I'm not sure why, but it seems each time I get in a Subaru, I come away surprised with just how nice the experience was. Maybe that goes back a decade or so when Subies were a bit less substantial than they are now. The ride and the handling are now rather refined, and the interiors are comfortable, straight-forward cockpits.

I continue to want another gear in the transmission to quiet down the engine that much more on the highway. It might kick up the fuel economy a bit as well.

All things considered, the Legacy is a handsome, comfortable AWD sedan.


EDITORIAL INTERN JAKE LINGEMAN: When I first jumped in the Legacy for the weekend, I was hoping for the more raw, aggressive experience you get with a WRX. But this is not that.

The horizontally opposed engine is smooth and powerful almost all the way to redline. The 256 hp shoots this thing off the line with all four wheels pushing. It's a quick sedan. On normal departures from lights and stop signs it just cruises through the gears without so much as a hiccup. It'll be in fifth gear at 40 mph before you know it.

I really would have liked a dual-clutch in this, such as that in the Volkswagens or Mitsubishis, but it would obviously take away from the refined ride. The paddle shifters work decently; they even rev match on downshifts, making the Legacy a fun little car to flick the paddles and shoot around turns or make passes, even without the kidney-cracking Gs you get in the WRX.

The ride is compliant, even on bumpy roads. Normal potholes and sewer covers where I would do a little wince before I went over them didn't upset the Legacy at all.

On the outside it looks pretty tame, especially from the side. The profile makes me think I'm looking at any other midsize sedan on the road. The ground effects give it a little extra sportiness, but the overall shape just says Honda Accord or Toyota Camry to me.

On the other hand, the front end stands out a bit. I like the grille shape, and the weird headlights give it a cool look from the three-quarters view.

The Legacy, especially the 3.6R, is a WRX for the grown-ups. It has enough power and you can still have a little fun in the snow, but it doesn't feel like you need a helmet, gloves and racing shoes to drive it.


NEWS EDITOR GREG MIGLIORE: I think this is a solid car in nearly all departments and it's reasonably priced considering it offers all-wheel drive and an elegant interior.

The 256 horses channeled to all four wheels are potent, and I do like the acceleration. It's strong on the expressway and peppy on the surface streets. The power is actually more evident darting around town, which makes for an enjoyable drive. The chassis is comfortable and even. There's not a lot of dive in braking, and the Legacy is reasonably taut through curves. The body is relatively tight for a family sedan and the car goes where you direct it. The steering has satisfying response, and it's generally an eager car.

The looks on the inside are beautiful with the wood-colored parts and plastic trim. It really is sharp, and the leather feels pleasing to the touch. These seats are extremely comfortable, and the heaters more than up to the task. My one complaint was that wind noise and outside noise are very apparent at times. I've driven this car before and it hasn't been quite like that. Maybe it was a windy day.

The outside is classy, with the elegant headlight casings and the wheel arches that hint at the AWD capability. It is a bit droopy though from the three-quarters view, but overall it presents fairly well. I put a lot of miles on this car and was satisfied.


ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER TARA KLEIN: I had the Legacy for a quick commute home and back, and in that time I was impressed with what this midsize sedan had to offer.

This car is great for all types of driving experiences, from a long, drawn-out commute to a quick run around town. The overall ride and handling were very smooth, and the steering was very responsive. It zips pretty well and is great around corners. Blind spots in this car are minimal as well.

Having AWD come standard is a huge benefit for the Legacy, especially when it comes to the winter months here and the rural two-lane dirt roads I personally have to trudge through.

As far as exterior styling goes, this car is pretty. Not over-the-top aggressive or sporty, but not a boring, invisible blob on the street. A few body lines and features make it attractive and eye-catching, like the large wheel arches and the oversized angled headlights.

The cabin is roomy and also extremely comfortable. Like the Outback, material choices and center stack/cluster composition lead to the feeling of sophistication. Add the Legacy's comfort, good engineering and a nice ride. It looks like a fine deal to me.


2011 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited

Base Price: $29,020

As-Tested Price: $30,015

Drivetrain: 3.6-liter H6; AWD, five-speed automatic

Output: 256 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 247 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm

Curb Weight: 3,557 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 21/22.9 mpg

Options: Power moonroof ($995