The Outside

I liked the outgoing Legacy. Its appearance — assertive up front, aggressive in profile — set it apart from a number of tubbier-looking competitors. Sadly, times have changed. The Legacy has caught up in girth, which Subaru says was in response to shoppers finding the last one too small. It isn't appreciably heavier by the numbers, but it no longer looks skinny, at least to my eyes.

The actual styling is a whole other affair. I see some Infiniti G37 up front, a Saab 9-5 in back and some Subaru Impreza along the sides. I find it not so much controversial — that can be a good thing — as simply overwrought, chaotic even. It's no worse than the Accord, another car stuck nursing wounds from the ugly stick. Decide for yourself about the Legacy's appeal, and drop me an email when you do.

    See also:

    Edgy exterior
    While the interior may feel cheap, the exterior on either model is chunky and edgy. The big air intake on the hood, which always takes a little getting used, still adds to the car's looks instead ...

    Other sound setting controls (type A audio)
    Each brief press of the “MENU” button changes the control modes in the following sequence. Choose the desired settings for each mode by turning the “TUNE/TRACK/CH” dial. The control function r ...

    Front fog light indicator light (if equipped)
    This indicator light is on while the front fog lights are on. ...