2011 Subaru Outback Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.38/5 Average
155 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

A rearview camera is added to the options list for the 2011 Subaru Outback. The 3.6R Limited trim gets standard satellite radio.

Pros:
  • Spacious interior, excellent outward visibility, crossover-besting cargo space, comfortable ride, perfect crash scores, commendable off-road performance for a wagon, simple controls on lower trims.
Cons:
  • Lacks agility, numb-on-center steering, poor base stereo, fussy controls on upper trims.

User Reviews:

Showing 71 through 80 of 155.00
  • From 4Runner to Outback - 2011 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Replaced wifes 2000 Toyota 4Runner. New 4Runner is too big for her & too expensive for me. Outback is a big improvement over 4Runner: much more stable, much faster, gets better MPG, and has a great interior with all the gadgets (Limited). Granted, we didnt use full capabilities of truck- based 4Runners 4WD. We are really impressed with the Outback not like the 1987 wagon I had! Very quiet & stable at highway speed. 6 cyl is fast, getting ~20 mpg overall after 600 miles of mixed driving. No evidence of front end "shimmy" some 2010 Outback owners reported. Really impressed so far.

  • My OB - 2011 Subaru Outback
    By -

    I just purchased my OB last week and I was a former owner of a Honda CR-V. I started having problems with the CRV Air Condenser. Last year I had to have my air conditioner replaced to the tune of $700 plus, because there was a hole in the condenser they said. Less than 6 months later, my air conditioner went out again. I refused to get it fixed. I instead endured driving during those hot, hot summer days. All I could think about was trading it in for a more reliable car that didnt have a condenser exposed to the outside elements. Needless to say I did my research and decided on the Outback. I couldnt be happier.

  • Nicest Ride Suburu for $ - 2011 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Dont look anymore. Find a one owner .We have every option available. Just now writing review. 49,000. Perfect. Just follow owners manual. Very quick 2.5 I 6 speed with flippers. Sweet Harmon Carmen 9 speakers. Overall awsome and fun economic

  • Loving it - 2011 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Got one for my wife and she is extremely happy. We opted for the Limited with pretty much everything but NAV. I test drove both engines and went with the 3.6R without hesitation. I cant wait to try out this winter at our mountain house.

  • Nice Rig......BUT!!! Update - 2011 Subaru Outback
    By -

    I bought a 2011 Outback 3.6R with 24K miles on the tout of Consumer Reports, and the fact my nephew has been driving a used 2006 for years while going to college. The only negative feedback I found was from a friend who owned a Legacy. She loved the vehicle, however it developed the problem of everything stopping periodically for no apparent reason and Subaru could never resolve the problem. I should have leaned more to her experience for my choice! At about 42K miles, periodically, my Outback wouldnt shift out of 2nd gear when in auto mode requiring me to go to manual mode to shift out of 2nd. This problem progressively got worse to the point I took it to the dealer. That was nearly three months ago, April 19, 2016. Luckily, the problem repeated when the technician took it for a test!! Supposedly the transmission has been replaced THREE times, the last a brand new one after two factory rebuilds. Most or all control modules have also supposedly been replaced. Even the factory engineer was called out, and the problem even stumped him. The last I heard over a week ago, the main computer was to be cleared and reprogrammed. To date 7/17/16, I havent heard from the service manager, so I am assuming that didnt work either. I have to say the dealership has treated me well by providing a new Legacy loaner. The only other negative points are the moon roof is too noisy when open, with or without the deflector and it pulls to the right after installing new tires which I was told by dealer is a design by Subaru, even though it didnt do so prior to new tires and the Legacy Im driving doesnt pull either??? Otherwise, as a hiker, gold panner, and hunter, I think the Outback is a nice rig, but even if it is fixed, can I trust it??? Well, after nearly 7 months and $10K (on extended warranty so dealer ate it), the problem ended up being that Discount Tire installed 235/65R/17 on left side and 235/60R/17 on right side! This was supposedly found by one of the engineers asking if tire size had checked. When I bought the car, the rotors were required to be turned (something I forgot to mention on original review) which the dealer (Subaru of Las Vegas, NV) did at no cost to me. When I got the Outback back after shifting problem, it again had pulsations when applying the brakes. This time the dealer (Hohl Subaru in Carson City, NV) charged me $182.00 to inspect and troubleshoot, and of course the rotors needed to be replaced. I had Discount Tire replace all four tires (after them trying to change only one side & me having to make a scene) immediately on getting Outback returned. Then, after getting quote from brake shop to fix the front rotors, I took the Outback to the local Toyota dealer and traded it in on a Tacoma quad cab TRD Off Road. What a great rig! The Outbacks off roading capabilities are limited.

  • A great overall car - 2011 Subaru Outback
    By -

    I remember reading that the Subaru Outback is good at everything but great at nothing before I bought one a year ago. This is very accurate except in terms of reliability and mud handling. Being from northern California I do not experience snow but I can attest to its mud ability, which is excellent (be sure to turn traction control off). I have pulled Sea Doo boats and Yamaha Jet Skis with ease, surprising for a 4 cylinder, but it was competent as long as the load wasnt over 2500lbs. Ride and comfort could not be better (it beats my 2000 BMW 328i by a long shot). I could not wish for a better car, only thing are a few rattles and squeaks which I hate and its exterior looks suck.

  • Amazing family car - 2011 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Starting a new family, I had to give up my compact and this was the best choice for us. Great power, spacious interior (key for car seats), cargo room, AWD, and reasonable fuel economy. Primarily looked at a Murano which was more luxurious, but a bit smaller cargo-wise and you need to run it on premium so went with the Subaru. After about 3k miles Im glad we did. Its extremely comfortable on the roads and was a lifesaver in the recent snowstorms. It doesnt handle as well as the cars Im used to, but I didnt expect super crisp handling going into a larger vehicle. I wish some of the tech was more up to date, but its good enough for our needs and should serve us well.

  • Outfitted w/3rd party Hand Controls - 2011 Subaru Outback
    By -

    I bought the Subaru Outback LTD (no NAV) to replace my old SUV. Been driving truck based SUVs for 20 years. Had hand controls installed to assist with my MS related issues. So far as ADA vehicle it has been great. no issues with gas on the other side. Spent lots of time checking out vehicles on-line, through friends and finally did the sit test for MS - ingress/egress on several types of vehicles. The Subaru Outback was the easiest for in/out - even better than the Forester. Although I have long legs and am used to trucks - it has been a nice ride and wonderful to have better MPG. love the light interior as well.

  • Very refined over previous Outbacks! - 2011 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Purchased this Outback used. Its my 5th Subaru. I have been pleased with all of them. This car very refined compared to my 03. Very quiet. Lots of room. I am 6 ft 5. Out of habit I put the seat all the way back. This is one of two cars when doing so I cant touch the pedals! The other was a 60s Mercedes 250S. Reviewers state these Subarus dont handle as well as previous models. They are not race cars. Its turn well and has adequate road feel. Base radio is fine, though I miss the weather band. A review commented that the interior had to much plastic. It doesnt not look cheap to me. Fit and and finish are good. I think Subaru was on target with this redesign. Tight, well made, and will last a long time. The 03 was around 8 years. Longest I ever held on to a car. We are blessed with good dealer support in southern New York. Been dealing with the same dealer for over 20 years. My 03 was in an accident. Turn around time to my 2011 was done in a day! recommended

  • Best car for the money - 2011 Subaru Outback
    By -

    I got a lot more car for my money with this Subaru than if I had bought a Lexus for $10,000 more. I have had no problems (knock on wood) with this car. Service has been great.

Subaru Outback Reviews By Year:
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