2008 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews Page 6

We like it so far!

Written by: Radar1 on 01/09/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

We needed a safer car for long distance touring with lots of cargo space, capable of towing our pop-up camper. The Outback fills the bill, and after 1100 miles we are impressed with the ride quality, handling, and gas mileage. On our first trip we averaged 28.2 MPG, which is just as good as our smaller 2.3 litre Ford Focus, but we had much more luggage space and comfort.

Favorite Features

AWD, Sport shift, cargo space, top safety ratings by NHTSA and IIHS. Decent highway mileage for an AWD automatic vehicle. Great looks. Standard trip calculator (mileage, temp, range, etc). Horizontal engine for lower center of gravity. 2700 lb tow rating.

Suggested Improvements

Needs a useful center armrest in front. Front cup holders are small and awkward to use.

8 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Excellent in snow/ice

Written by: Joe on 01/09/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I got this car during my second winter in the Northwest. Was driving a FWD Lexus RX 330 and a RWD Ford Explorer. Worlds different! I felt very unsteady with the Explorer, better with the Lexus. I haven't had any problems at all with the Subaru with regards to traction, control in the snow, etc. It works well for what I got it for. On snow days, I've taken it with no problems up and down hills which had given the other cars trouble.

Favorite Features

The AWD is amazing, and very confidence-inspiring. Radio sounds decent for the price. Build feels solid. I like the extendable sunvisors. Dash/steering wheel controls are very easy and intuitive. I'm 5'9", 175lbs and the cabin is not too tight for me.

Suggested Improvements

The non-turbo 4cylinder feels a bit underpowered, but adequate for daily commute. Gas mileage could be better but I'm getting 21-24 mpg average (60% fwy). Cupholders are in the center console and a bit out of the way. Door windows should have a metal frame surrounding. Rear seats kinda small.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Love driving this vehicle!

Written by: MarcusinPitt on 01/08/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

A lot of friends questioned why I would purchase a wagon rather than a sports sedan such as the BMW 325xi, but I was looking for a vehicle with some utility, and this vehicle is a great alternative to an SUV/Crossover with much better gas mileage and handling. With only 1500 miles, the car is getting 23mpg (city/hwy combined). It rides 10x better than my 2006 Honda Accord and much quieter I must say. This Subaru is surprisingly elegant with a great interior layout, quiet, smooth ride, good handling all the while maintaining nice attention to luxury and durability. Despite the lack of a few accessories/options that are standard in most cars in it's class, the car is a great buy!

Favorite Features

The panoramic sunroof, windshield wiper heating, LL Bean edition has some nice appointments, comfortable seats, good ride, quiet, and very solid feel.

Suggested Improvements

Steering wheel radio controls (only available on LLBean 3.0), bluetooth technology and voice activated Navi., auto -power (up and down) front windows.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Was the right choice

Written by: Cessna Driver on 01/05/2008

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I Limited 4dr Wagon AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Was replacing 2000 Explorer with 141K miles, and tired of the poor gas mileage. Looked at every crossover and small truck SUV available, and found the Outback to be the best combination of sensible size/mileage and cargo capacity. We ski and have a place in Durango, CO so we needed AWD. Very satisfied with the Outback - fit and finish are excellent, ride is superb, decent handling, 170 HP flat four is definitely adequate for us, mileage has consistently been 25 MPG. Interior is nice looking and functional - not the weird and techno-ugly stuff we've seen in other vehicles. Great driver's seat (the 2000 Explorer had the worst!), sound system is excellent.

Favorite Features

Ride, handling, full time AWD, looks great, nice interior, good gas mileage, like the underfloor storage and storage bins in rear side panels, VDC and traction control.

Suggested Improvements

Larger glove box, needs auto-locking doors when car is in motion, XM satellite radio display needs smaller characters so more text is displayed, power passenger seat with adjustable lumbar needed in Limited model (comes with LL Bean and XT).

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Great car to have in New England!

Written by: Lee on 01/02/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

This is my first new car, and first Subaru. My wife's car (bought new) is a Highlander 2005 2WD. I was deciding between the Outback in LL Bean trim and a Honda Pilot. The fuel economy difference was the deciding factor. I personally think the Outback is a beautiful car. It's also plenty peppy with its V6. I like the nav system, but wish it was integrated into the other components of the car, particularly the stereo. It would also be nice to have Bluetooth. Final gripe is that interior space is scant. There is enough, but more would be nice. This car in LL Bean trim is quite luxurious, in my opinion. The fit and finish are excellent, and the materials appear to be of high quality.

Favorite Features

AWD. Dash board presentation and functionality. Steering wheel controls. Interior appointments are first rate (seats, wood trim, etc.).

Suggested Improvements

Would be perfect if it had Bluetooth, an integrated nav/stereo setup, and a little more interior space.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Not too bad

Written by: Ted on 01/01/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I have been driving a civic hatchback for the past several years. I loved the civic, but with a growing family, I had to buy something a little roomier. The Outback was a good compromise between the civic that I loved, and the SUVs that I hate. It has enough room inside for me, my wife, and two small children in the back, with car seats. Being a family car, I also like the various standard safety features . The cargo area along with the roof racks, make the outback a great "errand runner". My only complaint is the the lack of power. I describe the outback's power as barely adequete. It could really use about 10-20 more horsepower. Not terrible, but noticable. Overall I do like the car alot.

Favorite Features

Head lights are great. AWD- great handling car. Price- A lot of car for the $$. Five-star crash ratings. Safety features.

Suggested Improvements

The cargo areas should never be carpeted. Instead they should be rubber/vinyl coated. 10-20 more horsepower would be great. The fuel lid should NOT be on the passenger side (I hate that).

4 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Best Bang for Buck

Written by: Feilo on 01/01/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

The OB has always been on my car shortlist and I finally got an 08 2.5i 5MT to replace my much-loved and performance tuned 03 1.8T Passat wagon. I immediately upgraded the tires and the rear sway bar - instant handling upgrade. The 2.5i is really well matched to the 5MT (I've been disappointed by rental 4ATs OBs before). Have been averaging ~25+ mpg overall - 70/30 highway/urban. This is my first AWD car and its been interesting in the recent snows - its a new driving experience that's for sure. All in all, I am happy with my purchase and am enjoying true motoring with the 5MT. No warranty issues so far (6k miles) and as I stated in the title - its the best bang for my new car buck!

Favorite Features

AWD, 5MT, low cost of ownership compared to my old Passat, ease of access to key regular maintenance items

Suggested Improvements

Better armrest without paying option price for it, moonroof option for 2.5i, 5MT for LTD models

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Best Bang for Buck!

Written by: Feilo on 12/31/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

The OB has always been on my shortlist of cars through the years and I finally went for it when it came time to part with my (much loved and performance tuned) Passat wagon. The 2.5i is very well matched with the 5MT and I am enjoying true motoring again! Also appreciating AWD for the first time in the snow we have been having here in the Midwest. After ~6000 miles, fuel consumption has been reasonable - averaging ~26 mpg overall in 70/30 highway/urban driving, and have been trouble free. Had to upgrade the rear sway bar and tires to get handling to what I would like but then, that's not for everybody. Fit and finish is OK for what I paid for it. All in all, I am really happy with my 2.5i!

Favorite Features

AWD, ground clearance, low cost of ownership (so far) and ease of access to regular maintenance points compared to my previous Passat

Suggested Improvements

Sunroof/moonroof available as option for 2.5i models, decent armrest that we don't have to pay an option price for, better OEM tires

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Subaru safe but

Written by: nukalas on 12/24/2007

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I Limited 4dr Wagon AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

It is an excellent vehicle in snow and in wet conditions. seats are a bit hard to get used to in the begining but you get used to them. MPG is below average and below what is advertised, for city driving I get 14-15 MPG with careful driving. Overall a good buy if you live in a snowbound area.

Favorite Features

AWD, fog lights, windshield wiper heating. Driving comfort in snow, slush.

Suggested Improvements

MPG. Window glass (does not have a plastic or metal trim). Space in back a bit cramped compared to a minivan. Difficult to store soft drink cans or other small items in both front and back seats.

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Engine Racing

Written by: Carol on 12/21/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

Had a 2000 Outback, liked it so well, I bought a 2008 Outback Wagon 5 spd man trans. It has 1,522 miles and just started this engine racing thing. When you shift thru from 1st to 5th gear it seems as though the gas is sticking causing RPMs to go up when you let off the accelerator. Sometimes when you downshift, the engine races like the accelerator is sticking. Took it to the dealer, he called Subaru Techline but before he could finish telling them what was wrong they said it was normal operation. We find that hard to believe. Racing past 2000rpms when the clutch is pressed and no foot on the accelerator doesn't seem normal to us.

Favorite Features

Good smooth ride. Excellent handling. Quiet. Basically same quality as the 2000. Comfortable seats. Handled great in last snow storm. (prior to engine racing however!)

Suggested Improvements

Needs more storage. No coin holder, and ashtray is useless. Needs better designed glove compartment no room. Doors seem a little lighter than the 2000. Controls right in front of gear shift so you have to reach in front of the shift to operate controls. Jack for charger not conveniently accessible.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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