I was wondering what the gauge is to the left of the speed gauge.  The one with just the few numbers.  Can't seem to find any information on what it's for and what it means. 

that's called a 'Tachometer' and shows engine rpm (revolutions per minute)

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tachometer

 

You seem to have a car with an automatic transmission. If so, you can pretty-much ignore the tachometer. Of course, if you notice odd behavior from it when you experience a problem with the car - you should mention it to your mechanic. Also, when the car's shifter is in Park or N (neutral) never press the accelerator such that the Tachomoter's needle stays in the red zone.

 

A relative with more familiarity with cars might be able to give you some more tips about the entire gauge cluster (as well as other parts/systems in your car), and your owner's manual will have a little information too.

Edited July 8, 201510 yr by 1 Lucky Texan

that's called a 'Tachometer' and shows engine rpm (revolutions per minute)

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tachometer

 

You seem to have a car with an automatic transmission. If so, you can pretty-much ignore the tachometer. Of course, if you notice odd behavior from it when you experience a problem with the car - you should mention it to your mechanic. Also, when the car's shifter is in Park or N (neutral) never press the accelerator such that the Tachomoter's needle stays in the red zone.

 

A relative with more familiarity with cars might be able to give you some more tips about the entire gauge cluster (as well as other parts/systems in your car), and your owner's manual will have a little information too.

Excellent answer Texan.

 

This is one of the reasons that I love this forum. To 99% of the people on car forums, this is an incredibly elementary question. On many other forums, the original poster would be met with sarcasm, insulted, mocked, or maybe just ignored. But here at USMB, most of the answers are helpful and respectful. Sure you'll see the occasional comment saying to search more, but that is only for really common questions that get asked everyday.

 

@bluepearlgirl, check out this link: http://www.howacarworks.com/ It will give you some good general knowledge about the parts of your car and what they do.

While your vehicle is new, you should hold a steady 60 mph on a level road and record the RPM's from the tach in your owners manual.  A 2014 Legacy will show about 1800 rpm's.  Now when the vehicle gets older, you can periodically check the rpm's at 60 mph to see if the transmission is slipping or otherwise not working correctly.