Subaru Legacy/Outback 2005+

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Comments

  • pathtomaxpathtomax Member Posts: 215
    In the pic above, is that slot between the two vents going to flip up for a navigation system?
  • rob_mrob_m Member Posts: 820
    pluminum has the pletallic finish!
  • mfhmfh Member Posts: 37
  • mfhmfh Member Posts: 37
    Oh, I get it, plastic that has a metallic luster/finish. Is that right?

    So what is plood?
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
  • njswamplandsnjswamplands Member Posts: 1,760
    its like they designed for it to be there but then whimped out
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Plood is plastic wood.

    That's the first time I'd heard the term pluminum, but I assume it means plastic aluminum, i.e. fake metal trim.

    -juice
  • mfhmfh Member Posts: 37
  • rp64rp64 Member Posts: 13
    I know this has been asked many times, but a Subaru salesperson told me yesterday that 2005 Outbacks will be in in September and Legacys will be in in May. I was about to tell her she didn't know what she was talking about.
  • babaorileybabaoriley Member Posts: 74
    I read somewhere that Subaru themselves said that the standard 2.5 Legacy models will debut first, followed by the Outback & new engine models a few months after.

    -Brett
  • subewannabesubewannabe Member Posts: 403
    September before the OB XT hits the lots?

    I'm doing some things to keep my clunker running...I hope it makes it until then.
    Mark
  • radianradian Member Posts: 21
    The only fuel economy numbers we know so far:

    Outback 2.5i MT: 23/28
    Legacy 2.5i Limited AT: 22/30

    My dealer said he's getting new Outbacks the week of May 29th. I would be stunned if the new Outbacks didn't show up until September.
  • mfhmfh Member Posts: 37
    thanks for the numbers. Those are better than I anticipated.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'd seen the 23/28 for the MT, but where did you find out the mileage for the auto?

    22/30 is impressive.

    Of course that's just the EPA estimates, the regulars here know that generally the MT models get better mileage than the autos, regardless of what the EPA says.

    That's been true even for people that have owned both.

    -juice
  • ntk1ntk1 Member Posts: 57
    I have been quoted an Invoice price for the legacy GT sedan mt as 24877 (inc Dest) in MA.
    I thought I had read somewhere that the invoice for this model was 24487. Any ideas ?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I think we'd seen that in another topic, the lower number is correct. I think even Edmunds.com made that mistake, transposing those numbers.

    -juice
  • radianradian Member Posts: 21
    The auto MPG was posted by joscolem (Josh) at naisoc sometime last week. It was directly from the sticker on one that arrived at his dealership in NM (don't know why so early).
  • jwatsjwats Member Posts: 72
    Has anyone seen one yet?
    If so, where?
    thanks
    John
  • goneskiiangoneskiian Member Posts: 381
    Nope. I just heard from somebody on another message board that they got their newest (June) Car and Driver and there wasn't anything in there about the new Legacy's. Bummer. I think we were all hoping for a review.

    -Ian
  • jwatsjwats Member Posts: 72
    Has anyone seen one yet?
    If so, where?
    thanks
    John
  • goneskiiangoneskiian Member Posts: 381
    John,
    To avoid the dreaded double post do not use your refresh button. Instead click on the "Recent msgs" button under the last post you see.

    Cheers!
    -Ian
  • pon1pon1 Member Posts: 196
    Anyone got a minute to explain how sportshift will work in the new 5 speed AT. Will it allow the motor to stall or redline/hit the rev limiter in sportshift mode, i.e. behave just like a manual? Obviously, there will be no stalling in 1 or 2, but I am wondering what would happen if you left the car in 5th at walking speed.

    I only know about MT, never driven a tiptronic or similar.

    Sorry if this question is dumb.

    JP
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    in my '96 Stratus ES with AutoStick, it would allow you to select 1, 2, or 3 at a standstill and start in those gears. Starting in 2 or 3 is much like starting in 2 or 3 on an MT. It basically 'rides the clutch' to get to speed. They recommended starting in 2 or 3 for slippery conditions like snow/ice.

    Shifting to 4th was only allowed at speeds above 15, I think. It also would downshift to 1 if you came to a complete stop without shifting down while doing so. So, if you downshifted to 3 while stopping, it would hold the gear.

    As for topping out the gears, it wouldn't let you downshift to a lower gear if the RPM's were too high for that gear. It would also upshift if you went too far in a lower gear.

    I know that was what ChryCo did for theirs, Subaru's should be 'better' ;-) Someone who's driven the current '04 Legacy GT with 4spd SportShift should comment on it's behavior though.

    -Brian
  • warpaswarpas Member Posts: 8
    My dealer got in 5 of the base OB's today. Interior much improved, exterior also. Cleaner and more comtemporary, but I'm not nuts about the grill/hood. The dash and console area are really nice and bear almost no resemblence the old cars. I'll be interested to drive one, especially when the turbo comes in.
  • goneskiiangoneskiian Member Posts: 381
    JP - From what I understand it won't let you do anything too stupid that might damage the engine. I do believe I've read somewhere that it will allow you to bounce it off the rev limiter, but I think it will shift back down to 1 if you come to a stop in an upper gear. I also remember reading that it will let you down shift to keep the revs up through corners and what not.

    FWIW, I also remember that there is a sportier auto mode. I guess if you put it in drive, you get the regular auto mode, but then if you bump the stick toward where the + and - are but don't touch the steering wheel buttons or move the stick toward either the + or - it will be in "sport" mode and will hold the gear longer before shifting and will downshift quicker to keep the revs up.

    I know there's been a description by one of our Australian members of the sportshift in one of these forums. Look for the "Subaru Crew" discussions and find the Future Models II thread. Or maybe do some searches for Subaru and Sportshift.

    Cheers!
    -Ian
  • pon1pon1 Member Posts: 196
    Yes - I guess I should have run a search - the answer is in this thread. It shifts down as you slow to a stop, but will also stay in gear and hit the limiter when accelerating.

    I hated the current 4EAT in the 2004 OB H6, but liked it in the FXT. Must be all that torque and the wide power band.

    Hoping the 5EAT and the extra power/torque in the new H6 make the difference. I read somewhere else that the new H6 (Aus model) is still a bit slow off the line and sometimes hunts for gears, but takes off at higher rpm.

    Looking fwd to reading reviews and taking lots of test drives. I wonder if we will see any comparison tests between the Outback XT and the 3.0R. I guess the H6 will get killed in all performance tests but will get better mpg and smoothness.

    Counting the days till June (or will it be July...).

    JP
  • trueawdtrueawd Member Posts: 64
    The higher one is actually correct.
  • zmanzman Member Posts: 200
    Warpas,

    Where in the US are you (assuming you are in the US), and were any of the models MT?

    Zman
  • warpaswarpas Member Posts: 8
    the dealer is in Branford, CT. Didn't see any mts.
  • jcabinjcabin Member Posts: 23
    Anyone know if the pistons in the 2.5i '05s have been redesigned to eliminate the piston slap issue?
  • ilhooqilhooq Member Posts: 1
    No nav, no McIntosh, no Xenons, no dual-pane roof...

    So much for the Audi-killer.

    Wonder what happened at Subaru of America?

    Legacys overseas had all these at intro.

    ?
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    What happened?

    Some people here are already complaining that the 05 Legacy/Outback is overpriced.

    People overseas are much more willing to pay a premium price for a premium vehicle.

    That does not, however, explain why things like NAV and HIDs are not even dealer options. Not to mention satellite radio.
  • npaladin2000npaladin2000 Member Posts: 593
    It becomes a serious problem when you can get NAV and HIDs in a $20k Mazda3, but not in a midsize, "premium car" $25k+ Subaru Legacy.
  • zoomer1zoomer1 Member Posts: 42
    You are right. The 05 Legacy/Outback is overpriced compared to all of the other compacts and small midsize cars. Accords, Camrys, Altimas, Galants (?), Sonatas (what a story!), and others ARE larger cars for about the same price. Once again, the AWD differentiation, by itself is no longer sufficient to maintain the $1500 to $3000 premium over non-AWD. I just read that Mazda will introduce an AWD 6 with a 4-banger. The 6 is comparable to the Legacy in size and features and with TC is less expensive feature for feature than the AWD Legacy. The 05 Legacy is NOT overpriced compared to AUDI or BMW or Mercedes....whooops....wrong league! SOA has not shown that they belong in that group (frankly with the current quality problems--shouldn't be looking to anyway). I want SOA to succeed and I believe by not including NAV, Vehicle Stability (available on the Ford FOCUS!), and the flat 6 outside of the O/B is a ticky tacky approach and their marketeers are reading things in the supposed market segments that, in my opinion, are not there.

    If the SOA AWD is a simple, light weight, relatively inexpensive design....what they have always pitched...then why not compete on PRICE and FEATURE. Right now it is only feature--AWD. Forcing consumers to decide between NAV and AWD, 6 cylinder vs 4, Vehicle Dynamics vs. none or AWD, is too complicated....Many will walk in the Honda, Toyota, and Nissan store and just pick up a LARGER car with all the features needed 90 percent of the time and walk out the door. Many of us will walk in a Subaru store and admire the neat technology and wish we could have had all the goodies and not be constrained by artificial marketing gimmicks.

    It will take just one manufacturer to see the light that a 105 inch to 108 inch wheelbase car with about 200+ ponies, AWD with all the electronic gizmos, NAV, Onstar and like, great safety ratings, can be had for between $25k to $30K and sell like hot cakes....wait I thought that was going to be the 05 Legacy! I sure hope they can still change things around!
  • chronochrono Member Posts: 149
    Wow, where to start. Zoomer, are you lost? If you like your camcords so much then why are you here. I don't believe Subaru is targeting the camcord market to begin with. Subaru's offering an alternative to those boring, floaty, grocery getters. Subaru is marketing the Legacy/Outback to those who prefer performance, safety with some luxury. Your argument about AWD is so weak when you compare the Legacy to a Mazda 6 that doesn't even exist? Have you even driven the anemic Mazda 6 lately? The six in that car only puts out 192 lb/ft of torque and you think the AWD version of that car would even compete with the 05 Legacy GT's 250 lb/ft torque? Get out of town. You mention what if this manufacturer creates this, what if X company does that. There's a huge hole there when the 05 Legacy/Outback is here. Yes the drones will go out and buy those camcords but those seeking a high performance AWD sedan that will smoke all the previous cars you mentioned and have enough style to attract the g35/TL/3 series crowd will look to the Legacy. Every person shopping for an Legacy/Outback is not cross-shopping with the camcords but the TL's and g35's. Obviously you wish to have Subaru engineer a camcord alternative, something bigger, heavier, that's completely boring to drive. Well, NO THANKS! I'll take my high performace AWD sedan that has fantastic power to weight ratio (did you know the Legacy GT is close to the S4 in this category?) and meet you in the twisties any day. You can pick your camcord of choice of course.
  • eurosnobeurosnob Member Posts: 7
    I, quite frankly, don't get the "gotta have" fascination with NAV systems. I have used them both here and in Europe for the past 7 years or so. Nice gimmick - absolutely. Gotta have - no way. Gimme a good map anyday, especially at the $1500+ asking price that these things are going for. Great for salespeople who are using their cars going to new and exotic destinations on a regular basis but for me. I go someplace once I now know where it is - no more NAV system required. Same for OnStar. I've gotta cell phone - I don't need another $10+ per month service. These are great for those who need them, but not for everyone. I see the current spec of the Legacy GT and see everything I want in a vehicle either standard or available. On my list, there is nothing missing and, I suspect, the same will go for a lot of other people. IMHO, anyone comparing the Mazda 6 head-to-head with the Legacy, hasn't seen the two up close and in person. Peace!
  • kevin111kevin111 Member Posts: 991
    Just curious since the car's marketing slot to come out was May.

    Have not seen any reviews on the new Legacy, but expect there will be one shortly.

    With regards to the marketing of this car, this car would appeal to me. Someone who is looking for speed, handling with some style and practicality. Yes, I would look at this car with the G35 the two Acuras (TL and TSX) and a 3-series (though most likely the 325).

    I do not care about all the electronic gizmos, since they are usually distracting anyway. If I really wanted them, I would spend the extra +$4K for a TL.

    Hey, there is a reason the WRX became so popular, and it sure was not for its feature content vs. competitors in its price range.
  • zoomer1zoomer1 Member Posts: 42
    First, take a deep breath and ease up on the leaded coffee. Clearly you have strong opinions and that is fine.

    Second, I suggest you do not accept AVERAGE as the final answer. Expect more from SOA and they will deliver. Buy into their arguments and they will take your money, gladly. AAMOF I will take your money as well!

    Third, go to http://www.subaru.de/legacy-spec.pdf and read the column under Legacy Limousine 3.0 Autom.

    Fourth, ask yourself this question: If SOA has a car that has all the features that make it compete even more with the S4 and further differentiate it from the CAMCORD why don't they bring it to the US?

    Fifth, again, do not accept the AVERAGE and demand more from SOA.

    Sixth, HP and Torque are relative to gearing and mass....don't think that large HP and TQ numbers always win out....far from it! Discounting other cars in the Forum works....in the marketplace it is the sale that matters!

    Once again SOA has the car that has it all...just bring it here!

    Peace.
  • pon1pon1 Member Posts: 196
    Anyone got a photo of a garnet red 05 Legacy or Outback, or a reasonabley accurate swatch image. Is it the same red as the 04 FXT - cayenne red I think. I am hoping for a brighter red, a ferrari wagon (sort of)...

    JP
  • chronochrono Member Posts: 149
    To be fair, you were almost as strongly voiced in your previous opinion. We both have strong opinions so we'll leave it at that. I'll agree to a point that SOA has left out a few features that other markets are receiving. To me, things like NAV, Xenons aren't that important. To some this is, to me .. not a deal breaker. You have to realize this is a different market from Europe and Japan. SOA has not established itself here as Japan. Some people actually still believe that Subaru's are built in Australia. Point being, they have to package the Legacy/Outback carefully not to price itself out of it's intended market. I believe they have to take baby steps and once SOA has some name recognition (which it has already started with the WRX), you will see more of those luxury packages and trims available in the future. Subaru is not a large automotive giant compared to the GM's and Toyota's so this is SOA's only route for the time being. I'm sorry your disappointed with the intial offerings but I'm very satisfied we're North America is receiving the 2.5 turbo GT engine. For me they've covered all the bases, AWD, performance, with a touch of luxury. I agree with your HP and Torque are relative but if you read into my previous message I did mention power to weight ratio meaning the Legacy is fairly lightweight combined with it's power/torque. Gearing is very important also, I'm only basing my judgements off of what I've researched on Subaru's new 5-speed auto unit. I'll have to reserve gearing judgements through a test drive.
  • zoomer1zoomer1 Member Posts: 42
    No sweat. I AM disappointed that Subaru did not come out with the Legacy that they are selling in Europe and in Japan. I own a Subaru and have raced them in prior life. I really believe that our market deserves their top of the line car and they should not split the H-6 and H-4. I suspect I will take a strong look at the Legacy but will now weigh it against G35x, FXT, and even some SUVs.

    I really believe that having a fully loaded "Legacy Limousine 3.0 AWD (German Model)" with NAVI, Stability Control, and the rest is still a good thing for SOA to have as a few will buy the car (currently priced at 40K Euros) just like VW did with the Phaeton and the Passat W8 before that. It just shows the rest of the builders that SOA has "arrived" and can respond to the market....just one person's view!
  • chronochrono Member Posts: 149
    It is unfortunate SOA won't bring out the fully decked out models this year because I've noticed there are buyers just like you that will look elsewhere. I don't have an answer to this except with what I've mentioned about those options becoming available in the future. I too am looking at the g35. I'm looking forward to the redesigned interior of the 05's. Supposedly the interior is going through a complete overhaul which is good because I didn't care for the seats in the g35. But I think my choice has been made. I've got invoice priced locked for a GT limited which puts it around $28K. I can't see anything that can compete at this price. On a side note, I've heard rumors that there's a good possibility the Legacy STI will make it here in the next couple years. I think that's very possible seeing as we have the STI here already, cheers ...
  • atlgaxtatlgaxt Member Posts: 501
    I knew I was a mental midget compared to the people in the Subaru Crew, but the point was really driven home when I saw that people are discussing websites written in other languages. Heck, I can barely speak English.
  • subewannabesubewannabe Member Posts: 403
    The red color recreated on the need-desire site is awful...but its hard to get reds accurate in a flash format. The 05 Legacy colors are the same as the JDM release and we have had lots of photos posted in the Future Models II forum and here which include JDM Red Legacy GT's and there are also plenty in forums at nabisco and some shown in reviews at apex. From what I can gather, the Garnet Red Pearl will be perhaps a slight bit brighter than the Cayenne Red on the FXT, but a 'blue' red , nothing near as bright as the signature scarlet,an 'orange' red, Ferrari uses or the 'Candy Apple' red that Ford brought us. I agree the bright red would make a sweet-looking LGT, esp with some after market ground effects and dark grey leather interior.
        My last experience with an "Arrest Me Red" red convertible may have cured me....'orange'reds catch the eyes of male
    [non-permissible content removed] sapiens before any other color..hence my convertible's attractiveness to law enforcement. FWIW, scientists say that "blue" reds are first noticed by [non-permissible content removed] sapiens females.

    Mark
  • pon1pon1 Member Posts: 196
    Thanks, a ferrari wagon actually sounds a bit scary. I did some digging around and I think I have an idea what Granet Red will look like, yes "blue" red sums it up :) Looks about the right shade of red, my wife doesnt like the FXT red at all.

    My dealer has some swatches.

    Here's something interesting (but totally geeky). Subaru have wheeled out Outback XT show cars in monotone silver, but cars101.com state that silver is only available in the Outback sedan, not in any of the Outback wagons.

    JP
  • ntk1ntk1 Member Posts: 57
    The Legacy GT sold in Japan is a 2.0 liter four that is rated at 280 HP, does anybody know what torque this engine puts out ?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    No, but turbo lag will be far worse than on our 2.5T engine.

    I don't want things like HIDs and NAV, but SPT or the aftermarket could address those things.

    I drive a Miata and HIDs blind me, so personally I'd rather see them banned. Jail the people that designed them and let their punishment be staring into HIDs aimed directly at eye level (what I suffer every night with the top down and a Navigator or Escalade behind me). For the rest of their lives.

    NAV? Get a map. Isn't having a NAV like asking for directions? LOL

    -juice
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    (Flame suit on here)I am with you here, people have been getting around for years without nav. or GPS and have managed quite well, but human nature being what it is, it does not matter what gizmo manufacturers come up with, in short order it will be a necessity not a luxury.

     But the kicker is they want all this stuff but they do not want to pay any extra for it. They make the argument well sub 20grand cars now have it.

    The point that isn't mentioned is,that sub20 grand car was a sub 17 grand car last year before the bells and whistles were added.

    It doesn't matter how you slice it, nothing is for nothing, and car makers are like everyone else, they are not in the business of giving stuff away.

      Cheers Pat.
  • zoomer1zoomer1 Member Posts: 42
    Not too long ago (ok, I lie, it has been a while) there was a big debate about seat belts. Several die hards that I know said they would never put on a seat belt. Then there was ABS.. will add cost many said...just pump it, baby!... Helmets for motorcycles...NO WAY! It is un-American!...Second stage Air Bags...too expensive and won't help! Surprise, surprise, many of the technologies are now taken for granted and in many circles expected (to be in the car). Some technologies are pushed to the consumers and others are pulled by laws, regulations, insurance considerations, competition, etc...SO, I can understand the no NAVI, Stability Control is intrusive, who needs telematics arguments....It is just a matter a time before almost all cars above $20K will either have an option for it or will just incorporate it. Cost goes way down and tangible AND intangible benefits go way up! In my case and I can think of at least 4 to 7 more in my immediate circle where people get lost ALL the time and WANT cars with NAVI and the latest safety contraptions. Age range is from 35+ to 65+. Then there is the WAF (wife acceptance factor). Why stop and look at the map or carry bunch or printouts when you can have a moving cursor and voice guide you. For these reasons NAVI has become a must for me...

    BTW..major satellite data providers are experimenting with ITS right now (intelligent transportation systems) to feed real time data stream into existing formats. Accidents can show up on the NAVI and guide you around chokepoints. Have seen the demos and the funding proposals....can't resist: good luck trying to do that with the map! Seriously, the NAVI is just a smal step to the next big thing that incorporates several real time data streams to help you and others around you get to where you want to go safely and fast...TURBO UP!
  • salbaby1972salbaby1972 Member Posts: 165
    I think many people are willing to pay for the exttas like Navi and HIDs. The Navi system in the 05 Acura RL streams real-time traffic data of major highways. In a city like Los Angeles, this is a luxury many people would pay for.

    Maps are static, you don't know exacly where you are, and it won't tell you where the nearest gas station is nor ATM. You can't be rerouted by a map in the most efficent way when freeways are shutdown or blocked.

    Navi that is data-driven like this website is the future, just think... If edmunds was just a chalkboard where people just posted info... Where would we be?

    Data is key...
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