3 Star Reviews for 2003 Subaru Outback

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.34/5 Average
135 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • The security of all-wheel drive, comfortable on pavement, capable on dirt, well-appointed interior.
Cons:
  • 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 1 through 10 of 135.00
  • bad choice - 2003 Subaru Outback
    By -

    I think it was my fault buying this car, because my wife needed a wagon or something really fast because she needed it for commuting to work. Suvs were out of the question, but now we feel guilty because anything is better than this junk car. Forget about going on vacation because there is TOO MUCH WIND NOISE!!!! Its almost like having a separate stereo system, one for the radio, and one for the noisiness of the car. You wont get stopped because people love the way it looks because it is ugly, especially the 03 model. We are hoping to trade in the Subaru before it depreciates.

  • satisfied customer - 2003 Subaru Outback
    By -

    this car is very comfy but the road noise is a bit to loud. this car is very reliable. the service at carr subaru is superb because they remember your name, face and what car you have. bad exterior design and interior because the seats wear out too fast. this car is to slow, should be able to hit 130 on an open road like a maxima

  • Would not by another Subaru - 2003 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Negatives:The head gasket went at 73,000, just past the warranty. I went online and there were 450 complaints on one website about the head gaskets on Subarus, yet never a factory recall. At 75,000, a fuel injector had to be replaced. Mileage on car is lousy -- as low as 19 mpg in town. Car leans a lot on turns and dealers said that is characteristic of the car. Turning radius is poor and is therefore dangerous when making a u-turn.

  • The worst mistake of my life - 2003 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Second 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.

  • Big Dissapointment - 2003 Subaru Outback
    By -

    I 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!

  • Wow, where do I start? - 2003 Subaru Outback
    By -

    I have a 2003 H6 V3.0 with just 119,000 miles on it. It is hard to put this car and "reliable" together in the same sentence, not to mention that dealers in my area do not stock many parts for it. Averaging around $450+ per simple repair, after shopping around some. I would buy any other Subaru, but any reader who finds this a good car value is welcome to make me an offer. One-owner Arizona vehicle, driven by senior person. Maintained to point of exhaustion.

  • More horses, please - 2003 Subaru Outback
    By -

    For such a heavy car, it is underpowered. However, for such a large vehicle, it drives wonderfully, handling like a sports car around turns with minimal understeer. At 76K miles, my head gaskets began to leak despite the fact that the car was always well cared for. Other than that, no mechanical problems. For 6+, however, the car is cramped and overall interior design isnt as good as it could be. The stance is great for getting around in the snow or driving over small obstacles. For the price, the car has been great, but look into the H6 engine.

  • So so.... - 2003 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Bought this used, with 9500 miles... the dealer failed to ensure proper alignment.. back in it went... biggest disappointment, the mileage, averaging about 20mpg, on PREMIUM gas... I was not forewarned that this 2.5l 4 would knock like crazy without higher octane gas... otherwise I would NOT have purchased... also had major piston repair, thank god for the extended warranty, almost 1800 bucks of damage... note that the car has been meticulously cared for...

  • Subaru Stalls - 2003 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Almost from the day I took my Subaru home I have had problems. The car has poor and erratic idle, loses power while driving and stalls. Subaru (several dealerships) has attempted repairs, replacing MANY parts, over the three years I have had this car. Each time the problems resurface. Low idle, power loss, stalling at stops. I am past my 36,000 warranty and Subaru has committed to honor the warranty for existing problems, but that is little consolation as I have to continue living with a $32,000 car that I do not trust. On more than one occasion I was almost stranded on long trips with wife and baby.

  • A word of warning... - 2003 Subaru Outback
    By -

    I LOVED this car when I first got it. I live in Montana, so the AWD and heated seats were perfect. However, I quickly realized this car is was a lemon. I poured thousands into this car before I finally traded it in for a Civic, only to find out the dealership forked out $3000 to fix the head gasket, water pump, timing belt (that was only a year old), air conditioner, and front brakes that I replaced a year before as well. A local Subaru mechanic said that there is a factory defect in these and he rebuilds about three a week. If you insist on buying this car, make sure you have a Subaru specialist go over the engine with a fine-tooth comb.

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