13 LEGACY 4W N (Q4)

Not much has changed with the 2013 Legacy 2.5i Premium PZEV. Mine is black this time and only has 3,500 miles on it. I'm not sure if it has the puddle lights or mud guards (since it's still night lol) but I'll check tomorrow. This one has automatic headlamps (don't remember if last year's did, but at that point I hadn't rented anything that didn't have them so it wasn't a thought for me ). The 2.5L 4-cylinder Boxer engine now produces 173 hp and 174 lb-ft, a slight increase from last year; fuel economy is also up to 24/32 mpg (city/hwy), a 1 mpg increase for each type. This Legacy handles very well and absorbs bumps quite nicely. The steering wheel also seems to feel heavier than I recall, to the point that it takes considerable effort to turn in parking lots and similar situations. I still don't like CVTs, but this isn't nearly as miserable as some of the Nissan transmissions. The manual mode works adequately, though I do love the paddle shifters and the fact that you can shift even when in drive (auto).

Compared to FCARs and even some ICARs, I thought that the Legacy's cabin feels somewhat cramped; I couldn't find a very comfortable driving position. The cloth seat trim has a nice look to it although it definitely feels of lower quality than cloth seats from other manufacturers (e.g., I liked the new Malibu's seats a lot more); the off-black cloth seats from last year were nicer. The leather/pleather(?) trim on door panels, the steering wheel, center storage console, and gear shift handle also looks and feels less like leather, hence my hesitation to call it the real thing (I was better convinced with last year's model).

I also booked an ICAR this time except I'm paying $17.08 all-in. The Legacy remains one of my favorite Japanese cars (even if it's made in Indiana) thanks to its great handling, all-wheel drive, and fuel efficiency.

-J.