Subaru has created a name for itself with its rally performance and AWD performance across all of its vehicles. But as the demand shifted to larger vehicles more accommodating of families and cargo capacity, Subaru had to make a move to capture this growing sector of customers. Enter- the Legacy Grand Wagon. This was Subaru’s first gen “Outback” and was offered under the model name Outback outside of Japan, with its original target market being Australia. Larger, higher, and more luxurious, the vehicle was obviously a hit as it is now Subaru’s top selling model. But the first Gen JDM version is a quirky and unique vehicle that is hard to find once you understand its history. Because of the Grand Wagon’s larger size and larger displacement engine, it was no longer classified as a compact car in Japan, and thus was subject to higher road and use taxes fitting of a luxury car. As such, Subaru took this opportunity to equip these vehicles with premium materials, and make them suit a more “luxury” category. This vehicle is no exception. The exterior on this Grand Wagon shines brilliantly with a green and silver metallic duotone. The pain shows no imperfections, and after a light detail looks as good as it did the day it left the showroom floor. The OEM 15 inch Subaru wheels sit at all 4 corners, and complement the profile of this vehicle very nicely. The only imperfection we noticed on the exterior was a pinpoint ding on the driver door, and it’s no surprise as this is a large vehicle that had to fit in a very compact Japanese city for its lifespan. This Grand Wagon is also a “BG” model, meaning it has a raised roof line offering similar space to an SUV while keeping the profile of the vehicle sleek. The interior impresses just as much as the exterior, and you can tell it is where Subaru focused their efforts when classing this car into a luxury segment. The highlights of the interior are obvious, being the seats and steering wheel. The gray premium leather and alcantara seats show less than expected signs of wear given the age of this legacy. The bolstering also only shows imperfection with a slightly less firm outside seat bolster on the driver side, and besides that is in top notch condition. It should be noted that these seats are perhaps the single biggest reason this JDM example stands above any of the more modern outbacks seen on the market. They offer a level of comfort and support that are seldom seen in even modern luxury vehicles. In front of the driver, a Black leather wrapped MOMO steering wheel with airbag provides a solid connection between the driver and the road, and the partnerships like these from 90’s era JDM vehicles are part of what makes them so special. Of course, the power windows function at all four corners, and the iconic borderless doors still seal nicely. This Legacy also features the quirky and cool powered double sunroof, one for the front and one for the rear. On the floor sits a full set of very clean OEM patterned floor mats, although no mat was included for the trunk. Speaking of the cargo area, this Grand Wagon also features its original cargo privacy cover, and even has the expandable cargo netting that goes to the roof and prevents items in the trunk from making their way into the passenger areas. All items on the interior, even the radio are original and still functioning. A/C and Heating work without hitch, as do the heated power-folding mirrors. Under the hood, this Grand Wagon is equipped with the well-known and praised EJ25, and is completely stock. The engine bay is so clean you can tell this was an incredibly well taken care of vehicle. The EJ fires right up, idles nicely, and puts power down smoothly to all four wheels through the automatic transmission. Sitting at only 121,185 original kilometers (Just 75,300 miles!!!), and given how well this example appears to have been maintained, there is still plenty of life left in this beautiful completely stock JDM Outback. This level of luxury in our opinion hasn’t been reached in the more modern outback's we have in the U.S. and this Grand Wagon is one that is sure to put a smile on your face as you ride in luxury.