rubbercow

January 2, 2006

GTLEGS:

Im too lazy to read this long thread but i did search earlier, on my car the Legacy logo on the dash is not lit

Your automatic should not even have a logo to light up. Here is a 2005 automatic, notice the logo is replaced with the gear indicator. http://tinyurl.com/8u4pw

November 18, 2005

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.