 |
 SUBARU LEGACY UPGRADES FOR >95
Half a decade ago Subaru went back to its roots with the Legacy
sedan and wagon, re-thinking an earlier strategy that saw the company try
to go head-to-head with Honda and Toyota.
Didn't work.
So for the >95 model year, the Legacy models got new styling and Subaru returned to touting the benefits of all-wheel drive. After all,
that's what has long distinguished Subarus from Hondas and Toyotas, and
it's responsible for a loyal following of Subaru owners. Still, do note that while the current crop of 2000 Legacy and
Outbacks are completely re-invented, the 1995 Legacy line was an updated
version of the car launched as a '90 model. For '95, some 60 per cent of components were carried over from the
previous Legacy, although all the body panels were re-done on the outside.
Inside, the cabin was also restyled. And underneath, the wheelbase grew
slightly and the suspension was revised. But the basic platform and powertrain were essentially the same as before.
Speaking of powertrain, 1996 saw the arrival of a 155 horsepower engine to go along with the base 135
hp. engine which itself jump by five horsepower for the '95 model year. Both were a "boxer" or
horizontally opposed four-cylinder layout, with 16 valves and fuel injection.
Acceleration for the base engine is about on par with the four-cylinder Toyota Camry of the day: 0-100 kilometres an hour in under 11
seconds. Push it hard and you'll uncover throbs and the engine strains a
bit. The 2.5-litre is a better choice in terms of smoothness and response.
Fuel economy across the board is just average at best. Among the many advantages of the flat-four or "boxer" is that it
sits low in its engine bay. This allows for a low hoodline, which improves
forward visibility. Add in a low dashboard and thin roof pillars and you
get a very good view of the road and scenery going by. No question the suspension and steering upgrades to the >95 Legacy
resulted in a more planted road feel and more responsive driving manners.
Overall there's a bias towards comfort over sportiness.
Starting in '95, even the base Legacy sedan was thoroughly well equipped. Dual airbags, tilt steering, tinted glass and body side moldings
were part of the starter package. As were intermittent wipers, adjustable
seatbelt anchors, all sorts of storage places and pockets, and side defrosters and rear heater ducts. By '96 Subaru had turned to selling
all-wheel models exclusively.
By '97 the most powerful 2.5-litre engine was up to 165 hp. According to IntelliChoice Inc., which tracks ownership costs,
Subarus generally take a smaller bite out of your wallet in terms of
operating costs. Maintenance expenses are usually quite reasonable and
Subarus are particularly strong on resale value.
Owners do tend to be loyal, there's not as much choice for potential used Legacy buyers on the used
market as savvy shoppers would probably want. That speaks volumes about the cars, doesn't it?
CURRENT RED BOOK PRICING (avg. retail): Subaru Legacy L AWD sedan
1998B$21,300 ($25,695 original MSRP)
1997-$18,700 ($26,495)
1996-$15,700 ($25,195)
1995-$13,450 ($24,895)
1994-$10,400 ($22,695)
1993-$8,775 ($19,126)
BUYER=S ALERTS: A high-pitched noise from the rear may be traced to
a rear axle oil seal (TSB SUB039701, Jan. '97). Also look for a clunk noise
from the front when turning over a bumpy road (SUB049701, Jan. '97);
moisture accumulation in the headlights (SB602130, June '97); and engine
oil pump leaks (02-90-94R, Dec. '94).
On the recall front, note one for '96 that focuses on front tow hooks that can come into contact with speed bumps or potholes, causing
inadvertent airbag deployment (1999020). One for '96 and '97 related to
potential weld fractures in the front end (1998107); one for '97 concerning
the throttle body assembly (1998029); one for '97 and '98 concerning the
automatic transmission shift lever (1998030); and one for '98 and '99
concerning the anti-lock braking system (1999043).
CHECK THE SPECS
1995 SUBARU LEGACY (sedan and wagon) Market segment: compact sedan (wagon also available).
Typical market competition: Toyota Camry, Pontiac Grand Am/Buick Skylark/Oldsmobile Achieve, Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable and Ford
Contour/Mercury Mystique (due in October), Dodge Spirit/Plymouth Acclaim,
Chrysler Cirrus (due in October), Honda Acc ord, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 626 Cronos, Nissan
Altima and Maxima, Volkswagen Jetta and Passat, Chevrolet Lumina.
Engine: (front engine/front-wheel drive; optional full-time all-wheel
drive) 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine, single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 16
valves (four valves per cylinder); sequential multipoint fuel injection;
135 hp at 5,400 rpm; torque rated at 140 lbs-ft at 4,400 rpm.
Transmission: five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic.
Steering: rack-and-pinion, engine-speed sensitive power-assist.
Brakes: power-assisted front disc\rear drum with optional anti-lock braking
system (ABS); four-wheel discs on ABS equipped cars).
Tires: P185/70HR14 all-season radials (195/60HR15 on LS & Lsi models).
Fuel economy: (litres/100 km) n/a.
Wheelbase: 2,630 mm (103.5 in.).
Curb weight: 1,166 kg. (2,570 lbs.) Base model
Pros
* Affordable all-wheel drive
* Pinned-to-the-road driving
Cons
* Uninspired styling
* Small trunk (but rear seats do fold flat)
* Not as quiet as some competitors
ROAD TEST REPORT CARD for 1995 Subaru Legacy
Access: B
Driving position: B-
Instruments/Controls: B-
Visibility: B
Climate Control: B
Steering: B-
Brakes: C+
Handling: B
Acceleration: B-
Engine: B+
Transmission: B
Interior space: B-
Trunk/Cargo: B
Noise/Vibration/Harshness: C
DURABILITY/RELIABILITY REPORT CARD
Overall: B
Mechanical: B+
Hardware/Body/Paint/Trim: C+
SAFETY REPORT CARD
Anti-lock braking: Available
Airbags (driver/passenger): yes/yes (later models)
Traction control: no
Driver/Passenger Front Crash Protection (0-5 stars with five stars the
best): four stars/four stars
INSURANCE HISTORY
Collision cost rating: worse than average
Comprehensive cost rating: average
Theft claim cost rating: average
|
