It looks sedate, but the Subaru Legacy 3.0R has plenty of gusto. Photo by JACOB LINGEMAN
OUR TAKE: The Legacy has always stood out among the snooze-fest that makes up the bulk of the midsize sedan pack. The new-for-'08 3.0R is no exception. Power delivery from this six is smooth, with a linear power band and excellent throttle response.
Of course, if you're a shift-it-yourself type, you're better off looking at the 2.5-liter turbocharged GT Limited model. Optioned with almost everything that comes standard on the automatic-only 3.0R, the GT Limited comes out to roughly the same price (with the exception of the Bilstein suspension).
For daily shuttles, the 3.0R displays great road manners. It's a solid rig on expressway jogs and compliant enough over worn and rutted city roads, though many midsize shoppers will find the ride a bit harsh. Snap the SI-DRIVE into sport mode and the transmission holds a gear to redline, or opt to use the large paddle shifters to choose your own gear. The "rev-matching downshift blipping control" feature of the transmission does work, but is pretty slow-witted when you want to go down a gear.
Toss the 3.0R around and you will find acceptable roll and healthy lateral grip for a car of this heft, and the steering is quick to respond to inputs with good feel.
BOTTOM LINE: The only real downside is the flat-six's thirsty nature. Play around in sport mode for too long and you will see the fuel needle dive fast.
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