2005 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT rear.jpg

The Legacy's crisper new flanks hint at what's new for this year. Subaru is building on the success of its Impreza WRX by spreading some of that flavor throughout the family. A class-leading 250 horsepower has been achieved by two methods: through a high-pressure turbo 4-cylinder or last year's flat 6. 5-speed automatics with SportShift are new and hook up with either of the fast-forward engines; the base 2.5-liter is stuck with four gears. Outback models, after officially splitting off from the Legacy line some years ago, continue to be raised, rugged-looking versions of Legacys. The exception is the Outback Sport, which remains Impreza-based. Try not to confuse them.