Overview & Reviews

Two new models, the H6-3.0 L.L.Bean Edition and the H6-3.0 VDC, both featuring a more-powerful 3.0-liter engine, join the happy Outback family.

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

• Questionable exterior styling, still not an SUV in terms of pure off-road capability.

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 99.00

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  Descent, not great - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By talldude - February 26 - 4:06 am

  A solid performer in snow and enough backseat room for child seats, the 2 main reasons we bought this. We bought private party, single owner with receipts. The previous owners had to buy head gaskets (80k) and a 5 spd transmission overhaul at 110k; shortly after purchase (at 114k) I had to replace front wheel bearings, and shortly after that the clutch started to chatter (had been replaced at 80k). High wind noise at highway speeds. The car is too heavy and the engine works too hard most of the time. With the exception of excellent traction control, this is a very average car in all other respects. I wish Subie would build small light AWD cars again, thats what they do best.

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  the best but still junk - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By pavel - February 17 - 10:00 am

  There are very few wagons in the market, even fewer are imports, available with manual transmission and have 4 wheel drive. Only two are affordable - Outback and Legacy. Therefore, Outback is obviously the best and at the same time the second worst in its class. Problems: - very low torque at low RPM - the flip side of inflated max power at high RPM. They are fixing the numbers at the expense of actual performance. - clutch glazes in no time - very poor material and design - interior material is poor - mexican assembly and even some part manufacturing

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  2001 Outback - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Gary Beaver - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I am a long time Subaru owner and my current Outback is the fifth I have owned. Its overall performance and reliability are excellent. The styling is excellent as well. Based upon my experience with this model I most likely will buy another Subaru when I am ready to trade this one in. My only real complaint is with the transmission. It is solid and reliable, but it is rather clunky. By that, I mean it does not always shift smoothly and I often feel it slightly hesitate and "clunk" rather gracelessly into gear. I dont think this rough shifting fortells a more serious problem.

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  Is it time to give up? - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By CG - January 17 - 7:16 pm

  Purchased this 6 cyl. used at 60,000 miles; it now has 125,000. The engine is so much better- smoother - than in my previous 4 cyl Outback. I had hoped to run it to 150,000 or so-- it depends on how much ongoing repairs cost. An ongoing maintenance issue is that the brake discs- esp. front- have worn out fast and the rotors warp -- somewhere I heard that they were undersized for the weight/size of the engine. This year I have to replace the muffler and a rusted out rear suspension piece - pricey repairs that I hope keep it on the road another year or two. Ive been able to go almost anywhere, in any weather, on rough roads or the highway-- its been a fine car.

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  2001 Outback -lots of time in shop - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Olympia - January 7 - 11:36 pm

  Started off with a burning smell, at purchase (new). Months later, found an oil leak, but no help from dealer. Have gotten regular service w/ trusted mechanic. Head gaskets replaced. Front light replaced - out of order w/in a month. Problems with rotors - smoothed many times, replaced more than wed like. Sigh. This car has not been worth the hassle and we wont buy another Subaru.

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  EXCELLENT CAR! - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Ryan - January 6 - 12:20 am

  This car is just excellent. You cant find a better car!

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  snow job - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By yardshark - October 24 - 5:00 pm

  I was totally "snowed" by Subaru and others who have owned Subarus. "Oh, theyre so reliable I have 2 of them". "Theyre bullet-proof". So I bought a new 2001 Outback sedan for the "reliability" and the AWD for snowy weather. At just over 50,000 miles, one head gasket blew and while testing the system, they found the second one ready to go and had to replace it too. The repairman told me I wouldnt have the problem again when I told him I would not buy another if this was going to be a problem every 50,000 miles. Now at 120,000 miles, the head gaskets have once again gone out. This will be the third set of gaskets for something "bullet-proof" and "extremely reliable".

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  Midsize WannaB - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By RoadRunner47 - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought the larger Outback vs my 1998 Forrester. The interior is NOT midsized. Travel strains my legs. The power seats on the Outback helps some. The brakes on the Outback squeaks and have warped, an unexpected extra expense. I like the dark green, but lack of insulation makes the air conditioner ineffective. The great sound system is muffled by road noise. The 4 cylinder engine is far superior than any US made 4 cylinder, but I would prefer an US AWD 3.8L V6. I swear by AWD, many times avoiding other drivers mistakes. The plasic appearance is a far cry from the interior appointments of US made cars 20-30 years ago. 200,000 mile throw- away car.

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  Its not perfect, but what car is? - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By gatorband - October 4 - 10:00 am

  1st Subaru & 60K mi. later, still tickled w/ it. Have had only 1 recall item & a handfull of warranty-covered issues, incl. one that was covered way after 3/36! PROS: EXCELLENT handling, esp. in bad weather (rain/storms) & on dirt/gravel roads; smooth & stable ride on pavement; ample cargo space; good visibility; overall reliability. CONS: sluggish pick-up from stop (4cyl/auto); poor cup holders; tight back seat knee- space. Take care of it & it will run forever! How many Subies do you see stranded?

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  I love this car! - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Patty - August 21 - 6:13 pm

  I rented an Outback when I was working in Idaho last winter, and I really liked the way it handled. I needed a new car because my brothers old Honda was getting to be too old. And I just wanted something new. In fact, I test drove a 2004 Outback, but the dealer had a 2001 Outback LL Bean edition with a larger engine and lots of extras for the same price as the new 2004. Im sure I paid too much cause I bought it immediately and I didnt know whether they would even deal on a used car, but Ive never regretted buying it. I own a 1984 Porsche 944 that I didnt even drive last summer because I was still in love with my Subaru Outback. I drive a lot for work, and Im very happy with this car.