The Subaru Legacy now has three different engines available for 2008, depending on the model. 2.5 i and 2.5 i Limited models come with a 170-horsepower, 2.5L horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, while 2.5 GT Limited and Spec.B models get a turbocharged and intercooled 2.5L flat-four making 243 horsepower. At the top of the range is the 3.0 R Limited, which gets a 245-horsepower 3.0L flat-six.
The 2.5 i model comes with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, while the 2.5 i Limited comes only with the automatic. The 2.5 GT Limited comes with either five-speed manual or five-speed automatic, but the performance-oriented Spec.B model brings a six-speed manual. The luxurious yet sporty 3.0 R Limited comes only with a five-speed automatic. Models with the five-speed automatic also get steering-wheel paddle shifters and a rev-matching downshift throttle-blipping, which allows some of the driver-control benefits of a manual transmission on curvy, hilly roads.
All Legacys have full-time all-wheel drive, Manual-transmission Legacys get a viscous-coupling system that normally splits power equally 50/50 between the front and rear wheels; automatic transmission models use an electronically controlled variable system.
The 2.5 GT Limited, 2.5 GT Spec.B, and 3.0 R Limited models get a quicker steering ratio than the other Legacy models, a Bilstein sport suspension with inverted struts, larger brake rotors, and a limited-slip rear differential. They also get a system called SI-Drive, which brings three distinctly different personalities to the throttle (and shift behavior, if equipped with an automatic transmission). Controlled via a center-console dial, SI-Drive can deliver sharper throttle response and more power sooner in "Sport Sharp" mode. "Sport" mode offers more linear acceleration, while "Intelligent" mode smoothes the throttle response for stop-and-go traffic, for instance, and can help improve fuel economy.
The Legacy is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick Gold--signifying the Legacy's top crash-test ratings in all of the agency's categories--and comes with standard front-seat side air bags, side-curtain air bags, active head restraints, and a safety brake pedal system. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution are standard, while electronic stability control is standard on the 2.5 GT Spec.B and 3.0 R Limited models and optional on 2.5 i Limited and 2.5 GT Limited models.
The base 2.5 i comes with most popular equipment for a mid-size, value-priced sedan, including air conditioning, cruise control, remote keyless entry, and a six-speaker CD sound system with auxiliary input. The 2.5 i Limited adds heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated mirrors, leather upholstery, projector-beam fog lamps, and a windshield wiper de-icer. The 2.5 i Limited, in addition to the turbocharged engine and a host of technical improvements, also brings larger 17-inch Z-rated tires, a power passenger seat, sport front seats, and foldable, body-color outside mirrors. A touch-screen navigation system is available on 2.5 GT spec.B and 3.0 R Limited models, and optional on the 2.5 GT Limited.
The sporty 2.5 GT spec.B comes with the most distinctive interior, bringing a three-spoke MOMO steering wheel, aluminum-alloy pedal covers, and leather-trimmed upholstery with suede-like Alcantara inserts.
Also of note is the Special Edition model, which adds a power moonroof and height-adjustable driver's seat to the base 2.5 i equipment. A remote engine starter is available as an option on the premium models.
Standard All-wheel Drive
Top Safety Ratings
Sporty Handling (Spec.B).
All Subaru Legacy models are now sedans for 2008; in order to get the wagon body style it's now sold under the Outback name. A new six-cylinder model of the Legacy, the 3.0 R Limited, is available for the first time for 2008.
All Legacy models feature new front and rear styling, with a larger grille, new front and rear bumper fascias, and new headlights and taillights. Inside, the instrument panel has been redesigned, and new fabrics are used throughout. A tilt/telescopic steering column is now standard on all models, as is remote keyless entry, and the premium models in the range now offer a redesigned steering wheel with integrated controls for audio, cruise control, the information display, and SI-Drive.
On six-cylinder and turbo models, the five-speed automatic transmission has been recalibrated for better response and performance, and across the line the rear suspension has been retuned for better ride comfort.
Also, electronic stability control is now more widely available in the model line, and all models are pre-wired for either XM or Sirius satellite radio.
The 2008 Subaru Legacy is a sporty, all-weather sedan that covers a vast range in terms of price and equipment. The base 2.5 i represents a strong value and is a distinct alternative to mid-size family sedans, while the 3.0 R Limited and high-performance spec.B models take on the best sport sedans from prestige luxury brands. All Legacys have stable and sporty handling, but models with the turbocharged engine offer especially sprightly all-around performance. Safety is also a strong point, with the sedan's top performance in crash-test programs.
