5 Star Reviews for Subaru Outback

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.35/5 Average
2,095 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

Designed with the North American market in mind, the Subaru Outback wagon provides many popular SUV traits without the associated drawbacks. Based on Subaru's midsize Legacy, the Outback comes standard with all-wheel drive, a raised suspension for better ground clearance, and special interior and exterior styling details.

There have been four Outback generations. At its debut, the original Subaru Outback was pretty much the only vehicle of its type and was an instant hit with consumers. More recent iterations lost a bit of an edge as other automakers came up with similar crossover wagons and SUVs at the start of the new millennium, but the latest fourth-generation Outback is more like a crossover SUV than ever. New or used, the Outback is a strong contender for shoppers interested in a car that provides plenty of everyday versatility with the type of all-season capability needed for frosty climes.

Current Subaru Outback
The five-passenger Subaru Outback is a tall wagon available in a number of trim levels -- 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited -- distinguished by powertrain. The base engine is a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder that makes 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. It comes with either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Also available is 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine good for 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, with a five-speed conventional automatic as the only available transmission.

Even the base Outback comes with roof rails, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt-telescoping steering column, a height-adjustable driver seat and a CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack. Higher trims add niceties like alloy wheels, foglights, powered and heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, iPod/USB inputs, Bluetooth phone/audio connectivity and a Harman Kardon sound system. There's also an optional voice-activated navigation system.

More so than previous Outbacks, the new model is meant to appeal to more mainstream buyers by being larger on the inside. To this end, while bumper-to-bumper length has shrunk by almost 1 inch, the wheelbase has grown by nearly 3 inches, width by 2 inches and height by 4 inches, enlarging interior space considerably and putting the Outback on par with other midsize crossovers. With the rear seats folded, there are an impressive 71 cubic feet of cargo space available.

In reviews, we've commented favorably about the current Outback's roomier interior. Performance with the base four-cylinder is unremarkable, however; if you want some zip, you'll need to ante up for the 3.6-liter engine. We miss the previous Outback's turbocharged boxer-4, a boon for owners living in mountainous areas. Handling is also unimpressive, as the Outback's elevated ride height and soft suspension tuning do their best to obscure the vehicle's sedan roots. Overall, the latest Outback is a solid choice for utility-minded families, but it's not as enjoyable to drive as previous models.

Used Subaru Outback Models
The current, fourth-generation Subaru Outback was introduced for 2010. There have been no significant changes since then.

The third-generation Outback was produced from 2005-'09. There were several trim levels: base 2.5i, 2.5i Special Edition, 2.5i Limited, 2.5 XT Limited, 3.0 R, 3.0R Limited and 3.0R L.L. Bean Edition.

For power, 2.5i trim levels had a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that made 170 hp. The XT level upgraded to a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 243 hp. The 3.0 R model came with a 3.0-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder (H6) good for 245 hp. All-wheel drive was standard across the board.

Models with either of the 2.5-liter engines could be equipped with a five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic was available on 2.5i models, while 2.5 XT models got an optional five-speed auto. The 2.5i Limited models were four-speed automatics only, and the H6 came only with the five-speed automatic.

If you're shopping for a used model of this generation, there are a few items to note. An Outback sedan was offered from 2005-'07. Additionally, all Outbacks prior to the 2008 model year lacked a telescoping steering wheel and auxiliary audio jack. Horsepower figures were lowered for 2007 due to revised SAE standards, but actual performance was not affected. The luxurious L.L. Bean trim levels were discontinued after 2008, replaced by a single 3.0 R Limited model, and stability control also became standard.

In reviews, this third-generation Subaru Outback received praise for its standard all-wheel drive, long list of features, strong turbocharged engine, above-average build quality and balanced ride and handling dynamics. While it didn't quite have the off-road capabilities of a true SUV, it could take on light-duty terrain without complaint. Negatives brought up in reviews typically centered on the vehicle's smallish backseat and the sluggish response from the automatic transmissions.

The second-generation Subaru Outback (2000-'04) was also available as either a sedan or a wagon. In its first year, this model was available in base and Limited trims, and had a 165-hp, 2.5-liter engine. The following year, Subaru introduced the L.L. Bean Edition and the VDC trim levels. These featured the more powerful 212-hp six-cylinder engine.

Compared to the current car, the second-generation Outback is a bit smaller and not quite as refined or capable. Subaru made minor improvements to this generation during the years, but none are significant enough to make any particular model year stand out. In Edmunds.com road tests, reviewers liked its standard all-wheel drive and car-based comfort. Some felt that the four-cylinder models were underpowered, however, and that it was eclipsed by newer competition in its later years.

When the original Subaru Outback model debuted in 1995, it was little more than a trim package on the Legacy wagon. In 1996, the Outback (officially known as the Legacy Outback for this generation) gained its raised suspension, large foglights, SUV design cues and optional 155-hp 2.5-liter engine. Further improvements during successive years included the addition of a leather-lined Limited model, dual sunroofs and powertrain refinements. As the Outback was one of the first crossover wagons to be designed, consumers interested in this type of vehicle from the late 1990s will likely find it to be quite suitable, especially compared to SUVs from the same period.

User Reviews:

Showing 51 through 60 of 2,095.00
  • Best Subaru Yet - 2003 Subaru Outback
    By -

    This is our second Subaru Outback. This car is built so well, no problems, always reliable. I love the handling, the feel of the steering, great brakes, wonderful amenities. I highly recommend this car. This car is refined enough to take to the city for the latest opera, yet tough enough to cross steams and go where I really waant to take it.

  • Subaru Outback Ltd by NoNickYet - 2005 Subaru Outback
    By -

    I love the Transmission. The ability to go from automatic to electronic shift is great. The standard 4 cyl engine is powerfull enough to get you in and out of tight traffic situations. It rides and handels well. My only complaint would be the cabin area is a little tight.

  • Great car, Awesome Harman Kardon audio! - 2010 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Replaced a Honda CR-V, was a very good decision for us. The Outback is roomier, more versatile, has better features for the money. So far, we are very pleased with the decision. CVT took some getting used to - the wind up/wind down is not something I have experienced before. Resulting gas mileage is a reasonable trade off. We thought about getting the V- 6 - glad we did not.

  • I love this car!!! - 2005 Subaru Outback
    By -

    I was in the market for a wagon with AWD that was safe and fun to drive. After extensive research, I realized the Subaru Outback was the only way to go. I drove the Limited XT and there was no turning back. The car is a dream to drive and excellent in the snow. Bottom line- I love the car.

  • Great car - 2016 Subaru Outback
    By -

    This car is so loaded with features it will take awhile to learn them all. Fairly intuitive though.

  • Just Fantastic Vehicle - 2008 Subaru Outback
    By -

    This is our third Outback H6. We bought our first Outback H6 in 2003 . This was our introduction to Subarus Line. Since then we purchased 2005 and 2008 H6 model versions of the Outbacks. It is most reliable and fun to drive vehicle and it seems that Subaru just got it right all the way. Every model year gets better and better.

  • Five in a row! - 2004 Subaru Outback
    By -

    This is my 5th Subaru. I am completely sold on the car. I have never had any major problems with any of the Subarus I have owned. This is absolutely the best car for the money on the market today. It can be used in the city, on the road or on the farm...all of which I do. Its performance and smoothness of its ride is far superior to my husbands new vehicle. My next car will be a Subaru also.

  • Best yet - 2008 Subaru Outback
    By -

    This is my 3rd Outback wagon and is the best so far. It rides and handles wonderfully and I actually get better mileage than the EPA sticker indicated.

  • Stylish & practical value wagon - 2005 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Exterior - improved over the 04 model, with the silver/grey and gold/grey combinations particularly attractive. More conservative than the Mazda 6 but more interesting than the equivalent Audi & VW wagons Interior - one of the most attractive available for less than 25K, with very nice materials and workmanship, and an elegant and simple dash; std 8-way heated power seat Performance - very stable and quiet on the freeway, even at speed over poor surfaces; nice & precise cornering with very little lean or bounce; base engine power adequate, which SprotShift auto improves somewhat Saftey - outstanding, with good manoueverability, excellent visibility and

  • 2013 subaru outback - 2013 Subaru Outback
    By -

    never owned a subaru outback....so far...excellent! will get alot of funtionat of this wagon....big family trips!

Subaru Outback Reviews By Year:
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