2002 Subaru Outback Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　Subaru has expanded the availability of its new 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine to the Outback sedan. The result is two additional sedan trim levels: 3.0-H6 and 3.0-H6 VDC. Minor upgrades to all trim levels this year include a dome light off-delay, an ignition switch illumination ring and wood grain-patterned door switch trim. Cars with the Vehicle Dynamics Control system now have a button to turn the system off, and sedans receive an internal trunk release. The automatic climate control system is upgraded with an air filtration system.

　　

zzdcar says

　　A versatile alternative to mainstream wagons and SUVs.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$175/mo  for Outback Base

　　Outback Base

　　AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M) - $22,895 MSRPAWD 4dr Wagon w/Weather Pkg (2.5L 4cyl 5M) - $23,395 MSRPAWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A) (Most Popular) - $23,695 MSRPAWD 4dr Wagon w/Weather Pkg (2.5L 4cyl 4A) - $24,195 MSRPLimited AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A) - $25,995 MSRPLimited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M) - $26,295 MSRPLimited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A) - $27,095 MSRPH6-3.0 AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A) - $27,995 MSRPL.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A) - $29,495 MSRPVDC AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A) - $30,395 MSRPVDC AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A) - $31,895 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　

Vehicle overview

　　What recipe does an automotive manufacturer use to boost sales? Ask any Subaru executive, and she'll tell you to take one part popular Australian movie star and one part advanced all-wheel-drive system. Stir in an undercurrent of SUV backlash with a dash of resurgence in the station wagon market, and behold: the perfect environment for the Subaru Outback. Available in either wagon or sedan form, the Legacy-based Outback is Subaru's answer to the question: Why would anyone want to drive an ill-handling, gas-guzzling, difficult-to-park SUV? With standard all-wheel drive, aggressive styling, a heavy-duty raised suspension and a base price in the low 20s, the Outback offers on-road practicality with off-road capability at a bargain price. While no match for the likes of Jeep's Grand Cherokee or Toyota's Land Cruiser in terms of hill climbing, the Outback can hold its own in light off-road situations without losing an oil pan or cracking a differential.

　　Subaru has expanded the Outback's model lineup this year. There are now five different trim levels: base, Limited, H6-3.0, H6-3.0 L.L.Bean Edition and H6-3.0 VDC. Powering the base and Limited models is a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine producing 165 horsepower. Power is adequate with this engine, but those planning on frequent hauling of people and cargo will likely want the more powerful 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. Like the four-cylinder, it's horizontally opposed, and it brews up 212 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission offered with the larger engine is a four-speed automatic transmission.

　　The H6-3.0 cars have even higher levels of standard equipment. Highlights include special 16-inch alloy wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, a mahogany wood and leather steering wheel, automatic climate control with an air filtration system, an eight-way power driver seat and a rearseat center armrest. The L.L.Bean Edition, so named because of a marketing partnership with the active-lifestyle clothing maker, comes standard with special two-tone leather seating and a security system. The H6-3.0 VDC comes with Subaru's stability control system, called Vehicle Dynamics Control, as well as leather seating and an impressive McIntosh 11-speaker audio system.

　　Thanks to the AWD system, the Subaru is sure-footed on both dry and wet roads. The H6-3.0 VDC, with its stability control system, is even more so. A tight, responsive steering rack, along with a decent-riding suspension, allow Outback owners to overtake SUV owners quickly when the road gets twisty. In wagon form, the Outback can hold about as much cargo as an SUV; with the rear seats folded down, 68.6 cubic feet of cargo can be stored.

　　In 1999, people complained that the Outback didn't have enough power. So in 2000, Subaru answered with the bigger H6 engine. Problem was, it only came in the pricey L.L.Bean and VDC models. With the introduction of the cheaper H6-3.0 sedan for 2001, it would seem Subaru continues to listen.

　　

2002 Outback Highlights

Type: SedanWagonWagon

　　Trim: BaseLimitedL.L. Bean EditionVDCBase

　　

Base MSRP	$22,895
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$175/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	34.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles