Overview & Reviews

For the 2008 Subaru Outback, the sedan version is dropped, a few new standard features (including tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel and an auxiliary audio jack) and updated instrument panel debut and a minor face-lift updates the front and rear ends.

• Tight backseat for a midsize car, automatic transmissions sap performance, stability control not available on lower trim levels.

User Reviews:

Showing 91 through 100 of 120.00

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  Engine Racing - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Carol - June 1 - 5:13 am

  Had a 2000 Outback, liked it so well, I bought a 2008 Outback Wagon 5 spd man trans. It has 1,522 miles and just started this engine racing thing. When you shift thru from 1st to 5th gear it seems as though the gas is sticking causing RPMs to go up when you let off the accelerator. Sometimes when you downshift, the engine races like the accelerator is sticking. Took it to the dealer, he called Subaru Techline but before he could finish telling them what was wrong they said it was normal operation. We find that hard to believe. Racing past 2000rpms when the clutch is pressed and no foot on the accelerator doesnt seem normal to us.

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  Surprisingly lacking in reliability.... - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Morphie - May 28 - 11:36 pm

  After owning three (3) Audis in succession, we were looking forward to a more reliable vehicle; the added bonus was a lower cost. Our problems: -Air conditioning failure at less than 1,000 miles; repaired in a few days. -Abrupt shifting of the transmission; A surprisingly difficult service department to deal with; (primarily the Service Manager). -Fit and finish much poorer than my daughters Honda Civic; The only redeeming aspect: I was wise enough (by accident) to lease it for only two (2) years. This is our first and last Subaru. To say that I am surprised is an understatement.

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  Very nice car-- get the 5 spd XT! - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By georg - May 28 - 4:43 am

  This is our second Outback 2.5 5spd. Our first qas a 2006 Limited 2.5 5 spd that had a persistent air conditioner interior leak that we rolled over in at 45 mph and walked away fine. We replaced it with our current vehicle because it has the VDC. This Outback is great; the fit and finish is perfect. The XT should be purchased with the 5spd; the power of the engine in Sport# and the delayed shifting is a great experience.

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  The best all round vehicle ever - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Dreister - May 21 - 4:10 am

  Ive had my Outback Turbo XT with manual transmission for just over a year, and I must say that Ive found the perfect match! I love how I can change the driving style by a click of the button, if I want to accelerate off a red light like Andretti, I can by flipping the S# button, and boy do you feel that power! If I want to take it easy on a longer drive or in traffic and conserve gas, flip it to I and I can rest at ease knowing my car is doing its best to conserve energy. The fact that the clearance on my Outback beats most large SUVs is phenomenal for a car this size. Ive gone off- roading in Big Bend and Ive been able to go down trails Explorers couldnt dream of tackling.

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  The Transmission? - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By seamus fogarty - April 20 - 5:26 am

  This is our 4th Subaru, 99 ,04 Legasc, 05, and 2008 llbean 6 cyl, , generally good all around, except for the transmission, it keeps, shunting, the gears, as all the other were smooth, feels like a driver with a standard shift, jerking the clutch, this is very disturbing, I had the 30,000, mile service last week, and to-day had to take it back to valley motors, that service cost $ 544. And that was fine, except that the transmission, issue was not resolved, now I am waiting for a call from valley motors, one other thing with the service/engineers, or lack of, the handbrake was adjusted so tight, that one had to be a mr Atlas to pull it up .

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  Too Small - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Unhappy Outback - April 15 - 12:10 pm

  This Subaru does well in snow, is somewhat fun to drive, and gets good mileage. However, the interior is too small. There just is not enough leg room. When you look at the specs, it appears there should be plenty of leg room, but the seats are at an odd height or something so the numbers are very misleading. Im actually thinking about selling this thing since I dont have enough leg room up front with a 4 yr old in the back!

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  Basis model beats Rav4 in smackdown - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Lk Superior north sh - March 26 - 11:30 am

  Had great Mazda3 but couldnt sleep with winter coming, spent two weeks checking out Rav4 options. Then drove the Suby, game over. Rav4 has +7ft cargo, +800lbs towing, and losses on at least a dozen other comps. This is a classy ride, I dont need speed. Its got all the winter things Toyota charges extra for. Better ride than either Base Rav or Rav Sport. 4AT has 3 modes, what else could I need? The basic climate and audio systems are a good trade off for heated 8 way power seats and true AWD.

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  Pleased new Subie groupie - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Frmr SUV ownr - March 20 - 10:33 am

  Previously owned a Ford Explorer so skeptical about power of 4cyl but you cant have it all and I have been pleasantly surprised with performance/gas mileage. Getting 20city/29 hwy and its plenty zippy for that king of economy. Brakes a bit unresponsive/long braking distance, taking getting used to but drove in the Carolina mountains and handled like a dream.

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  Best Bang for Buck - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Feilo - February 3 - 8:06 am

  The OB has always been on my car shortlist and I finally got an 08 2.5i 5MT to replace my much-loved and performance tuned 03 1.8T Passat wagon. I immediately upgraded the tires and the rear sway bar - instant handling upgrade. The 2.5i is really well matched to the 5MT (Ive been disappointed by rental 4ATs OBs before). Have been averaging ~25+ mpg overall - 70/30 highway/urban. This is my first AWD car and its been interesting in the recent snows - its a new driving experience thats for sure. All in all, I am happy with my purchase and am enjoying true motoring with the 5MT. No warranty issues so far (6k miles) and as I stated in the title - its the best bang for my new car buck!

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  Rattles Be Gone! - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Jim D - January 16 - 10:36 pm

  I purchased my OB LTD w/VDC on 4/30/08 and the car was plagued with various rattles coming from several different places. I was totally unhappy with the vehicle. Im happy to say almost a year into owning the vehicle, all the rattles have stopped. Now the vehicle rides like a new car should - tight and quiet. So now Im happy with the purchase and I enjoy driving the vehicle. Maybe the "bugs" had to be worked out.