2009 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews

Dependable

Written by: Vincent on 11/02/2008

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Outback 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

We own a bmw 7 series and Mercedes E Class and I have to say I am impressed with the quality of the interior. I think it's on par with the Benz. Harmon Kardon radio is excellent. Leather seats are nice. I'm not tall, I'm 5,7 so I have no complaints sitting anywhere in the wagon. We needed a car that would serve as our daily commuter to work from the suburbs to Manhattan. This is our 3rd Subaru for this purpose. If you're looking for a car that will protect your family and keep you on the roads no matter the road/ weather conditions, then this is it. We are extremely happy with this car. IMO, this is a good alternative to those large SUVs because it's easier to navigate and park in the city.

Favorite Features

Harmon Kardon radio and AWD. A good cruiser in the hwy.

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage. So far it's been as advertised but wish it could be better. For me however its a fair trade off for the AWD.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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So far, so good

Written by: Sneeral on 10/27/2008

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Outback 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I've had my Outback for a month now and put on 1200 miles. It has exceeded my expectations so far. I'm just out of a 2005 Nissan Murano and I expected that it would be a step down in almost all regards except gas mileage. While it isn't quite as comfortable a ride and the quality of interior isn't quite as good, I've been pleasantly surprised at how well the car drives. Except for pedal-to-the-metal acceleration, it honestly feels like a 6 cylinder not a 4. Good torque and power delivery. The handling is better than the Muranos, no doubt due to the considerably lower center of gravity. Gas mileage so far is consistently 24.6 mpg through each of 3+ tankfuls.

Favorite Features

Great gas mileage. Low tailgate makes for easy entry for my 2 dogs.

Suggested Improvements

Unlike others, I'm not especially impressed with the Harmon Kardon sound system. There is an occasional faint buzz/rattle in the front passenger door.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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More fun than expected

Written by: tulsa tom on 10/23/2008

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

This thing handles like a sports car, rides very nice and has quiet interior. I get 26-27 avg mpg using 87 reg. There's plenty of room to haul camping and fishing gear.

Favorite Features

Fun to drive. good gas mileage. Almost a perfect car for me.

Suggested Improvements

Better cup holders-arm rest. RDS radio. Auto door locks when in gear.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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A fun car to drive

Written by: Dima on 10/20/2008

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Outback 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Having recently purchased an Outback, I was pleasantly surprised with how much fun this car is - sporty handling, nice balance, very good 5-speed shifter. It has much sportier character than one would expect from a wagon. Recently, I had spent some time driving on semi-paved country roads, and was impressed with the suspension that made driving over the potholes and washed- out portions of the road bearable. Although I do not get good mileage in the city, barely 20 mpg, it probably has more to do with my driving style. On the highway, I am consistently in the 26-28 mpg range.

Favorite Features

iPod connector, AWD, Harman Kardon stereo

Suggested Improvements

Better material for the seats, they are drab and black and are made of stuff that one would expect on a base-level econobox.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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A WRX trapped inside a Volvo's body!

Written by: withdrew on 10/09/2008

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Outback 2.5XT Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

We have a baby now so we needed something more versatile than our previous car ('02 BMW 325i) but just as sporty and fun to drive. The Subaru Outback delivers in every way. It's a great looking wagon inside and out, the build quality is solid and in 2.5 XT form, it's more powerful than our old BMW. I couldn't ask for more. The Outback is smooth and powerful and feels like a much more expensive car. It's very quiet and low-revving, I barely go over 4,000 RPM. There's plenty of room in the rear for a baby-stroller, groceries, luggage, golf clubs, etc. In our old sedan that was a major issue. The 5 speed manual is responsive and crisp. The 2.5 XT Limited is the best Outback available, period.

Favorite Features

Very powerful yet retains above-average gas mileage. Very roomy and functional in the cargo department. Moonroof is huge, open the interior slide, it's like you're in a convertible. Aux input for an iPod in the center console, Harman Kardon audio. 5 Speed. Crash test scores. Reliable. Subaru AWD.

Suggested Improvements

More storage space inside the cabin. Takes premium fuel (ouch) but still worth the trade-off IMO. The steering wheel audio controls (up-down) do not cycle through presets, they only go up and down the tuner. Donut spare tire. Child seat should mount center rear. No nav unless you get auto trans.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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1st time Subaru owner

Written by: 1st time Subaru on 10/04/2008

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

As a first time Subaru owner I did not know what to expect. It is the first car that I have owned that does not have a frame around the door's windows. Maybe I do not drive the way the others do but my mileage has been less than expected. My last car was a Toyota Highlander and did really well in the snow and not bad on mileage, so this new car has a lot to live up to. I have owned others, Acura, Nissan, Audi and Toyota and, in my opinion, all had better initial quality. I am looking forward to the snow because I have heard great things.

Favorite Features

The sunroof is huge and the Harman Kardon stereo is impressive. I like the safety rating that this vehicle gets.

Suggested Improvements

Can anyone design a car that gives you the AWD system with a good gas mileage rating?

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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My First Subaru

Written by: KentuckyRanger on 10/02/2008

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I was disabled back in 06 and I need a car I know is going to last. After months of research the choice was obvious, I just wanted to wait till the 09s were out because they come standard with VDC which was well worth the wait after driving it. If you have any common sense you'll find it almost impossible to throw this car out of control. There's a store in the neighborhood that just sprayed their lot with sealant, very slick when wet. It rained yesterday morning so off I went. Around and around, I couldn't get this thing to spin out! Finally I just went in circles until the car went beyond what the tires could handle and I slid sideways. 20 Stars!!

Favorite Features

Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) super gas mileage. Interior on the Limited is L.L.Bean even though it doesn't say it on the car. Harman Kardon stereo. 2.5i engine. I like it because it has plenty of fun factor power, has the reliability of a Mule and is very easy to work on. Turbo it for more fun.

Suggested Improvements

Well, let me nit pick a little. There aren't any rain channels so be careful opening the window on a rainy day. Bluetooth on such a high end stereo would have been nice too.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Update...

Written by: ywilson on 09/03/2008

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

This is an update on my Soobie. Man I have to say that this is one great car. I have no complaints after 5400+ miles. No problems, great ride and the gas mileage is going up just like everyone said it would. My best to date was 33.7 MPG. I change my own oil and will do my others as well when the time comes. It is easy to work on this car if you are slightly mechanically inclined. Everything is reachable. This is going to be my 10 years car! Sorry Subaru but I am keeping this one for a long time. It is obvious it will last!!

Favorite Features

All of them. I have no navigation by choice.

Suggested Improvements

17 out 19 people found this review helpful

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Great snow car

Written by: chandler on 07/25/2008

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Outback 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

This is my third subaru and so far the best! In the past years everyone complained of the cheap stereos but for 2009 Subaru has put in a 440 watt Harmon Kardon audio system, it sounds fantastic. I love the smooth transmission and the engine is so quiet at idle, you don't even realize it's on. The big thick leather seats are great for long road trips. I got 30 MPG on the way to Vegas at 75 mph I was shocked. The suspension is also one of my favorites. It does not corner like a wagon. I find my self actually speeding up on sharp turns. Great all around car.

Favorite Features

Stereo, suspension, sporty front end, dual exhaust.

Suggested Improvements

My only suggested improvement would be a 5 speed automatic instead of 4 speed automatic.

46 out 51 people found this review helpful

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Outback 2.5i New

Written by: YWilson on 07/11/2008

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Well, this is my first Subaru. I am very happy with this purchase. The only thing is I drove off the lot with a tapping in one of my tires. Turns out a screw came loose and stuck in my tire. It was from the Tire Pressure Monitor. Strange. Still waiting on a special "screw" for this part. It's been 3 days. Otherwise the car is great. The dealer replaced the tire for free. I drive 100 miles a day and it get's better gas mileage as it breaks in. This will be a long term keeper for me.

Favorite Features

Nice leather interior, good looks, smooth driving.

Suggested Improvements

I can't think of anything I would do to this car.

40 out 44 people found this review helpful

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