2001 Subaru Outback Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.21/5 Average
99 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • The security of all-wheel drive, comfortable on pavement, capable on dirt, well-appointed interior.
Cons:
  • Questionable exterior styling, still not an SUV in terms of pure off-road capability.

User Reviews:

Showing 71 through 80 of 99.00
  • JUMP START a Subaru and destroy the VDC - 2001 Subaru Outback
    By -

    The battery went down on our top of the line Subaru with VDC. It was jump started by Subaru Road Service. The warning lights remained on after it was jumped. Waited for our 1/22/04 appointment with dealer. At first service said we were warranty "lucky" because the VDC computer part cost $1,200. It was replaced. Car not returned as promised. More parts needed. Its now 1/29/04. Again car not returned as promised. Negotiated 4 days Hyundai rental for previously plan trip. Service now says repair not covered under warranty because of "outside influence". Western regional manager concurred. Filed with the State. Car sent to other dealer. Returned 2/14/04.

  • LL Bean Bust - 2001 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Weve had problems with the brakes over and over again. The car only has 39,000 mi. and it has been in for brakes three times and a very weird noise in the rear differential. They would not repair the differential stating that it was "normal" but several mechanics we consulted agreed that it is far from a normal sound. Very unsettling...

  • Last Subaru Ill own - 2001 Subaru Outback
    By -

    This is my 3rd Subaru. I bought it because the first 2 were bulletproof -- no problems. We are at 77k miles now. The head gasket had to be replaced at 72k. Yes it was covered since the car had the coolant treatment. Asking around after it happened, this is now a common problem with the 2.5 engine. Now, the transmission needs to be rebuilt. According to a local transmission shop (not the dealership) 77k on this transmission is good! He often sees them with less. Often? Somewhere Subaru lost the reliability that kept me coming back. The company has refused requests to repair the vehicle. Theyve offered token gestures like a rebate on a new car purchase. Im done with Subaru.

  • Gets the job done - 2001 Subaru Outback
    By -

    I bought my outback with 73K on it, It now has 140K. It is our grocery getter child transporter. Does great in the snow. I can get about 26-28 mpg city/Hwy. It does leak oil, i fear may be the dreaded Subaru head gasket. Thought it went out about 5K ago but it was the water pump. Shop said heads were fine. Interior is nice I do have leather package but not the limited. good comfort for long trips. I would buy another with out question. Only other issues are some electrical in steering column that makes turn signal sound for no reason, cruise control stopped working and horn no longer works. Also have to replace 4 tires at a time due to AWD.

  • Careful if you are big/tall - 2001 Subaru Outback
    By -

    A fine car, but at 62"/210, not for a long drive. Of course, few cars are. My wife loves it and the traction is superior, snow or rain. No problems, at all, though I have noticed the torque issue on pulling away. I find the acceleration perfectly adequate or better. Accessories are fine. Bought the 6 CD, nosebag, and universal cover (we do lots of dirt roads).

  • not so durable? - 2001 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Ive driven my car hard and its starting to show. I expected more from Subaru. While the Outback has been a vast improvement over my 93 Legacy, Ive gone through way too many brakes, worn through lots of (higher quality) tires. Am now having transmission problems. Plus, like me, the car seems to be losing spunk as it ages; I now have to turn off the A/C to maintain speed on climbs. But, that said, its been the most incredible snow car Ive driven--with 4 studded snow tires, I can negotiate the nastiest mountain roads without fear.

  • 2001 Subaru Outback AWD 6 cylinder - 2001 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Finally a Subaru with decent power. Its fun to drive, AWD makes it safe and stable in rain or snow, very dependable. Rarely breaks down and very safe crash test results. Needs better drink holders for travel comfort.

  • Nice, solid ride - 2001 Subaru Outback
    By -

    The Outback Limited sedan is a well-made, fun-to-drive car that handles poor weather, dirt roads and twisty turns like a champ. But its equally at home on the interstate, where it is rock-solid; I have to set the cruise to near the legal limit, otherwise, Ill be cruising at 90 mph without realizing it. Its got all you could ever want in a sedan: leather, sunroof, all-wheel-drive ... Even better once I ditched the Firestones for Michelin X-ones.

  • Useless Sunroofs, Low Power - Good Car - 2001 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Car rides well, but is certainly underpowered with a 4 cyl. engine, or way overpriced with a 6 cyl. We lease the 2001 Outback Ltd. with ato trans and 4 cyl engine. Dual sunroofs seemed like a fun idea, but in reality theyre useless. The one over the front seat is a "pop top" that barely opens, and the power sliding moonroof is over the back seat - useless to driver!

  • Outback rocks! - 2001 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Got the Outback limited sedan for a steal at just under $18,000 because it had been sitting on the dealers lot for almost a year. I personally like the sedan design better than the Outback wagon design. Its a great car, with a classy, comfortable leather interior and a rugged all-wheel-drive system that doesnt mind a minor trail or two. Its not as fun to throw around in the slalom as my 2001 Forester, but part of that can be attributed to the fact that my Forester is a five speed, and youre stuck with an auto tranny in the limited sedan. The standard Firestones also dont grip as well as the Michelin X-ones I put on my Forester.

Subaru Outback Reviews By Year:
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