Subarus once were noisy, underpowered-but-rugged crackerboxes. Times sure have changed.
Subaru caught fire when it began emphasizing its all-wheel-drive system and Legacy-based Outback crossover vehicle in the 1990s, and it has been constantly upgrading its vehicles.
The automaker has taken another big step forward with its revamped 2005 Legacy GT, which comes as a fast, comfortable all-wheel-drive sports sedan and mechanically identical station wagon; they're destined to give fits to highly rated European high performance cars and wagons when the word gets out about them.
The 2004 all-wheel-drive Legacy GT sedan and wagon were generally above-average, but were handicapped by plain styling, a bland interior and only a 165-horsepower engine.
The new 250-horsepower Legacy GT is the racy member of the revised 2005 Legacy compact car line. That fourth-generation line contains base 168-horsepower sedans and wagons. It gets new styling, added power and additional features.
The GT has sharp, aerodynamic styling with a pronounced wedge body shape that gives it a European high-performance-car look. Even the hood scoop is functional, feeding air to the engine intercooler for increased horsepower. Tailpipe tips that extend from the dual-muffler exhaust system through bumper cutouts add sporty flair.
The wheelbase (distance between axles) has been increased from 104.3 inches to 105.1 inches and overall length is up about two inches from the 2004 model. There's a stiffer unitized body structure for a more solid feel and better ride and handling, along with a modified suspension.
The GT has a considerably upgraded interior with high-quality materials. That's especially true for the GT Limited version, which features leather upholstery, power front passenger seat and power sunroof, with dual power sunroofs for the wagon.
The GT sedan is $25,995, with the Limited version at $28,495. The GT wagon lists at $26,995, with the Limited version costing $29,695.
Both GT models have lots of comfort and convenience items, including air conditioning with dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, power driver's seat, heated front seats, tilt wheel, AM/FM/CD sound system and power windows, mirrors and locks with remote keyless entry.
Safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes, front side air bags and head-protecting curtain side air bags.
The GT's ferocious turbocharged engine is a detuned version of Subaru's rowdy 300-horsepower WRX STi rally-style sedan, which is less refined than the Legacy GT.
Performance of the wagon is nearly identical to that of the sedan, which I tested, because the wagon is only slightly heavier.
Both versions are roomy for four 6-footers, although some tall passengers might lack rear seat head room.
The sedan has a roomy trunk with a low, wide opening. The wagon also has a low cargo area opening, but no separate-opening tailgate glass. The wagon has split-folding rear seats for more cargo volume. The sedan has fixed rear seatbacks, but there's a pass-through area from the trunk.
The intercooled, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that powers both versions of the GT has dual overhead camshafts, variable valve timing and Subaru's compact Porsche-style design for a low center of gravity and sharper handling.
The GT streaks to 60 mph from a standing start in 5.9 seconds. However, the engine occasionally has annoying turbo lag, which momentarily delays response in passing and merging situations. That's especially true when the GT has the $1,200 five-speed automatic transmission instead of the standard, improved five-speed manual gearbox, which really should be ordered with the $339 short-throw shifter for the most efficient shifting.
A six-speed gearbox would be nice, but Subaru used a five-speed unit partly to hold down costs. The GT engine generates a large amount of torque at a low 3,600 rpm; that helps make the five-speed gearbox more acceptable because high torque cuts down on the need to shift a lot for lively performance.
The new automatic is a big improvement over the 2004 four-speed GT automatic. It has faster shifts and a manual-shift feature that cuts down on turbo lag.
Fuel economy is in the high teens in the city and approximately 25 mpg on the highway.
The new GT has a quicker steering ratio, requiring only 2.8 turns of the steering wheel lock to lock instead of 3.2 turns. Subaru's proven all-wheel-drive system, which enhances slippery road traction, and the revised suspension help provide superb handling. There's little body lean while streaking through curves.
Subaru cleverly gave the GT more balanced handling by cutting weight from both ends with an aluminum hood, lighter bumpers and movement of the battery farther back in the engine compartment -- besides giving the wagon an aluminum tailgate. Cutting weight at the ends of a car helps to concentrate more mass near its center of gravity, which enhances handling response.
The ride is comfortable, and the GT has larger 17-inch Porsche-style wheels with wider (45-series) tires for better grip. It also has larger front brakes and vented rear brakes for better stopping power.
The front bucket sport seats are very supportive, and the rear seats have good thigh support for comfort on long trips, although the center of the back seat is too hard for comfort.
The three-spoke, leather-wrapped Momo steering wheel has almost a perfect shape and the electroluminescent gauges are easy to read under various lighting conditions. Audio and climate controls are commendably large and within easy reach of the driver.
The exterior body color mirrors with integrated turn signals can be folded against the side window glass to prevent damage in tight parking spots.
The old Subarus were inexpensive. That can't be said for the 2005 Legacy GT, but it offers a lot for the money.
2005 SUBARU LEGACY GT
Prices
$25,995-$29,695
Likes
Deftly redesigned. Fast. Roomy. All-wheel drive. Sharp handling.
Dislikes
Annoying turbocharger lag. Average fuel economy. Rear head room.