2008 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews Page 7

Great Car

Written by: Scott on 12/11/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

We were looking at small SUVs (CRV, Santa Fe, RAV4) and decided to check out the Outback as well. What a difference! The ride is so much better. Subaru is a much safer and more reliable car than the others we looked at. The exterior is much improved and the interior is very simple. This is our "baby car", so we are happy the car seat is easy to install and the cargo space is awesome. The 170 hp engine isn't great, but is still muc better than the models I listed above. I tested all the models on a nasty hill near our house and the Outback actually performed the best.

Favorite Features

SportShift, interior controls, gas mileage, cargo space. Safety, safety, safety.

Suggested Improvements

Possibly a slightly more powerful engine, but we did only get the 4 cyl 2.5i.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Surprisingly lacking in reliability....

Written by: Morphie on 11/22/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

After owning three (3) Audi's in succession, we were looking forward to a more reliable vehicle; the added bonus was a lower cost. Our problems: -Air conditioning failure at less than 1,000 miles; repaired in a few days. -Abrupt shifting of the transmission; A surprisingly difficult service department to deal with; (primarily the Service Manager). -Fit and finish much poorer than my daughter's Honda Civic; The only redeeming aspect: I was wise enough (by accident) to lease it for only two (2) years. This is our first and last Subaru. To say that I am surprised is an understatement.

Favorite Features

AWD; the H6 is an excellent engine.

Suggested Improvements

Better fit and finish; change the transmission, ecu, tcu, etc. Improve the suspension. Sound system is mediocre. Too many rattles.

20 out 34 people found this review helpful

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Very happy so far.

Written by: Ron on 11/15/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

I liked my wife's 07 3.0 LL Bean so much I decided to get an 08. So far I love the car. This is my fifth Subaru. It has good performance and is very comfortable to drive. I find the size to be just right. I am having trouble using the NAV system and dealer thinks it was not "prepped" correctly and is checking things out. Otherwise no problems to date. Wife's 07 has just had the power steering pump go out, however.

Favorite Features

Performance. Ride and handling.

Suggested Improvements

Move seat heater controls to a more convenient location on Si Drive equipped cars.

8 out 13 people found this review helpful

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08 Outback LTD

Written by: cptplt on 11/10/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

2800 miles and I was concerned about the higher height and handling compared to my previous 98 Legacy GT but this Outback can take the corners as well as the Legacy did and has a softer ride. Having a WRX as well, this car handles surprisingly well for something with more ground clearance than an Explorer! Getting 24mpg in suburban roads. Front seats are incredibly confortable but coudl do with a memory function. Radio/HVAC controls need to be easier to use, you need to really look down at the controls whgen using them. The stock Potenza RE92s I have never liked (had them on 3 previous cars).

Favorite Features

AWD, seats, cargo space.

Suggested Improvements

Memory seats, better OEM tires.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Different strokes

Written by: mikeb on 11/05/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

Obviously people have had differing experiences. Mine have been superb. I had a 2004 Outback with 100,000 miles; loved it, but decided it was time for a change. Tested the RAV4, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Acura RDX; kept coming back to the Outback. After 2000 miles, it's nothing but delightful. The ride is firm but quiet. The transmission selection system works well; gear selection on hills is much better than with the 2004. Biggest surprise is the mileage; guided by the gas consumption guage, and trying to maintain a fairly light foot, I've been getting 23 mpg in-town and 27 on the Interstate (contrary to the 17/24 official rating). The car is great fun to drive.

Favorite Features

Interior design and quality; sporty driving experience; much better than expected mileage; "light show" when the ignition is turned on.

Suggested Improvements

On low beams, the headlights create a sharp dividing line between what is illuminated and what is not; this becomes a little troublesome on hilly roads. Could also use a little more front seat leg room, and a little more storage space in the cabin.

9 out 10 people found this review helpful

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PZEV - "My Inner Treehugger"

Written by: highmile on 10/29/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

We had already decided to buy a 2008 2.5i Outback when I happened across an Outback on the dealer lot with a different badge on the back that said "PZEV - Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle". I was curious as to what this was. Basically, it is the exact same car as your regular Outback, but with a more thorough burning of fuel and an emissions system on steroids. The emissions are as clean as a hybrid. My "Inner Treehugger" decided to splurge for the extra $200 for the PZEV option. We have been extremely happy with the vehicle. Unfortunately, I had to discover the PZEV since there seems to be little to no marketing for this "green" option.

Favorite Features

PZEV - Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle. AWD - All Wheel Drive. Great size for young family with kids. Easy and fun to drive.

Suggested Improvements

2.5i engine is a little weak on inclines, but more than adequate for scooting around town. Radio sound quality could use some improvement.

16 out 19 people found this review helpful

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Nice car but...

Written by: hutch7 on 10/28/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

We rented this car in Oregon for a week and drove it over 700 miles. A lot of mountains and curves, muddy back roads. I found it to be a little too underpowered on hills, very "shifty". Liked the "Sport" mode in the auto tranny. Base engine doesn't hack it. Useless arm rest just like my '97 Outback.

Favorite Features

AWD is nice, Sport mode on transmission. Numerous safety features.

Suggested Improvements

Come on Subaru - make a car with an armrest. I'm an American I like my comfort!

7 out 11 people found this review helpful

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Word of Warning

Written by: John Q Public on 10/23/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

While I was initially excited about the purchase after test driving a well running car, my "dealer locate" vehicle arrived with what is commonly known as "stutter" under boost. The two dealers I have taken the car to both acknowledged the car does not run correctly, but they don't know how to fix it since it is most likely a computer issue. The dealership has "reflashes" for different turbo models and it will fix the problem on some cars but not all and it often returns. Subaru customer service has been no help, not even offering try replacing the computer on a $32k car with 6k mi. I am going to lemon law it.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

After owning four other turbo cars and knowing what proper engine operation is, Subaru assumes the customer is an idiot and if you tell them "that's normal for a turbo" that should be fine. If you test drive one, floor it, and if it stutters or bucks like a bronco, run away. Subaru wont fix it.

35 out 39 people found this review helpful

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Satisfied

Written by: aflier on 10/21/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

We are a two car family and use the Outback for around town as well as much freeway driving. The car performs beautifully in all conditions. Good feeling of security and reliability. The car is a basic 4 and we got 28 mpg on regular gas. This is our fifth Subaru and so far it is the best.

Favorite Features

The car performs and drives with a strong feel of security. Good riding car with a great feel for the road.

Suggested Improvements

This car fits our needs very well so we do not have any qualms with its design and performance.

8 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Nice Change For Us

Written by: Andy S on 10/09/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

This is our first Subaru and we're very favorably impressed. The car is quiet and handles very well both on the road and in the field when we're taking feed to the run-in sheds. Fuel mileage is great for a full time all wheel drive vehicle. Safety and reliability were key factors in selecting a Subaru. These cars are legendary in both areas and their strong, cult like customer loyalty reflects it.

Favorite Features

We like the big two piece moon roof and the solid, comfortable feel of the car. It gives you a strong sense of security and the moon roof lets in plenty of light and air when you want it.

Suggested Improvements

Make deep tinted windows and moon roof standard on every wagon. People travel with pets and small children and they need dark windows to help cool the car. A little more horsepower or torque would be nice but not at the expense of fuel mileage.

16 out 17 people found this review helpful

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