With its tall driving position, low hoodline, glassy vistas and functional styling, the Subaru Legacy is a poor man's Volvo.
The Legacy's new interior has a clean modernity. The instrument panel and center console have been tidied up, with rearranged controls and nice fit-and-finish. One thoughtful touch: The dual cup-holder shelf pops out of the center of the dashboard and slides to the right, keeping your beverage from blocking the clock and the radio's volume knob.
The air conditioning (standard on all but the base Legacy) is adequate but not overbuilt. This year's fan is much quieter.
Reducing noise and vibration was a goal in the Legacy's redesign, and there is improvement. But the interior is still loud - mostly from engine and tire noise. The car is noticeably more refined, but it isn't up to Honda or Toyota standards.
On the other hand, safety features abound: height-adjustable seat belts, dual airbags, adjustable headrests and automatic locking seat belts (eliminating the need for a locking clip for a child safety seat). The Legacy also meets 1997 federal side-impact standards and has 5-mph bumpers.
One of the Legacy's nice features is the range of trim levels available, starting with the stripped-down base model, extending through the L and LS, and ending with the LSi , which comes with full leather and a 6-speaker audio system with CD player.
And if a sedan isn't useful enough for you, you can opt for a wagon - along with about 60 percent of other Legacy buyers. All trim levels have a wagon version, and for 1995 there are two packages of special interest. The Brighton is the no-frills AWD wagon for folks who have to cope with a real mud season ($15,999).
The Outback is Subaru's alternative to a sport/utility: AWD, rugged interior, roof rack, splash guards and a 12-volt power source in the rear compartment to power things such as rubber boat inflators and electric coolers ($19,820).
The Outback lacks the ground clearance of a true sport/utility, but it provides all the off-road capability. Unless your travel plans include rock-hopping or stump-jumping, this package will get the job done without drama.
You should note that the '96 Outback model will have a larger 2.5-liter engine and more ground clearance.
The 1995 Legacy gets 5 more hp from its 2.2-liter horizon-tally opposed 4-cylinder engine (thanks to an improved exhaust system) for a total of 135 hp. That's a tangible improvement, but acceleration and passing power are still no better than adequate.
On the other hand, this unusual engine design, which is similar to the old Volkswagen Beetle 4-cylinder, does have its strengths. Because the engine lies flat, it's easier to package and helps keep the hoodline low. And Subaru 4-cylinders have an enviable service record: They just don't break, and that means their owners keep coming back.
There was a weighty feel to our Legacy L test car, compared with a typical Japanese midsize, part of Subaru's choice to balance stable handling with a comfortable ride.
The longer wheelbase, more rigid body and revised suspension improve ride and handling noticeably. For those who would like more control on slippery surfaces but don't want to go all the way to AWD, traction control is available for the first time. The system uses both engine and brakes to maintain optimum power levels to the front wheels.
The transmission options are a standard 5-speed manual and an optional 4-speed automatic. Our test car was equipped with the automatic, and there was no marked performance penalty. It shifted smoothly and made good use of the engine's power.
Another typical Subaru touch: The gear selector has a straightforward pattern rather than the confusing overdrive with an on/off button offered by Subaru's competitors.