"superdave847" (superdave847)
10/18/2014 at 20:37 • Filed to: Subaru
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"superdave847" (superdave847)
10/18/2014 at 20:37 • Filed to: Subaru | 0
| 0 |
( Full Disclosure : I'm a lawyer who mostly defends or takes depositions, so I travel every week. I'm also a gearhead, having owned an AMC Jeep Wagoneer, a Kawasaki Ninja 600R, a Triumph Speed Four, various pickups, and currently an E46 BMW. THUS, Subaru wanted me to drive this Legacy SO MUCH that someone sold it to National Rental Car and shipped it to Idaho Falls! )
I arrived in Idaho Falls and needed to drive to an appointment about 2 1/2 hours west, across barren, high desert, and the Idaho National Laboratory. I left my hotel at 5:00 am, when the sun was just cracking across the horizon behind me as I sped across the desert.
I rent cars often for work. And with rentals, one quickly develops the dread of getting a dud, versus the joy of getting something decent. In most places, the duds are Maximas, Altimas, Malibus, or old Impalas. The good rentals are when a Camaro, Mustang, or Challenger is available.
But, often in the western mountain states, the only options are SUVs. Last time I was in Wyoming, I reserved a midsize car and was given a Toyota Sequoia (which might be a midsize by Wyoming standards). But this time, I was pleased to receive a Subura Legacy.
And with beautiful early fall weather, twisty rounds, and plenty of miles to cover, I felt a Jalopnik review was in order. And on the way home from work, I took the scenic route.
Acceleration: 12/20
This particular Legacy had the 2.5 liter flat four, which was peppy if I downshifted, but I would have liked more power. Granted, the roads were too twisty for me to get out of third gear often.
Handling: 17/20
This is where the Legacy excelled. Idaho Route 93 is full of hairpin turns and switchbacks as it winds along the Salmon River. The Subaru was grippy enough to be plenty of fun as I wound the flat four up to the limiter.
The AWD made for a confident ride through the twists and turns. There was very little understeer and no oversteer at all, even when I went through the turns well above the posted speeds.
Braking: 13/20
There were few complaints from me on the braking, which was responsive, steady, and used often in the turns.
Exterior: 5/10
I'm not a Subaru guy. I think they are ugly, with the exception of the Subaru BRZ. They are boxy, a little frumpy, and the auto equivalent of the old guy who always is dressed in hiking clothes. I know a lot of people like them though. It might be like BMW motorbikes, which I also find ugly, but lots of folks still find sexy. Taste is a matter of taste.
That said, among the marque, I think the Legacy sedan is clean enough to pass, but lacks the panache of other sports sedans. A little bland I guess, but that's probably better than having a vacuum cleaner grill like on a Lexus.
Gearbox: 4/10
The Legacy was equipped with Subaru's "Lineartronic CVT" transmission with paddle shifters. As I was driving through the canyons in Idaho, I had time to think about paddle shifters.
I'm OK with the technology. It's responsive, engaging, and if you're in stop & go traffic, easier on your left leg. But my problem with any pseudo-manual transmission is the nanny aspect.
With a standard gearbox, you have no choice but to be fully engaged as a driver. If you decide to drive in first gear at highway speeds, your engine will burn out. Period. But on a CVT, the car will watch the revs and shift for you ultimately. Its the cushion that allows you to be distracted from the job of driving, knowing ultimately the car will do your work.
I'd prefer the standard (unsurprisingly), but this is a rental car review. They all have automatics. So, overall I was pleased with the paddles.
Interior: 4/10
Really nothing special to write about here. My sedan was equipped with faux-leather seats in black. The seat was supportive and wide enough to be comfortable for my 34 waist over hours of driving. I drove with the moonroof open and the windows down, and the flat four made for a nice soundtrack as I drove in parts of the country without many radio offerings. The blue tooth was a little too complicated at first (compared to my past, Chrysler 300 or Ford Fusion rentals, but not compared to iDrive). All in all, the interior was satisfactory.
Value: 6/10
I looked up the MSRP, which lists a new Legacy at $21,000. Not a terrible price. For the money, I would get a CPO Audi A4 or E90 BMW, but nevertheless, the Legacy is a fun little car. And it's a great car for a rental.
Total: 57/100