Used 2002 Subaru Outback Wagon Consumer Reviews
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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.
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.
2002 Subaru Outback for sale near you
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- L.L. Bean Edition WagonMSRP: $4,444105 mi away
- VDC WagonMSRP: $4,495586 mi away
- Base WagonMSRP: $4,000957 mi away
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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!
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!
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!!
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.
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.
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.
My subaru
seabeewife, 04/20/2007
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best car I have ever owned. Handles awesomely in the rain, snow, ice and dry pavement. I can't think of a better car I would want to own.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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...)
Subaru listens to it's owners
Ralph, 03/15/2002
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have 2500 miles on the Outback, had a GL w/200k before. This is a great improvement, the car is significantly quieter, and the torque acceleration is much much improved. The entrance/exit is tough, and could be improved by memory settings so it would slide the seat back and forward when you exit and enter. Non multi-port FI leaves the occasional accelerate/decelerate bounce in slow traffic. Overall I really like the car.
Subaru OutBack Kangaroo
hobotuka, 03/21/2002
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
No problems after 1 year :)
Think Again
Trading It In!, 03/26/2002
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is not what it is what I would call a family friendly car. At best at 3200 miles it gets 20 mpg on the highway and 17 in the city. It appears Subaru went cheap and is riding on their reputation rather than giving us a safe car. It is designed so that you have to take your eyes off the road to check if you are in cruise, the windshield heater is on or off, if the wheel is tilted the slightest you cannot see the turn signal indicators. There is no safety hooks for the middle seat for a child restraint system. Only on the outboard. An unsafe vehicle for this reason. It mpg is not much better than a Ford Explorer.
Wanting to Love My Car
alyonsd, 05/03/2008
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I did a lot of research and test drove many cars before settling on the Outback. I liked the reputation Subaru had and the smoothness of the ride was very important for me with some medical issues. The Forester was a little too rough. I took great care of it but brakes went at 30K. Trunk cover/shade broke at 60K despite being gentle and not used much. Headgasket went at 90K. Catalytic converter went at 106K. I'm done now with Subaru, as much as I want to believe in them. I spoke with my mechanic about them and he said his experience is that they are either great for you and last, or you end up with one that's not up to par.I'm in the later. Sadly, I think this is my last Subaru.
14-Month Review
rob999, 04/02/2002
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have completed 14 months / 17,000 miles in my H4/5spd Outback. Absolutely zero problems. A delightful car to drive. This is primarily my commuter car, but we occasionally press it into family service for weekend trips, especially for winter driving. I would recommend the Outback to anyone considering this type of vehicle. Glad I ditched my SUV!
Just don't want to sell it
Michael Fairhurst, 04/25/2019
2002 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It' s not a car it is more like a family member. Blackie his name ,now you know his color, took me through everything, when I bought it my then 7 year old daughter was delighted to stand on the back seat and be just tall enough to look out the larger of the 2 sunroofs (we were in the driveway) . Now she is in college and it was her first car. I wanted her to drive a car she was safe in. Now it's back to me, with only one small dent ( she didn't see the pole when she backed up and came home in tears, I told her no big deal and she thanked me and became a really good driver. I just bought a Lexus and my wife said it's time to sell Blackie. But to me it's a family member and I just can't say goodbye!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Like it so far
Roy, 03/01/2002
2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
Currently we only have 6000 miles on the car, and so far it is very enjoyable. The ride is very smooth and sure.
Lemon Law Quality
unhappy with subaru, 07/06/2003
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
TERRIBLE car! HUGE mistake! From day 1, I had nothing but problems with my Outback. White smoke constantly poured from the exhaust, it stalled while driving(this is an auto trans-not a manual!), & countless other mechanical problems. In 3 mos it was at the dealership for repairs 6 times. Subaru claimed there were no problems with it, but they did replace several items to repair the problems they said did not exist. EXTREMELY overpriced compact car, TERRIBLE mpg, SMALL interior. Subaru's Customer Service was deplorable. They didn't care to solve any of the problems I had with the car. I now have a 2002 Chevy Tahoe Z71 that I LOVE!
Lots of rattles&whistles
HMR, 06/17/2002
2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This 2001 LL Bean is my 2nd subaru. However, I probably won't buy another due to all the rattles and wind noise in my Bean. This after barely 11,000 miles. These are body integrity noises which are proving nearly impossible to find. My 1992 Miata is quiter than this rattletrap. If you put ear plugs on the car drives fine, has plenty of power, and looks (imho) great. It excells on the road until you get a side wind or pass a large truck, then it sounds like waxed paper on a pocket comb. These cars are sold by GM dealers in Texas and they don't much care about customer satisfaction. Like Ricky Nelson, I think I'd rather drive a truck.
2002 Positive Review
brookhollow, 07/17/2003
2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Have enjoyed comfort, reliability, carrying capacity, overall appearance, and features included on this model. Comfort control temperature better than regular temperature controls, but a bit noisey at the start up. Have noticed not as smooth a transition through gears going uphill as a friend's Honda Accord EX (also V-6). Like the Outback a lot--this is my second one!
Anti-Lock Brake Death Trap
Edward, 12/27/2005
2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
The anti-lock brakes take way too long to stop the car. They are especially bad when the temperature is below freezing. Two different dealers told me there was nothing wrong with the ABS. I love everything else about the car, but I am purchasing a second car to drive in the cold Utah winters. I am planning to keep the car and drive it during the other eight months of the year. Don't let the "winter wonderland" TV commercials fool you!
Subaru Bean
kayakker, 03/10/2002
2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Only 3000 miles so far - The handling is superb, the ride quiet, and the interior details are practical, easy to use, and well designed. It was the H6 that made me opt for the Bean, didn't need all those bells & whistles, but I've quickly grown to appreciate them, although I would prefer cloth seats. I LOVE the MOMA steering wheel!
Great vehicle - needs more room
Hiker, 03/11/2002
2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I like my 2001 LL Bean edition very much. I could do w/o all the extras but I did not like the four cylinder. I do not miss my old, bouncy, poor riding/handling, gas guzzling SUV. However, at 6-02 in height, I could use one to two more inches of legroom and a telescoping steering wheel.