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Used 2002 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
148 reviews
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2 out of 5 stars

never again!!!!

trish, 01/08/2016
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
12 of 18 people found this review helpful

Bought 2002 suburu outback limited used from original owner. Had it checked by my mechanic and everything was looked good. 140k miles for $5800. Nice looking car too. Ran great for a few months (2 to be exact). It has been a money sucker non stop for the past 2 years! first was something with the Manifold gasket and oxygen sensor $1150 later. The next big one was an oil leak under the head gasket with some "other things" needing fixing $3100 later. A few little things in between that cost couple of hundred $$. Latest was a break down on the highway with a "fried alternator" and a few months after that steering didnt feel right and my temp guage needle was bouncing from normal to HOT. Turns out coolant leak from the radiator. However, I never saw fluid under the car but the mechanic tells me it is leaking somewhere in the car and going where it shoud not be. Was hesistant to even fix it and told me I should just buy a new car. He did an affordable "patch job" for me for $500 as apposed to fixing the problem for $2000 plus as I NEED my car. I bought this car only because I heard they handle extremely well in the snow and this is quite true--- she does But it STOPS right there! This used car has cost me $10,000 within 2 years. This car is a NIGHTMARE but i need to get about and new car not an option now. I want to cry! :( STAY AWAY FROM SUBURU!!!!!

Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
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4.63 out of 5 stars

A Thin Line between Love and Hate

liz, 12/13/2009
2002 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful

I knew I wanted my Subaru OUtback Sedan for a while. I was in love with it when I got her. Had to replace brakes and rotors, expensive but routine. Everything was great until 95k mi, had oil leaking everywhere. Subaru did cam seals, valve seals, timing belt (it was leaking on it too) and some other stuff for $650. A month later engine light came on - catalytic conv. Got a 2nd opinion on the cat. conv. and they found a leak in the head gasket. I'm sick to my stomach I love this car...never a problem in bad weather...I don't want to get rid of it but after the reviews idk. I may not be able to afford all the up keep. I would buy a new outback if they came out with a new sedan...without the problems

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Outback VDC H6 wagon

FRM, 12/09/2006
2002 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful

I have always admired Subaru for their AWD which fascinated me back in the 70s. Finally I bought one and it had the McIntosh promo stereo CD player. This stereo has rekindled my love for music as I had forgotten what beautiful music sounds like. The special sound design of the interior contributed to the greatness of the stereo. I have since listened to other systems in more expensive cars that cannot compare. The car has power with the 212hp 6 and is quiet probably because of the special sound treatment mentioned already. I have not had problems at all and the AWD can go through snow like it is not there. Ice is tough for any car. The only con is wind noise but I am well satisfied.

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4 out of 5 stars

Great car until it hit 100k miles

bartemaeus, 05/28/2009
2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
6 of 9 people found this review helpful

Up until the 100k mark, the car was flawless. But after that it went downhill. The transmission leaked and cost $2k to fix, the belt broke at least twice, belt pulleys had to be replaced twice, and the A/C compressor died. That was the final straw and we traded it in. I had hoped I would get a few more thousand miles out of the car. It was still a great car to drive, smooth on the highway, and never got stuck in snow.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Gaik's Car

lemonstr, 08/29/2003
2002 Subaru Outback VDC AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Purchased after extensive review of car's in class. Came down to Forester or Outback. Better ride and quieter than Forester. Forester will probably be my replacement for aging Civic. Would have been happy with a Limited but wife wanted power of H6. Good car, but minor issues. Glove box hard opening, McIntosh stereo crackels on right channel when adjusting volume, water leaks in from child seat strap in rear of cargo area, has had two recalls todate. Gas mileage is not worth the performance in my opinion, wife typically get high teens on a tank, I can squeeze out low 20s with effort, best tank 26 mpg on highway. Overall Good Car!

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