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 41 through 50 of 135.00

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  Love My Subaru - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By SCB - October 27 - 10:00 am

  We just traded in our Dodge MiniVan for the Subaru Outback. We have two children and I did not think we needed another van but I wanted to have room and we take car trips often so comfort was one of my big factors. We have not taken a car trip with it yet, but I know we will not have a problem. I also wanted the AWD and of course the bigger engine. I have always heard great things about the outback and that it had all the safety features to make you feel good with having small children in it. The child seat anchors are a plus.

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  Solid and Fun - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By subie - October 7 - 10:00 am

  After 5 months of ownership the car already has 12500 miles. Love it. The car is quick to heat up on the cold mornings and faster to cool on the hot sunny days. I thought the MPG would be less than 27 highway, 21 city, but the 3.0 engine is definitely the way to go. Test drove everything from sedans to minivans and found the LL Bean to be the right choice for space, power, safety and fun. I know the reviews talk about the wind noise, but between the Passet, Camery, Sienna, Odessy, Saturn Vue and L series and BMW 3 series, I feel the Subura Outback LL Bean is the quietest on and off the road.

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  Great car - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Ootyboy - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This is an amazingly fun car to drive. It has ample power and just sticks to the road. My wife complains that I like driving the suby way more than my own Acura MDX (which is almost $18,000 more). Excellent build quality. Overall solid car

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  Very Solid Car - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Skinney - August 20 - 8:40 am

  This has been a great car for me, Ive put on almost 100,000 miles. Now have 122,000 and the car is still running strong. I havent had any issues except with the door/window moldings, which lead to the wind noise everyone talks about. Two were replaced by dealer, one for free after warranty ran out (thanks Subaru!), and one more that needs fixing. Transmission "pops" when it downshifs from 4th to 3rd but has not created any issues except annoyance. Mileage is not bad considering the weight of car and full time AWD. I average 18-20 for everyday driving and get from 24-26 on the highway (with the H6-3.0) and I dont drive lightly. Out performs many trucks/SUVs in 12"+ snow in the mountains.

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  Just a great car. 175k miles and going strong. - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By BrewCar - August 9 - 1:42 am

  Owned for 10 years, now at 175k miles. It loves the rain and snow... this AWD beast is simply unstoppable no matter the weather. In the winter, I put on Blizzak WS-70s, and it just sticks to the road (snow/slush/ice, bring it!). Driver position on wet freeways is like Goldilocks, just right, and youre above the tire spray. Im now spoiled with having seat heaters, fog lamps, and wiper defrost. Power has always been fine - I didnt buy it to be a muscle car. Only problems have been occasional oil leaks - valve cover, then oil pan seal. The brakes need changing about every 15 months, but it only takes about 20 minutes per axle and is dirt simple (yay disc brakes!!!). A bit of wind noise at freeway speeds, but some window seal restorer helps. Ive now handed her off to a college bound kid without worry; Im certain this ride has at least another 125k miles in her. My only real complaint was that I stayed with the stock speakers for the first 5 years - what a difference aftermarket makes!

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  Cant You Hear Me Knocking.. - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By USMercury - August 9 - 1:06 am

  First thing I noticed was the knocking of the engine, which they say is typical due to engine design. The knocking was unbearable, which they ultimately fixed. Knocking started to come back, but I just sold it, so it will be taken care of next by someone other than me. As with most reviews, lots of wind noise. The wind noise is to the point where you have to turn the radio up. I went from a 6 cyl to this 4 cyl to save on gas, but to tell you the truth, it got awful gas mileage. Came with a broken 6 CD changer. Minimal acceleration in this vehicle. Started making another noise, like a rattle or shaking sound. But, it’s gone, so fortunately not my problem now.

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  Another good Subaru - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Chuck - July 18 - 8:23 pm

  I am generally happy with this car. It gives me the cargo capacity that I need and is also useful as a passenger car. My car is a 4-cylinder and it seems a little weak on acceleration and going up hills. This can be particularly annoying when trying to merge onto the highway. Probably the 6-cylinder engine is best on this vehicle.

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  My first Subaru - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Bob R. - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Outback in December 2003 and have just topped 5,000 miles. Acceleration is so-so, probably hurt by the AWD. My keyfob, for whatever reasons, does not unlock my doors in certain parking lots, but this is rare. Learn how to manually disable alarm. On the positive side, car is fun to drive, engine is quiet, car turns and handles well, automatic shifts smoothly, ABS braking is good, no mechanical problems and cargo room is excellent. My gas mileage has been similar to EPA numbers.

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  Outback 03 - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By jball3100 - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Doesnt get the milege that was expeted. Said 25 gets 20 city.

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  Begin of an love affair - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Wolfgang - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I had a high expectations in this car, coming from a SUV having driven before a 325ix wagon which was just too small. I have considered teh A4 wagon, but the value of the Bean Outback was just not to beat. Car is within 5,000 miles the second time in for repair for some minor electronics problems. Love the 4x4 handling, the build quality and the versatility for everyday use. The car does not feel like 212 horses, more like 150 below 4,000rpm, Subaru has to work on that. Fuel economy does not reach factory promises and stays around 20-22mpg. Otherwise I would feel comfortable to recommend this car as everyday 4x4 around-town-zipper.