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:

    Installing a booster seat
    • Child restraint systems and seatbelts can become hot in a vehicle that has been closed up in sunny weather; they could burn a small child. Check the child restraint system before you place a chi ...

    Center console box (front)
    If you remove the divider plate from the dual cup holders, you can use the center console box as a storage space. To use as storage space: Pull out the divider plate of the dual cup holder. T ...

    To disengage the service mode
    Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position, depress and hold the brake pedal, then press and release the “” button on the remote control transmitter three times. The system will pause for ...