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Used 2001 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
113 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

It won't quit!

Carole P., 03/19/2019
2001 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Got this car in 2014 with 160,000 miles on it and a salvage title from an accident in 2009 (from family of a co-worker). Had some minor issues--alternator, brake calipers, 3 new back windows (long story) but overall inexpensive to own and maintain. I had the timing chain, water pump, and some other stuff done at 200k that ran about $2400 but really no other expenses except regular oil changes, The only downside to maintenance is you better be ready to do your oil changes yourself because shops charge you up the wazoo for 10-40. I run 10-40 winters and 20-50 summers. 5 wt goes straight out the tailpipe! I put 50,000 on it between 2014-2016 in all kinds of weather (all highway) no problems at all. Now I use it on weekends for beach or Home Depot runs. It gets 26.2 mpg in all sorts of driving conditions. Even blasting 100 mph down Virgin River Canyon in Arizona, or crawling up a snowy hill in Washington. I took it with me when I moved to HI because I couldn't find another vehicle in as good of shape for the price of shipping. Logically, I should be shopping for another car, but I want to get this one to 300 before I give up. Recently pulled a history for the heck of it (credit union was offering a free one) and I found out the transmission had been replaced at 20k in 2002 under warranty, and it had spent considerable time at the dealer service lot between 2002-2004 and many of the same issues that other reviewers on this thread had talked about. Good news is, there was no other major repairs after the warranty work was done. It's been a good car and it just won't quit. (Driver's seat upholstry did quit last year, and the tape player eats tapes, but the original CD player works LOL)

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

2001 Subaru

Vici McLaughlin, 10/30/2018
2001 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I purchased this car new and still have it. It runs great and we have never had a serious problem with the car. I don't use the dealer to service the car. His mechanics are not very knowledgeable. I have a private mechanic who is Subaru certified do all my work. We keep the car maintained on a schedule and if Steve finds anything wrong he is authorized to fix it. My 2001 has good visibility. The new ones seem to have more blind spots. My husband has been trying for 3 years to get me to purchase a new car, but there is nothing wrong with the car I have. I am looking at new Subaru's to purchase, but I really like what I have and am in no hurry to trade my car in.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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3.38 out of 5 stars

Disappointed

DRPIV, 04/05/2002
2001 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

decent vehicle, do not expect too much. poor clutch, shuttering breaks, underpowered (significantly at low rpm's, can barely climb steep grades), squeaks, squeals from day one. fine highway vehicle once rolling, smooth, strong enough once engine is revving.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Subaru outback 2001

pjssatx, 07/28/2002
2001 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

head rests on back seats block view out of rear view mirror.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Quality ride for family of five

Drewski, 08/07/2002
2001 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

We have 26,000 miles on our Outback. When we purchased the vehicle, we did not plan on having our third child. We now fit 3 children (2 car seats in the back) and a dog in the car for many trips. The car could be a little bigger, but no other car/van we have driven equals the smooth and secure driving experience delivered by the Outback. We use the car extensivly to take 55 mile trips to the local ski areas and have used it for a 12-hour trip to visit relatives. A car-top carrier is a must for anyone with a family! Local city driving is a breeze as the car maneuvers easily during parallel parking. The interior has a quality feel.

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