twin turbo had a choice of manual or semi-automatic transmission which allowed the driver to push the automatic gearshift selector to the let, and then allows the driver to shift the automatic like a manual transmission.
The fourth generation of the Subaru Legacy was debuted in 2003 until 2009. Fuji Heavy Industries introduced their all new redesigned Legacy on May 23, 2003. It was also known as the BL for sedan model and BP for wagons. Worldwide this generation was released in 2004. Subaru Indiana Automotive commenced production in January 2004 for the North American market. Winning Subaru s first win for the award, the Legacy was given the 2003-2004 Japan Car of the Year. Lance Armstrong was elected the spokesman for both the wagon and the sedan and Sheryl Crow s 96 hit Everyday Is a Winding Road was the theme song in U.S. commercials. Subaru sold its three-millionth Legacy on March 14, 2005.
Heralding the return of a turbocharged engine to North American Legacies, the chassis was newly redesigned and made stiffer and featured a 2.5 liter unit derived from that of the North American Impreza WRX STI. The twin-turbo setup was dropped from the lineup due to advancements in turbocharger technology and stricter emission standards. Offering Subaru s first 5-speed automatic transmission, turbocharged models and the H6 featured SportShift technology which was licensed from Prodrive, Ltd.
Both the Legacy wagon and the Outback sedan were discontinued in the U.S. market in the 2008 model year. This left only the Legacy sedan and the Outback wagon. In Canada though, the Legacy wagon wasn t discontinued. This year Subaru actually brought back the 3.0 L flat-6 engine to the North American Legacy sedan. For the first time since 2000 the flat-6 was once again available in the Outback sedan wagon. The 2.5i U.S. model was certified PZEV emissions for 2008 and received a badge attached to the rear of the vehicle on the bottom right hand side of the trunk-lid or tailgate. Meanwhile, all other models are certified LEV2. Throughout the entire U.S. the PZEV Legacy is available, unlike other manufacturers that only sell PZEV certified cars in states that share CA s emission standards.
EyeSight is a new safety feature that consists of twin cameras, one on each side of the rear view mirror which uses human-like stereoscopic vision to judge distances. It also keeps tabs on the driver and is now available on the Japanese-spec Legacy as of May 10, 2008. EyeSight helps the vehicle (more like the driver) retain a safe distance on the highway, a lane departure warning system, a driver alert warning for numerous safety situations and even keeps an eye open for pedestrians. SI-Cruise has also been integrated into the EyeSight feature as a driver safety aid.
The first ever fit to a passenger car, the Subaru EE flat-4 diesel engine was available in both the Legacy and Outback sedans and wagons, which were dubbed as the Subaru Legacy 2.0D. Beginning March of 2008 this car was released in the European Union and was available with a 5-speed manual transmission only. Both the Legacy and Outback diesel were debuted officially at the Geneva Auto Show in March of 2008.
The fifth generation of the Subaru Legacy was introduced the final week of May 2009 at their Indiana location. The 2010 Legacy was shown at the 2009 New York Auto Show. The Legacy was introduced in Japan on May 20, 2009 in Japan and the STi Legacy will continue on in production.
Lineartronic Continuously variable transmission was all new for this generation was utilized internationally on the EJ25 2.5 L flat-4 engine and the EJ20 several markets. In the North American and Australia markets 6-speed manual transmission was also offered.
Exclusively used in Japan and North America was the 2.5GT turbocharger with a 6-speed manual transmission and Australia was able to choose between the 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. Cars identified as 3.6R use the EZ36 flat-6 engine with a 5-speed SportShift conventional automatic transmission. On AWD models the Lineartronic CVT transmission is also shared with the JDM-spec Subaru Exiga. Today the North American PZEV Legacy 2.5i continues to be available throughout the U.S.
The EZ36 flat- engine is only used internationally on the Outback, but it is available in the Legacy in North American and Australia. Offering the EJ25 in both turbo and non-turbo versions the Japan-spec car has discontinued the EJ20 engine. Standard equipment on all Japanese-spec vehicles was the SI-Drive , as well both the Australian 2.5GT and the 3.6R sedan, but not in North America. Standard on the international Outback was SI-Drive with the EZ36 except in North America.
Only in North America was the Legacy wagon available as an Outback, whereas the wagon is available ad both a Legacy and Outback in Japan, Australia, Europe and the U.K. The wagon was the only version offered in the UK, and the engine choices are limited to the Subaru EE20 turbo-diesel or the EJ25. The EJ20 is still available in both the sedan and a wagon in Europe, alongside the EE20 turbo-diesel and the EJ25. In Australia the EE20 turbo-diesel is available in the Outback. Euro5 emission standard compliant are the European and UK Legacy EE20 diesel, the EJ20 and EJ25.
Putting an end to a Subaru tradition that began with the first generation Leone in the early 1970s was the side windows no longer being frameless. Ending a design tradition that had been established with the first generation, the D pillar on the wagon was no longer covered in glass, borrowed from the Subaru XT. A new center console mounted hand brake was replaced with an electric handbrake switch installed on the dashboard.
Both the stereo control and climate control butters along with the CVT gear selector were oriented to either left- or right-hand driving. Manual control of the CVT transmission was done by pulling the gear selector lever in the driver s direction.
A Subaru Legacy concept was designed in 2009 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Subaru model. The concept vehicle was officially debuted at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.By Jessica Donaldson
For more information and related vehicles, click hereSubaru s longest-running nameplate in the U.S., the Legacy was introduced nearly two decades ago, and has continued to be a recognized and popular vehicle. Legacy is also very often chosen as a winter-beating alternative to the midsize sedan or wagon segment because of its all-wheel drive. The Subaru Legacy has also won two Edmunds.com Editors Most Wanted SM awards. Part of the initial design goals for the Legacy model was to provide Subaru with a vehicle that they could compete with in the advantageous North American midsize market, against competitors like the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. Many higher performance variants of the Legacy area offered as competitive alternative to company exec cars like the Alfa Romeo 159, BMW 3 Series, Volkswagen Passat and the Audi A4.
A pretty large departure from Subaru offerings in the past, the first generation of the Legacy was introduced in 1989. Subaru had long held a reputation of building vehicles that had been considered to be quirky , but the introduction of the Legacy was Subaru s attempt to join the growing upscale market. The Legacy Subaru was unveiled to the public at the same time as the Lexus and Infinity. Breaking with many of Subaru s traditions, the Legacy no longer featured a spare tire in the engine compartment, but not behind the engine and above the transmission. Placed above the Leone in Subaru s model range, the Legacy was an all-new model.
Beginning with a 5-door station wagon, or 4-door sedan body styles with FWD, the Legacy featured an optional full-time AWD package, and was unveiled in the USA, Germany, UK, Japan, Australia and the Netherlands. The Legacy featured a variety of luxurious and technological advancements that were normally only found on more expensive vehicles as standard equipment. These features included central locking, power windows, fuel injection, AC, alloy wheels, power assist rack and pinion steering, 4-wheel independent suspension with both negative scrub and anti-dive and squat geometry, along with 4-wheel disc brakes. Optional items included 4-channel ABS, and air suspension height control. Japanese police departments have also used the Legacy for patrol cars, and still continue to do so today.
Currently unique to the Legacy in this class size of vehicle was the standard equipped symmetrical all-wheel drive system. Both sedan and wagon models were available in 1990, and in 1991 a turbocharged sedan model was introduced to the lineup and it came with an engine that different slightly from current market offerings. There has been four generations of the Subaru Legacy so far. The first generation Legacy was introduced from 1990 through 1994 and was in Japan by Isuzu at the Aska CX. Introduced first in the Legacy was the EJ-series engine. Featuring various improvements over the earlier engines, the EJ-series came with five main bearing rather than three. The EJ20 also featured versatility, and any EJ style engine would fit into any Subaru made from 1990 through 2006.
A notable departure from Subaru products in the past, the Legacy was formally introduced on January 23, 1989 in Japan. It was priced introductory at $18,800. The first Legacy was available at Japanese dealerships on February 1, 1989. Worldwide distribution began in 1990.
On October 7, 1991 the second generation of the Legacy s sales began. The second generation was officially debuted in 2005 in North America with a full body and chassis revision. The second generation lasted until 1999 and the exterior was designed by Olivier Boulay whom had been hired by Subaru on a short-term basis. Influenced by the taillights on the SVX, new tail lights appeared on both the sedan and wagon in this generation. Subaru chose to make AWD standard equipment in all vehicles in 1996 for the North American market from that day until today. Subaru continued to offer a choice between AWD and FWD for its domestic market vehicles for this 2nd generation.
Between 1991 and 1994, the 2.2L turbocharged four-cylinder engines were available in the North American Legacy. While featuring a single overhead camshaft, this unique version did not come with an intercooler. Beginning in 1996 2.5L, DOHC normally aspirated and fuel injected for-cylinder engines were available in the US market. Beginning in 2000, a revised version with a single overhead camshaft became available in North American models. Beginning in 2005, 2.5L, DOHC, turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder engines were made available in North American market GT models.
In 1995 Subaru introduced a raised, crossover version of the Legacy wagon which they called the Legacy Outback. The Legacy Outback with this generation came with AWD only internationally.
In 1996, USA-spec GT models that had been first available in 1990 as a turbocharged sedan or wagon in Japan, (and as a trim package for the U.S. version in 94) transformed into a top level model upgrade using the new EJ25D DOHC 2.5 L naturally-aspirated engine. Introduced in this year, Limited trim level editions came, offering heated leather or cloth, seats and trim along with a tinted, glass moonroof. The name Limited also appeared on the GT which was known as the GT Limited in 1998. In 1998, the term Limited was used by itself on the Outback. Complying with USA Federal Government regulations driver and front passenger airbags were added with the redesigned interior.
The 30th year anniversary of Subaru in America rolled around in 1991, and it also marked the end of the second generation in North America. To honor this, a special 30th Anniversary Edition was offered in the U.S. It came with an upgraded interior, sunroof, alloy wheels on the L trim level cars and spoiler. The U.S. spec Brighton trim level also came over from the previous year and remained priced below the L trim option.
The GT-B was introduced in June of 1996 in Japan. The front and rear struts were supplied by Bilstein and the upgrade was available on the RS. B designation stood for Bilstein. Turbocharged variations were still available in markets that utilized right hand drive configurations. Also available in Japan were specialty touring and racing versions, along with the DOHC 2-liter twin sequential turbocharged EJ20H version on both the Legacy GT sedan and wagon with an automatic transmission. Along with RS sedan and wagan with the EJ20R and a manual transmission and a slightly higher hp rating, both of these identified Boxer 2-stage Twin Turbo on the engine cover shroud.
In 1998 Australia finished out the last of the second generation Liberty with a special Bilstein Edition RX , which was identifiable by a Bilstein badge on the rear trunk lid. It also featured a lower stand due to front and rear Bilstein struts. The model also featured leather seats and door inserts as well as Momo sports leather steering and 16in BBS alloys, all as standard equipment. In Israel the Legacy second generation was introduced and the Legacy name was replaced by the B4 brand.
The third generation of the Subaru Legacy was launched in Japanese and Europe in June of 1998 while the North American model was debuted in late 1999 as a 2000 model. The European models ranged from a normally-aspirated 2.0 L flat-4 to the EZ30 flat-6 in the 3.0R model. The twin turbo that had been offered in the earlier generation was still offered on performance models. The EZ30, a newly designed 3.0 L H6 was available in the Outback models in 2001. The engines now meet California s LEV emission standard.
The raised roof is now used for both the Legacy wagon and the Legacy Outback and the flat roof wagons and no longer manufactured worldwide. Beginning in the 2000 model year was the introduction of daytime running lights. The following year cabin air filters were available and installed beneath and behind the glove compartment door.
Dubbed SportShift, Japanese speculation vehicles with the twin turbo had a choice of manual or semi-automatic transmission which allowed the driver to push the automatic gearshift selector to the let, and then allows the driver to shift the automatic like a manual transmission.
The fourth generation of the Subaru Legacy was debuted in 2003 until 2009. Fuji Heavy Industries introduced their all new redesigned Legacy on May 23, 2003. It was also known as the BL for sedan model and BP for wagons. Worldwide this generation was released in 2004. Subaru Indiana Automotive commenced production in January 2004 for the North American market. Winning Subaru s first win for the award, the Legacy was given the 2003-2004 Japan Car of the Year. Lance Armstrong was elected the spokesman for both the wagon and the sedan and Sheryl Crow s 96 hit Everyday Is a Winding Road was the theme song in U.S. commercials. Subaru sold its three-millionth Legacy on March 14, 2005.
Heralding the return of a turbocharged engine to North American Legacies, the chassis was newly redesigned and made stiffer and featured a 2.5 liter unit derived from that of the North American Impreza WRX STI. The twin-turbo setup was dropped from the lineup due to advancements in turbocharger technology and stricter emission standards. Offering Subaru s first 5-speed automatic transmission, turbocharged models and the H6 featured SportShift technology which was licensed from Prodrive, Ltd.
Both the Legacy wagon and the Outback sedan were discontinued in the U.S. market in the 2008 model year. This left only the Legacy sedan and the Outback wagon. In Canada though, the Legacy wagon wasn t discontinued. This year Subaru actually brought back the 3.0 L flat-6 engine to the North American Legacy sedan. For the first time since 2000 the flat-6 was once again available in the Outback sedan wagon. The 2.5i U.S. model was certified PZEV emissions for 2008 and received a badge attached to the rear of the vehicle on the bottom right hand side of the trunk-lid or tailgate. Meanwhile, all other models are certified LEV2. Throughout the entire U.S. the PZEV Legacy is available, unlike other manufacturers that only sell PZEV certified cars in states that share CA s emission standards.
EyeSight is a new safety feature that consists of twin cameras, one on each side of the rear view mirror which uses human-like stereoscopic vision to judge distances. It also keeps tabs on the driver and is now available on the Japanese-spec Legacy as of May 10, 2008. EyeSight helps the vehicle (more like the driver) retain a safe distance on the highway, a lane departure warning system, a driver alert warning for numerous safety situations and even keeps an eye open for pedestrians. SI-Cruise has also been integrated into the EyeSight feature as a driver safety aid.
The first ever fit to a passenger car, the Subaru EE flat-4 diesel engine was available in both the Legacy and Outback sedans and wagons, which were dubbed as the Subaru Legacy 2.0D. Beginning March of 2008 this car was released in the European Union and was available with a 5-speed manual transmission only. Both the Legacy and Outback diesel were debuted officially at the Geneva Auto Show in March of 2008.
The fifth generation of the Subaru Legacy was introduced the final week of May 2009 at their Indiana location. The 2010 Legacy was shown at the 2009 New York Auto Show. The Legacy was introduced in Japan on May 20, 2009 in Japan and the STi Legacy will continue on in production.
Lineartronic Continuously variable transmission was all new for this generation was utilized internationally on the EJ25 2.5 L flat-4 engine and the EJ20 several markets. In the North American and Australia markets 6-speed manual transmission was also offered.
Exclusively used in Japan and North America was the 2.5GT turbocharger with a 6-speed manual transmission and Australia was able to choose between the 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. Cars identified as 3.6R use the EZ36 flat-6 engine with a 5-speed SportShift conventional automatic transmission. On AWD models the Lineartronic CVT transmission is also shared with the JDM-spec Subaru Exiga. Today the North American PZEV Legacy 2.5i continues to be available throughout the U.S.
The EZ36 flat- engine is only used internationally on the Outback, but it is available in the Legacy in North American and Australia. Offering the EJ25 in both turbo and non-turbo versions the Japan-spec car has discontinued the EJ20 engine. Standard equipment on all Japanese-spec vehicles was the SI-Drive , as well both the Australian 2.5GT and the 3.6R sedan, but not in North America. Standard on the international Outback was SI-Drive with the EZ36 except in North America.
Only in North America was the Legacy wagon available as an Outback, whereas the wagon is available ad both a Legacy and Outback in Japan, Australia, Europe and the U.K. The wagon was the only version offered in the UK, and the engine choices are limited to the Subaru EE20 turbo-diesel or the EJ25. The EJ20 is still available in both the sedan and a wagon in Europe, alongside the EE20 turbo-diesel and the EJ25. In Australia the EE20 turbo-diesel is available in the Outback. Euro5 emission standard compliant are the European and UK Legacy EE20 diesel, the EJ20 and EJ25.
Putting an end to a Subaru tradition that began with the first generation Leone in the early 1970s was the side windows no longer being frameless. Ending a design tradition that had been established with the first generation, the D pillar on the wagon was no longer covered in glass, borrowed from the Subaru XT. A new center console mounted hand brake was replaced with an electric handbrake switch installed on the dashboard.
Both the stereo control and climate control butters along with the CVT gear selector were oriented to either left- or right-hand driving. Manual control of the CVT transmission was done by pulling the gear selector lever in the driver s direction.
A Subaru Legacy concept was designed in 2009 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Subaru model. The concept vehicle was officially debuted at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.By Jessica Donaldson
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2010| Comparable Vehicles | |
| Chevrolet Malibu | ($21,825-26,600) |
| Chrysler Sebring Sedan | ($22,115-34,705) |
| Dodge Avenger | ($20,235-21,735) |
| Ford Fusion | ($19,270-27,675) |
| Honda Accord | ($21,055-31,305) |
| Honda Insight | ($19,800-23,100) |
| Hyundai Genesis | ($22,000-32,000) |
| Hyundai Sonata | ($18,700-26,550) |
| Mazda 6 | ($18,450-28,395) |
| Mercury Milan | ($21,185-27,800) |
| Mitsubishi Galant | ($21,595-23,995) |
| Nissan Altima | ($19,900-29,600) |
| Subaru Impreza | ($17,495-34,995) |
| Toyota Camry | ($19,395-29,045) |
| Toyota Prius | ($22,000-27,275) |
| Volkswagen Golf | ($17,495-23,695) |
| Volkswagen Jetta | ($17,605-25,415) |
| Volkswagen New Beetle | ($18,545-26,175) |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Honda | Jaguar |
| Nissan | Saab |
| Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Volvo | |
| Subaru: 2000-2010 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Subaru History |
| Other models by Subaru |
| Manufacturer Website |
| Vehicle Recall Information |
| Related Articles and Event Coverage |
| NY Auto Show |
| 2009 New York International Auto Show |
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| 360 Baja | BRZ Forester | Impreza Legacy | Outback Pleo | SVX Tribeca | Vivio XT | XV Crosstrek |
| 2011 Legacy |
