Vehicle: 2003 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Limited Edition with 4-speed manumatic

Performance: Sharing the same 165hp and 166 lb/ft 2.5 H4 as Impreza, Outback and Forester. The Legacy GT responds decently with its 4-speed manumatic tranny. Although it can’t describle the 2.5 as a breathtaking performer, this engine is more than adequate for daily driving. The 4-speed auto has one drawback that makes the 2.5 feels legthegic between gears. This tranny is lazy to upshift. The fuzzy logic system doesn’t learn the throttle too well when combine with this engine. Subaru should stay with Forester’s tranny programming with the Legacy. On the other hand, the manual mode responds decently despite its doesn’t respond briskly. Because of Legacy’s weight, the lazy tranny makes the whole car feels somewhat sluggish when you want aggressive acceleration. Subaru has done a much better job with Forester’s unit than this one.

Handling: One of the best attributes with all Subarus is the driving dynamics. Combine one of the world’s best AWD and a stiff chassis, along with a sports-tuned suspension. Legacy provides a lot of fun through corners. All attributes of Subaru can easily find in this Legacy. Plenty of road feel through the steering, AWD reacts as it should be and the chassis reacts swiftly to driver control. The driver communication is close to the top of the family sedan segment even the current Legacy is nearly the end of the life cycle. On the other hand, due to the “just adequate” 2.5 H4 engine and legthegic auto tranny. This car feels underengined because of such a docile chassis. Give it a turbo 4 (we want a B4 RSK ), Legacy’s driving experience is able to take on any famed AWD German sports sedan.

Brakes: Unlike the Legacy I have driven before, this engine has solved the soft pedal feel. The pedal feels solid and responsive.

Interior: As with any Subaru, the driving position is ideal in this Legacy. All the seats are comfortable and all the controls are logically placed. The interior build quality is close to the top of the family sedan class. That’s except for the faux wood trim that looks very plastic, as well as the leather that feels plastic on hand.

Conclusion: Although you can opt for a V6 Accord, Camry and Altima with the price of a limited edition 2.5GT, Legacy remains a “different kind of family sedan”. The combination of balanced handling, very responsive chassis, one of the finest AWD system and boxer engine that has distinctive sound is quite an attractive package. If only Subaru is willing to give us a B4 and a reprogrammed auto tranny that has quicker upshift…….

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2003 SUBARU LEGACY 2.5GT LE PREMIUM SEDAN
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Performance: 2.25/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Build quality/fit-and-finish/attention-to-details: 4.75/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 3.75/5

Overall rating: 4.25/5