2001 Subaru Legacy GT Wagon

Automotive Industries, March, 2001 by John Peter

It's been one of those Michigan winters, when there were days I wished I were test-driving snowmobiles. Well, there aren't any snowmobiles in the local press fleet, but the next time the white stuff starts coming down I'm begging for the keys to a Subaru Legacy GT Wagon.

The Legacy's Continuous AWD system may just be the best in the industry. The viscous-coupled system transfers power side-to-side and front-to-rear so seamlessly you feel like you're steering the car with your mind--just "think" what the car should do and it does it. Snow-covered roads that once struck fear in this driver's heart have become a playground.

The Legacy feels connected to the road thanks to the GT's sport-tuned suspension. A ground-hugging seating posilion allows you to anticipate what the car will do, and to correct it by controlling throttle input and steering. You can drive the Subie right on the edge without fear of going over.

The 5-speed manual, mated to the 2.5L flat four, ups the fun quotient. There's plenty of power being sent to the 16-inch all-season radials mounted on some very stylish alloy wheels, and the body-colored ground effects not only make the car look sweet, but the front air dam also doubles as a snow plow.

This car is made to go in snow. But hey, would you expect anything less from a company that knows how to win World Rally Championships? This Michigan boy is partial to this Subaru. In fact, Subaru may just have sold one to me.