2003 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews

bad choice

Written by: walter on 04/26/2008

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I think it was my fault buying this car, because my wife needed a wagon or something really fast because she needed it for commuting to work. Suvs were out of the question, but now we feel guilty because anything is better than this junk car. Forget about going on vacation because there is TOO MUCH WIND NOISE!!!! Its almost like having a separate stereo system, one for the radio, and one for the noisiness of the car. You won't get stopped because people love the way it looks because it is ugly, especially the '03 model. We are hoping to trade in the Subaru before it depreciates.

Favorite Features

safety, reliability, fuel efficiency, easy to drive, not alot to love about this car!

Suggested Improvements

less wind noise, better interior, bigger and louder horn, better dashboard mechanics.

Report inappropriate post

More horses, please

Written by: Jake on 04/17/2008

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

For such a heavy car, it is underpowered. However, for such a large vehicle, it drives wonderfully, handling like a sports car around turns with minimal understeer. At 76K miles, my head gaskets began to leak despite the fact that the car was always well cared for. Other than that, no mechanical problems. For 6'+, however, the car is cramped and overall interior design isn't as good as it could be. The stance is great for getting around in the snow or driving over small obstacles. For the price, the car has been great, but look into the H6 engine.

Favorite Features

AWD, heated seats

Suggested Improvements

Performance, legroom, longevity of essential parts

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

An honest car

Written by: walkman on 03/07/2008

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This is a totally honest car, anything essential is generously equipped in the base modal. Those not found, they are bells and whistles. The roof rail has 4 bars (most others just have 2 bars, you will know the difference when you carry a bag or mattress on top). My wife feels fully confident and safe in it. Very stable on all kinds of road, no matter in snow, sleet, icy or wet. We enjoyed engine's humming sound on the high way when passing big trucks with speed well over 70mph. Thoughtful console design,leaving ample space for all the odds and ends. Downside is battery leak in the 3rd year. In its 5th year there is some wind noise developing at driver side.

Favorite Features

Unblocked rear view with large side mirrors and rear window (I believe getting a clear back view is crucial to safety). Spacious trunk, easily hold 2 bicycles. Heated mirror, heated seat. Windshield wiper deicer. Nice wood-like interior trim. Even the base model's stereo is decent.

Suggested Improvements

No side/head airbag. Slow acceleration, especially when climbing slopes. Make the button for heating mirror auto reset to non-heat mode after engine stops. So is the fog light button. The button for real window heater works this way.

Report inappropriate post

My wife's "tank" which she loves

Written by: Firefighterjake on 11/06/2007

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

My wife is a nurse who has to drive 35 miles each way to and from work in all kinds of weather. Before she used a Nissan 4WD pick-up, which worked well, but it seemed a bit top heavy to her in the snow and was severely under-powered. She absolutely loves this Subaru as she says it powers through everything Mother Nature throws our way here in Maine. In fact she says it's a lot like driving a tank as it goes through anything with no issues. We've had no problems and honestly feel the 4-cylinders provide plenty of giddy-up and go for us.

Favorite Features

One word: reliability. OK, maybe three more words: All Wheel Drive. If you need to get from "here to there" and don't want to be left beside the road or finance your mechanic's boat payment this is a great car. Handles well. I also like the heated seats.

Suggested Improvements

It's not perfect. Road noise is notable but not obnoxiously loud. Interior and exterior design doesn't overly impress me.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Another good Subaru

Written by: Chuck on 09/19/2007

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I am generally happy with this car. It gives me the cargo capacity that I need and is also useful as a passenger car. My car is a 4-cylinder and it seems a little weak on acceleration and going up hills. This can be particularly annoying when trying to merge onto the highway. Probably the 6-cylinder engine is best on this vehicle.

Favorite Features

One thing that I liked about this car was that it came with so many standard features. I didn't feel the need to add accessories. Cruise control, a/c, moonroof (2 of them) were standard.

Suggested Improvements

The electrical system does not generate enough power to power a bunch of accessories at the same time. When I have the heater, headlights and defroster on, the wipers start to slow down if I am idling. This was a problem in 2 other Subarus I had too.

Report inappropriate post

Belongs in the junkyard!!!

Written by: eva on 07/31/2007

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

My wife was talked into this car when she bought it. We wanted a safe and affordable wagon, but that doesn't mean subaru is a great car either!!! The exterior is disgusting, and wind noise is terrible. I can barely hear people talking! It accelerates like a donkey. Don't buy this car.

Favorite Features

cheap price and safety

Suggested Improvements

quiet interior,better looks,and better acceleration

0 out 7 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Lives up its reputation

Written by: TP on 02/01/2007

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Very pleased with my Outback LL Bean H6 Wagon. Although it produces annoying wind noise (apparently a Subaru trait), and can use a five speed auto transmission to move it up hills easier, the H6 is very smooth and moves well on the highway. I find it enjoyable and fun to drive. It handles well, and I like the ride. The posi rear hinders the performance in snow as compared to non-posi Subarus, but you still feel secure. My brother's had 7 Subarus and talked me into buying this one. I'm glad he did. It was between this and the 4Motion VW Passat Wagon, but after talking to former and current VW owners, and reading that the VW's reliability reviews were horrific, it was an easy decision.

Favorite Features

Heated seats, smooth handling, silky ride, 6 CD changer, solid ride and feel.

Suggested Improvements

Lose the posi rear-end. Give the windows a frame to limit wind noise. Provide better quality leather seats, these are rather thin. Add a trip computer. Make it easier to remove and install the roof rack cross members. Add stereo controls to the steering wheel. Allow the rear seats to fold down flat

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Made for Minnesota

Written by: car lover on 01/21/2007

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have test driven this car many times and when I finally moved north I bought a certified used one. I don't drive off road, so I just love this car so much that I'm going to buy a new one, the Legacy Wagon which is set up a little more for street driving. I used to have a Mercedes C230 Sport, and this car drives just like that. Can't wait for the new one, but at 43,000 miles, heated seats, and all the comforts I need, I can wait happily for a fair price before making the change. Kind of a cargo hauling-sports car- family-suv and more all purpose comfort car without the SUV pickup truck mileage. I get 25- 29mpg. I'll miss it, but not much has changed with the new ones.

Favorite Features

Seats, AWD, roominess, handling,

Suggested Improvements

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

overall great vehicle

Written by: Light on 11/14/2006

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Subaru has proven again to be a terrific car in all the most important levels. Interior design is still in the works (this being our second Outback over the last six years). The driving safety and ease we rate the highest. This car has prevented accidents and is a great bad weather car. We take it off road and it is amazing. It is easy to maintain and has been totally reliable. We love the looks and feel of our Legacy Outback. We will remain loyal Subaru owners. The driver's and forward passenger windows are noisy(wind type noise), with was the case with our first Subaru also. They maybe able to be adjusted. Other than that, we are totally and utterly happy with this car

Favorite Features

SAFETY, HANDLING, and EASE of driving and maintenance. We love the heated seats as a comfort factor. Our car has nearly driven itself on some car trips of over 1,000 miles. We can't say enough about how much we love our Legacy Outback.

Suggested Improvements

The cup holders and their placement are a big improvement over our 2000 model. We would suggest the forward roll down window design be reviewed. Both our 2000 and 2003 models have developed window noises while driving. PLEASE someone address this issue this makes trips not nearly as peaceful.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Like my Outback

Written by: J. Coulter on 07/21/2006

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I have been really pleased with my Outback in general. The only problem I have had with driving it is going up moderate hills. A lot of my driving takes place in the lower Sierra foothills, usually less that 1200 ft, and the car seems reluctant to climb even small grades, at one point, even bucking a bit. The dealer told me I was lucky I had a 6 cylinder. and that Subarus didn't like hills. Structurally, it is made with a kind of depression in the lower part of each front door. A number of people have pointed out to me that I have been "hit." Looked that way to me too, before I realized that the car was that way on both sides.

Favorite Features

Like the dashboard and interior. Like its overall dependability.

Suggested Improvements

Rev up its' hill climbing ability, and get rid of the depressions in the door.

0 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post