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:

    Type A
    NOTE The blower fan rotates at a low speed when the engine coolant temperature is low. For efficient defogging or dehumidifying in cold weather, press the “A/C” button. The automatic climat ...

    Warning and indicator lights
    Several of the warning and indicator lights illuminate momentarily and then turn off when the ignition switch is initially turned to the “ON” position. This permits checking the operation of t ...

    Checking the coolant level
    Never attempt to remove the radiator cap until the engine has been shut off and has cooled down completely. Since the coolant is under pressure, you may suffer serious burns from a spray of boilin ...