Used 2008 Subaru Outback

Subaru builds the 2008 Outback for active individuals who shudder at the thought of driving a fuel-thirsty SUV. Based on the popular Legacy sedan platform, 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 wagon trim only, the rugged Outback models range from simple (Basic Wagon), to sporty (2.5 XT Limited), to 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. Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive is standard, as is the ability to go just about anywhere four wheels can travel.

Ride comfort leads the 2008 Subaru Outback’s list of benefits. On rougher surfaces, though, the suspension tries its best to maintain a level attitude but some occupant-tossing may occur. Acceleration with the turbocharged engine is swift; nudge the pedal at a standstill and the XT Limited will move forward with enthusiasm, though response to pass or merge on the highway isn’t quite so assertive. Quiet-running, an Outback maneuvers well, but requires more steering effort than some drivers might find reasonable. Overall, the XT Limited isn’t quite as much fun as you might expect of a smaller, turbocharged car, but that’s easily outweighed by its sensible utility.

Like most aspects of the Outback, its dashboard and control layout convey a down-to-business personality. Subaru notes that the Outback’s seating position provides a more "commanding" view than ordinary wagons. Two-toned interiors are fitted with cloth upholstery on Basic, 2.5i and 2.5i L.L. Bean trims, while the 2.5 XT Limited and 3.0 R L.L. Bean Editions receive leather trim. Seats are inviting and supportive, visibility is excellent all-around and the Outback runs quietly. The sporty 2.5 XT Limited and 3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition uses an electroluminescent LED instrument display.

Subaru calls the Outback the "world’s first sport utility wagon," calling attention to its pronounced wedge-shaped profile. Its SUV-like attributes are subtle but noticeable. Aerodynamic ground-effects components blend with more pronounced wheel arches to give it a bolder stance. There’s a spoiler on the liftgate and, on the 2.5 XT Limited turbo model, a functional hood scoop feeds air to the engine’s intercooler.

All-Wheel Drive
This could be Subaru’s number-one selling point, since no other manufacturer makes such a system standard on all models.

Semi-Manual Shift Mode
Tapping a steering-wheel button in the 2.5 XT Limited lets you downshift briefly without going into full manual mode. This can be handy when road or traffic conditions change suddenly, and the transmission resumes normal operation as soon as the temporary situation ends.

The 2008 Subaru Outback Basic Wagon includes front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), cloth upholstery, power windows and locks, cruise control, remote keyless entry, 100-watt stereo with six speakers and CD/MP3 player, air conditioning and an alarm system. The 2.5 XT Limited has leather seating, power glass moonroof, six-disc CD changer, dual-zone automatic air conditioning and Vehicle Dynamic Control. The 3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition adds a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, an automatic transmission, wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel and L.L.Bean trim.

Practical-duty accessories include a bike carrier and ski attachment set. Buyers have three engine choices and three types of all-wheel drive from which to choose, but they are available according to model rather than as separately ordered options. Individual options include upgraded audio and navigation.

The Outback offers three engine options: A 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter six-cylinder. The normally-aspirated 2.5-liter boxer engine produces enough power to suit most non-enthusiast drivers. It also offers the best fuel economy. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine provides nearly the same horsepower as the 3.0-liter six-cylinder, but offers more torque at a lower rpm, perfect for performance driving. The 3.0-liter six-cylinder found on the luxury models is strong and smooth and is matched with Variable Torque Distribution, which is Subaru’s most sophisticated all-wheel-drive system.

2.5-liter Boxer-4
170 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
170 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 (manual), 20/26 (automatic)

2.5-liter Boxer-4 Turbocharged
243 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
241 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 (manual), 18/24 (automatic)

3.0-liter Boxer-6
245 horsepower @ 6600 rpm
215 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24