Overview & Reviews

Subaru commemorates 35 years of selling cars in the U.S. by offering a 35th anniversary special edition of the Outback H6-3.0 wagon, though this amounts to little more than a new alloy wheel design and a fender-mounted badge. Red Burl interior trim is new for the Outback this year, and six-cylinder models get restyled 16-inch wheels. L.L. Bean and Limited models get a new brown leather covering on the shifter handle, brake handle and steering wheel.

• Standard all-wheel drive, comfortable ride on pavement, capable performance 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 power, upscale models are expensive.

User Reviews:

Showing 81 through 90 of 91.00

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  Rock solid but a little boring - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By 3rdSubaru - May 13 - 6:36 pm

  This is the third Subaru Ive owned. In 57,000 mi, Ive yet to have a single problem. I have separate wheels for snow tires, and I put some sticky summer tires on the stock rims for summer driving. With snow tires, this car is unstoppable in the snow! I also have a full size 4x4 pickup truck, and this car easily out- performs it even in deep snow. Youd have to be a real idiot to get this car stuck. On dry (or wet) pavement, it handles nicely, but I wish theyd offer a more powerful engine. The 6-cylinder is OK, and I get a consistent 27mpg -- no complaints since I drive it pretty hard. My next car will probably be a BMW 335xi or an Audi S5, but the Subaru has served me well.

• 

  Excellent - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By emd - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Have driven this car for one month Very comfortable heated adjustable leather seats some wind noise good visibiity great controls great sound system feels very safe a little slow in accelerating

• 

  Noisy low mileage sub - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By leon - November 23 - 7:03 pm

  This sub is fun to drive and responsive, but it gives very low mileage as compared to our sienna awd which gives 23+ mi/hwy; the side mirror makes swooshing sound and suspension --the thug sound. I only have 40,000 miles to date.

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  Best Wagon on the market - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Laserhahn - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Car is fun to drive. Standard 4- cylinder engine has plenty of power, esp. at highway speeds. As for off- road performance, when was the last time you saw any new 4-wheel drive SUV taken off road, or an SUV in a rally race? If you want to go off-road, buy a Willies. I dont think you can beat this car for $23,000.

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  First and last Subaru for me - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By MarcusCaudill - October 3 - 9:46 pm

  I bought this car because of the reputation for reliability. Wrong. Alternator failed at 60k miles. Multiple battery replacements. Brakes way too soon. Engine bearing failure at 90k miles. This car was driven on the highway, and was maintained better than required by Subaru. Be wise and drive something else.

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  A great value - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By peterofski - June 23 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Outback. I owned one in the 90s and didnt like it. The fuel tank was too small and the car seemed excessively noisy. Needless to say, I was impressed by the improvements in the 04 models. I have the L.L.Bean edition. The ride is impressive for a car in this price range. The fit and finish are high quality. It perfoms well in the snow and slush of New England. The sound system is first rate. I enjoy driving this car. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

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  so far so good..better than i expected - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By TSC333 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car becuase a move to the north, needed all-wheel drive, decided on this because it seemed a good value, excellent AWD performance and edmunds rated it as reliable. It has been very good for intial quality (3000 miles). It is as quite as our BMW 528 on the highway. Seems a little cramped in the backseat with adults, do not get the performance out of the 6 cylinder as expected. Overall very pleased.

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  great car but problems since day 1 - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Michael Armani - May 10 - 1:00 am

  Really like the car, great all around vehicle. towing jet ski, hauling stuff, going thru snow, it does it all. However, idle problem with manual transmission model. Car out of service 6 days in first 2 weeks of ownership ! one fuel inj replaced. Idle and hesitation continued to be a problem. Very disappointed in both the dealer and Subarus willingness to sort.

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  The balance I need for my family - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By jszilvagyi - March 30 - 6:23 am

  This car has offered the perfect balance of performance, comfort, fuel economy and reliability for my family. I have experienced cars that are better in one or two categories but this has been perfect for loading up my family for week long road trips as well as my daily commute.

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  AWD is necessary - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By sidekick - March 13 - 10:00 am

  There is always something to improve on the car and I am never satisfied with what carmakers have to offer. But being an experienced driver, the one thing is most important - AWD. So, the choice is instantly limited. And Outback is a really multipurpose AWD - 3.0 engine gives enough acceleration power, but you can still use it on bumpy streets and even off road.