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Often, when someone is asked what comes to mind when they think of Subaru, images of the Outback or Legacy typically come to mind. While many hardcore driving enthusiasts might think of the pavement pounding WRX, most consumers likely picture Outbacks and Foresters with two-tone exteriors and body cladding that could make a Pontiac blush. A typical consumer might also think of the cars as utilitarian, and in the past, they’ve often looked the part. In the days before the WRX, the words “excitement” and “fun” didn’t normally come immediately to mind; practical, snow-belt vehicle, and average styling were pretty much the status quo.

While older Legacies might have lacked excitement and fun, they did offer a lot of practical features. The outgoing Legacy has been rated as one of the top 10 least expensive cars to own, while both Legacy and Outback models boasted excellent crash test ratings.

Things started to change for the US Subaru lineup in 2004. Other cars, including the Forester and Baja, were offered with a 215hp horizontally opposed 4-cylinder turbo with a gracious torque curve. This engine choice offered brisk acceleration and transformed former utilitarian vehicles into cars people enjoy driving.

Across the Great Blue, 2004 noted a remarkable change for the Legacy and Outback. Subaru announced a brand new, completely redesigned Legacy and Outback sporting a new look; a step away from the traditional utilitarian Subaru visage, and more evocative of the cutting-edge design of ex-Alfa designer Andreas Zapatinas. The stunning change in car design was complemented by large overhauls in the interior to aid in Subaru’s desire to become a more premium brand.

The biggest news for the US, though, isn’t just the new design, but rather that Subaru is bringing more and more performance to the US. That means all those power-hungry soccer moms, while on their way to the soccer game, can finally pass the other moms in their SUVs and minivans with relative ease - something not many could achieve with the previous generation of naturally aspirated, 4-cylinder Legacies.

Force-fed Power for 2

The introduction of the 2005 models to the US includes that of the 2.5 liter, horizontally opposed, turbocharged 4-cylinder. This engine is based on the Subaru Impreza WRX STi unit, but has a different cylinder block, turbocharger and intercooler. Subaru outfits a new cross-flow intercooler on the Legacy and Outback to reduce intercooler size and increase efficiency. Combining the more efficient intercooler with the Active Valve Control System (AVCS) and 13.5 psi of boost, the 2.5 F/I motor provides a hefty torque curve above 2000 rpms. These changes, unique to the Legacy and Outback, result in a power output of 250-hp at 5600 rpm and 250lb-ft of torque at 3600 rpm.

Along with the new engine come new or revised transmissions. The Legacy and Outback each have optional 5-speed automatics featuring Sportshift, which also now includes steering wheel shift buttons as well as some new shift programs. These programs include semi-manual modes allowing you to go into a temporary sport mode for passing or a short stint of spirited driving. The shift programs also now read information from lateral-g sensors to sense when a driver is in a turn and will prevent the car from shifting unnecessarily during turns, providing a more stable and reassuring ride.

The transmission also uses a Direct Control System that is supposed to improve shift speed and response. Now with five gears instead of four, Subaru tightened the gear ratios leaving 5th nearly equivalent to the previous 4th, allowing for a more spirited driving response and better acceleration. The 4-speed automatic transmission is slightly changed from last year, including fewer moving parts, redesigned electronic controls, and more precise shift patterns.

The 5-speed manual transmission has also changed, rather than being a direct carry over from the performance WRX. The 5MT features a new dual-mass flywheel, double-cone synchros in 1st gear, shortened travel and dampers have been added to reduce noise, vibration and harshness.

Chassis Changes

The new chassis for these fourth generation Outbacks and Legacies has been changed significantly in order to provide better dynamics, a more rigid structure, increased safety, along with lower weight penalties. Use of aluminum is found in the hood, front and rear bumper beams, as well as the rear gate on hatch models. Use of the lightweight metal drops the weight of the hood to only 18.7 lbs and rear hatch to only 12.5 lbs without glass. The benefits of this can be seen by weight reductions of up to 180 lbs.

Body rigidity shows improvements across the board. Bending rigidity is up 14 percent, rigidity of the front suspension mounts up 30 percent and torsional rigidity is up 5 percent. The use of high tensile strength steel with tailored blanking provides increased rigidity and strength without the additional weight normally acquired by reinforcing an area.

Other changes include the use of hydro-formed subframes. Doorbeams have been relocated, including the door mounting point on the rear passenger doors. This provides a closer connection to the frame and thereby increasing the door’s strength and deflection in times of an impact.

Additional Changes

Subaru also took time to improve safety and feedback with the new models. Side curtain air bags now come as standard along with the newly designed door beams. Brake feel was improved drastically as well, providing more feedback and response. Rear wipers now come with de-icers and they’ll also automatically activate when one enters reverse with the front wipers enabled. Finally, the cars have an updated Subaru star logo, which was designed to have a more premium look.

The Legacy Up Close

While the majority of the changes to the Legacy and Outback are shared, the often-underappreciated Legacy receives a few niceties of its own. One of the most noticeable of these is a quicker steering rack with a ratio of 15:1. This provides a spirited steering response similar to that of Subaru’s more sporting model, the WRX.

The Legacy also gets a lower center of gravity as the front of the engine has been dropped 22mm and the front differential also lowered 10mm. Along with increased castor and the revised suspension and chassis, the dynamics of the car are something to appreciate.

This new 2.5GT does not fail to impress in its drive either. The 2.5GT provides huge improvements over the previous generation car. With the turbo motor, the car is simply wanting and willing to go down the highway. Passing is greatly simplified with the fat torque curve. Of course, this goes without saying that you need to be in the right gear. It’s not as much of an issue as it is in the lower displacement WRX, however. Larger displacement aside, this new 2.5T is still not the kind of engine you loaf at 40mph in 5th gear and expect brisk acceleration, though once you move into the meaty torque band, you are in the clear. The engine and drive train seem overwhelmingly smoother than the previous generation, with a significant reduction in noise, vibration and harshness that often accompanied previous models, especially when pushing them to their limits.

How are the dynamics? The dynamics of the suspension and chassis provide a suitable level of compromise for the average driver, providing a reassuring feeling at a normal pace and a predictable feeling at faster speeds, all the while remaining comfortable. While both the previous 2.5GT and the new turbocharged 2005 2.5GT provide great chassis and suspensions for the average consumer, the lack of a true sport suspension option will be a bit disappointing for those seeking a WRX in a bigger package.

Unfortunately, the Legacy still retains a few flaws that affect our experience. Primarily, the new car fails to adequately fit larger drivers, especially in the area of headroom. For this writer, a comfortable position couldn’t be found, but I do prefer to sit more upright.

Details on the new Legacy are more apparent and look much improved over the previous generations. Higher quality materials seem to be used throughout, ranging from leather, to the textured roof material. The better-integrated console feels more consistent and smooth and combined with new instruments provide a refined but comfortable cabin. The exterior carries this theme of refinement by way of the stunning new design that departs from anything seen previously from Subaru on these shores.

No matter how striking this new Legacy may look, feel, and drive, Subaru's biggest challenge will be the competition against which the legacy is positioned. With Subaru aiming its sights on cars such as the Infiniti G35, Acura TSX, and Volvo S40, the future will not be easy for the new Legacy. However, with its combination of useable power, accommodating interior and overall refinement from the previous generation, it should make this an interesting year for those consumers shopping in the mid-size sedan market. Combined with a price of $25,995 for the 2.5GT and $29,695 for the 2.5GT Limited, the Legacy 2.5GT marks a nice blend of performance, comfort, and refinement in the mid-sized sedan marketplace.

The Outback Up Close

The Outback is no longer a car or wagon. At least, that’s what NHTSA says. Subaru’s Outback is now classified as a truck. Well, while some things in this life will never make sense, the Outback can now officially compete with all of those SUVs that dominate US roads (and trails). Why is it a truck? Well, the Outback is now approximately 1-inch higher (depending on model) than the outgoing car, giving nearly 8.5” of ground clearance. Combined with some relocation of parts under the body, the new car – er, truck – now has the entry and exit clearance necessary to be classified as a truck.

The big question, of course, is, does the raising of the vehicle diminish the stability and control of the car? After all, a taller car equals a higher center of gravity. Subaru countered this not only by strengthening the chassis, they relocated some parts lower in the vehicle, while also lowering the engine 12 mm. The track of the outback received an increase of nearly an inch, also aiding stability. The result is an even more stable Outback than the previous generation.

The Outback feels convincingly composed, even with a seemingly soft suspension. The biggest holdback was the stock tires that put an end to very spirited driving quickly, as they could not keep their grip. Combined with the turbocharged engine, the car can move you along easily and predictably. Not only that, but driving the car with the turbocharged motor makes one wonder if the Outback, or any car – er, truck - should be able to go that fast.

Of course, the turbocharged motor isn’t for everybody. Subaru came out with a revised H6 for the Outback 3.0R for those who care more for the linear acceleration found in a naturally aspirated car. This new H6 has increased in horsepower significantly from last year and features a new intake, AVCS and Active Valve Lift System (AVLS), three-port exhaust, and more. The changes provide a strong, albeit sedate, torque curve compared to the turbo. Along with this new engine, the 3.0R model boosts a heightened towing capacity of 3000lbs.

How does the new Outback actually rate? Simply put, it blows the old Outback out of the water. The new version now possesses refined styling, a lack of huge pieces of body cladding, nicer yet still utilitarian interior, and two engine choices that will make most cars in this segment green with envy. This Outback provides brisk acceleration, a comfortable feel, and a general sense of security that comes from the combination of all-wheel drive and the excellent crash protection found in all current Subarus.

It’ll be up to our consumers to decide if the Outback proves to be a value in the premium midsize truck marketplace, though. With a price of $27,995 for the turbocharged 2.5XT and $30,995 for the 3.0R, the Outback provides a better value than previous models. How it will compare to the new X3, Audi A4 Avant, and other multi-purpose vehicles is yet to be seen.

Conclusion

The new 2005 Subaru Legacy and Outback show a true paradigm shift compared to the Subaru the US experienced in the past decade. With improvements in styling and quality, Subaru is definitely on the move to match and compete with other premium products. However, Subaru still has a way to go and it is unseen how the American market will accept the new products. The new Legacy has already been a hit overseas, receiving multiple awards and recognition.

Subdriven would like to hear your thoughts on the new 2005 Legacy and Outback. We welcome you to please take some time and write your own review or discuss the new cars in our forums.