Overview & Reviews

Only minor changes have been made to the 2003 Subaru Outback. All models have freshened front-end styling and revised front struts. The struts feature internal rebound springs that are said to reduce body roll when cornering, as well as brake dive. In terms of features, the four-cylinder powered Outbacks gain the formerly optional All-Weather Package as standard equipment. The base Outback now has a standard CD player, and Outback Limiteds have an upgraded audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer. All six-cylinder Outbacks now have the OnStar communications system. Finally, the Outback H-6 3.0 VDC's premium McIntosh audio system has been fitted with an in-dash six-disc CD changer.

• 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 or interior volume, four-cylinder models lack verve, upscale models are expensive.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 135.00

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  yo yo - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By katie subaru - March 5 - 2:00 am

  great car!! I love how the car ahndles itself. It has wonderul shocks.

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  Belongs in the junkyard!!! - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By eva - February 19 - 1:30 pm

  My wife was talked into this car when she bought it. We wanted a safe and affordable wagon, but that doesnt mean subaru is a great car either!!! The exterior is disgusting, and wind noise is terrible. I can barely hear people talking! It accelerates like a donkey. Dont buy this car.

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  L.L Bean - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By nauman mark - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the fourth Subaru that I have owned. The L.L Bean wagon is very luxurious,comfortable, and it has a lot of speed. The ride is smooth and compares to the ride of a Lexus or Acura without the heavy sticker price.The people at the Dean team were very courteous and made this an enjoyable car buying experience. The car has a lot of curb appeal and the recently tinted windows really add to the rich look of this car.

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  No Audi, but the price is right - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By wepperson - June 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a very good car, but hardly "Lexus-like". For one thing, the comparable Lexus is the ES300, which is awful for torque oversteer. But the ride comfort and quietness of the Outback dont approach the Lexus, nor my old A4 Quattro. And the handling has always been disappointing--yeah, I know its a "sport utility sedan" and not set up for sport touring sedan handling like the A4, but I wish it was.

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  Not a bad little car - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Jim C / NJ - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my first non GM car. I like it a lot. I still cant get comfortable in the front seat (Im 6) and the gas mileage isnt as advertised (20-22 combined). There are great touches though but coming from a large SUV - theres things I miss. As for WIND noise - I took off the roof crossbars and it went away. Only minor problems so far. Ill write after more miles are on it but for the price it was a good deal. Cant wait to try AWD in the snow.

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  Great Vehicle... - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Annie - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Love the car... VDCs seem to have a little trouble with the brackets on the muffler...

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  03 manual wagon - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By PLARVO - March 27 - 10:00 am

  A fun car, with better than quoted fuel economy ( 23-24 mpg generally) very comfortable drive.

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  Improve MPG and Wind Noise - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Curtis Culwell - February 3 - 3:20 pm

  I purchased my Subaru used in 2004. I have been extremely pleased with its handling and performance. However, its mileage is abysmal. I got a SCAN II computer and began hypermiling last April, and started to see decent numbers (30-31+) but with a lot of effort. Then I noticed winter temps and (Ive read) winter fuel mix REALLY brought numbers down, to around 23+. Also that wind noise is a nuisance. By just tapping the switch a bit Ive achieved prompt, temporary relief. Buy this car for snow and ice, but for warmer climes, a lighter FWD car might be better.

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  Lives up its reputation - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By TP - January 31 - 9:53 pm

  Very pleased with my Outback LL Bean H6 Wagon. Although it produces annoying wind noise (apparently a Subaru trait), and can use a five speed auto transmission to move it up hills easier, the H6 is very smooth and moves well on the highway. I find it enjoyable and fun to drive. It handles well, and I like the ride. The posi rear hinders the performance in snow as compared to non-posi Subarus, but you still feel secure. My brothers had 7 Subarus and talked me into buying this one. Im glad he did. It was between this and the 4Motion VW Passat Wagon, but after talking to former and current VW owners, and reading that the VWs reliability reviews were horrific, it was an easy decision.

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  i like it - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By nab - January 19 - 2:00 am

  not the most appealing looking, but rock solid and very capable with inclement driving(pouring rain and deep snow).