Used 2002 Subaru Outback Wagon Consumer Reviews
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LL Beam - Best Buy In Its Class
TerryLee, 10/18/2002
2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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
Bgor, 04/06/2007
2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
2002 Subaru Outback for sale near you
Showing 3 of 25 listings
- Base Wagon w/Weather PkgMSRP: $3,999392 mi away
- L.L. Bean Edition WagonMSRP: $6,990403 mi away
- Base Wagon w/Weather PkgMSRP: $3,450549 mi away
See all 25 listings
I Love this car.
terry sillins, 08/07/2007
2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
275000 miles and going strong....Update--well, not
Jim, 03/04/2018
updated 03/10/2022
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon w/Weather Pkg (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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
LL Bean Still Strong After 6 Years
Matt, 05/19/2008
2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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).
Happy Trails
hdiddy, 03/30/2002
2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Not a reliable engine
Baxter, 10/17/2008
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Don't expect this vehicle to last and last. I've had two of these and the first the engine ate itself at 125K. Head gasket blew on the highway. I thought it was a fluke so I bought another. Replaced three head gaskets in this one and the engine ate itself because of a blown head gasket at 175K. Probably spent over $3K on this problem. They go through everything but this engine has a major design flaw with their head gaskets. If your leaking oil REPLACE THE HEAD GASKET! $700 plus repair.
22500 miles in year 1 and just like new
kluet, 06/14/2002
2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Best all-around wagon, but not inspiring
Nostoc2, 01/07/2003
2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
plenty of thought and research
funky dawg, 01/21/2003
2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Don't think I'll buy another Subaru
lilrhody, 03/24/2008
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Very Satisfied
GTH, 03/18/2002
2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Plenty of power when fully occupied. Much quieter than my former Legacy. How would it be if it was supecharged? Awesome?
Meets all our needs!
Fro, 02/25/2003
2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We compared our car w/Passat Wagon, and everything being equal the Outback won hands down. The comfort, roominess and extra (non add-on) emenities made the decision easy. It handles better than any other car we've owned.
H6 LL bean outback review
FunkyAlien13, 12/17/2002
2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
a high quality car
howard doe, 03/19/2002
2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
the car corners well and has much power. It handles well in the rain an in snow.
Faulty Clutch
moohoggle, 04/28/2003
2002 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
LL Bean after one year
Chuck B, 07/15/2003
2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
dangerous
Worried, 02/14/2003
2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Worst car we have ever owned
Nancy, 12/04/2008
2002 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
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
Gary B, 03/28/2005
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
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
folledOnce, 09/20/2006
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 5 people found this review helpful
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
Dakota_Joe, 02/05/2010
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon w/Weather Pkg (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 7 people found this review helpful
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.
Great Car
TonyA, 05/09/2002
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great Vehicle!! Fun to drive everywhere.
Buy it for comfort and space
ksolomon, 08/23/2003
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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...
dsa, 08/12/2003
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
happydog, 09/29/2003
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
My 2nd Subie
schmidie, 06/19/2008
2002 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought my 2002 Subaru Outback after trading in my older 1994 Legacy wagon. I wanted another, newer version of the car I had loved to drive for years. I ended up getting the Limited version of my Outback, with leather seats, steering wheel, and shifter. The seats, outside mirrors are both heated, and the car comes with important saftey features like ABS, airbags for driver and passenger, daytime running lights, and of course AWD.
the best subie?? ( WRX !! )
douglas dubois, 05/31/2002
2002 Subaru Outback VDC AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Outback in the Outhouse
rrrust, 09/30/2003
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Doc9x, 03/01/2003
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
ssa, 10/28/2003
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Lot's of touble
Tomasz, 11/15/2003
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Jim, 09/24/2005
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Satisfied
stelatko, 01/18/2004
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car was purchased for hauling dogs, people, and anything else. It was driven in adverse weather conditions of E. Oregon and E. Washington and it was unstoppable. I concede that it was driven on open roads and in small towns resulting in less stress than heavy traffic. Overall we have been pretty darn satisfied.
BAD CAR
MARKUS, 04/21/2002
2002 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bad clutch shudder, steering vibration, mushy brakes
So far, so good
Sun195, 12/28/2005
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for three years - no problems yet. Performs well in snow/wet weather. AWD is idiot-proof. Hauls a ton of stuff with seats folded down. Decent gas mileage -- 30+mpg on one recent long trip. Comfortable for longer trips. Adequate power for freeway; not too zippy around town. Short enough so that roof rack is easily accessible. I wish I would have got all-weather package w/ heated mirrors. Car has survived two minor accidents fairly well. This is the "Swiss army knife" of cars.
disappointed
d barrow, 01/07/2006
2002 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Head gaskets leaking coolant and will not cover under warranty at 80,000 miles -- Subaru has recall/bulletin for same problem on on other VINs but will only cover 50% of an over $1,000 repair. Dual stage rear sunroof liner jams and won't open and won't cover this common problem. Cheap plastic rear cupholders broke and over $65 to repair. Not happy with a vehicle that is expected to run to 200,000 miles!
Good, but...
BT Roseville, 06/09/2009
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
With the exception of the lack of interior legroom front and rear, wind noise and engine issues, this is a good car ;). I had no problems for the first 30,000 miles. I had an independent dealer replace the coolant and my problems started. A small coolant leak developed. The dealer put in the Subaru coolant conditioner and told me that it should be fixed. A couple of months later, there was a big puff of steam from under the hood. The driver's side head gasket was replaced at less than 60,000 miles. No problems until about 80,000 miles. This time an oil and coolant leak from the passenger side - head gasket and cam seal. Out of warranty and out of luck. Likely my last Subaru.
SUPER CAR--But buy used
Scottysubaru, 03/30/2004
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best car I ever owned...until I found out they rented them! Not one problem with the car at all. Little things like the radio controls being too small, the back seats not reclining a bit, etc. But, because they rent them, there are an abundance of current model year units on the used car lots in 6 months. Look to chop off $10 grand in the first year in depreciation. Quite a blow..and something you don't expect in a Subaru. SO, BUY A USED ONE....you can save a ton or look at a Forester (they don't rent them yet). I wish I would have.
I'm Back With Subaru
wunderkid49, 04/25/2004
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After a brief fling with a terribly made Ford Taurus, I'm back with Subaru. Bought it three years old for under half the new price. The wagon seems adequately powered to me, even with the automatic. I can haul my recumbent bike inside, and still sneak my six year old in the split back seat. The handling is a real pleasure, and the brakes are powerful. Averaging 26 mpg in rural driving. Security system can only be disarmed by the remote, and I can't figure out how to disconnect it!
Our third and last Subaru
Moneted, 05/11/2002
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Exeptional AWD. Came withe bad alignmant (insides of front tires gone-Subaru not responsible), one of the motor mount bolts missing (I discovered it while changing oil at 1000 miles). In general qertionable production line quality
Wubaru Wagon 2002
haji, 07/23/2004
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is very rattle prone. Dealer fixed 4 rattles with resistance. Wind and outside noise is uncomfortable. Car handles well in snow. Poor break angle prevents it from doing any serious off road. Premium sound system just doesn't sound right - sounds kind of hollow.
Not impressed
AUDI, 08/19/2004
2002 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought it for the AWD for VT winters & mud season. Performs well in the elements but not an enjoyable ride otherwise. The clutch is difficult and the interior seating is small & narrow. Have had to replace the breaks several times. Check engine light comes on frequently. Repairs have gotten expensive - one of the worst cars I've owned. I miss my Honda!!
Subaru Outback Wagon
lovefishing, 09/03/2002
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Outback is a very reliable and "sensible" vehicle. Third Subaru I have owned - also own(ed) Ford, Isuzu, and GM vehicles. Personally, the AWD and ABS have come in very handy on all of my Subarus, including this most recent purchase. Have avoided several bad situations because the AWD and ABS prevented the accident (this seems more important than how many air bags a vehicle has).
2002 Outback Wagon
Jim, 12/28/2004
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After twenty-six months, this wagon is as much fun to drive as it was when purchased. It is comfortable, economical to operate, and handles wellin any weather and on any surface. Cruising at highway speeds all day is noproblem, but it really stands out duringa major snow storm. We look forward to many more years with this vehicle and will very likely belooking for another Outback Wagon when it's time to trade.
My New Subaru
jon.scott-sheldon, 09/21/2002
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've only had my Outback for three weeks now. However, in that time I've really enjoyed the car. It handles well, taking curvy roads nice and tight. The auto dimming feature in the rear view mirror makes night driving much more enjoyable. Stereo system is adequate. Acceleration on the highway is sufficient. To date my only disappointment is the gas mileage, I'm not quite getting the advertised 27 mpg highway, maybe around 23 mpg. Over 75% of my driving is highway. Keep in mind I do drive with a lead foot.
wrong-side gas filler
architr, 03/31/2003
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I waited one hour while the dealer lined-up the front end and it's been out of line ever since even after I paid to have it re-aligned at 5k. Never accept a car as NEW with 280 km on it , it will probably always be out of alignment if some lead-foot who delivered it found a nice deep pot-hole for the rich SOB buying it. After 17000k there is a major rattle in the rear-end, the front suspension squeaks and the wire guard on one fog light is long gone.
Not very reliable
Dakota Joe, 03/09/2007
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We purchased our vehicle new in the summer of 2002. Except for a lack of front-seat passenger leg room it is a fairly comfortable car. Performance is good and with good snow tires it is an amazingly good winter/snowy road vehicle. Furthermore, no trim pieces have fallen off or broken and the build quality seems pretty good. Our problem has been with vehicle reliability. We live in rural North Dakota and out here vehicle breakdowns can be downright life threatening. The Outback will leave you on the side of the road and it will leave you there often. During the 4.5 years weve had the Subaru it has broken and undriveable at least 10 times.
Going strong at 74,000 miles
Laura, 02/08/2008
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just started reading about all the bad reviews on the engine head gasket. We have 74,000 miles and have no engine issues so far! We have had minimal wind noise from the window, no big deal! Also brakes wore rather fast and dealer fixed before warranty end. We bought at 12,000 miles so not sure why this car was traded in! So far this is a great little car. Fair miles 21 around town/mixed and 26 on the highway. Awesome in the snow! We have the triple tread assurance tires. Awesome!! This car is great compared to an SUV except it is only a 4 seater. Very hard if not impossible to get more then 2 kids in the back unless you buy the radian carsets which are hard to install/narrow
Great wagon
vivatahoe, 04/15/2003
2002 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had an SUV, traded in for the wagon and I really am impressed. On the freeway, 70mph to 100mph is way too easy to reach in my 5 speed tranny and seems effortless. The best part is the AWD system in the snow! No more snowchains (unless it's blizzard outside). Backseat can be folded down to increase trunk space and I've able to move one bedroom worth of stuff (besides the bed and big furnitures) in one trip. Though the leather seats isn't the most comfortable thing in the long drive despite all the different seating positions adjusted. Fuel economy is pretty good for this size car.