Well, it's official. The new Subaru Legacy didn't make the transition from concept to reality as smoothly as we would have hoped. Whereas the chunky concept seemed to have its proportions pretty much in order, the production car appears bloated if not downright overweight. But that's being a bit too vague, isn't it? Many things can be bloated and attractive, especially if you happen to have a fetish. So, other than looking fat, what is wrong with this car? Let's take a look, starting at the front and moseying on toward the back. Then we'll hop inside.
The headlights appear to have lost their aggressive lines in favor of a Sebring-esque pinched look, and apparently it was decided that the front fascia needed the obligatory smiley-face wide-mouth opening found on at least one car from every brand out there. It looks like a slow child about to drool all over itself, once more reminding me of that "Don't worry, drive happy" commercial. What they were selling I can't recall, but two things are certain: 1) That song will be in my head forever, and 2) I hate that song.
Moving along the side we have those absurd fender flares; this is a family sedan, Subaru, not a rally car. It doesn't need to be an STI (cheap shot alert: didn't you drop out of WRC?). Appropriately-sized wheels would be a plus, but looking at the 2.5GT we see larger wheels only go so far.
The rear would lose points strictly for the fact that a more realistic trunk was needed, but we can hardly fault them for that. What we can fault them for (cha-ching!) is the fact that it looks like Honda humped a Lexus GS's rear.
As for the interior, there isn't anything downright terrible about it, but at the same time there is nothing exceptional. Oh ok, I can't resist. Just to be an ass, I don't like that shift knob on the 6-speed stick; it looks like it belongs in a modded '95 Civic or something. Also, I am tired "aluminum-look" trim (otherwise known as silver plastic). Whether it's in a Subaru or a Porsche, it still screams cheap.
Positive aspects are limited to drive train improvements - which provide buyers with the usual upgraded engines and transmissions (including a CVT) – and an increase in space all around. Aaaand.... nope, no complaints there; none at all.
For me, this car is just boring, unattractive, and a little confused. If it's possible to be blandly extreme, the new Legacy would be exactly that; overwrought sides with a boring front and back. To ever compete with the Camry or Accord, Subaru needs to realize that purchasers of these cars are socially beige; the Legacy's flares alone will scare them off the lot. If, however, someone wants a spacious, all-wheel-drive family sedan and isn't concerned with style, they should definitely take a gander.
By Phil Alex
Phil Alex was born in Rhode Island in 1985, yet for reasons unbeknownst to him moved to South Carolina. He graduated with degrees in Finance and German from Wofford College in 2007 and has had a strange obsession with cars and travel. When not back in Sparkle City, he resides near Japan's international airport in Narita. He makes no apologies for his articles and welcomes all feedback, as long as it is adamantly worded. Oh, and if for any reason you are inclined to vent some more, check out more of his posts on the Examiner here.
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