Think of this generation of the Legacy as a budget-priced European sports sedan or wagon, with a Japanese nameplate.
Handling is excellent, with pinpoint steering that delivers direct feedback, making the car feel lively and agile to drive.
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.
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