Skip to main content

Used 2002 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
148 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
3.25 out of 5 stars

So-So performance, scary clutch

clutchless, 05/23/2003
2002 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Shortly after purchase has problems getting clutch into 1st/2nd gear. Bad chattering. Tough to drive in stop and go traffic. Clutch shudder made it unreliable busy intersections were getting scary. Dealer where purchased "could not duplicate" denied any problems. Was able to get another dealer to replace clutch assembly. HUGE improvement immediately but problem began again about 12k later. New dealer not that interested to replace again. Worsening clutch and warranty period approaching I traded in for an automatic Forester. Feel like I lost $, and Had to trade down to get rid of t

Report Abuse

3.75 out of 5 stars

Inexpensive but underpowered

SWISS, 06/04/2003
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I like my Outback, but I wish it had more power for the price. Gas mileage is only average - maybe 23 mpg, and that's not lead footing it either. Mine developed several interior rattles after just 10,000 gentle highway and around town miles. It's a decent car, hauls a lot of gear, but I won't buy another until they boost the power of the 4 cylinder because there's no way I'll pay $28K - $30K for the H6! (Might as well get a used XC70 or a nicer new Passat 4motion for that price...)

Report Abuse
2002 Subaru Outback for sale near you
Showing 3 of 25 listings
See all 25 listings

4.13 out of 5 stars

This is my last Subaru

Doug, 04/29/2009
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

Report Abuse

4.75 out of 5 stars

All Weather Reliability

Denni Antonio, 04/11/2002
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this wagon for my winter ski trips to Vermont from Long Island.Three trips with three people,skiis and gear for days away from home.There was just the right amount ofroom,comfort,reliable driving and good gas mileage(27mpg) I expected.Imagine that when my last car was a 1985 Jag Sovereign imported from Germany.

Report Abuse

3.63 out of 5 stars

a little dissapointed

skillet1, 02/09/2003
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon w/Weather Pkg (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my first Subaru. A little dissapointed after all the great things I've heard. It has alot going for it but I feel it is way overpriced for what you get.$25k for cloth, manual, no moonroof, no homelink, only frt. airbags,anemic stereo, 4 cyl. w/ adequate power at best. Left front brake started squeaking after delivery and still sqeaks horribly. Found out they are notorious for squeaking and warping. MPG has been ok but have never gotten near the posted 27mpg hwy, 25mpg was my best and 23mpg is my avg. going to work and back which is 95% Hwy. I get 24mpg on the same trip with a RX300. However,the Outback is a practical, spacious, nice looking wgn.

Report Abuse
Items per page:
5