Safety

The 2010 Legacy is one of 27 cars to be named a 2010 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. To earn this award, a car must earn the top score of Good in crash tests and have stability control. This year, IIHS added a roof-strength test to its stable of crash tests. The additional test, which simulates a rollover crash, tightened criteria and greatly reduced the number of cars that qualified for the award.

In addition to stability control, the Legacy has standard antilock brakes and traction control. It also has six airbags, including side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for both rows.

While my kids were happy with all of the legroom in the backseat, one aspect of the second row was frustrating to me. The Latch connectors aren't easy to access; they're buried under a fabric flap that makes it a bit tricky to get at them. Once you do, a rear-facing infant-safety seat should fit in the second row without any problems. My kids' booster seats fit easily into the backseat because there weren't any bolsters to get in the way.

FAMILY LIFESTAGE

In Diapers: There's lots of room in the backseat for rear-facing infant-safety seats.

In School: There's enough real estate for everyone to be happy.

Teens: This is a good-looking first car with great safety ratings.

    See also:

    Bulb chart
    NOTE Lights A and B are the LED (Light Emitting Diode) type. Consult your SUBARU dealer for replacement. WARNING Bulbs may become very hot while illuminated. Before replacing bulbs, turn of ...

    If the light illuminates constantly
    If the light illuminates constantly while driving or does not turn off after the engine starts, an emission control system malfunction has been detected. You should have your vehicle checked by an ...

    Shift lock function
    The shift lock function helps prevent the improper operation of the select lever. • The select lever cannot be operated unless the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position and the brake pedal i ...