Used 2002 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews
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LL Bean after one year
The LL Bean has done very well. Have put alot of miles in one year and not one problem. It handles the rough stuff well and feels solid on the hyway. It is not flashy but a very comfortable vehicle to drive short and long distances as well. Would make the same choice again and we looked at the Camry, Accord and Passat.
The car of my dreams
This is one incredible car/suv/staion wagon. Whatever you want, it is. It very luxurious, stylish, and fun to drive. Dependability and reliability are key, and this car has it all. I'm surprised everyone doesn't have this vehicle.
- Base WagonMSRP: $4,00032 mi away
- Base WagonMSRP: $2,50053 mi away
- L.L. Bean Edition WagonMSRP: $2,280437 mi away
pretty darn good
It is suprising to me that the car I had 20 years ago had the same gas milage as this. Wow, arent't we making great progress!!! tree-hugging aside, it is a great wagon. not too big, but big enough for small hauls. Back seat is not very roomy- not good for long trips with tall people.
been burned
It's good for hauling things when you put down the back seat. The front seats are not very comfortable on longer drives. If you are tall your head hits the sun roof in the back. Worst of all, I have only 76,000 mostly freeway miles on mine and the head gasket is leaking, causing over heating. I only hope that the head gaskets aren't cracked or the block. This is apparently a very common problem on this car. There are three including mine at an authorized repair store where I had it towed. The cost is going to be $3,000 at least. The dealer requires it to be fixed there. Supposedly they are going to cover everything. Towing and rental car too I'm bargaining for.
275000 miles and going strong....Update--well, not
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Each generation of Outbacks Improves.
this is my 3rd Outback since 1997. The second one developed transm problems and traded it in for the six cylinder. I love the six even more. Minor inprovements show that some one is always testing and thinking.
H6 LL bean outback review
Excellent perfromer, The AWD is nice in the wintertime along with the heated mirrors, wipers, and seats. Put together very nicely with no big gaps in the paneling as you might see in a Ford or GM. The 80 watt sound system is excellent, and there is lots of cargo room, Subaru should have traded some of that for some more rear leg room though, bcause when the seats fold down there is lots of room anyways. The dual moonroofs are neat at night.
LL Bean Still Strong After 6 Years
My Subaru Outback LL Bean is still running perfectly after 6 years and 90,000 miles. I have never had any mechanical problems. The car is awesome in the snow and rain, is actually fun to drive for a wagon and has decent acceleration. Very smooth on the highway. The biggest flaws in this car are 1) the undersized front rotors (I have replaced them twice). This was never a safety issue, just an annoyance. 2) The wind noise from the front driver window. Never leaks, just whistles unless you fiddle with the weatherstripping a bit. Gas mileage is decent (for AWD) at 23 mpg average and a highway mileage around 26 (at ~70mph).
One Great Car
I purchesed this car after my 2000 Outback Limited was hit head on at a high rate of speed by a Honda Accord. I walked away, she didn't. Safety sold me on the car. The H6 is an awsome engine. Gobbs of power and torque. I love this car!
No complaints until it hit 65,000 miles
Slow to accelerate and brake, uncomfortable back seat. Have replaced brakes twice, oxygen sensors, exhaust system, two sets of tires, suspension, clutch, and still not running right at 75,000 miles. Driver side wind noise developed at 50,000 miles. New clutch even more sensitive and prone to slip than the original. Waiting to see if the head gasket will leak in another 15,000 miles or so. This is the 4th Subaru wagon I have owned. The 87 automatic was underpowered; the 92 manual was the best; I traded the 99 before 40,000 after mechanical problems. The 02 Limited is the most luxurious, but not very durable.
Happy Trails
This vehicle has been a real pleasure to drive. Excellent handling and I really enjoy the extras on the Bean. This is my first soob and probably won't be my last.
a high quality car
the car corners well and has much power. It handles well in the rain an in snow.
nice car
Very nice car. It performs very well in rain. Haven't had a chance to try it in the snow yet. Worth looking at if you don't want a SUV but want the AWD and space. It holds more then my Jeep Cherokee Sport.
Will it run or stop
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.
Faulty Clutch
2 months after taking delivery of this Outback, the clutch began to chatter badly in 1st gear (less than 2000 miles). My wife and I took it back to the dealer where we bought the car from 3 times, and each time they said that this is a normal condition with manual transmission Subarus. We pursued a second opinion at another Subaru dealership and they agreed, that this was indeed, not normal. We then opened a case number with Subaru Corp., and it took 8 months to re-engineer and manufacture the replacement parts (was initially told it would take 4 weeks). It's been 3 weeks since our car was fixed under warranty and for now, it's tolerable.
Head Gaskets, Catalytic Converters
This is the worst car that we have ever owned. We have replaced the head gaskets, catalytic converters and constantly have brake problems - primarily warped rotors. They say we need new valves now. We have taken care of this car and we have 130,000 on it. Subaru obviously has problems which they refuse to stand behind. We would never buy another one and just hope we can sell this one.
Very Satisfied
Plenty of power when fully occupied. Much quieter than my former Legacy. How would it be if it was supecharged? Awesome?
Don't think I'll buy another Subaru
This vehicle was my first new car (2000 miles on it when purchased). The "all weather package" is sort of a joke. When the icy weather comes it doesn't clear/keep clear the ice from my windshield. The wipers completely don't touch the windshield after spraying fluid. Heated seats are a plus though. Has been leaking oil/coolant since 90,000 miles +/-. I was told I have a head gasket seal that is failing. I'm at 111,000. Oil smell is disappointing when at a light/in park with engine running. Recently had a fuel line leak. Window gaskets are horrendously loud! Front windows only. My husbands 98 Forester had to have the engine replaced at 50,000 miles! I don't know if I'll buy another Subaru.
I Love this car.
I live in Pittsburgh Pa. As we all know the snow and steep hills during the winter mounths can be dangerous. Since I have been driving this AWD it is like night and day. I can always get where I want to, no matter what the weather is.
LOVE IT!
We love this car. Plenty of room for a family of 4. Stereo is great. Much more power than our old Subaru. Don't really need the moon-roofs, but the kids think they're cool :) Had to laugh on a recent trip to Vermont, saw at least one in EVERY parking lot. Can't wait for snow this winter.
LL Beam - Best Buy In Its Class
All things considered, this car offers the best value comparing to its rivals such as Passat, A4 and XC or V70. The engine is smooth though its lack of low- end torque. Teh built quality is excellent and teh ride is very comfortable. I have been averaging 24- 26 mpg doing mixed commute. The only thing this car is missing is its reputation in the luxury car semnet.
Solid reliable wagon
The LL Bean edition is a great looking station wagon. Solid drive train. Needed brakes after 40K miles, and the heated seats are lukewarm. All other mfgr promises were delivered! Great value, and the 4-wheel drive works in all weather.
Great Car!...Needs a Tranny
This car is very nice. I have owned many Subarus and this car is not like any of them. Quiet, smooth, comfortable, ergonomic. What a great engine the 3.0 H-6 is! Its just too bad that it doesn't have a better Automatic transmission. Needs a 5 speed Auto with closer gearing or a manual tranny would be nice. Overall a great car though.
luv my subie
incredibly reliable
22500 miles in year 1 and just like new
Very smooth ride and can take anything including 4-wd only roads. I drive everywhere in this car b/c you can travel in comfort and still get all your gear in there. Roof rack is great and use it all the time for bikes. Great all around car for any environment.
L.L. Bean Outback aka 'my last Subaru'
The transmission was replaced at 20k miles and the brakes soon after (under new car warranty). Apparently the pads were replaced and the rotors turned. I was getting a lot of front end shimmy at 30k miles so the dealer decided to turn the drums again. I was just in again at 50k with the same problem and had to pay for new rotors and pads (despite having the extended warranty and the dealer knowing full well this is an on-going problem) An independent mechanic was telling me that the rotors they use on Subaru are actually too thin to be turned and he couldn't believe they turned them once no less twice! The ventilation fan has developed quite a rumble but I was told this is "normal".
Best all-around wagon, but not inspiring
On a price per feature and per reliability ratings basis, I concluded the LL Bean beat the AWD V-6 Passat and Volvo. The styling, in and out, and the materials quality of the Subaru does not match those competitors, however, so I do not get excited to drive the Outback as I might the Passat, nor do I have the cache that comes with driving a Volvo. But I get more storage space, better foul weather operation (Subaru's more sophisticated AWD and higher elevation off the ground), more hi end horsepower and extra luxury features for my money.
Great Car
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
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
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.
Loving it
Love it. Nothing out there touches this thing for build and quality.
Worst car we have ever owned
We have gone through brakes like someone goes through socks - not kidding. At 120,000 we had to replace the head gaskets and at that time they said we need new valves. At 130,000 we had to replace both catalytic converters. We can't sell the car without acknowledging the valve problem so I feel we are stuck with it. We will have a completely new car before long and I wonder how long these parts will last. Going online it is evident that some of these problems are ongoing. Subaru has to know and they are not backing their product. Thousands of dollars later we are STUCK! We would NEVER buy another Subaru.
3rd and Probably last Outback
This is the 2nd of three Outbacks I have owned with a head gasket failure. Drivers window does not seal. Engine knocks when cold, acceleration & transmission are sluggish, gas mileage is mediocre. Handling on snowy road not the best. Interior material somewhat cheap.
Look elsewhere
At first I thought that dealer(s) were the problem, but car proved me wrong. Everything was a problem. There is no dealer service in NJ and corporate culture is basic arrogance. The car proved to be completely unreliable. I changed oil myself and performed all recommended maintenance, but car started overheating after 38K miles (guess what the warranty period is?). The fact that it was engine overheating and it is theoretically has a warranty for 5 years or 60,000 did not change the fact that I paid for the changing of relays and electrical components on the engine ($400). Brakes: first time changed at 8,000 miles at the dealer. The second time I shelled $400 out of pocket.
A bad car
We bought our Outback in 2002. Just a couple of warnings to would-be buyers: A.) If you have long legs try sitting in the passenger seat before buying this car. You get to taste you knees. The passenger experience rivals that of a back seat passenger in a 1971 Mustang II. B) If you live in the country, on a gravel road DO NOT buy this car. Normal 25 MPH gravel road driving destroys the Outbacks front suspension. I guess that the Outback aint built for the outback. The editors must live in big cities. C) This is certainly the most unreliable and expensive-to-maintain vehicle Ive ever owned. Every breakdown is expensive and ours breaks down often.
subaru outback wagon
I just love this vehicle! It is a perfect size and handles wonderfully. It is fun to drive and very comfortable.
A solid, reliable performer
In severe climate my Subaru Outback starts on 20degrees below zero temps, gets 27 miles to the gallon, handles like a sports car on mountain roads and is an outstanding performer on snowy, icy, muddy or rain-slick roads. Not tempermental and thoroughly reliable.......A winner in Vermont and Colorado!
Another Great Subaru
When we lived in Boston, we had only Subarus for over a decade. Moving to California we had access to a fleet of used company cars and bought those. Eventually we had two Mazdas and intended to replace those. However, the Outback won me over. The other replacement vehicle was a Lexus IS300 and in terms of interior comfort and handling, it is not far off. The power is much different but the Outback is quiet and comfortable while providing a practical alternative to the Lexus. All of the things I like about Subaru are still there--and improved.
River Rat's Review
This is my third Subaru. The first two gave me over 200,000 miles each. This Outback is the best of both worlds. It's comfortable on long trips and commutes, and is very competent in the wet and snow. Every feature is well thought out and useful. I shopped for two years before deciding once again that a Subaru is the most car for your money.
This is my last Subaru
I've had many Subarus, and this is my last one. After replacing the head gasket 4 times, I'm done. (The tranny went on another one I still own). These cars don't spend much time in the shop but when they do, it costs me 5-6 car payments. Also, after reviewing options now (in 2009), the OB has not kept pace with other maker's improvements. It's still the same car in 2009 as it was in 2002 with a few different options. Same engine, same power train, same reliability issues until someone proves otherwise. Also, the engine is underpowered for its size.
AVOID the manual transmission
Within 3 months of the purchase date the car developed a severe case of clutch "chatter" in first gear. It was like pulling teeth to get Subaru America to authorize replacement of the clutch and that only happened because the dealer mechanic agreed that the clutch was bad during a test drive! Within 2 months, the new clutch started to go bad. With this many reported problems with the clutch you would think Subaru America would issue a recall. Wishful thinking on my part!
Buy it for comfort and space
I have driven 70K miles in 18 months in West Michigan, mostly on the freeway. The car is exceptional in the snow especially with winter tires, it is quiet and comfortable on the freeway and grip is excellent. The tailgate is 43" wide and you can carry a 48" wide board on an angle. It also pulls medium size trailers effortlessly. My car has had only one problem, which was a blown fan motor caused by a faulty surge protector. Dealer service has been very good. My complaints are that the interior is pretty boring, the car is really slow, and I average only 22mpg.
Great car so far...
We bought our Outback wagon with a 5 speed and the 4 cylinder engine last fall. So far, it's been a great car: in bad weather (especially this past winter in New England), the AWD system is unstoppable. The car is comfortable and convenient and we appreciate the standard heated seats, CD player and power driver's seat. Our only complaints are that it's a little underpowered and the frameless windows generate a fair bit of wind noise at highway speeds.
Problems
We have had too many problems with this car. When applying brakes the steering wheel will shimmy. This only happens when brakes are warm. The air conditioner has quit twice. The grill over the fog light fell off. The windshield has cracked twice in the same place. Dealer has tried to fix problems. It is back at a dealer now for another attempt at fixing.
Outback in the Outhouse
Check at 10K miles engine light prompts trip to dealer. Aux. air injection valve (emissions) failure is indicated. This becomes a recurring failure. Valve is replaced once or twice per month for several months. Finally tech rep calls factory and they suggest re- programming car's brain. This fix works, but then car develops severe knocking in valve train (stuck or gummed lifters?). Get rid of this one before warranty expires.
A Nice Ride
This is a very capable vehicle. I have used mine to haul LOTS of stuff on cross-California trips, sometimes traveling at speeds of 95 mph or more. It provides a very solid, comfortable ride. It's great on the highway. I have used the rack to transport items with no problems. There is some wind noise at times, particularly at speeds over 70 mph. I find that at 165 horsepower, there is plenty of power. I haven't had any problems and I've put on almost 9,000 miles in five months. Gas mileage isnt bad for a car of this size (28 mpg highway @ 65-75 mph).
bought new, wish I hadn't
Outback wagon with 36000, has had two brake jobs, repeated problems with wind noise, problems with 'check engine' sensor system with light coming on repeatedly, twisted gasket in rear wagon window. Generally, a big disappointment. I've owned Subaru's for 20 years and this is the poorest quality one I've ever owned.
the best subie?? ( WRX !! )
Subaru's luxury car. have done over 22,000 miles and it has not missed a beat. Mobil 1 every 7500 miles, gas and rotate the tires.....thats all it needs. It's fast when you want it and cruises effortlessly all day at highway speeds and more if you don't use the cruise. Heated seats are great, handles snow (what snow!!) and stereo is one of the best. It does need a 5 spd auto box to take better advantage of the 6.
Lot's of touble
Since the very beginnig we had trouble with this vehicle. First- brakes: car went to dealer twice ending with complete replacmnet of rotors and pads.Then computer needed to be reprogrammed.After this another two repairs of engine(crazy rpms).At the end complete clutch replacment.What else will I have to repair? I will never recommend this car to anybody.
Excellent car
I bought this car for dependable commuting in all (snowy) weather. It is the most sure-footed vehicle I have ever owned. It has averaged 28 mpg or better under all conditions. Visibility is excellent. It is comfortable on long trips as well. This is a convenient and useful vehicle.