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 61 through 70 of 143.00

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  Road Noise - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Carter - January 3 - 3:40 am

  First wind, then engine noise make this car a problem on the highway. The wind noise can be fixed with a fairly simple repair (the frameless windows are at fault). The engine noise, however, is a result of the manual gearbox. The fifth gear has to rev high to allow the cruise control to pull the car uphill. As a result the car revs at 3-4000 rpm at highway speeds and makes a real racket. The raspy, unrefined 4 cyl. doesnt help. It is a deal killer. Other than that, pretty good car. Secure on dirt roads and in snow and fun to drive on both. The exterior is distinctive Subaru and the interior is well executed.

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  Great car until it hit 100k miles - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By bartemaeus - November 28 - 11:00 am

  Up until the 100k mark, the car was flawless. But after that it went downhill. The transmission leaked and cost $2k to fix, the belt broke at least twice, belt pulleys had to be replaced twice, and the A/C compressor died. That was the final straw and we traded it in. I had hoped I would get a few more thousand miles out of the car. It was still a great car to drive, smooth on the highway, and never got stuck in snow.

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  plenty of thought and research - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By funky dawg - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I like Subarus and even sold them. Ive seen hundreds of new and used Subies. I love the LL BEAN. My needs were sport-luxury, utility type of car (I already have an SUV). Subaru can make some quirky decisions/designs in different makes/models. The LL BEANS are below. Subaru should take a step back (better yet, hire me as a consultant) and centralize all like functions to the same locations. The HO6 is great for the Outbacks. Stereo system is above average. The climate control is effective but can have a mind of its own. Ive gotten 21 mpg avg. Its smart, comfortable, stylish, reliable and fun to drive.

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  Hypermiling My Subaru Outback - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Greg Gorgeous - August 19 - 8:30 pm

  I first test drove a 1997 Subaru Outback Wagon and found the smooth ride uncanny since we also owned a Lexus LS 400. I finally purchased a 2002 Outback Loaded. The Automatic Transmission is smooth and lends itself to Hypermiling... use of Neutral position when coasting when approaching Lights, on Descending Grades etc. Re-engages Drive effortlessly and smoothly. Attained approx 35.8 MPG with room for lots of improvement. The Ride is excellent and Acceleration is brisk. My next Outback will probably be Turbo Charged or Hybrid when avail.

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  Great wagon - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By vivatahoe - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive had an SUV, traded in for the wagon and I really am impressed. On the freeway, 70mph to 100mph is way too easy to reach in my 5 speed tranny and seems effortless. The best part is the AWD system in the snow! No more snowchains (unless its blizzard outside). Backseat can be folded down to increase trunk space and Ive able to move one bedroom worth of stuff (besides the bed and big furnitures) in one trip. Though the leather seats isnt the most comfortable thing in the long drive despite all the different seating positions adjusted. Fuel economy is pretty good for this size car.

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  Outback in the Outhouse - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By rrrust - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Check at 10K miles engine light prompts trip to dealer. Aux. air injection valve (emissions) failure is indicated. This becomes a recurring failure. Valve is replaced once or twice per month for several months. Finally tech rep calls factory and they suggest re- programming cars brain. This fix works, but then car develops severe knocking in valve train (stuck or gummed lifters?). Get rid of this one before warranty expires.

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  Canadian 6 cyl H6 3.0 model wonder! - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By duke_wa - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Our Candian edition model of 3.0 H6 Outback is close to the L.L. Bean model, but doesnt have two-tone leather, it just has the monotone leather and no L.L. Bean logos. Love the cold weather package features. Dont have the Mcintosh stereo, but the upgraded weather band stereo is still pretty decent. Quality throughout and love the power and smoothness from the 6 cylinder engine. This is our second Outback. Our previous one was the 2.5 litre 1998 4- cyl.

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  Very Nice Car,.. from Day One - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Iowa Man - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car and was second owner. Car Drives Great on Gravel Roads and hugs the road.. Has All Wheel Drive and its a Perfect Car for Winter Driving both on/ off Road. Heated Seats, Auto, Great Heat n Air Car at 190,000 miles , drives like New. Like all Midwestern and Northern Cars/ trucks.. problem with corrosion around wheel wells. Dash board Check Engine Light is Very Sensative to Gas Cap n little things that make it come on n off, but doesnt affect fun & Strong driving of this Car. Car will Drive over 400,000 miles before dying...

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  LL Beam - Best Buy In Its Class - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By TerryLee - June 13 - 10:00 am

  All things considered, this car offers the best value comparing to its rivals such as Passat, A4 and XC or V70. The engine is smooth though its lack of low- end torque. Teh built quality is excellent and teh ride is very comfortable. I have been averaging 24- 26 mpg doing mixed commute. The only thing this car is missing is its reputation in the luxury car semnet.

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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.