Answers: 2005 vs 2006 Legacy GT Differences

I just picked up my new 2006 Subaru Legacy GT (clarified: manual, non Spec B, build date October 2005), after owning a 2005 LGT for 17,000 miles and 10 months. There have been a number of questions on the forums about differences, and here is what I've noticed so far: (updated Jan 10th @ 3000mls):

• Hesitation: The vehicle hesitates/stumbles/stutters identically to a 2005 model after Subaru's ECU fix.
  
• Clutch Smell: Identical to 2005.
  
• Suspension Clunk: Seems to occur less frequently than on the 2005.
  
• Gear Engagement: Difficulty engaging gears seems to occur less frequently than on the 2005.
  
• Cruise Control: No problems yet.
  
• Brake Squeal: No problems yet.
  
• ILL 6 Issue: Subaru removed the counter completely, thus removing the ILL 6 flicker.
  

As asked in other threads:

• The 2006 does have a pre-turbo catalytic converter in the up-pipe.
  
• The vehicle speed limiter is set at the same mph as a 2005.
  
• Vehicle does not need to be reset for Fuel Gauge to rise while pumping fuel.
  
• Turning off alarm chirp now requires holding unlock on the driver's door itself, while pulling the key in and out of the ignition 6 times instead of using the keyfob.
  
• As suggested by readers of this thread, the 2006 cabin airfilter is easier to replace, via the glovebox (have not confirmed.)
  
• As suggested by readers of this thread, the 2006 has a higher rating for side impact safety: http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=358
  

Center Console Information Panel

• Added Clock "SET" Button
  
• Removal of Passenger AirBag Indicator (clarified:from info panel)
  

Console Lighting Controls

• Now Fully Controlled by Dial Only
  
• Roll downwards all the way until it clicks for DayLight Brightness Mode
  
• Information, HVAC and Radio Console brightness cannot be controlled unless lights are on.
  
• Legacy Logo no longer lit (Sorry, I was mistaken, it appears that the logo does light up in dark red. I had to close the door and turn off the lights in the garage.)
  
• Gauges can be turned to much less bright minimum lighting (almost off)
  
• Ill(1-6) counter removed
  
• Although the picture seems to have different colors than 2005, they are identical.
  

Steering Wheel

• Thicker steering wheel padding
  
• No perforated top
  
• Softer leather, no longer shiny
  
• Subaru Logo no longer has plastic "bubble" over it
  
• No MOMO logo on mine
  

Chromed Trim

• Fully Chrome Front Lights
  
• Chrome Rocker Panel Trim (corrected: optional)
  

Manuals

• Redesigned folder-style Manual container
  
• New Style for Manuals
  

Other

• Removed Lighter, replaced with Plastic Plug
  
• New Unlock button on KeyFob
  
• Cannot Remove AirBag stickers from Visors
  
• Subaru removed the white Self-Diag plug from the fuse area
  
• Wheels have Subaru Logo, instead of "Subaru"
  
• More tweed-like weaving for floor mats
  

What didn't change, that I hoped would:

• No telescopic steering wheel
  
• Cruise control still completely de-activates after throwing a CEL (check engine/emissions).
  
• No change to deadfoot pedal (still has the weird bulge above it)
  
• No navigation for manual models (except specB)
  
• Tire tool under trunk carpet still held on with the easily broken tabs
  
• Driver-side under dash cover still too low for 13 inch feet
  
• Seats do not go back any further
  
• Donut spare
  
• No collapsable back-seat for trunk access
  

If you have any questions about other differences, or would like pictures of what changed, let me know.

 

Regarding the transmission issues: Defect is a cumbersome word to apply to an engineering failure. Subaru could have designed the transmission in such a way as to make this not occur. Perhaps it would have been more expensive, complicated or difficult to warranty - but the issue could be eliminated.

Edited March 27, 2009 by rubbercow
Removed old signature...

WOW....thanks!!

If you could post a picture of the keyfob, that would be most excellent!

Good info! http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/498/hail1mx.gif

 

BTW I believe the chrome rocker panel trim is still optional. Although the price has dropped signicantly (now lists at $129).

 

Good to know they've fixed the reverse gear annoyance and the suspension clunking...

My 3 week old '06 LGT w/ 600miles...

 

Does have the stutter, but not to the degree that I hear '05 owners describe

Does have clutch stink

Does have difficulty shifting into reverse

 

Carry on...

Actually rather than having been completely removed the passenger air bag indicator has moved UP. Hint --> Look near your passenger seatbelt indicator.

Nice detailed info, thanks. I noticed too the changes to the steering wheel which you described. However, they only applied to the manual trans. models. Also, there is no momo insignia on them. The auto trans. models I saw had the same steering wheel as the '05, including the momo insignia. I liked the new manual's wheel better. It appeared thicker and maybe smaller, looked very much the same as the STI's steering wheel...which is a very good thing.

My 3 week old '06 LGT w/ 600miles...

 

Does have the stutter, but not to the degree that I hear '05 owners describe

Does have clutch stink

Does have difficulty shifting into reverse

 

Carry on...

 

My 4 day old 06' LGT with 150 miles also has the problem getting into reverse. Don't really notice clutch stick. Not sure about the stutter...is that turbo lag or something?

 

Thanks,

John

Weird... my '06 has a few things that you said the '06s no longer do. For instance, the Legacy logo lights up, and my steering wheel looks like the '05 one in your picture... actually it's a mix... it's perforated all around, but it uses the softer, non-shiny leather.

 

Clutch stink is noticeable.

 

And I do have nav with a stickshift

For the purpose of this thread, I don't think spec b's count..

That fat steering wheel looks like something I need to look into.

 

Did Subaru decide to spend the extra .17 and weld a piece of metal onto the fuel lid to hold the gas cap when filling up?

Re: getting in reverse

 

put shifter back in N, take clutch out, put clutch back in, place in reverse.

That fat steering wheel looks like something I need to look into.

 

Did Subaru decide to spend the extra .17 and weld a piece of metal onto the fuel lid to hold the gas cap when filling up?

 

Negative

Did Subaru decide to spend the extra .17 and weld a piece of metal onto the fuel lid to hold the gas cap when filling up?

 

No need... take a look here

 

 

Too bad they didn't fix the reverse gear. Doh!

That key fob means that they figured out that people have been unlocking their cars by mistake!! I wonder if you complain and ask for a new fob if they will give you this 2006 one.

Oh yeah, my Legacy logo lights up too...red.

I've found that if you do the natural thing and push the stick all the way to the right until it stops and then try to pull down into reverse it doesn't work too well. You have to resist the urge and stop short of the end of rightward travel and pull down. It seems to work pretty reliably.

No need... take a look here

I do that, but sometimes that plastic line flexes and the cap falls.

nice write-up but didn't you (rubbercow) take a pretty big hit $$$ trading in the 05 for the 06?

Great update.

What is the real story on the door structure in the crash tests, real or myth?

The finicky reverse engagement is not a defect, since they are straight cut requires you to shift to 1st or 2nd first then reverse.

Sorry, I was mistaken, it appears that the logo does light up in dark red. I had to close the door and turn off the lights in the garage.

 

What's up with the Legacy logo? Mine doesn't have one. Is this a 5MT thing?

Sorry, I was mistaken, it appears that the logo does light up in dark red. I had to close the door and turn off the lights in the garage.

 

Just curious,

 

any single or various reasons for going to a 2006 model??????????

Defect is a cumbersome word to apply to an engineering failure. Subaru could have designed the transmission in such a way as to make this not occur. Perhaps it would have been more expensive, complicated or difficult to warranty - but the issue could be eliminated.

+10 trillion

 

 

It's NOT normal when it takes several attempts to shift into a gear... defect or not.

i wonder why they took away the momo lgo in the 06, i kined that in the 05