Used 2002 Subaru Outback Sedan Consumer Reviews
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2002 Outback H6 Sedan after 16000 miles
influxSoft, 05/30/2002
2002 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
The new 6 cylinder 212hp engine is smooth and quiet I drive a LOT of miles... over 16K in the first 6 months and living in New England with out snow and ice... I can honestly say nothing compares... The AWD with its continuously variable transfer clutch and a limited-slip rear differential gives plenty of confidence on snow and ice (you may find it almost boring... its just that good... you'll hardly think its slippery) Good standard sound system with comfortable interior. Gas mil is fair. Pls be aware the prem gas is recommended but not required. I considered purchasing the VW passat 4motion... but for $4K less this is a fine car.
Outback VDC H6 wagon
FRM, 12/09/2006
2002 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 6 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.
2002 Subaru Outback for sale near you
Showing 3 of 24 listings
- L.L. Bean Edition WagonMSRP: $4,444130 mi away
- VDC WagonMSRP: $4,495453 mi away
- Base WagonMSRP: $2,500858 mi away
See all 24 listings
Honda - Next Time
Ex-Coloradian, 06/17/2009
2002 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
OK, I am not a car person. Had an Accord for about 10 years then wanted a larger (similarly reliable) car that could handle snow, etc. Bought an 02 Subaru Outback in 03. Last year at roughly 70,000 miles, I had to put $2,700 in it - head gasket (engine overheating) and miscellaneous maintenance. This winter was cold, and then I got the overpowering gasoline smell in the car on cold days - apparently another known problem. I basically love the car (style, size, driving) but will drive this until it costs me too much not too. Shame on Subaru for not fixing known problems - (head gasket and fuel stink in cold weather), I would not recommend it nor will I buy one again.
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
loved this car
Dan Tannen, 07/25/2018
2002 Subaru Outback VDC AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Bought this car used with about 160,000 miles on it. The dealer had replaced a few items like front axles, which didn't surprise me, that's a lot of miles to expect out of original axles. I got it up to 196,000 miles before the trans began to whine louder and louder. I heard that you shouldn't change the trans fluid in a high mileage car IF you didn't know for sure whether it had been regularly changed. I didn't know, but that whine was really bothering me. I changed the fluid and sure enough, the trans got nice and quiet and 2 days later stopped going into gear. I'm not upset at all though, i definitely got my money's worth out of it. It was fantastic in the snow. I could race full size trucks with 4 wheel drive and easily get to the other side of the intersection before them, on regular all season tires. I was really quite abusive to it, doing lengthy donuts in the snow in empty parking lots. I can't blame the trans for not enduring that year after year after year. The only item I had to change out of the ordinary was the driveshaft. One of the ujoints developed an annoying little squeak. I got one from a junkyard for $40 and paid a guy $50 to swap it out in the middle of winter. Rear defrost was always weak, but everything else worked great even at that mileage. Window motors, sunroof, heat, ac, locks, heated seats, etc. Its even on the original water pump and radiator. It's the 6 cylinder so it doesn't need timing belt changes. I bet it's even on the original plugs. The motor is still very solid. a little vibraty at idle, but from 700rpm up it's as smooth as an electric motor. No check engine lights, no hesitations. If I could get a trans for it , i would. But it's the very limited VDT/VDC model and that trans is very hard to find used, and it's certainly not in a price range I want to pay. But Lord, if I could find one for $1000 I'd happily put it in. I love this car, and wish I could keep it. I got 15 mpg in winter, 18-20 in summer, and 26 on the highway. For those of you wondering. Also I found it decently comfortable on trips. The steering was quick and accurate at highway speeds as well as in the city. Always drove perfectly straight. The seats don’t extend very far under your legs but I am 6’1 220lbs and could take it on 5 hour trips with no soreness when I arrived. Man I really wish I could fix the car and keep it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Now I'm Sure! Its the Outback Sedan
emjantam, 10/04/2002
2002 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I traded in my Mazda Millenia S for the Outback and was a little hessitant at first, its a whole different beast. The more I look at the cars interior and exterior and drive it, the more I'm sure I made a good choice. I tried the Audi A4, VW Passat, Land Rover, BMW IX ect since I was looking for All-wheel- drive. Nothing came close to the Outback in price when options were added up. To get the A4, BMW or Passat with the same options, I'd have to pays thousands of bucks more. Its a nice classy ride. It not the quickest nor does it have the prestigous name but its the best deal - reliable, unique and comfortable.
Subaru's are great cars
Steven, 12/13/2004
2002 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is our first subaru with VDC. It is fantastic. The car is wonderful with the only complaint being the power band really kicks in at 4000 rpm and above, which is a bit high. Under this it is marginal for a six cylinder. It is nice to own a car that does not look like everything else on the road.
Love it.
Kent, 12/22/2005
2002 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Had the H6 sedan for almost 6 months now and love it. Handles great, rides great, and fun to drive. Only issue is that my breaks squeal loudly after they get warmed up and no dealership yet can figure it out. Ugh. Other than that I am sold on my Subaru! Absolutely a great car. I drive a ton for work and I am always comfortable and never stiffen up driving long road trips.
love this car
jano, 12/05/2005
2002 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I could sell Subaru's if I ever needed a job. This car drives like melted butter in smooth performance. It is a fine highway vehicle in mountains as well as long TX stretches. The solidity & quiet drive are something I appreciate most after driving a Ford Explorer, priced about the same. I would like to have a keyless remote that would allow access were I to lock keys inside; other than that, I have no complaints about this vehicle. I am a tried & true Subaru fan. The gas mileage will have to improve on all vehicles in this country. Subaru will most likely help to lead the way here, but I'm getting 18-24 currently.
Our 5th Subaru
CMartin, 03/26/2004
2002 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I love my Black & Gold 3.0 AWD Outback Sedan! It's fun to drive, and handles EXTREMELY well in snow and rain. It's the most comfortable car I've ever driven for long trips. 600-700 miles in a day, and I still feel great at the end of the day's drive. I have only one complaint that my Service Department has no answer -- the heating/cooling system. Seems there's no happy medium for it. Hopefully Subaru will come up with a fix soon! We've been a Subaru family for a long time. I drove a 2000 Outback Sedan before getting the 2002, with the bigger engine. Glad I made the upgrade, except -- give me my old air conditioner/heater!!!
More that 1/4 million miles
Xite , 05/05/2020
2002 Subaru Outback VDC AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Car still runs great after 18 years of driving and over 257,284 miles on it
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Paint on 2nd Color of Car
MsMcGoo, 07/29/2002
2002 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
The lower plastic on the Subaru Outback has an issue with peeling. This happens after a your car has been severly door dinged. The plastic bends but the paint does not stick to the plastic. This also occurs when a rock goes through your bumper. This is cosmetic but for a brand new car, the paint should not be peeling.
Loving it
Joe Lucian, 07/29/2003
2002 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Love it. Nothing out there touches this thing for build and quality.
SUPER CAR
SCARWAF, 04/20/2002
2002 Subaru Outback VDC AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
CAN GO ANYWHERE IN ANY WEATHER ANY TIME WITH CONFORT AND CONFIDENCE
Subaru is fun to drive
matt saxon, 04/08/2004
2002 Subaru Outback VDC AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been without a doubt the best car I have ever owned. It has everything anyone could want living in the midwest or any snow belt area. It rides very well, and feels comfortable, for a rugid vehical. The McIntosh audio system is a fabulous feature. Looks, performance and comfort/safety. Its well rounded and complete.
Quality
Area51, 04/21/2003
2002 Subaru Outback VDC AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
1st 6 cylinder Subaru I've owned. Justifies the higher price absolutely! By far the best and safest Subaru I've owned. A"Can Do" sedan in the SUV world. You own the pavement in comfort in this car.
GREAT!
Outback Sedan Driver, 04/19/2002
2002 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
The Outback Sedan 4 cyl is great. When i bought it, the 6er was not out yet.