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:

    'Passive' safety advances that also benefit pedestrians
    While a robust structure can form the foundation for a truly safe car, Subaru has also ensured that the Subaru Outback is comprehensively kitted out with a full range of both 'passive' and 'active ...

    Light control and wiper control levers/switches
    1) Windshield wiper (page 3-31) 2) Mist (page 3-32) 3) Windshield washer (page 3-33) 4) Rear window wiper and washer switch (page 3-34) 5) Wiper intermittent time control switch (page 3-33) 6) ...

    Key number
    1) Key number plate 2) Security ID plate The key number is stamped on the key number plate attached to the key set. Write down the key number and keep it in another safe place, not in the vehicle ...