In 2006, Subaru launched the 2.5i Special Edition trim for the Legacy. The 2008 model year offered some unique features compared to the entry-level Legacy 2.5i, including a standard moonroof and power seat for the driver, while still remaining more affordable than higher trim levels.
Subaru began producing the Legacy—their flagship vehicle—worldwide in 1989 and continues to offer it in North America today. There have been seven generations of the incredibly popular midsize car. In fact, as of 2008, 3.6 million Legacy models had been built.
There’s no question that the Legacy has undergone some exciting changes throughout the decades, with each model year offering diverse trim levels and specifications.
Here, Jerry
dives deep with a 2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition review. As a trusted car insurance
broker app and expert on all things automotive, we'll go through specs, pricing, and even how to lower your Subaru Legacy 2.5i insurance costs
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What is the Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition?
The Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition was introduced for the 2006 model year as a reasonably affordable step up from the base-level 2.5i trim and the more intense 2.5i Limited
and 2.5GT Limited mid-level trims. The 2008 model had a starting MSRP of $21,440, just $300 more than the base-level trim. The Special Edition adds a power driver’s seat and power sunroof to the base-level features, which include a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, alloy wheels, full power accessories, an MP3-ready audio system, keyless entry, and a trip computer. The Special Edition is powered by the same 2.5-liter flat-4 engine, which can be paired with a manual or automatic transmission.
2008 Subaru Legacy overview
Before we take a closer look at the 2008 2.5i Special Edition, let's get a basic overview of the Subaru Legacy for that model year.
By 2008, the Legacy was firmly established as Subaru’s flagship vehicle and was incredibly unique in its class for offering all-wheel drive as a standard feature. In 1996, a variant of the Legacy—the Legacy Outback—was introduced to compete with the burgeoning sport-utility vehicle class. It continues to be a massive success for Subaru today.
In 2008, the Outback
was split into its own model, allowing engineers to expand the trim levels offered in the still-popular Legacy. The Legacy 2.5i, 2.5i Special Edition, and 2.5i Limited come with a naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. The Legacy 2.5GT Limited and 2.5GT spec.B add an inter-cooled turbocharger to the engine, while the top-of-the-line 3.0R Limited comes with the first six-cylinder engine in a U.S.-market Legacy sedan.
Although the 2008 Legacy was produced at the same plant as the ever-popular Toyota Camry
, it never became quite as mainstream. Instead, it served as the nonconformist family sedan
. It offered far more character, including new grilles surrounded by new front headlamps, updated rear fascia and taillamps, and a revised instrument panel and interior fabric. Standard equipment on all 2008 Legacy trims includes anti-lock brakes; air conditioning; cruise control; power doors, mirrors, and locks; remote keyless entry; and front-side and curtain airbags.
What’s special about the Special Edition?
To be completely transparent, the 2.5i Special Edition doesn’t offer very much compared to the entry-level 2.5i. This second-tier Legacy trim adds a standard moonroof and a driver’s side power seat.
Of course, it still includes all of the base-level features, including the option to upgrade from a four-speed automatic to a five-speed manual transmission. Other standard features include a new tilt and telescopic steering wheel, alloy wheels, full power accessories, an MP3-ready audio system, keyless entry, and a trip computer.
Safety features like all-wheel drive ABS, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and whiplash-reducing front headrests are standard on all Legacy models.
On the plus side, the Special Edition only costs buyers $300 extra, compared to the base-level trim—a small price to pay for the small list of added features.
2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition vs. Limited
Just above the 2.5i Special Edition in the 2008 Legacy lineup is the 2.5i Limited—the most equipped of the 2.5-liter Legacy models. For a starting MSRP of $24,740, buyers enjoy ample upgrades:
An added inter-cooled turbocharger to the engine
Standard 4-speed automatic transmission
Leather upholstery, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel
Dual-zone climate control
Premium audio system and an in-dash CD changer
Optional stability control
So is it worth it to upgrade to the Limited? Unless you’re extremely budget-conscious, we say absolutely. At a starting MSRP that was just $3,300 above that of the Special Edition, you’ll benefit from an attractive list of extra interior and exterior features, without breaking the bank for one of the even higher trim levels.
How to find the best 2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition insurance
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