Overview & Reviews

The 2009 Subaru Outback is no longer available in L.L. Bean trim, but stability control is now standard across the lineup. Additionally, the 2.5i Special Edition makes its debut, and all models except for the base 2.5i receive an upgraded nine-speaker sound system.

• Secure handling, excellent safety ratings, standard all-wheel drive, zesty acceleration in 2.5 XT and 3.0 R trims, distinctive styling inside and out.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 81.00

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  Wish they still made this more car-like wagon - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Subie Driver - October 9 - 11:09 am

  Bought the car used with around 60K; its now at 114K. Drove the newer generation, but found it rode too truck-like, and was kind of noisy, with an unrefined drivetrain. It was also hard to see out of and had particularly uncomfortable front seats. This generation is more car-like and the better for it (havent driven the latest gen, though). Its an incredibly versatile vehicle - it drives like a sedan (and is fairly luxurious with the heated leather seats and wood trim), but has more cargo room than a similarly sized/equipped SUV. The downside is the drivetrain, which, though not as noticeably as the same-level one in the next generation, still lacks refinement, being a bit noisy and having some vibration. At certain speeds the transmission pauses before engaging, clunking when it finally does. Also the dual climate control doesnt work well, leaving both front seat occupants unhappy. But overall the car is comfortable and efficient both in town or on the highway and is like a Swiss pocket knife in terms of usability, perfect for hauling everything from furniture to dogs to groceries, while still being easy to park and decent on gas, and it has been completely reliable. Build quality is excellent, too, with interior and exterior materials holding up fantastically, even though the cars not garaged. If youre far from a major city, you may have a hard time finding people who understand this relatively rare car and how to work on and properly outfit it with brakes, tires, etc., and service things like the differentials, so keep that in mind. UPDATE: Well, once the Outback reached around 125K, we encountered a major problem that despite all of our research prior to buying the car we somehow never heard about: head gasket problems. Apparently some head gaskets for this model are prone to fail, and ours did - on a road trip, no less. The car was failing, with major oil seepage both into and out of the motor, and we couldnt schedule an indie shop for a repair in time, so we had to have it repaired at the dealership (ouch). While weve been assured that now it’s good for 100K miles or more (a better head gasket was installed), the car, after all weve put into it at this point, basically has no resale value for us - we could only hope to recoup what all weve spent on it. So keep this in mind if youre considering one of this model year. So that’s about $25,000 total for a car thats lasted 70K miles, should we decided to sell it. Not such a good deal after all.

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  Nice but needs improvements - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By ebomb - May 29 - 8:26 pm

  So far I would say that this car is good but not great. The boxer engine lacks torque. Going up hills requires lots of down shifting. My other cars have way more power and they have similar or smaller engines. The AWD is excellent and is the main reason I bought it. The OEM tires are not that good. They lasted about 18,000 miles before needing replacement. The gas mileage is not good. I get around 23 mph and for an engine that lacks power it adds injury to insult. The build quality is very good. No problems so far and seems tight. I like the way it handles. Very responsive and the steering feels tight. I think many of my issues have been addressed by the 2010 model.

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  High number of Repairs - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By jdillon2 - March 19 - 3:14 pm

  We have owned 4 different Subarus. We bought the 2009 Outback new. It has had three major repairs since purchase. The most recent was a rebuild of the transfer case which cost $2200. We never had these types of major repairs before. I expect better from Subaru being an owner since 1991. They just arent as good as in the past.

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  Starter motor broken at 40K - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By rosenbom - June 7 - 5:28 pm

  I am from the country that produces worst cars possible and I had 3 cars there but neither of those got its starter motor broken at 40K as my NEW Subaru Outback 2009 I bought less than 3 years ago here in US. I LOVED my Outback but this problem ruined everything. Guys at Subaru Service informed me that starter motor almost dead and I have to wait about 3 weeks for new one! This is my worst auto experience. I wasnt imagine things like that here in US.

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  Not for me - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By The Chad - December 20 - 2:40 pm

  I bought the Outback after my 99 4Runner with only 92,000 miles through a rod. This was not my first choice of car, but made sense economically at the time and now I regret buying it. The ride is very rough, especially for a car chassis. The engine is very underpowered, especially when loaded for road trips and the mileage is crap. I get 22-23 commuting and on road trips with bikes on top, I get 18. The vehicle is also very small for road trips, etc. for a camping/biking road trip, you can only take one other person and gear. I will be taking a look at a new 4Runner or Tacoma since I can get the same gas mileage and have a lot more power and room.

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  Well, that was a huge waste of money! - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By deminimis - April 24 - 1:42 pm

  Only 54,000 miles and the engine hatched. Not only is the car under the factory warranty, but also an extended warranty. Subaru is fighting us tooth and nail. Will have to sue Subaru to get the car fixed under warranty. Will stick with Toyota next time.