I don't know about the US, but there was a "Brighton" package in Canada around that time that was the perfect car. It was a stripped out wagon with a 5-speed, everything you need and nothing you don't. It (like the basic Legacy) was probably the 2.2. Which isn't so bad, really.
Like I said, if you want to lower it without it looking goofy, just get the GT. Same drivetrain, lower suspension, better looking wheels and no weird cladding.
