1999 Subaru Outback review from North America

Head lamp replaced 3x on one side.

Radiator blockage pushed up engine temp at about 115k miles.

The outback is a fine car. I drive about 30,000 miles a year and have had essentially NO problems. I live down a steep gravel road in upstate NY and have no trouble getting out through 6-8” of snow. It is a wonderful winter car.

Gas mileage is good: about 26 highway mpg in the summer; slightly less with snow tires. I have had no maintenance expenses except for regular oil changes.

One head lamp has failed three times, but it is easy to replace. Odd, though, that it has always been on one side, and never on the other. Now, at 115,000 miles, the engine temperature is running high and my mechanic suspects a partial blockage in the radiator—says he sees this sometimes in Subarus… I don’t like the idea of replacing it.

Cons: the major one is that the seats could be more comfortable; otherwise, headrests partially block view, but I’m used to them; the intermittent wiper has only one setting—on my previous car I could vary its timing.

Pros: mainly, a VERY reliable car with no maintenance problems and great in the winter. Other things I like: sound system is good; dashboard controls accessible and easy to manage; roll-up screen nicely hides cargo space.