2011 Subaru Legacy

The 2011 Subaru Legacy is a sedan that appeals to both spirited drivers and to those who are after the utility of an all-wheel drive which is Subaru’s iconic signature. The Legacy is one of the best-handling midsized sedans that offer comfortable accommodations for both front and rear passengers.

The redesigning of the Legacy gives more space to the backseat and an improvement in its gas mileage. Although it has received upgrades in the exterior and interior aspects, the styling was still found unappealing by some people.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Sedan Base Price: $19,995.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gallons (70 liters) MPG: 23 city / 31 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 186.4 in. (473 cm) Width: 71.7 in. (182 cm)
Height: 59.3 in. (150 cm) Wheel Base: 108.3 in. (275 cm)
Curb Weight: 3270 lbs (148 kg) Ground Clearance: 5.9 in. (15 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 14.7 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 16-Valve SOHC 4-Cylinder Subaru Boxer Displacement: 2.5 liter
Horsepower: 170 HP Max RPM: 5600 RPM
Torque: 170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 5.3 seconds 1/4 Mile: 13.9 seconds
Available Trims & Engine
Option:Legacy Premium 2.5i MSRP: $20,995; MPG: 23 city / 31 hwy
Option:Legacy Limited 2.5i MSRP: $25,295; MPG: 23 city / 31 hwy
Option:Legacy Limited 2.5GT MSRP: $31,395; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy
Option:Legacy 3.6R MSRP: $24,995; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy
Option:Legacy Premium 3.6R MSRP: $25,995; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy
Option:Legacy Limited 3.6R MSRP: $28,295; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy

Despite the benefits of having an all-wheel drive, it had a negative effect on fuel economy and acceleration. But the Legacy measures up against its other rival midsize cars and remains the only one to feature a standard all-wheel drive.

Performance

The redesigning of the Subaru Legacy did not affect its driving personality. It is offered in three different engines with seven different trim levels. The engines include base with a 2.5-liter four –cylinder engine with trim level 2.5i, 2.5i Premium and 2.5i Limited can achieve 170 horsepower, 170-poundfeet of torque. Fuel economy is 20 in the city and 27 in the highway. The 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine with trim levels 3.6R, 3.6R Premium, 3.6R Limited can also achieve a 265-horsepower with 247-pound feet of torque.

Fuel economy is 18 in the city and 25 in the highway. The 2.6GT Limited trim has a revised 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer four with 265-horsepower and 258-pound feet of torque. Fuel economy is 18 in the city and 25 in the highway. This engine requires premium gasoline. The 2.5i engine comes in a standard sic-speed manual transmission. The 3.6 engine has an exclusive five-speed automatic transmission. The GT model has a six-speed manual and five-speed transmission.

Exterior & Interior

The exterior of the 2011 Legacy remains about the same length but is more than 3 inches wider and about 3 inches higher than the old model. It features a standard remote-powered heated folding side-view mirror, colored door handles, colored front and rear bumpers, galvanized steel body material and chrome grille. The 2.5i has a standard 16-inch steel wheels and automatic headlights. The 3.6 and GT comes with an 18-inch alloy wheels, summer tires and a sun roof.

In the interior aspect, the Legacy is equipped with quality materials. A new feature which is the electronic parking handbrake which added more space to the center console area where the traditional lever was placed. A standard three-spoke sport steering wheel with audio controls and paddle shifters for automatic transmissions is present on all models. The redesigning of the Legacy gave more space in the backseat legroom which helps hip and shoulder room in the front and the back. The interior materials were upgraded into metallic-looking trim on the steering wheel and other surfaces.

On the tech aspect, the Legacy is equipped with a four-speaker stereo with CD player in the 2.5i trim model and nine-speaker sound system in the 2.5i Limited and Premium models. In addition, iPod control, and streaming Bluetooth is available in the Limited edition. Despite the presence of these gadgets, some critics have been unimpressed with the entertainment and navigation system of the legacy.

Safety & Reliability

All models of the Legacy come standard with stability and traction control, anti lock brakes, front-front side and side head curtain airbags. In the federal government’s tests, the Legacy earned an over-all rating of four stars. It scored four stars in both frontal and side impact crashes and five stars in ability to prevent roll-over. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Legacy the highest score in both frontal and side impact crash test, “Good” in the rear impact test and “Good” in the roof strength test. The IIHS named the Legacy a “Top Safety Pick”.

The Predicted Reliability rating of the Subaru Legacy is 6.0out of 10 as provided by J.D. Power. This rating is based specifically on the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (ISQ).

The Competition

The 2011 Subaru Legacy competes with Ford Fusion, Honda Accord (MSRP $21,380; 23 city / 33 hwy) and Toyota Camry (MSRP $20,195; 22 city / 33 hwy). The Suzuki Kizashi (MSRP $18,999; 21 city / 31 hwy) is also a close competitor for having an all-wheel drive option but lesser in price compared to the Legacy’s.

Pros:

  • Spacious back seat
  • Turbo charged drive train
  • Good handling and precise steering
  • Base models are well equipped

Cons:

  • Fuel economy is not impressive
  • Tiny controls on the stereo
  • Road noise
  • Optional Bluetooth feature

Overall Rating
77 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Subaru Legacy is one of the best-handling mid-size sedans, and the only mainstream one to offer standard all-wheel drive.”Car Connection

“Non-GT Legacy models are mild-mannered, slightly heavy-feeling sedans, with responsive, well-weighted steering, and reassuring stability.”Consumer Guide

“The standard four-cylinder is a bit sluggish with CVT; the 3.6R is more powerful. The GT’s turbocharged engine is available only with a manual transmission. ESC is standard.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“The 2011 Subaru Legacy offers standard all-wheel drive and above-average performance in a fairly large package. It’s an offbeat choice, but a solid one nonetheless.”Edmunds

“Wide front seats, incredibly useful lumbar support and a cavernous trunk are among the Legacy’s most laudable offerings, as are a long list of standard creature comforts.”KBB

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