2002 Subaru Outback

Summary:

Cheap, weak and not made to last the long haul

Faults:

Gear box failed before 50k costing me plenty.

Subaru dealer told me he sells lots of boxes and that I should have bought an auto trans.

Head gaskets are now an issue, and have been told I must do this job soon.

General Comments:

My subbie was fine until the gear box, now seems to be falling apart. Dealer repairs and parts are out of this world, I've never seen such big bills.

My VW is still going strong with NO major repairs with over 200.000 miles! Think I'll go VW again.

Done with trash like this.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th July, 2006

2002 Subaru Outback H6 3.0 litre boxer 6

Summary:

A real alternative to Ford or Holden

Faults:

The following items were replace/repaired under warranty:

1.Timing chain needed to be replace, made a grinding noise on start up.

2.Transmission had a recall (minor item)

General Comments:

This was the safest car that I could afford to buy that suited our requirements ie. wagon, 6 cylinder, auto, air, and power steering & windows.

I was unsure of how it would be, but a 500km trip on second rate roads and I felt like going another 1000 when I got out. Leather seats are very comfortable. Doesn't really come on song until you hit 4500 rpm, and then it takes of like a rocket.

Terrific in the wet and the ABS saved me T-boning a car who went through a red light 2 days after I got it.

Not the same urge from the lights as some of the other Aussie 6's, but just as quick otherwise. Having driven the 2.5 and 3.0 back to back, I would rather the 3.0 anytime.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th July, 2004

9th Oct 2004, 06:56

An excellent review. It gives detailed information and tells me how this owner feels about his car!

It helped me make an engine decision.

20th Apr 2006, 21:47

Totally agree with these comments. I also own one. So far I have replaced only tyres, a battery and a fan belt - 90,000kms. It has had two recalls early in the piece. I agree with the acceleration, it is not as punchy as commodores, but if you put you foot down, then look out. Comfortable too for long drives.

18th May 2008, 05:55

Use a Ford at work, hate it, just recently changed for a Mitsubishi wagon, better, but when the weekend comes around, just can't wait to get into my H6 Outback. Second Outback iv'e owned, the first one being an L series. Have had great enjoyment out of all of them. The AWD such a pleasure to have, especially in the heavy rain, in the Mitsubishi I back right off, feels like its going to slide, same with a Commodore wagon I had for a few months. The Subaru I find the leather seats very comfortable even in long drives, would like a tad more leg room in the rear for any passengers. the sound system, 6 speakers, excellent, the motor now at 100000klm have seen minor side cover oil leaks, just did my own oil and filter change and cleaned it all up, see what happens, original Yokohama tyres were great on the road, but being softer, wore a bit, replaced them with Goodyear Eagle NTC5 tyres, and they are just fine. My girlfriend, owns an Outback to, and she tried these tyres first and she to is happy with them.

Both the Outbacks iv'e owend have never given any major trouble, build quality is superb, handling excellent. My girlfriends Outback is a manual, and she has had clutch issues, replaced under warranty (eventually) and it otherwise has performed very well to. Subaru dealer was a little 'difficult' when it came to sorting the clutch issue.

On my experience, yes I would buy another one again... I so notice the diffrence between driving my works car and my own car.. wish I drove the Subaru for work as well...

TM TM.