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 51 through 60 of 135.00-
Begin of an love affair - 2003 Subaru Outback
By wolfgang - July 2 - 2:00 amI 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.
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" On Star " Analog To Digital - 2003 Subaru Outback
By 2003 Subaru Outback - May 25 - 4:26 amOther than the up-coming change in 2 1/2 years for the OnStar system, from analog to digital, the car has been all I have ever expected out of it and more. I have mine serviced every 2,500 miles, and if I find something wrong, I have it repaired while it is still nickel dime, before it reaches quarter half dollar condition.
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Nice car, be good to it and will probably be good to you. - 2003 Subaru Outback
By ramborob79 - May 10 - 9:35 pmWe have owned this car for about 5 years,bought the car with 60k and have put a little over 100k on it. The car has been quite an investment to buy and service but has never left us stranded.Head gaskets were replaced shortly after purchase under warranty and have been fine since. I was told subarus can be considered a specialty vehicle and I agree as they are built different than a lot of cars. Still starts right up,shifts smoothly,rides nice. If you are hard on your vehicle and used to putting very little money into it in the meantime, probably not for you.
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The worst mistake of my life - 2003 Subaru Outback
By Elizabeth - December 27 - 5:23 pmSecond Subaru - both lemons. After 83,000 miles on the car (legacy Outback) and regular maintenance (no problems to date) the car needs over $4k worth of repairs. van Bortel, Victor NY - worst dealer ever - offered me $800 trade in. Thats right, $800, even though Edmunds lists rough condition as worth about $4k in trade in. Yes, I bought the car there. van Bortel really knows how to treat their customers. I will never buy a Subaru again. Shame as I really wanted to like them.
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Big Dissapointment - 2003 Subaru Outback
By pjgelao - December 13 - 2:38 pmI purchased this car new and have had nothing but COST. At 36,000 it had a leaking head and it was pulled out and fixed, then it was the timing belt at 50,00 miles. Something wrong with it all the time. At 77,000 BOTH heads was leaking again & pulled resurfaced. Heater not working & fixed. When contacting SUBRAU they wanted all servicing recordss. I got the packet together of services & plus ALL fixes.. We waited A MONTH- called many times. My hubby called them and They wouldnt do a thing for me !!! One statement why was I didnt have the car serviced all the time from a Subrau dealer - we were very upset and never a SUBRAU again!
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My 3rd Subaru, with more to come! - 2003 Subaru Outback
By urabus - November 14 - 10:00 amIm more into function, than form. This car is the best Ive owned. AWD is great ALL the time, not just in snow. Safety rating is comparable to Volvo, for thousands less. My wife drives our 96 O/B with 130k...still as good as it was when we bought it 6 years ago. I cant imagine driving anything else.
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Great Car - 2003 Subaru Outback
By colorado_subie - October 2 - 10:00 amI traded up to the 03 LL Bean after owning a Toyota 4Runner for 8 years. It goes everywhere my old car went except very rough roads. You get a lot of car for the $ and the cost of ownership is WAY less than a clunky SUV - insurance and gas both cost a lot less! Very well designed car inside and out.
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Dashboard readout-washout - 2003 Subaru Outback
By HSP - October 2 - 10:00 amFine long distance traveling car. Complaint #1. LCD information (mileage, trip odometer time, temp. and radio station) completely washed out on sunny days. Impossible to read. #2 what is the button located on top of stering wheel for lights supposed be used for? How does it differ from light stalk control? #3 Need louder turn signal indicator. #4 emergency brake light should be easier to see. In general, a fine riding car with minor quirks.
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Reliabiity, Quality, Value, and AWD - 2003 Subaru Outback
By smallblock - September 20 - 2:00 amWe purchased this car because of its value. We knew it would be used in the snow and rain in the winter months and we were looking for a car that was AWD or 4 wheel drive, but it also had to be reliable. However, we didnt need or want a full SUV with a high price tag, insurance, and gasoline bills. We also wanted the ride of a car and not a truck. Moreover, our garage is built for three cars, not one car and an SUV. The Subaru just seemed to fit all of our needs from the weekly trips to COSTCO, to the weekends in Lake Tahoe we are extremely pleased with the Subaru and plan to keep it at least another 15 years.
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A Lesson Learned The Hard Way - 2003 Subaru Outback
By machineryman - September 12 - 6:32 pmI bought my Outback two years ago with 115,000 miles on it. In over 200 cars that Ive owned Ive never owned an Outback, but everyone that I talked to that had one loved it. This car ranks as one of the 3 worst cars that Ive owned. Its the only car that Ive owned that would break just sitting in the driveway. Its been a real money pit. With the chronic head gasket problems Im surprised that anyone buys these. I sure wish that I had researched it before I bought. This was definately an expensive lesson learned the hard way.