Overview & Reviews

The 2012 Subaru Outback's Premium trim level gets a new standard sound system with an iPod interface and Bluetooth phone and audio streaming capability. A new nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system is now part of the Premium model's options list.

• Strong crash scores
• Spacious interior
• Simple controls on lower trims.
• Commendable off-road performance for a wagon
• Excellent visibility
• Comfortable and composed ride

• Lacks agility
• Poor base stereo
• Fussy controls on upper trims.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 57.00

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  they dont make them like they used to - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By subienut - September 9 - 7:38 am

  Just bought my 5th subaru wagon. My 2003 is getting a bit rattly, and my 17 yr old needed a car, so for the first time, I didnt have a valuable subaru trade in, but she has a great car. In fact, every time I see that car, or others of that vintage, I feel a twinge of sadness. Those were the good ones! The 2012 doesnt have the same zippy pick up, the six speed has very short ratios in lower speeds, they dont offer a manual in the best edition, so had to add after market leather seats and interior wood trim, but these dont really look so hot. Handles like an SUV, interior is not well designed at all, and the dog barrier is a dangerous, clunky contraption that could injure a dog!

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  The good and the bad - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By sailormex - June 26 - 5:19 pm

  I bought this Car new in feb of 2012. I had ordered the 4 cyl but ever came on promised delivery date. After going to the dealer to complain about the non fulfillment I drove the 4 cyl model again on hills and found it seriously underpowered, deciding to take the 6 cyl model. At first this car was great (1 month). Then I had to make an emergency lane change and almost lost control of the vehicle. After 16 months I almost lost control of this vehicle 4 times, and decided to sell before getting hurt or worse. This car is very quiet and smooth, and is great if you drive REALLY slow. The engine and tranny are the best Ive ever had (Ive driven Audi, VW, Mercedes, jeeps and more) the

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  2012 New Outback Limited 2.5 - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By oldhollow - April 18 - 3:04 am

  Just got the Limited 2.5 with sunroof, naviagtion and I’m really impressed with the fit and finish of the car. Everything works as designed, and the quality of the paint is excellent. I am coming from an 2008 MDX that had a terrible paint job from the factory, the paint was very thin and would mark very easily. I got the car for the gas millage and was concerned that I would not have enough power. That is not the car, no need for the 3.6 for me.

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  Poor Design, workmanship, and service - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By keigzdad - April 11 - 6:36 pm

  Our 2012 Outback passenger side seat molding has fallen off four (4) times. We have to drive 150 miles round trip to have it serviced. Last time it was "fixed" it had fallen off by time we arrived back home. Today we received a call from Karen Quinn at Subaru USA asking us to cancel our saturday appointment and reschedule for Tuesday because that is when their district manager is available. Seriously!? My wife is a COO for a health system and I am a university professor. Since when do we have to facilitate YOUR needs Subaru? Shouldnt you and your district manager facilitate OURS?

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  2012 Subaru Outback Moon Roof Leaks - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By goalkik753 - February 28 - 7:26 am

  A car wash revealed a leak at the rear seal of our 2012 Subaru Outback Limited. The leak was enough to splash over the small gutter system below the rear seal and onto the passenger seat. Its designed to be able to pop up for ventilation or slide down and into the roof of the vehicle when full open. In order to do this the rear seal sits loosely against the roof lip. I have had two automobiles with moonroofs before this (a Chevrolet and a Ford). Neither one was designed this poorly. I have tested the seal by pooring a bottle of water on it and it still leaks in 4 spots at a continuous drip rate. I cant leave my vehicle parked outside untill Subaru comes up with a fix.

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  What a really nice surprise - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By superhoncho69 - December 30 - 6:02 pm

  For starters its the first import Ive ever owned. We traded in a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 4.7 V8 that averaged 16.9 mpg no matter how easy you were on the gas pedal. It NEVER got stuck, but the mileage was backbreaking. The Jeep weighs 4700 lbs, and the Outback 3400 lbs, yet the ground clearance is nearly the same and acceleration with the 2.5 feels just as quick if not faster. Over 3 days of mixed driving were averaging 29 mpg with better handling and tangible money saved at the pump. Interior quality is good, sound insulation very good, with TLC this vehicle will last many years. Looking forward to the first blizzard of 2013!

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  Not great - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By nothappy9919 - July 6 - 2:21 am

  This is the only new car I have owned where I received 2 apologies from Dealer or service companies. After about 2000miles, I complained about transmission noise and the mechanic from the dealer apologized and said your stuck with it. At 12000mi, the front seat bolsters are going bad and the upholstory shop i was sent to by the dealer apologized, indicated Subaru is aware of the problem, that along with the hard to clean cloth seat covers. Subaru of America says they never heard of it so now starts the mess over warranty and for how long. The car is otherwise ok but far below what I expected

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  Harmon Kardon USB port - what should it be able to play - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By zeffer51 - August 3 - 10:08 am

  Just bought a brand new 2012 Outback 3.6R Limited with the Harmon Kardon upgraded audio system. I tested the USB port at the dealer with a memory stick that has lots of computer files and few audio files. The audio kept cutting out. Now I own the car so I purchased a new 8GB USB flash drive and copied only a few audio files to it. But its doing the same thing. It plays for about 5 sec then cuts out, then plays a little and then cuts out. It does this sitting in the drive way so it cant be due to bumps. Anyone know if this system is supposed to play files on a regular USB thumb drive? It almost plays them so I figure it was designed to do so.

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  great car - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By 67celtic - January 26 - 7:36 pm

  After 16000 miles, no problem with my wifes 2012 outback. No problem on the highway at high speeds. Great car, different ride than our 05 outback.

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  Love my Subaru! - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By Linda - November 30 - 5:01 am

  Its hard to believe some of the other reviews are talking about the same car. This is my 3rd Subaru (one Forester and 2 Outbacks). I bought it pre-owned from the dealer with 35K miles on the odometer. Im at 50K and change now. These cars run forever with just basic maintenance. When I wanted a Subaru my husband said, "thats a Mom-Mobile". Then he drove it and agreed that this is a great car. Solid handing in wet or dry conditions, I have never experienced the drift some reviewers mention. I do notice better handling since I bought new tires, I got better quality than the ones that came stock on the car. I dont like the placement of the clock (my 2007 Outback had it near the speedometer) and the AC/Heater controls on the 2007 were more user friendly. But those are pretty trivial complaints. I love the All Weather package (heated seats!). I dont need a heated steering wheel. My 2007 had navigation, I wish this one had it but I just use my smartphone. It could have more pep but its a 4 banger and not a sports car. Love the Blue Tooth. I took the middle headrest out of the back seat to improve rear visibility (it pops right out). I feel safe in this car.