2003 Subaru Outback Limited review from North America
"Very good car, will continue to buy Subaru products"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Plastic cap on windshield fluid tank in the engine bay broke off.
Front window got scratched by defective buffers for the frame-less windows - the dealer replaced them and removed the scratches under warranty.
Sound system speakers are awful and need replacing for even the casual listener.
Accelerator pedal makes a creaking noise when pressed - dealer could not fix.
Internal plastics on B-pillar scratch easily.
Wind-noise from passengers side.
Very sluggish engine. The car is very underpowered.
Fuel economy is not that great.
An immobilizer and security system did not come standard on this car. I had to pay extra for a dealer-installed option.
Leather seats are somewhat slippery.
General comments?
All Wheel Drive system is perfect.
Engine is loud and rattles which is unexpected in a car of this size and price.
Handles very nicely in winter on snow and rain.
Two sunroofs are a nice feature.
Almost everything in the Limited version is standard, which means that you do not buy expensive accessories later on.
Subaru reliability and exclusivity and low price makes this a good car to own by families. This car is what a Volvo used to be 20 years ago.
Jacking system for spare tire is one of the best and easiest systems I have used in terms of vehicle stability.
Recommended reviews
| A car only for people who trade their vehicle in every other year or so. It doesn't hold up |
|
| I am terribly disappointed in this car, which was out of warranty and died suddenly and completely |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 2003 |
| Year of manufacture | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 4 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 28 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 40000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Honda Civic |
| Date of Entry | 9th April, 2005 |