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Used 2002 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
148 reviews

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Almost a Great Car

DCU, 05/23/2007
2002 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Had the clutch "shudder" early and dealer eventually fixed it after repeated failed attempts to duplicate the problem. No problems since it was replaced. Wind noise on highway is annoying. Leg room in rear seats is too small. Mileage hasn't been up to advertised. Never gotten more than 26 mpg and usually it's only 20-22, even on highway. Great in snow, suspension and tire life are fantastic, extremely versatile, brakes are decent, winter package and amenities make this a real enjoyable car overall and I have found it reliable.

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4 out of 5 stars

Good car, but...

Jim F, 11/29/2007
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Had this car 5 years & like it. Really like the way it hugs the road & handles curves with low center of gravity due to "pancake engine". 4 cyl engine a little lacking in "get up & go." Love the AWD; I've driven in snow and sand, NEVER put on chains. Interior comfort just OK; still find myself wanting better place to put my elbows while driving. No one wants to ride in middle of back seat. No major mechanical repairs in 5 years, but have had minor oil seepage for last couple years - not enough to drop oil level, but enough to produce burning oil smell from engine & can't find source. CHECK ENGINE & AT OIL TEMP lights keep coming on though no malfunction & no one can figure out why. Annoying.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Excellent small AWD

eric102, 03/08/2002
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my 1st Subaru, having had a number of Honda's before, I would rate this cars quality as equal, if not better than any of them. The ride is very solid and quiet, yet fun to drive, even with the automatic. 24.5 MPG average in 3300 miles. No defects or problems so far. I shopped the 02 Honda CRV also but found the Outback to be more refined and a better value.

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5 out of 5 stars

my outback

James Rutledge, 02/27/2002
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

great car. fun, handles well, versatile. built right.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

2002 Outback wagon

nhs275, 04/23/2003
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Car performance in snow/ice is great. Car has poor passing/climbing performance. WAY too much wind and road noise at freeway speeds.

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