2001 Subaru Outback Wagon review from North America
"Good value"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Engine ticks when it is cold. This is due to a design defect of the pistons. This seems to be very common in the 2001 engines and is known as piston slap. Contacted the dealer and they replaced the timing belt tensioner - just as another person on the web said they would do. However, the noise is still there. This winter I will have them listen for the noise again and demand them to replace the small engine block with better engineered pistons. Since it is still under warranty I will insist they do this this year.
General comments?
This car rides great. Smooths out even the most nasty bumps. Acceleration could be better especially when compared to the 2005 Legacy GT wagons or the H6. However, once you get up to 100km\h it has good mid-range power.
The cruise control works fabulously on this vehicle. Had the car loaded with two bikes on the roof rack and the inside with camping gear. Drove from Toronto to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and was very impressed with the cruise control.
The tires that come with the vehicle are not very good in the winter.
Recommended reviews
| Fun, but serious water leak issues!!! |
|
| 2000 - Outback limited 4 cylinder. Comfortable car with good control |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 2001 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 litre Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 37000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Honda Civic |
| Date of Entry | 5th July, 2004 |