But this is no hard-edged sports car, with a supple ride that soaks up bad roads. All of this makes the Legacy a particularly well-rounded performer. It's not perfect though; the tail can slide easily in emergency maneuvers. Electronic stability control helps, but it didn't become readily available until 2008, finally becoming standard for 2009. Power from the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder is adequate, but nothing more. Expect 23 mpg overall from this engine, partly a consequence of its dated four-speed automatic, and partly due to the added weight of the standard all-wheel-drive system. A five-speed automatic was also available. Legacy 2.5GT and Spec B models have a more entertaining 2.5-liter turbocharged four, but fuel economy suffers for the fun. A smooth 3.0-liter six-cylinder was also available. Both four-cylinders were available with a manual transmission, but the six-cylinder was automatic only. Inside, the interior is rather well finished and controls are simple. Large windows, a low dashboard, and thin roof pillars deliver easy driver visibility. Front seats are well-sculpted and supportive, but the front cabin is fairly snug and rear seat legroom is rather tight. The Legacy wagon was dropped after 2007, a victim of the similar Outback wagon's overwhelming popularity.

Driving the Legacy is a delight, with its steering providing excellent feel and feedback. Emergency handling can be a handful, but stability control is not available on this generation of the Legacy. Acceleration from the 2.5-liter four is adequate, but not quick. Expect 22 mpg overall. Some useful interior features, like a folding rear seatback or height-adjustable driver seat, are only found on higher-trim versions. Interior ambiance is fairly drab, and the front seats are fairly narrow, but the wagon has a very spacious cargo area.