Overview & Reviews

The 2012 Subaru Outback's Premium trim level gets a new standard sound system with an iPod interface and Bluetooth phone and audio streaming capability. A new nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system is now part of the Premium model's options list.

• Strong crash scores
• Spacious interior
• Simple controls on lower trims.
• Commendable off-road performance for a wagon
• Excellent visibility
• Comfortable and composed ride

• Lacks agility
• Poor base stereo
• Fussy controls on upper trims.

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 57.00

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  Major engine problems - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By Irv Hurd, jr - February 9 - 4:49 pm

  I have had major engine problems. Every time I took it back to the dealer because the engine light kept coming on they couldnt pinpoint the problems. Car broke down and I had to be towed off the NJ turnpike. All of the exhaust valves had to be replaced. Now one of the coils has to be replaced. All at my expense The engine light coming on has been an issue since I purchased the car.

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  165,000 and counting - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By AWD Boxer LUVR - August 20 - 9:05 am

  We have always had japanese cars in our family including Honda accords, Acura MDX, so Infinity g35 so we had high expectations of reliability with our Subaru and it has not disappointed us. We love the look of the Outback, it is a utilitarian vehicle with a bit of an attitude. The 4 cyl engine gets us about 24 mpg around town and up to 31 mpg on the highway. The CVT transmission can be a bit noisy during hard acceleration but it is quiet at cruising speed. The materials and build quality of the interior is excellent, my only complaint is that the sheet metal on the exterior seems thinner than I am used to. When waxing the car the body panels and hood flop and flex quite a bit more than I am used to so I actually have to be careful not to press too hard for fear of denting the panels in certain spots. I like to DIY the oil changes and basic maintenance on the car and I love the fact that Subaru has made things like oil,air,and cabin filter changes easy. We dont get a lot of snow where we live so I cant comment much on the AWD on the car. So after 165,000 miles the car still runs like new, only maintenance items so far have been regular oil and filter changes, a timing belt replacement, spark plugs, tires, and brakes, and a battery. I do plan to change the CVT transmission fluid very soon though. Update: I am now at 170,000 miles and I still love my Subie. I do a lot of outdoor activities including fishing and hiking and the Outback gives me plenty of room for all of my gear. I just took a 1200 mile trip with the family. 4 people 2 dogs and luggage stowed in a Yakima roof top box, the Outback got 26 mpg and is still running flawlessly at 170k miles.

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  Thought I loved my Murano but really love the Outback - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By uscrph - April 12 - 10:55 am

  I owned a 2009 Nissan Murano LE AWD with 20 inch wheels/navigation and all the upgrades. I had 60,000 miles but had issues with the electronic system from nearly the first year of ownership. It was the best driving SUV I have had and was supper loaded and nice --- the big problem was it was dependable with being able to crank it up due to dead batteries - suspect from all of the electronic gadgets placing drain on the car all of the time. Decided to go with the 2012 Subaru which was 6 months old and had 22,000 miles on it from one driver. The car was in almost new condition from front to back. Getting 24 mpg average for both city/highway traffic which is right in line with the specs.

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  Love my new Outback - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By jkk1943 - March 30 - 5:48 pm

  I love the versatility of my new outback. It is comfortable, quiet and great for long road trips. I am impressed with the fuel economy I consistently get 27-28 mpg in the city and 29-31 on the road. The seats are comfortable, visability is great and the layout of instrumentation is driver friendly. Have had a minor warranty problem with fault in emission control system. Dashboard lights went on and cruise control was on longer operational. Took it to a dealer and they found and fixed a cramped emission hose. Be sure to lock down gas cap after filling or you will get the same effect.

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  Nice Car, Poor Gas Mileage - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By suboutback12 - February 26 - 5:41 am

  I purchased my new Outback a few days ago. It drives nicely and has decent acceleration. I have noticed that the car has a shudder when shifting from park to drive or reverse to drive. I hope it goes away. I also have been getting about 18-19 mpg combined under normal driving conditions. I do not gun the pedal and do not have a lead foot. Why am I getting such poor gas mileage? I hope it improves, but so far it sucks.

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  wanderer - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By jpr6 - November 17 - 1:11 am

  we purchased this new 2012 outback with the consumer reports recommendation. i wander if any one checked this car instability at highway speeds. this car drifts over the roadway and is tiring to drive especially for an older person. it requires both hands on the wheel and constant attention ,especially if there is a windy condition, then it is really off the charts. to compound this problem is the confusing operation of the various controls to perform various operations while driving this drifter at highway speeds 50-65

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  AMAZING! - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By drorcutt - November 14 - 8:28 am

  I previously owned Toyota, and was very hesitant to go away from a brand I have loved so much. However...once I decided to test drive a Subaru, I was in love! I was looking for something practical, yet stylish, and found what I was looking for in the outback. My family loves the outdoors, camping, etc., and we often move large items. The outback provides enough space to haul loads when you need to, or take the family on a camping trip as well. We love this car and will tell all of our friends and family as well!

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  engine blew a little over 100000 - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By sarah mcafee - November 10 - 3:15 pm

  3 yrs old regular maintenance family car. Bought it because it was suppose to get high mileage. Dtiving down the interstate and every lihht on the dash came in. Pulled over there was anti freeze everywhere. Needs new motor and whi kniws what else. Diagnosed as a oil sending unit failure. Subaru did nothing to help I will have around 6000 in repairs. Never again

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  My 2012 Subaru Outback Review! - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By box4legacy - October 1 - 4:14 pm

  I have owned my 2012 Subaru Outback for approximately three months, and I am very impressed and satisfied with my Subie! I drive many miles each day from and to work, and I needed a comfortable car! I researched into many different automotive manufactures, and a lot of people recommended the Subaru Outback. To make a long story short, the Subaru Outback AWD, and CVT Transmission does wonders on long distance drives on the highway and city with rain, ice, snow, and heat all thrown at my Outback, with excellent results. Currently, I am averaging 31 mpg on the highway, using Shell 87 octane gas, and Mobil-1 5W30 Synthetic Motor Oil.

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  Troubled - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By stevenson5 - September 2 - 8:51 pm

  Something seems very off with the drivetrain -- CVT transmission or body. Steering vibration. Car wanders when on the highway. Otherwise a beautiful car.