Outback wagon = Outback Legac wagon?

[Bill]

I'm looking at picking up an '05 Outback 2.5i wagon (if there is such
a thing).
The confusion comes in the trim names. The Subaru website shows such a
model. When you go to a dealer, they only have Outback Legacy Wagons.
Is the name Legacy refer to additional options to the standard Outback
(which the dealer makes more money on)? More confusing is they have a
Legacy Wagon (not Outback). To add to it all, I was told the Outback
started as a trim for the Legacy a few years back but came into its
own model. What gives? I just want an Outback Wagon with no frills
but an automatic tranny...

 

[TG]

Outback refers to a type of Legacy. TG

 

[Alan]

The Imprezza and the Legacy both have "Outback" versions. "Outback" means
the cars has beefier suspension and additional trim details and features.
The Outback Wagon (OBW) is a Legacy. the Outback Sport is an Imprezza.

So, you can get a Legacy Wagan, an Outback Wagon (a beefier Legacy), or an
Outback Sport (Imprezza mini-wagon).

Most dealers only carry the OBW (as opposed to a plain Legacy wagon) because
that's what everyone wants.

 

[Bill]

The Imprezza and the Legacy both have "Outback" versions. "Outback" means
the cars has beefier suspension and additional trim details and features.
The Outback Wagon (OBW) is a Legacy. the Outback Sport is an Imprezza.

So, you can get a Legacy Wagan, an Outback Wagon (a beefier Legacy), or an
Outback Sport (Imprezza mini-wagon).

Most dealers only carry the OBW (as opposed to a plain Legacy wagon) because
that's what everyone wants.

I see now. I'm looking for the Legacy/Outback Wagon then. The Subaru
website memtions them as either Legacy OR Outback models only. The
dealers list them as you say - the Legacy and the Legacy/Outback
models.

Thanks.

Bill

 

[T]

I'm looking at picking up an '05 Outback 2.5i wagon (if there is such
a thing).
The confusion comes in the trim names. The Subaru website shows such a
model. When you go to a dealer, they only have Outback Legacy Wagons.
Is the name Legacy refer to additional options to the standard Outback
(which the dealer makes more money on)? More confusing is they have a
Legacy Wagon (not Outback). To add to it all, I was told the Outback
started as a trim for the Legacy a few years back but came into its
own model. What gives? I just want an Outback Wagon with no frills
but an automatic tranny...

Bill, it depends somewhat on the time frame you restrict your
definition to:

Without a lot more research I can't be 100% definitive but most of
what was said so far is on the money; 'Outback' had in general
referred to a trim level that includes a different color scheme,
different suspension (that generally raises the hight a bit), and
interior choices limited to the model.

So, yes you can get an Impreza based Outback (Sport) or a Legend based
Outback Wagon (it's bigger) - but to throw somewhat of a monkey wrench
into the mix I am now seeing TV commercials that speak to "the all
newly designed Outback...".

Up to this point (in the US anyway) there were three different
platforms to build different models on; from little to big they are
the Impreza (entry level & sporty models), the Forester (mid-level &
mini SUV), and the Legacy (Flagship & SportLux).

Now they seem to be changing over to a new few platforms, and of
course have added the Baja (II). The Outback nowadays seems to have
spun off it's own model line (although it still looks to have small
and large wheel based models) and includes a Sedan version. (!)

<http://www.subaru.com/content/newscm/index.jsp?category=5>


TBerk

 

[Nicolas Dore]

I'm looking at picking up an '05 Outback 2.5i wagon (if there is such
a thing).
The confusion comes in the trim names. The Subaru website shows such a
model. When you go to a dealer, they only have Outback Legacy Wagons.
Is the name Legacy refer to additional options to the standard Outback
(which the dealer makes more money on)? More confusing is they have a
Legacy Wagon (not Outback). To add to it all, I was told the Outback
started as a trim for the Legacy a few years back but came into its
own model. What gives? I just want an Outback Wagon with no frills
but an automatic tranny...

I think the confusion comes from the worlds of marketing and
manufacturing colliding: Marketing-wise, as has been said, the Outback
is its own thing, separate brochures, ads, target market.
Manufacturing-wise, the Outback is basically* a Legacy with added
higher ground clearance, bigger wheels and visual add-ons to make it
look more rugged. So on Subaru's web site there are 2 separate
secitons for Outback and Legacy, but the same Service Manual covers
both the Legacy and the Outback.

Basic question I would ask myself if I were in your position: Do I
like how the Outback looks vs. the Legacy (rugged vs sporty-ish)? Do I
want to pay for the off-road options or not? (Outback tend to be more
expensive at similar trim levels because of the extra
off-roads/ruggedness options) Which set of options fit my needs
better? (H6 is Outback only, for example, and the Legacy has better
road handling than the Outback)

Good luck in your choice. You've got 2 very cars to pick from...

Nicolas

* I say basically because there are other differences: engine choices,
suspension tuning, off-road add-ons, etc.

 

[Rockin Ronnie]

I see now. I'm looking for the Legacy/Outback Wagon then. The Subaru
website memtions them as either Legacy OR Outback models only. The
dealers list them as you say - the Legacy and the Legacy/Outback
models.

Thanks.

Bill

Beginning the 2000 model year in North America Subaru created two
distinct model lines, the Legacy and the Outback. Although they both
share the same drivetrain and body styles (to a point) they are
different cars and appeal to a different market segment. The Outback is
Subaru's answer to the SUV and they can claim to have originated the
crossover vehicle (arguable perhaps). The Outback Sport is a bit of a
misnomer in my view. Interesting that the 05 Outback Sport still carries
the older 165hp motor. Therefore a Legacy is not an Outback and vice versa.

Ron