Subaru Outback
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The Subaru Outback receives a fairly significant mid-cycle refresh for 2013. Chief among the changes are a modified body structure and suspension, which result in less body roll and reduced interior noise. Additional refinements include new audio systems, a restyled front end, and a new 4-cylinder engine that is both more powerful and fuel efficient.
The 2012 Subaru Outback offers a wide range of equipment among its six trim levels. The popular mid-level Premium wagon models add an improved 6-speaker audio system with Bluetooth phone and wireless audio streaming plus an iPod connection. The clever standard roof rack with foldaway crossbars is mildly revised.
For 2011, Subaru adds folding side mirrors to all Outback models and makes XM Satellite Radio part of the harman/kardon audio system. New features include a rear vision camera with 3.3-inch rearview mirror display (part of the Power Moonroof package) and mobile Wi-Fi device that turns the Outback into a rolling hotspot capable of accessing the internet up to 150-feet from the car.
Not only does the 2010 Outback sport a rugged new look, it offers a host of improvements. Among the most notable is a new continuously-variable transmission (CVT) on four-cylinder models, a new 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine, an additional four-inches of rear-seat legroom, a clever roof rack with pivoting cross rails and an available DVD navigation system allowing music streaming via Bluetooth connectivity.
The 2009 Subaru Outback drops the L.L. Bean trim, while a new Special Edition package is offered on the base car consisting of heated front seats, a power driver's seat, windshield wiper de-icer, heated side mirrors, fog lights, a limited slip rear differential and 17-inch alloy wheels. A new 440-watt harman/kardon stereo is standard on all models except the base 2.5i.
The 2008 Subaru Outback now consists of five trim levels, all in wagon form. Each receives a revised front and rear fascia, revised rear suspension, updated instrument panel and interior fabrics and a few new standard features.
Subaru builds the Outback for active individuals who shudder at the thought of driving a fuel-thirsty SUV. Based on the popular Legacy sedan and wagon, the Outback takes Subaru's four-wheel-drive philosophy one step further by increasing ground clearance, adding protective side cladding and offering a host of accessories designed to carry various types of equipment and cargo. Offered in four wagon and two sedan trims, and the smaller, Impreza-based Sport version, the rugged Outback models range from simple (2.5i), to sporty (2.5 XT Limited), to simply luxurious (3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition). Engine choices vary by model and include a powerful turbocharged four-cylinder and a refined six-cylinder. Of course, Subaru's legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive is standard, as is the ability to go just about anywhere four wheels can travel.
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why ads?Consumer Reviews
Everybody should drive one.
By Master Cylinder (WA) on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "Quality of construction, looks, handling, safety"
Cons: "Electronics complicated for 65+ duffers"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"This is our 3rd Subaru. #1 was a 1996 or 7 Legacy Outback Wagon, #2 was a 2001 Forester. We were hitting high mileage on the Forester and wanted some new wheels. We don't even bother looking at other manufacturers any more because, we have gotten spoiled by those first 2 and you get a lot of car for your dollar. We love the AWD. Subaru knows AWD like nobody else. We travel from Washington to the Rockey Mountain states often in summer and winter and it feels like its glued to the road no matter what kind of road you're on. The interior is a bit spartan, but comfortable, heated seats are great, we like the reclining rear seats and the gnerous cargo area. The steering is positive with a crisp, accurate response. Suspension isn't mushy, you have a good feel of the road. The CVT tranny feels weird, but you get used to it. You don't get those shif-up/down transitions so, at first, it seems to be sluggish, but really, it isn't. What Subaru does with 2.5 liters is amazing. I've driven dozens of rental cars over the years because of my job, from New Jersey to Washington State, and not one of them, IMHO, can come up to the overall comfort, quality, value and fun to drive factor, of the Subaru. And last, take a good look at the welding and panel fit. Subaru makes a darn good car. We feel the quality in it everywhere but in the wallet."
15 people out of 15 found this review helpful
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Great Car
By Fritz (Minneapolis, MN) on Saturday, February 06, 2010
overall rating 10 of 10rating details
Reviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
"A solid, well built car. The 3.6 is a strong, smooth engine. The navigation system is easy to use and the stereo sounds great. The car "sticks" to the road and handles the snow and cold with ease. Rear seat legroom is much improved over previous models. This is my 4th Subaru, and it easily my favorite. The car is a great value, especially when reliability and safety are considered."
10 people out of 10 found this review helpful
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I love it!
By ves (Norway) on Friday, January 21, 2011
overall rating 9 of 10rating details
Reviewer Ratings
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- Value
- Reliability
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"Well, the premium/limited version cost roughly 90-95.000$ here in Norway due to very high taxation.... But, I have one :) and the car perform outstanding in winterconditions. 5 of my 12 months ownership has been in winterconditoons. Never have I been afraid that the car would not handle 10 inch snow, pure ice hills or anything. In the summertime, I just cant wait until the winter comes again. There is no vibrations in the steering and no "wining" from the CVT. But the Harman Kardon stereo had to be restartet 2-3 times because it would not respond to input, and the winter front window with heating is as I can tell, not working. It drives smooth, but perhaps a little booring, it just glides.. very comfortably.. My wife loves the car, and she feel very safe in it :) I would have bought it again, and I will defently check out what subaru has to offer when I change car again in 2015 + -."
8 people out of 8 found this review helpful
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