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 11 through 20 of 143.00

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  So-So performance, scary clutch - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By clutchless - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Shortly after purchase has problems getting clutch into 1st/2nd gear. Bad chattering. Tough to drive in stop and go traffic. Clutch shudder made it unreliable busy intersections were getting scary. Dealer where purchased "could not duplicate" denied any problems. Was able to get another dealer to replace clutch assembly. HUGE improvement immediately but problem began again about 12k later. New dealer not that interested to replace again. Worsening clutch and warranty period approaching I traded in for an automatic Forester. Feel like I lost $, and Had to trade down to get rid of t

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  $$$$ maintenance - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By hotwheels - June 25 - 4:36 pm

  No mechanical problems until dealer check at 114,000 miles. Cost $2100 to bring car up to speed, new water pump (even though I never had a water leak or change in antifreeze levels), was told oil valve leak on spark plug wires, needed $600 100,000 mile checkup with this bill and needed new rear brakes too. Wind noise is annoying. Bottom of driver door seal is loose and leaks. During freezing North Dakota winters the spring loaded gas cap freezes shut, cramped interior with just average gas mileage. Have been driving 41 years and never have had $2100 repair bill on any of my Hondas, Toyotas, or Nissans (some of them with 200,000+ miles). If I have one more problem, this car is going.

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  2002 Outback H6 Sedan after 16000 miles - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By influxSoft - May 28 - 10:00 am

  The new 6 cylinder 212hp engine is smooth and quiet I drive a LOT of miles... over 16K in the first 6 months and living in New England with out snow and ice... I can honestly say nothing compares... The AWD with its continuously variable transfer clutch and a limited-slip rear differential gives plenty of confidence on snow and ice (you may find it almost boring... its just that good... youll hardly think its slippery) Good standard sound system with comfortable interior. Gas mil is fair. Pls be aware the prem gas is recommended but not required. I considered purchasing the VW passat 4motion... but for $4K less this is a fine car.

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  Excellent car - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By yuba4 - April 29 - 11:12 pm

  Suby has been reliable and a perfect fit for our requirements. Bought new in 2002, it now has almost 200k miles and is still a great car. Replaced head gaskets at 150k (common problem), but otherwise not many repairs. Her features and capabilities are a perfect match for our family of four.

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  Smooth 6 cylinder Outback - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By duke - March 29 - 7:40 pm

  Recently purchased the H6 3.0 liter model of Outback wagon and was very impressed by the smoothness of the engine and its power, compared to the 2.5 liter engine. Interior is very tasteful and has a nice level of quality throughout. Sometimes the transmission hunts for the right gear, I have noticed.

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  My subaru - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By seabeewife - March 19 - 5:36 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. Handles awesomely in the rain, snow, ice and dry pavement. I cant think of a better car I would want to own.

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  A bad car - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Dakota_Joe - February 2 - 2:36 pm

  We bought our Outback in 2002. Just a couple of warnings to would-be buyers: A.) If you have long legs try sitting in the passenger seat before buying this car. You get to taste you knees. The passenger experience rivals that of a back seat passenger in a 1971 Mustang II. B) If you live in the country, on a gravel road DO NOT buy this car. Normal 25 MPH gravel road driving destroys the Outback’s front suspension. I guess that the Outback ain’t built for the outback. The editors must live in big cities. C) This is certainly the most unreliable and expensive-to-maintain vehicle I’ve ever owned. Every breakdown is expensive and ours breaks down often.

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  River Rats Review - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By River Rat - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Subaru. The first two gave me over 200,000 miles each. This Outback is the best of both worlds. Its comfortable on long trips and commutes, and is very competent in the wet and snow. Every feature is well thought out and useful. I shopped for two years before deciding once again that a Subaru is the most car for your money.

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  Dont think Ill buy another Subaru - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By lilrhody - November 30 - 6:36 am

  This vehicle was my first new car (2000 miles on it when purchased). The "all weather package" is sort of a joke. When the icy weather comes it doesnt clear/keep clear the ice from my windshield. The wipers completely dont touch the windshield after spraying fluid. Heated seats are a plus though. Has been leaking oil/coolant since 90,000 miles +/-. I was told I have a head gasket seal that is failing. Im at 111,000. Oil smell is disappointing when at a light/in park with engine running. Recently had a fuel line leak. Window gaskets are horrendously loud! Front windows only. My husbands 98 Forester had to have the engine replaced at 50,000 miles! I dont know if Ill buy another Subaru.

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  Subaru takes a step up. - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Docaloha - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I have been a Subaru fan for about 15 years, but felt it was always underpowered. The new H6 solves the problem nicely. The car is very smooth, and glides through traffic. My wife has a new Subaru Legacy sedan, and whenever she or my daugther take my car, they always remark on how much better my Outback handles, and how smooth it is. While it lacks some of the luxury features of the next class up, pricewise, it does have the best of them including heated seats, great stereo, very comfortable wheel, and auto climate control.