Balhar Posted February 20, 2007 Posted February 20, 2007 i'm looking at buying an 06 used but i have to get one in auto (bad knee, doctor is making me sell my current car and get an auto) i love the LGT and was considering it as my next car in manual, but now i have to get auto... mostly i hear from people saying its pretty good but this one review got me worried.... is he full of crap or should i worry about what he's saying?? here's the review, from www.cars.com By Joe Wiesenfelder Cars.com May 17, 2005 function openVpedia(url){ carWin=window.open(url,'imagePopup','width=350,height=347,top=33,left=33,scrollbars'); carWin.focus(); } I've long considered Subaru's Legacy GT sedan the dark horse among midsize sedans, particularly those labeled sport sedans. The country is full of buyers who will do anything to avoid buying a Toyota Camry — a perennial cars.com Best Bet and an excellent car overall, but one that's not sporty or compelling to behold. Recently redesigned, the 2005 Legacy GT sedan combines sharp looks with performance that surprised even me — for how good it could be, and how bad. I drove both the manual and the automatic, but only in the GT version, not the regular Legacy sedan or wagon. Ride & Handling Until Subaru introduced the WRX version of its Impreza, the brand wasn't known for sportiness. Even so, artful engineering aided by standard all-wheel drive for years has endowed even the more pedestrian models with impressive ride and handling. The "sport utility wagon" concept drew buyers to the Outback, but the quiet, comfortable ride and road manners made them devotees. I found the Legacy GT's handling to be very natural and confidence inspiring. One modification over the regular Legacy is a faster steering ratio, so the steering wheel requires less of a turn to achieve the same steering angle. It also makes the steering feedback firmer. In place of the regular Legacy's 16-inch wheels are 17-inch alloy wheels with lower-series, Bridgestone Potenza RE 92 tires rated P215/45ZR17 (tire codes). Out on the street, the GT feels effortless to drive. The ride is firmer than average but unlikely to put off any sport-sedan shopper. Coincidence put me behind the wheel of this car at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis. This is one of the premier racetracks in the country, designed for racecars and speeds higher than most people will ever experience in a car. But how could I not give it a try? I still can't quite believe how well this car handled. I took nearly every corner in a graceful four-wheel drift and completed the track's long sweeper curve, called the carousel, at the limits of the car's traction. Where some Subarus are wanting for stickier tires, these seem perfectly matched. The Legacy GT's poise and controllability are truly surprising. Porsche and Audi aficionados were among the first to recognize that all-wheel drive isn't just for inclement weather or off-roading. Its ability to transfer torque between the front and rear prevents wheelspin, a condition that promotes lateral sliding. In so doing, all-wheel drive minimizes the influence of weight imbalances between the front and rear of the car. Front-heaviness is what causes many front-wheel-drive cars to push, or understeer, in turns. Being a manual, this GT had the simpler of two standard all-wheel-drive systems, which uses a viscous coupling combined with the Legacy GT's standard rear limited-slip differential. The automatic comes with more sophisticated electronically controlled Symmetrical AWD that's claimed to apportion more torque to the rear wheels. This could theoretically improve the car's balance in aggressive driving, but I didn't have any problem with the simpler all-wheel drive. If it's good enough for the WRX rally cars, it's good enough for me. Going & Stopping This is a tale of two very different cars: one manual, one automatic — only one of which I can recommend. They share a turbocharged, intercooled 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder that generates 250 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 250 pounds-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm. The manual gearbox is well matched to this car. Even though the engine doesn't start kicking until close to 3,000 rpm and the transmission has five speeds rather than six, there's enough torque to get you off the line, and the gear ratios are well spaced. There's something exciting about waiting for the tachometer to hit that hot zone and then taking off like a shot. By working the shifter, you can keep the heat on as long as you want. The clutch pedal is forgiving without being soft. Then there's the automatic, which seems great on paper: five speeds, both automatic and Sport automatic modes and a clutchless-manual mode controlled by either the gear selector or up/down buttons on the steering wheel. The problem is it's geared for high-speed acceleration and passing. Step on the gas from a full stop, and the car commences a-moseying for full seconds before it really begins to accelerate. Nothing can make up for a 1st gear that's way too tall. This isn't just annoying. In some circumstances — such as pulling into fast-moving traffic — it could be dangerous. I don't recommend this drivetrain. In fact, I recommend against it. End of story. The Inside The Legacy GT isn't the roomiest in its class, particularly when you compare the backseat to that of, say, the Nissan Altima. With the emphasis on sport, the Legacy GT isn't as quiet as some midsize cars. Road noise at highway speeds is particularly noticeable, so keep your ears open during a test drive. Standard safety features include side-impact and side curtain-type airbags. The front seats have active head restraints. Though there are three head restraints in the back, none extends high enough to protect an adult. The Legacy rates Good in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal crash test but only Marginal in the side-impact test. See cars.com's Guide to Interpreting Crash Tests. Legacy GT in the Market One can't overestimate the importance of styling, especially in midsize sedans. Countless times people ask me, "What's the best midsize car?" I cite one of our Best Bets, and they respond, "That's ugly; what else?" You didn't ask me what looks good! You asked what's best! So if people are willing to disqualify — instantly — a car that exceeds the norm in all ways, I'm thinking image is critical. For a while cars like the Altima, Volkswagen Passat and Pontiac Grand Prix were the Camry alternatives, but many of them are starting to look the same. To me the Legacy achieves something rare: It's distinctive without being offensive. I usually leave the subjective evaluation to you, the reader, but I'm extolling the Legacy here because it's so often overlooked.
Balhar Posted February 20, 2007 Author Posted February 20, 2007 thank you i didnt believe him so i thought i'd ask people who would know
rjundi Posted February 20, 2007 Posted February 20, 2007 Take it for a test drive and decide for yourself.
Smashraj84 Posted February 20, 2007 Posted February 20, 2007 I have an auto and it's great. If you are really worried, take a Auto GT for a test drive (which you should do regardless).
one69chev Posted February 20, 2007 Posted February 20, 2007 if you stomp on it, you'll be waiting for the tranny to catch up to your foot; put it in sportshift and ease into it----no problemo
Meltdown07 Posted February 20, 2007 Posted February 20, 2007 I have an auto and rarely if ever floor it. Power comes best at a steady delivery. Slamming the pedal doesnt do much for you except kick you back in the seat all jerky like. Slow steady pressed make for fast acceleration from a stop or getting into that passing lane. The auto in this car is very good, its no manual, but its very good. Go Cardinals!
Balhar Posted February 20, 2007 Author Posted February 20, 2007 alright guys you've put my mind to rest, LGT is back at the top of my list. i am going to drive it first obviously but i wanted to know what i should expect ahead of time you might just see me hanging around here more in the future
melayout Posted February 20, 2007 Posted February 20, 2007 As noted earlier, the reviewer is an id-10-T. I have the 5EAT LGT with 60K+ miles. Still going strong. Go test drive a 5EAT LGT and put it through its paces. I keed I keeed
PhiTauFord Posted February 20, 2007 Posted February 20, 2007 33K and going strong on my AUTO. I grin every day driving this car.
one69chev Posted February 20, 2007 Posted February 20, 2007 alright guys you've put my mind to rest, LGT is back at the top of my list. i am going to drive it first obviously but i wanted to know what i should expect ahead of time you might just see me hanging around here more in the future doooooooooo eeeeeeeeeetttttt.......all of us can't possibly crazy..... or can we:icon_mrgr ?
VTsullyman Posted February 20, 2007 Posted February 20, 2007 The thing to remember to is the car is drive by wire, so that means you can stomp all you want, but the computer is the thing sending the signals. The car learns how you like to drive over time and will learn when you want it to hold a gear or to shift. In my current 05 for instance, there is no real difference between 75% down and 100% down on the accelerator. The car has learned i like to have fun and it holds gears accordingly as well as modulating the throttle to work sooner. I personally love manual cars but i got the 5EAT for the resale and the fact that other people can drive it without me worrying about my clutch. 2007 DGM LGT 2003 Suzuki SV650S
sjmdesigns Posted February 20, 2007 Posted February 20, 2007 the reviewer is an idiot. Do a search on this site about the auto. Its a turbo 4 cylinder. You cant stomp on it, you have to apply pressure easily and it will take off nicely. This isnt a merc AMG v8 where you can just stomp on the go pedal. I have an 06 LGT Auto and I agree. It really moved when you step on the pedal in a "planned" manner. Stepping on it doesn't do the trick.
godwhomismike Posted February 20, 2007 Posted February 20, 2007 With the Auto Legacy, the best performance is by easing onto the throttle - when you mash it to the floor - it doesn't like it at all. She is very spirited, quick, and smooth. On the highway, she is so smooth that you can get yourself into some trouble by not paying attention to how quick you are going. I am happy with the auto and have no desire for a manual version.
DukeTrout Posted February 20, 2007 Posted February 20, 2007 The reviewer also said that the RE92s "seem perfectly matched" for a track day! We may not all agree on the lethality or lack thereof of the RE92s, but I don't think anyone has an illusion we'd want them on for tooling around a track. Therefore, I call one-delta-ten-tango on this reviewer. Even with the manual tranny, 5 or 6 speed, you don't "floor it". Best response is gained by pretending you are sqeezing a lemon under the accelerator pedal. Ich bin echt viel netter, wenn ich nuechtern bin. Echt!
STi Boy Posted February 20, 2007 Posted February 20, 2007 5eat here and its just a matter of learning how to adjust with the auto. i chirped my tires a few times by accident at the red light....so yea, it definitely has the power to lauch at a full stop and this was in D, not sport mode.
hogmeat Posted February 21, 2007 Posted February 21, 2007 Um....I drove the auto. I thought it was garbage. I think his review of the auto "off the line" accelleration is spot-on. Just NOTHING off the line, and then it kinda rubber-bands itself going. Garbage. I'm pleasantly surprised... It was most certainly worth the couple bucks and 10 mins of my time. CLICK HERE FOR THE HOGZAUST
Dong Homez Posted February 21, 2007 Posted February 21, 2007 Could we at least agree that it's less garbage than other AT's out there?
melayout Posted February 21, 2007 Posted February 21, 2007 Well your clutch is frackin garbage. Um....I drove the auto. I thought it was garbage. I think his review of the auto "off the line" accelleration is spot-on. Just NOTHING off the line, and then it kinda rubber-bands itself going. Garbage. I keed I keeed
SWP-LegacyGT Posted February 21, 2007 Posted February 21, 2007 Auto > 5 speed for daily driving. Specially with your knee.
waverunner Posted February 21, 2007 Posted February 21, 2007 take ya for a ride in my auto and bet you wont say that anymore, come on we are all subie lovers no need to bash somebody's car or tranny for no reason, dont hear us auto guys bashing your manuals do you? have you ever been in a auto launched off the line. we all have our reasons for what we got,bottom line both are fun to drive.
hogmeat Posted February 21, 2007 Posted February 21, 2007 We are not talking about Stage 2 EAT's here. Totally different, i"m sure. All I know is when the dealer didn't have a 5MT for me to drive, and had to drive an AUTO, (if you look at my 1st posts on the board) I almost decided to keep my Wheelspinnin FWD GTP. Now THAT is a fun auto. Smoke and squeeling, and insta-torque when you wanted it. S/C with an auto only, thank you. I'm pleasantly surprised... It was most certainly worth the couple bucks and 10 mins of my time. CLICK HERE FOR THE HOGZAUST
SWP-LegacyGT Posted February 21, 2007 Posted February 21, 2007 ^^ Nope, manuals suck ass. It's funny though because it's the same f'ning car with a different tranny. It's amazing how many people are fighting the crusade of the manual vs automatics. They're scared because we're almost getting to the point where in the next 20 years, manuals will die and no longer be available. It's not hard to understand with all the DSG transmissions coming out and once more and more cars get that, we'll see them in Kia's eventually. So really, you can't blame the 5MT owners, they are just prissy and "particular" about their cars. Me, I just like driving a Legacy.
SWP-LegacyGT Posted February 21, 2007 Posted February 21, 2007 We are not talking about Stage 2 EAT's here. Totally different, i"m sure. All I know is when the dealer didn't have a 5MT for me to drive, and had to drive an AUTO, (if you look at my 1st posts on the board) I almost decided to keep my Wheelspinnin FWD GTP. Now THAT is a fun auto. Smoke and squeeling, and insta-torque when you wanted it. S/C with an auto only, thank you. Honestly having had a Stage 0 5EAT for 18 months and the car was fine. The car is even better now at Stage 1. I imagine the 5EAT is even better at Stage 2. Regardless the 5EAT is better than Audi's "Tiptronic" tranny and if you really hate laggy shifts, fine, but seriously, we get it, the dead horse has been dead for a while now.
hogmeat Posted February 21, 2007 Posted February 21, 2007 Me, I just like driving a Legacy. You'd like driving a 5MT Hogzausted one much better. Trust me. I'm pleasantly surprised... It was most certainly worth the couple bucks and 10 mins of my time. CLICK HERE FOR THE HOGZAUST
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