Remember when the Subarus where “inexpensive and built to stay that way?” The Legacy, in this case, is a higher-priced sport model with up-to-the-minute technology and a four wheel drive concept that attracts early buyers. The constellation-named brand has created original-looking production vehicles along with creative concept cars over the years. Studying the Legacy, you may wonder where the design talent went. Well, it is pretty much just another little sedan.

A little sedan that can, that is. Being at the top of the manufacturer’s ranking in the World Rally Championship, performance has been a driving factor in the minds of Subaru’s engineers. Borrowing form the racing machine, you get a city car with great handling and Porsche-like acceleration. You’ll fit up to five people and still have a full-sized trunk for your groceries. Speaking of Porsches, we’ve heard that the Subaru boxer engines sometimes go into the German sportscar as a replacement engine. We were a little taken aback with the lag from a full stop, but once the RPM increased, it simply wanted to go. In this day and age, we would have expected controls for the radio etc. on the steering wheel.

On an ecological note, the Legacy leaves behind very little pollution, as it is a designated Super-ultra Low Emission Vehicle. You may be convinced by a test drive, so don’t be shy and try it out. Perhaps you’ll find one at a fitting price, which can be easily done.

Read a review of the 2008 Subaru Legacy 3.0 R Limited

Warranty/Service: 3 year/36,000 mile basic warranty, 5 year/60,000 mile powertrain, 5 year/unlimited mileage rust perforation.