4 Star Reviews for 2008 Subaru Outback

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.28/5 Average
120 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

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

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 120.00
  • So far, so good, except 4 airbag sensor - 2008 Subaru Outback
    By -

    We purchased an 08 Outback 2.5i. The car feels solid, drives well, and is adequate in interior comfort. The cars engine power is adequate, but not impressive. We enjoy the handling of the car the most, but havent tested it in snow/ice conditions yet. Weve been averaging around 26-27 mpg hwy, which is impressive considering the full time AWD. A knock against the car is that weve had an issue with the passenger side airbag sensor. It turns on and off intermittently. We were told its a safety design issue for small children. My wife is approx 54" 110 pounds and doesnt always set off the sensor. We find this odd, and are researching the issue further.

  • Growing family needs AWD - 2008 Subaru Outback
    By -

    It was tough to trade in my boy car (WRX) for a wagon, but thats what kids will do to a guy. But with the XT, one does not have to sacrifice some fun! Not quite as much fun as an audi s4 wagon or bmw 335xi wagon, but a good total package.

  • Great all-purpose vehicle - 2008 Subaru Outback
    By -

    We looked at a number of small SUVs and wagons and went with the Outback for a number of reasons: comfort, MPG, and functionality. The other small SUVs did not ride well and seemed cheaply made (including Toyota and Honda). The ride quality in a wagon is way better and does everything I need it to do. MPG (28 hwy, 22mpg city) has been better than advertised, which is rare. Great resale in Colorado and low operating costs. Only 500 miles on it so far so I cant comment on long term reliability.

  • 2nd Subaru - 2008 Subaru Outback
    By -

    After getting tired of my 99 Legacy Outback and its constant overheating, (to be fair it has 256k miles on it) I decided I wanted a new car. I researched a lot in the 10-15k range. I chose the Outback again for the awd/mpg/style/room/reliability. It has everything you need. It is more comfortable than my 99 even though its a base model. (Even comes with seat heaters!) I was able to get this car with 41,000 miles on it back in November. So far Ive put 11,000 on it and it still runs excellent! Ive taken it on dirt, up steep roads and gravel and it does it all. Last time I recorded just highway miles I got 28mpg! However, I usually average 24.

  • Best Wagon for $30K - 2008 Subaru Outback
    By -

    The Outback handles great in every day driving around town or on the highway. Steering is light and responsive. The Outbacks 3.0R engine delivers plenty of refined power with a hint of growl. The transmission delivers that power unobtrusively. I normally leave SI drive in Intelligent mode but when necessary "sport sharp" mode (S#) provides that extra punch. The Outbacks raised ride height means more suspension travel (take that speed bumps!) and it has a smooth ride over rough surfaces. I think the Outback looks the part of a luxury wagon. The interior is upscale and comparable to my 2004 Passat. The materials feel substantial and fit and finish are excellent. Braking is very sure.

  • 2008 Outback - 2008 Subaru Outback
    By -

    This is the 4th Subaru Ive purchased. My last one was a 2002 Outback which I found comfortable to drive. Ive owned my 2008 for about 2 months and am looking to get rid of it. I started getting back pain within a week. There isnt enough foot room between the brake and gas pedals to place your foot comfortably on the gas pedal. In my 2002, the passenger side didnt have enough leg space. Now the 2008 does, but at the expense of the driver side.

  • Satisfied - 2008 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Ive had my Outback for 6 months and have put over 8000 miles on it. Initial impression of quality is good. I bought the car due to its safety features, additional room for my family, and reputation for quality. I havent been let down. My only real gripe about the car is the lack of horsepower. This car could really use an extra 20 hp. Not a big deal since Im not out to win any races. However, the car is slightly under-powered in my opinion.

  • It is what it is - 2008 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Traded in a Ridgeline for this vehicle. Couldnt pass up the price. It came certified bumper to bumper for 100K and only had 4K miles on it. Didnt really desire a 5 spd but I do like making the 4 cyl shift when I want it to shift. It has plenty of power. I average 25-26 mpg on about 60/40 highway/city driving. Had to purchase 4 tires because it wouldnt go in the snow. Unusual for a subaru. Why would they put high performance tires on a base wagon sold in the Northeast? Car is nothing special, but it does what it is meant to do. Good second vehicle for going back and forth to work

  • 2008 Subaru - 2008 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Third Subaru. First was an 86 GL station wagon= 279,000 miles till it rusted away aroung the engine. Second was a 96 outback=120,000 sold to a friend who took it to Baja to be a surf wagon. Bought this one used with 20k Im now at 30k. So far, nice car, no mechanical issues, drives great, still smaller than the new ones (I wanted that) drives through almost anything (snow, sand, mud) very comfortable on the highway on long drives. Finish is solid all the plastic lines up (AHEM chrysler...) and the fuel econonmy is good 23/28. Biggest complaint, the automatic is slow, and chunky, it seems to rob the engine of power. Look for a manual. Subarus are the offical car of the Mountain West!

  • Outback 2008 3.0 - 2008 Subaru Outback
    By -

    I owned a ML350 of very questionable quality and performance and two discoverys before. I pick an Outback looking for a smaller confortable car paying almost one third of the money I paid for the other cars. A big deal! Great off road and fast in road, a lot of space in a not-too-big car.

Subaru Outback Reviews By Year:
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