rubbercow Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 (edited) 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" ButtonRemoval of Passenger AirBag Indicator (clarified:from info panel) Console Lighting Controls Now Fully Controlled by Dial OnlyRoll downwards all the way until it clicks for DayLight Brightness ModeInformation, 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 removedAlthough the picture seems to have different colors than 2005, they are identical. Steering Wheel Thicker steering wheel paddingNo perforated topSofter leather, no longer shinySubaru Logo no longer has plastic "bubble" over itNo MOMO logo on mine Chromed Trim Fully Chrome Front LightsChrome Rocker Panel Trim (corrected: optional) Manuals Redesigned folder-style Manual containerNew Style for Manuals Other Removed Lighter, replaced with Plastic PlugNew Unlock button on KeyFobCannot Remove AirBag stickers from VisorsSubaru removed the white Self-Diag plug from the fuse areaWheels have Subaru Logo, instead of "Subaru"More tweed-like weaving for floor mats What didn't change, that I hoped would: No telescopic steering wheelCruise 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 tabsDriver-side under dash cover still too low for 13 inch feetSeats do not go back any furtherDonut spareNo 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... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnoDork Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 WOW....thanks!! ~Sucka-Duck~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psucaptainkickass Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 If you could post a picture of the keyfob, that would be most excellent! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starlabs Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 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... -=- Livin life at 140 BPM -=- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fweasel Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 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... ignore him, he'll go away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icehousewvu Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 Actually rather than having been completely removed the passenger air bag indicator has moved UP. Hint --> Look near your passenger seatbelt indicator. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robyrdt Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnny0723 Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spec.B-Jay Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rony Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 For the purpose of this thread, I don't think spec b's count.. My Car vBGarage Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SC GT Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gfxdave99 Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 Re: getting in reverse put shifter back in N, take clutch out, put clutch back in, place in reverse. If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough. - Mario Andretti Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fweasel Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 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 ignore him, he'll go away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starlabs Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 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! -=- Livin life at 140 BPM -=- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iyalla Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnny0723 Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 Oh yeah, my Legacy logo lights up too...red. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aldo ixnay Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SC GT Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 No need... take a look here I do that, but sometimes that plastic line flexes and the cap falls. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TYNY Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 nice write-up but didn't you (rubbercow) take a pretty big hit $$$ trading in the 05 for the 06? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steveracer Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 Great update. What is the real story on the door structure in the crash tests, real or myth? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melayout Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 The finicky reverse engagement is not a defect, since they are straight cut requires you to shift to 1st or 2nd first then reverse. I keed I keeed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob_m Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bretm1 Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 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?????????? This is not my beautiful car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starlabs Posted November 19, 2005 Share Posted November 19, 2005 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. -=- Livin life at 140 BPM -=- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lookslikeanevo Posted November 27, 2005 Share Posted November 27, 2005 i wonder why they took away the momo lgo in the 06, i kined that in the 05 Current:MY05 SWP wagon - 253/290 UP, AEM CAI, Invidia Q300, tuned@yimisport OLD: MY06 GRP - 274/314 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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