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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.
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?By chug1966 (Pa) on Friday, October 15, 2010
overall rating 10 of 10rating details
"We have had our outback now for 4 months and love it.Pretty much has everything but navigation but we have it on our phones.About a $2000 dollar option if you dont need it.You get home link,navi,and some other options for that price.Handles well,gets great gas mileage,and rides like a cadilac.I would have to say best feature is the ride unbelievable.Ride height just rite for getting in and out.Test drive one,you will be a believer.And dont forget the best awd system in the world."
38 people out of 38 found this review helpful
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By Anonymourati (MD) on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 22,000
overall rating 8 of 10rating detailsLikely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I've owned over 30 cars in my lifetime, including several Mercedes and Jaguars. This is my first Subaru, and it does not compare unfavorably to those, or other high-end vehicles I've driven over the years. Overall, I quite like the car. It is solid, smooth and surprisingly powerful with the six cylinder, though I also drove the four cylinder and did not find it wanting. The AWD andtraction and stability control systems give the driver a impression the car is very sure-footed even in slippery conditions. Mileage somewhat exceeds EPA estimates both in city and highway driving. It produces little interior noise even at speeds well in excess of the maximum posted limits, and achieves those speeds effortlessly. It is equally at home on rough roads, producing a rattle-free ride that's mercifully forgiving in the kidney trauma department. The Harmon-Kardon sound system is quite good, and the Bluetooth interface is easy to program and operate. The rear view camera is handier than I had expected, though all-around visibility is quite good without it. I've very few complaints, none of which would deter me from buying another Outback, but they are as follows: The length of the front seat cushion is a bit too short to provide adequate thigh support if you are quite tall, but I am 6"6" and that is not an infrequent problem for me. The fuel economy gauge is not useful, and occupies space better devoted to more critical gauges like oil pressure and coolant temperature, which are sadly absent. I think I know that when I put my foot on the accelerator fuel consumption increases, and I resent a car trying to re-educate me about my driving habits nearly as much as I resent the government trying to re-educate me about my living habits. The day/night mirror automatically returns to the on position every time you restart the vehicle. Some drivers, including me, find the dimming effect of such mirrors distort distance, and prefer to have them turned off. It is annoying to have to search for the switch every time you start the car. There should be an auto-sensing setting on the windshield wipers. This is a $32,000 car. One should not have to adjust wiper speed manually every time the rain gets lighter or heavier. Paddle shifters? Seriously? The Outback handles quite well for a fairly tall SUV, benefiting from the lower center of gravity afforded by its horizontally-opposed engine, but only a lunatic would think of banging it through the gears on autocross. Maybe paddle shifters are helpful to those living in Maine, or Wyoming in the winter, where manual gear selection helps achieve and maintain traction. Maybe those who live in the Rockies prefer to downshift rather than brake on steep hills. But I'll guess most drivers will not have much occasion to use this option."
24 people out of 24 found this review helpful
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By Randy (FL) on Wednesday, October 05, 2011
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Very spacious interior, highest reliability rating, great quality"
Cons: "lacks push-button start and blind-spot safety monitoring features"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"Outstanding AWD design, comfort, engineering, economy, and value in 2.5i Limited model auto, 4cyl 22-29 mpg. Metal timing belt never requires changing; antifreeze will last 100,000 miles. Towing capacity is 2,500 lbs w/4cyl engine. Hudge interior space is perfect for seniors and tall drivers. Model has electric parking brake and hill-hold features."
12 people out of 12 found this review helpful
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