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 111 through 120 of 120.00

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  Poor craftsmanship - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By minevem - November 17 - 2:47 pm

  We bought our car new 3 years ago. Although not a head turner, it looked sturdy and had better gas mileage than a SUV. Some standard features a plus. Steady on the road and safe in snow/rain. Poor built quality... Cheap cabin materials. The engine went out at 38000 miles and it took 2 weeks to repair shorted cable in the engine block... I was very disappointed with it this week - took it to the dealer to have the heat shield repaired - not covered by warranty, although the dealer said every Outback gets this problem at our mileage (49000). Door handle broke - not covered. The handle actually fell out...

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  Great Wagon - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By eonrac - October 6 - 5:50 pm

  Have owned this 2.5i for 2 years without any problems. Bought new and has only been to dealer for maintenance checks (oil change, tire rotation). Fun to drive. Back seat passengers are a little cramped, though front seats are very comfortable. Mileage is better than EPA. Gets at at least 20mpg in town and 29 on the highway. Cargo area is wide and long. Have hauled a Hoosier cabinet and a large entertainment center. Would be nice if hidden side storage compartment doors would stay on (only thing on OB that is flimsy). Love my Outback. Best decision ever made! My OB 2.5i is a PZEV and it is not loud. In fact, my neighbors call it the stealth car because it is so quiet.

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  First non-Honda car in 22 years - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Bob757FL - September 18 - 5:06 pm

  After driving only Accords for 22 years, I wanted to try something else. Subaru came to my attention on both the NHTSA site, and the IIHS site for safety. Consumer Reports gave it high marks for reliability and user reports say 30mpg hwy. I have come to this conclusion after the 1st 1000 miles: it is as fun to drive as a Volkswagen Jetta or Passat, rated as safe or safer than any Volvo, yet has a reliability rating beating both of these. Below 60 mph it is an absolute blast to drive. I dont know why but it is. My wife keeps asking to take it for her local errands. Above 60, steering is more sensitive than a Honda and is taking some getting used to.

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  Great find! - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Lee2706 - June 29 - 8:56 pm

  Had a 1995 Legacy wagon that aspired to be an Outback. Years later, I bought the car I always wanted! My big feet took some getting used to in the footbox, not to say that it is cramped, but pedals are closer than my Honda. I am no WRC racer, but I do like how easy the clutch engages and shifting action feels great. Is surprisingly responsive when passing, especially for a four banger that is a bit heavy in the hips. Excited for the snow and rain, Id like to see how the AWD handles it. Mileage is better than expected, 27+ in 50/50 city/hwy (as long as the dash computer is correct).

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  My first and last Subaru. - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Alan Christenson - June 15 - 8:17 pm

  We bought this car used in 2010 with 17,000 miles on it. It was a great car until it hit about 70,000 when it started having regular repair issues that really shouldnt happen. I fully expect to do maintenance on any vehicle for parts that wear out, but these problems are something different entirely. First it was the head gasket problem that most of these have, that came to just under $2,000 for repair (known issue that should have been covered by Subaru). Over the last three years I had problems with the ground wire in the radio that I had "fixed" three different times until it went out entirely and I had to have the radio head unit replaced for $500. The wires in the rear lift gate began breaking about a year ago causing my tail lights to go out. This is apparently a common issue as well and is very dangerous (no tail lights at night) and should have been recalled. That was $400 to replace. My catalytic converter is going out now and apparently it has been recalled in some states, but not in mine so its going to cost me another $1,000. I also have problems in the passenger airbag light/switch that the dealership is telling me will be another $350 to fix. A little research on the internet tells me that it is bad soldering on a circuit board (another common enough problem that it can be found on youtube). Like I said, I gladly pay for regular maintenance and parts on a vehicle but these things are not "normal" problems and seem to be regular occurrences on Subarus. Tack on to this substantially decreased winter mileage (I expect some, but not 15%-18%), and I cant see myself purchasing another Subaru. Sure, you can probably pass them on to your children when you upgrade to a new one (just like the commercials show), but youre going to spend a lot of money to keep it that long and youll be saddling them with something that appears to require regular, expensive repairs.

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  Great car! very road worthy - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Joni Olson - March 20 - 9:42 pm

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  Great so far - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By cptplt - March 7 - 1:56 pm

  This replaced a 98 Legacy wagon and is an incredible improvement especially the interior. I have the PZEV version and had read that people were having engine problems in cold weather but the recent few subzero spells have been no problem at all. The 4 cylinder 2.5 is more than adequate but if you want real umph get the turbo or 6cyl. This has more power than my 98 Legacy yet it still gets better mileage!

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  Great Car - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By ldtjsa - February 5 - 2:36 am

  I really enjoy the handling and the way the car feels when driving it. With two kids in car seats and two adults up front it feels small inside. But I went from a Ford Excursion to this car. The gas mileage combined city highway and driving it hard is ~23 mpg; if you drive it nice, it is like ~27mpg, all highway you can get around 30mpg. The backseat just needs to have more room.

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  Loud Car - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Joe - January 17 - 4:30 pm

  Car is very LOUD at first start-up (cold after sitting overnight). Called Subaru about this. Said this is normal for 2.5i PZEV vehicle? I mean LOUD. It does quiet down after it warms up. When I went for test drive the car had been warmed up by dealer. Same thing when I went to pick-up car from dealer after purchase. I think that they were trying to hide this from me. I was told that only 2 valves are working at a cold start in order to heat up the catalytic converter faster to achieve the partial zero emission vehicle claim? Sounds like a class action suit in the making for premature engine wear in about 2 or 3 years. I would not have bought this car had I known this.

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  Mexican big rig or PZEV OB? - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Betty - January 2 - 2:40 am

  This was my first Subaru. My past 2 cars were Toyotas. I thought Id give the OB a try. First complaint is the shockingly LOUD "engine" warm up due to the PZEV. It sound like a big rig truck from Mexico! I have started to notice quite a few rattles in the passenger compartment. It inconsistently shifts on hill climbs. But, the biggest concern is the "clunk" from the rear end or transmission at slower speeds. It is at the dealer now, but Im told they were unable to reproduce the "clunk." At 5,000 miles, a car should be a pleasure, not a concern!! Regretting my purchase!! Going back to my trusty Toyotas!!