2007 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Limited Wagon Road Test

While it sometimes seems that the wagon is a dying breed, at least one brandis keeping the bloodline strong. Considering the SUV explosion and more recent crossover trends, Subaru has defied convention and continued to succeed with their core range of cars and expand their reach with subtle variations in their sedan and wagon lineup. And that was before anyone ever dreamed up the marketing spin for crossovers. Subaru offers its compact Impreza, crossoverish Forester, midsize Legacy and rugged-looking Outback as wagons, all vehicles that are practical in their configuration without escalating to taller, heavier SUV mass until you reach the 7-seater Tribeca in their lineup. Subarus have always been a little different, different enough to escape mainstream popularity and engender their own cult-like devotion from those who realize the advantages of full-time all-wheel drive, horizontally opposed engine configurations and, when necessary, turbocharging. The only other company that applies such a configuration is Porsche, on its 911 Turbo—I don't have to tell you what high praise that is, do I?

Yet Subaru has always tread its own unique path, blazing a four-wheeltrail through rally dominance for more than two decades and building near-indestructible cars that were a permanent fixture for several years of my childhood. A Subaru can span generations

Now, if it would only snow more... (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, American Auto Press)

(in the right climate), and the company makes cars that don't obey any flashy trends, although they are liable to start them, as the Outback and Forester crossovers came to market before the marketing spin became cliché.

However, this review isn't about a trendy crossover, it's about the 2007 Legacy Wagon, and specifically the 2.5GT Limited model. The Legacy, like all Subarus, comes with standard symmetrical AWD that puts power to the ground at a 50:50 front/rear split so you get consistent, balanced traction at all times (some Subarus get variable torque distribution for slight adjustment of dynamics and control). The Legacy's low, ground-hugging stance also means it is naturally more stable, which is helped by a low-mounted engine and symmetrical layout of drivetrain components to create one of the most balanced machines on the road.

A low center of gravity and good balance means the car is less likely to roll andless likely to spin, because all four wheels are more likely to maintain their

Who says you need an SUV for hauling stuff when a wagon will do just fine? (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, American Auto Press)

grip, and AWD means all the wheels will be helping to keep the car on its intended path. This is the Subaru Philosophy, the model they follow for all their North American-bound vehicles, from the compact Impreza to the Tribeca. The Legacy is right in the middle of the size range, but the Legacy 2.5GT Limited Wagon is fitted with one of the hottest engines in the Subaru lineup, so it's got the performance to match its sleek profile and superb grip. That grip and the aforementioned balance are two big reasons why Subarus seem to multiply the closer you get to mountainous and snowy regions.

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