Used 2002 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews
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275000 miles and going strong....Update--well, not
Jim, 03/04/2018
updated 03/10/2022
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon w/Weather Pkg (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
So, what has failed?... The brake pads wear fairly quickly, probably undersized by design. One of the electric door locks has failed, but works manually. The driverside power seat has failed. The rear quarter panels have rusted through where they meet the plastic bumpers. Everything else works, and that is pretty amazing for the age and mileage. This has been a very dependable car that I am loathe to lose. Uses a slight bit of oil. Update March 2018: Car failed to pass inspection this year due to rusted rear subframe. This issue had been a recall program but the fix was not really effective. Otherwise the car is still fine. I'm considering this repair in order to continue using the vehicle for a winter car. The vehicle really owes me nothing at this point. Update March 2020: I still have this car, although it is off the road. I consider it repairable. I bought a new 2017 Outback which I like very much. Update Summer 2021: I never got around to repair. The subframe and body rust rust is worse now. Although all the drive train is still excellent. This car has gone to the graveyard.
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Will it run or stop
no longer subaru fan, 09/15/2004
2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my second one, my 2001 I reurned after filing a lemon law complaint. The 2002 isn't much better. The reliability of the car starting is better than my 2001, but for a brand new car should be 100%, not 75%. Had to fight the dealership/Subaru just to get them to believe me that this was happening on the 2001, gave up trying for this one. Also find that the brakes on this are not impressive. For anti-lock brakes, stopping distances seem to be very long. This is even after having them inspected. I will never purchase a Subaru again.
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Great Car
larry, 10/10/2008
2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Very happy with this car. Excellent build quality, pick up and handling. Very reliable and with snow tires, unstoppable. Winter package especially appreciated. Excellent cabin comfort and cargo capacity. This is our second Subaru and the ownership experience has been pleasant for both. Only nits are the crappy front sunroof and the climate control system is annoying. we have 60K trouble free miles so far. We opted for a new CRV this round but will keep an eye on Subaru when we sell this beast in a few years
plenty of thought and research
funky dawg, 01/21/2003
2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I like Subarus and even sold them. I've seen hundreds of new and used Subies. I love the LL BEAN. My needs were sport-luxury, utility type of car (I already have an SUV). Subaru can make some quirky decisions/designs in different makes/models. The LL BEAN'S are below. Subaru should take a step back (better yet, hire me as a consultant) and centralize all like functions to the same locations. The HO6 is great for the Outbacks. Stereo system is above average. The climate control is effective but can have a mind of it's own. I've gotten 21 mpg avg. It's smart, comfortable, stylish, reliable and fun to drive.
dangerous
Worried, 02/14/2003
2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Within 5 months of ownership this car has died twice while driving at low speed, posing an extreme danger. Fortunately no collisions so far. The dealer cannot find the problem, so they are giving the car back to me, taking no responsibility for my safety. This car is a potential death trap and the Subaru Co. won't replace it. No reliability and no accountability.