Legacy wagons are at the top of our list of vehicles for drivers who want the all-weather capability and safety of Subaru's excellent all-wheel-drive system in a practical, well-engineered package. Beginning with the 2005 models, the Legacy features a rigid new chassis, better weight distribution and a wider track.

Legacy wagons are eminently practical and two-thirds of all Legacy buyers choose them. However, a Legacy sedan is available for drivers who want Subaru confidence and safety in a four-door model.

Across the line-up, all Legacy models offer an excellent balance between ride comfort and handling response. Around town and on the highway the Legacy offers a nice, smooth ride and handles bumpy sections particularly well, and on wet or slippery roads, all-wheel drive, standard on every Subaru, increases driving confidence.

Subaru has long been a cult favorite among drivers who face inclement conditions or want to get off the paved roads for sports activities and want a tough, reliable vehicle that gets decent fuel economy. The Legacy is a superb vehicle for snow, gravel roads and dirt roads.

Subaru now wants to be viewed as a premium brand, not a luxury brand like Lexus or Mercedes, but premium in the level of technology it offers. Subaru certainly lives up to that. Its all-wheel-drive systems are among the best in the world, honed through its success in the World Rally Championship, and Subaru designs its awd systems specifically for each model and driveline offered, ensuring optimum performance. Subaru's premium technology goes well beyond all-wheel drive, however. The engines and suspensions are highly engineered, resulting in a car that offers excellent handling on paved and unpaved roads along with a smooth, comfortable, though not cushy, ride quality.

All Legacy models come with a full array of safety features, including dual-stage frontal airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and full-coverage side curtain airbags. The front seats have active head restraints. Antilock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) are standard across the line. And all-wheel drive is certainly a safety feature. All this stuff is standard. Many other vehicles with lower base prices, sell these features as extra-cost options.