Overview & Reviews

Subaru has expanded the availability of its new 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine to the Outback sedan. The result is two additional sedan trim levels: 3.0-H6 and 3.0-H6 VDC. Minor upgrades to all trim levels this year include a dome light off-delay, an ignition switch illumination ring and wood grain-patterned door switch trim. Cars with the Vehicle Dynamics Control system now have a button to turn the system off, and sedans receive an internal trunk release. The automatic climate control system is upgraded with an air filtration system.

• The security of all-wheel drive, comfortable on pavement, capable on dirt, well-appointed interior.

• Not as capable as an SUV in terms of pure off-road capability, upscale models are expensive.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 143.00

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  So long, Subaru - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Tsquared - September 29 - 1:40 pm

  This was my second Outback, my first being a 96 5 speed manual I traded for the 02 4 speed automatic. I wish I had held on to my 96. The 02 quality did not seem to be as good and was disappointing. Most recently, the engine sporadically idled poorly or hesitated on acceleration--even on the Interstate. My biggest concern was a leaking head gasket, which is apparently a common problem on 1999-2002 models and there was a recall for some--not all (Google "Outback head gasket"). The "fix" involved adding a conditioner to the coolant to seal the leak. Seems like a stop-gap to me. Between the head gasket and the sporadic acceleration problem I decided to it was time to trade.

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  No complaints until it hit 65,000 miles - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By zesty2b - April 3 - 7:30 pm

  Slow to accelerate and brake, uncomfortable back seat. Have replaced brakes twice, oxygen sensors, exhaust system, two sets of tires, suspension, clutch, and still not running right at 75,000 miles. Driver side wind noise developed at 50,000 miles. New clutch even more sensitive and prone to slip than the original. Waiting to see if the head gasket will leak in another 15,000 miles or so. This is the 4th Subaru wagon I have owned. The 87 automatic was underpowered; the 92 manual was the best; I traded the 99 before 40,000 after mechanical problems. The 02 Limited is the most luxurious, but not very durable.

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  Not a reliable engine - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Baxter - December 20 - 4:26 am

  Dont expect this vehicle to last and last. Ive had two of these and the first the engine ate itself at 125K. Head gasket blew on the highway. I thought it was a fluke so I bought another. Replaced three head gaskets in this one and the engine ate itself because of a blown head gasket at 175K. Probably spent over $3K on this problem. They go through everything but this engine has a major design flaw with their head gaskets. If your leaking oil REPLACE THE HEAD GASKET! $700 plus repair.

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  BAD CAR - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By MARKUS - August 16 - 10:00 am

  Bad clutch shudder, steering vibration, mushy brakes

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  Not impressed - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By AUDI - August 2 - 10:00 am

  We bought it for the AWD for VT winters & mud season. Performs well in the elements but not an enjoyable ride otherwise. The clutch is difficult and the interior seating is small & narrow. Have had to replace the breaks several times. Check engine light comes on frequently. Repairs have gotten expensive - one of the worst cars Ive owned. I miss my Honda!!

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  bought new, wish I hadnt - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By ssa - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Outback wagon with 36000, has had two brake jobs, repeated problems with wind noise, problems with check engine sensor system with light coming on repeatedly, twisted gasket in rear wagon window. Generally, a big disappointment. Ive owned Subarus for 20 years and this is the poorest quality one Ive ever owned.

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  L.L. Bean Outback aka my last Subaru - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By dan - April 1 - 12:50 pm

  The transmission was replaced at 20k miles and the brakes soon after (under new car warranty). Apparently the pads were replaced and the rotors turned. I was getting a lot of front end shimmy at 30k miles so the dealer decided to turn the drums again. I was just in again at 50k with the same problem and had to pay for new rotors and pads (despite having the extended warranty and the dealer knowing full well this is an on-going problem) An independent mechanic was telling me that the rotors they use on Subaru are actually too thin to be turned and he couldnt believe they turned them once no less twice! The ventilation fan has developed quite a rumble but I was told this is "normal".

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  Think Again - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Trading It In! - July 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is not what it is what I would call a family friendly car. At best at 3200 miles it gets 20 mpg on the highway and 17 in the city. It appears Subaru went cheap and is riding on their reputation rather than giving us a safe car. It is designed so that you have to take your eyes off the road to check if you are in cruise, the windshield heater is on or off, if the wheel is tilted the slightest you cannot see the turn signal indicators. There is no safety hooks for the middle seat for a child restraint system. Only on the outboard. An unsafe vehicle for this reason. It mpg is not much better than a Ford Explorer.

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  Buy it for comfort and space - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By ksolomon - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I have driven 70K miles in 18 months in West Michigan, mostly on the freeway. The car is exceptional in the snow especially with winter tires, it is quiet and comfortable on the freeway and grip is excellent. The tailgate is 43" wide and you can carry a 48" wide board on an angle. It also pulls medium size trailers effortlessly. My car has had only one problem, which was a blown fan motor caused by a faulty surge protector. Dealer service has been very good. My complaints are that the interior is pretty boring, the car is really slow, and I average only 22mpg.

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  dangerous - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Worried - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Within 5 months of ownership this car has died twice while driving at low speed, posing an extreme danger. Fortunately no collisions so far. The dealer cannot find the problem, so they are giving the car back to me, taking no responsibility for my safety. This car is a potential death trap and the Subaru Co. wont replace it. No reliability and no accountability.