2001 Subaru Outback L.L.Bean from North America - Comments

On the mountain road steering failed. It felt like if front tire blew out - car got into spin and got stuck in the dirt hill on the left side of the road. To my amusement all four tires were fine and there were only minor scratches on the bumper. As soon I get on the road again I notice my car does not have any steering at all- it was broken. I was lucky to stay alive. There are some major cliffs on that road.

Tire rod is very week.

I leased a Subaru Outback L.L. Bean for a short period of time and I loved it. I was surprised when you mentioned your problem with the tires because I always believed the tires were fine. I think your car in particular had a defect.

Hey buddy, it sounds like you hit some black ice, making it feel like your steering went out. your tie rod probably didn't break until you went into a spin and hit the ditch.

I can say that I know a Subaru "family." I have driven their older car many times. The feel and handling are terrific, so I can only assume that the problem was an isolated one. I recall driving up steep muddy roads to the top of Big Sur in the winter time during a heavy rain.

One time I was driving that car when a brand new Toyota Camry went speeding by me on the freeway, lost control trying to avoid a front-on collision, and pulled hard right -- right into the side of the car I was driving -- at freeway speed! It was nerve wracking, but that Subaru car stuck to the road like Velcro (TM)! The stability of the car probably saved our lives. If I hadn't been in the car I would never have guessed that with only a 4 cyl. engine it could climb like a mountain goat under such poor conditions and hold the road so well.

The comfort and handling of the car, and the way it hangs on to the road are what have sold me. I am looking into buying one now. By the way, that family bought another new Subaru just a couple of years ago. I have heard from many sources that the engines wear like iron, and that they are often the car of choice for people who live in poor weather conditions.

Often it is the case that people who own these cars just will not give them up for all of the reasons cited above. I have driven for decades -- at least dozens of vehicles ranging from VW bugs to 40-ton 18-wheelers, and I have to say that this humble little Subaru Outback has every one of them beat. No, I am not a Subaru salesman, and no, I am not getting paid to endorse the car. I am enthusiastic, but I've earned it!

SC in So CA.

Sounds like a driver problem. Even though when the steering does go it gets very heavy. The suspension on an outback is extremely rugged. If you can get used to the rough ride you will realize that the car handles extremely well for it's price range. It's the engine that usually causes all the problems. If you know how to drive a subaru you will never get stuck. Subaru's have extremely tricky emergency handling.(Practise in a Mall parking lot in the snow) They are not for rookie's. Next nearest vehicle is the Volvo V70. How much is that? MPG? No where near as good in the snow.