2008 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews Page 3

Happy Outback owner

Written by: happy Outback owner on 05/19/2008

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I've had my Outback 2.5i 5-speed manual for about 6000 miles, and I'm very happy with it. It gets good gas mileage, is fun to drive, handles well, deals with lousy weather very well, has plenty of room, and looks great. My mileage has averaged 25.4 mpg overall since I bought it, with a low of 22.2 mpg and a high of 30.3 mpg. That's good for an AWD vehicle. With the 5-speed manual it feels lively and energetic, and the manual transmission shifts very easily. It's a great all-around vehicle that can handle pretty much anything thrown at it and do it very well. It's a practical car that's enjoyable to drive.

Favorite Features

I like the large cargo area, the handling is great, the fuel economy is good, and the car is put together very well with high-quality materials. With good tires, it is a great foul-weather vehicle. I love having a manual transmission...makes driving it a lot of fun!

Suggested Improvements

The back seat is a little tight on legroom for tall people. The OEM Bridgestone RE92A tires are not good in snow. There's no stability control available unless you step up to the limited or LLBean models with an auto transmission.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Best Wagon for $30K

Written by: VDC_Scooby on 05/06/2008

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Outback 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD w/VDC (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

The Outback handles great in every day driving around town or on the highway. Steering is light and responsive. The Outback's 3.0R engine delivers plenty of refined power with a hint of growl. The transmission delivers that power unobtrusively. I normally leave SI drive in Intelligent mode but when necessary "sport sharp" mode (S#) provides that extra punch. The Outback's raised ride height means more suspension travel (take that speed bumps!) and it has a smooth ride over rough surfaces. I think the Outback looks the part of a luxury wagon. The interior is upscale and comparable to my 2004 Passat. The materials feel substantial and fit and finish are excellent. Braking is very sure.

Favorite Features

Subaru's legendary AWD is clearly my favorite feature even if it seems to get little use in everyday driving. The electroluminescent gauges are another favorite. The full sweep of the gauges on startup always brings a smile to my face. The multifunction display contains copious information.

Suggested Improvements

(1) driver's window controls should include both the auto down AND up functions; (2) doors should have an auto-locking feature; (3) better sound system with comprehensive satellite radio controls; (4) bring back the weatherband radio; (5) deep tinted sunroof glass; and, (6) a full size spare tire.

11 out 12 people found this review helpful

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Growing family needs AWD

Written by: newdad101 on 05/03/2008

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited 4dr Wagon AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

It was tough to trade in my boy car (WRX) for a wagon, but that's what kids will do to a guy. But with the XT, one does not have to sacrifice some fun! Not quite as much fun as an audi s4 wagon or bmw 335xi wagon, but a good 'total' package.

Favorite Features

Safety ratings, AWD, better clearance than most SUVs, decent handling and power. XT has very good interior trim and finish and Subaru reliability is well known.

Suggested Improvements

Cannot stand wing mirror control or location. Dual zone climate control stinks compared to Audi A4 (only other wagon I compared before buying). Subaru still can't get remote key system right, poor ergonomics. Premium stereo is standard quality on most econo vehicles. Cornering performance is slushy.

5 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Glad I bought it!!

Written by: Outback on 04/28/2008

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Love the car! Did a lot of research before I bought it. I used to have a BMW 328i; driving my new Outback reminds me of the BMW. Great steering and braking. Like the 5 star safety rateing too, I feel very safe and protected.I also like that I can tow my popup camper. I plan to keep this car a long time and feel it will last as long as I want to keep it. Will diffiently recommend a Subaru to anyone who is looking to buy a car.!

Favorite Features

I really like how the car manuvers and brakes. I also like the cargo space. The seats take some getting use to, snug fit. After driving a 1990 4Runner for so long, I love the better gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

I would like the side view merrows to be larger for a better blind spot visibility. Transmission seems to have a hesitation/lull to it, could be smoother.

7 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Back to Subaru

Written by: David Smith on 04/26/2008

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited 4dr Wagon AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

This is my fourth Subaru Outback. For the last 4 years I drove a Volvo S60. The Volvo was a great car but had no clearance and was very expensive to maintain. I was excited to get back into a Subaru. I did have a problem with a tire when the valve stem came out while adding air pressure. The first dealership could not replace the original stem (did not have the part) and charged me for a replacement. It took a second dealership to get it right under warranty. I am also experiencing an electrical problem, the radio display and wipers will cut out randomly. They are always working when I take the car in so to date the problem has not been fixed.

Favorite Features

Great ride and comfortable seats. The turbo option is wonderful and I would not do without this feature in any future purchase. Controls are easy to use.

Suggested Improvements

The storage space is the big drawback. Very difficult to use the side space on the door unless you have extremely small hands. You have to reach back to get into center counsel which is difficult to do when driving. You also have to turn the steering wheel in order to lock it. Requires practice.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Great find!

Written by: Lee2706 on 04/23/2008

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Had a 1995 Legacy wagon that aspired to be an Outback. Years later, I bought the car I always wanted! My big feet took some getting used to in the footbox, not to say that it is cramped, but pedals are closer than my Honda. I am no WRC racer, but I do like how easy the clutch engages and shifting action feels great. Is surprisingly responsive when passing, especially for a four banger that is a bit heavy in the hips. Excited for the snow and rain, I'd like to see how the AWD handles it. Mileage is better than expected, 27+ in 50/50 city/hwy (as long as the dash computer is correct).

Favorite Features

Rear storage options, fold down rears, supportive seats, seat warmers, shifting action and clutch, 5M rocks! Stereo has hidden Aux port and plays MP3 discs. Overall compact for having similar height clearance as behemoth SUVs. Sedan-like drive with utility characteristics. 12V socket in cargo area.

Suggested Improvements

Dumb ashtray, is now a messy change cup. Shallow glovebox, fits manual and little else. Center armrest ext'n (option) blocks one cup holder when up. Need stereo controls on wheel for basic model, not just the 6CD changer model of the Limited and beyond. More 5MTs through model line.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Great Value, Reasonable Compromises

Written by: mj on 04/16/2008

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

We've had the Subie for about four months now. I am very happy with it. The lackluster acceleration is noticeable, but the trade-off is very good fuel economy with standard fuel (25-29 mpg), I suspect the tranny largely to blame for the slow feeling to the car, and a fifth gear would help mpgs too! The stereo is quite weak, and there is no rest for my elbows on either side when driving this car. That said, the car has generally been delightful. Coming from Volvos I am impressed with the comfort of the driver seat the value (half the price of the XC70) safety gas mileage and reliability. I'd strongly recomend this car-but realize that there are compromises made for mpg & low price.

Favorite Features

Power heated driver seat, handling, quietness, ride, MPG!!, looks, safety, interior design, terrific in all weather conditions (much better than our Volvo XC70 which is AWD) so far reliability has been perfect.

Suggested Improvements

Better armrests (both sides), better stereo, passenger seat much too low on the floor and not height adjustable, why can't I get a sunroof without getting leather? I miss the full power up & down on the power window motors, and finally that damned key with fob built-in is huge & annoying in my pocket

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Versatile and Fun

Written by: socalh2oskier on 04/13/2008

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited 4dr Wagon AWD w/Nav, VDC (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5A)

Review

This is my fourth Subie. I have owned all sorts of cars, from a Mazda Miata to a Mercedes CLK AMG, Mercedes SL, Jaguar XK, Jaguar XJ8, Lexus and several others. Subaru is one of my all time favorites, especially the Outback. This is a reasonably quick, versatile car with reliability second to none. This is truly one of the most comfortable vehicles you would ever want for a long trip. The ride is quiet and smooth, and gas mileage is suprisingly decent. I average about 17-20 in city driving, with 26-30 highway. Handling is much better than most SUVs, the driving position is high with excellent visibility and it has character. Great value.

Favorite Features

Highway ride. Simple and easy to use controls, nice interior, sturdy look. And if you get the 5 speed manual, the car outright flies!

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage could improve, especially at $4 per gallon for premium. Stereo is outdated and tinny. Nav is easy to use but is outdated and unreadable with flare present with moonroof open. Bur overall, it's a great driving machine with lots of versatility - one of my all time favorites.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Replacement for 2001 L.L. Bean

Written by: Old Soldier on 04/11/2008

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD w/Nav, VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Many improvements over the 2001 L.L. Bean we drove for 160,000 miles. Has more than adequate power on the road. Find traveling to be very comfortable.

Favorite Features

Dual heat/air. Very comfortable seats. Excellent sound system. Fit/finish flawless.

Suggested Improvements

Make power passenger seat standard.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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A pocketworth

Written by: alston on 04/09/2008

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Don't plan on the Subaru folks going out of their way to provide amenities. I have never seen a car with so few compartments for storage. No open area exists to put down your house keys, so I stick mine in the very small ashtray. There is a useless added-cost armrest which makes one lose more storage space. The lighting is red for night driving, so I feel like I'm on the late shift at a nuclear power plant. There are no night lights for the glove compartment or to find the "Door Unlock" lever. The cupholders cannot be taken out for cleaning and are not too versatile. The wind noise is better than in my last car, a Forester, which was very noisy. Outside visibility good.

Favorite Features

Black lower body "cladding" to protect from stones, and cladding on rear bumper. Heated seats. The best visibility for backing than any similar car.

Suggested Improvements

Needs much, much more storage space. Needs less wind noise and motor noise when idling. Needs upper tinting (for sunlight) on front windshield.

7 out 14 people found this review helpful

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