2003 Subaru Outback Overview
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2003 Subaru Outback and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2003 Outback featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2003 Subaru Outback and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2003 Outback 4.3 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2003 Outback.
Review
Ok. So I am a died in the wool subaru fan but will make no bones about the fact that the H4 (2.5 liter models during these years and current models) have a BOATLOAD of head gasket problems. Their failure rate is very high. I happen to be lucky enough to have the 3.0 H6. I have just about 270k now and it still runs great and burns no oil. I maintain it well and do all the maintenance repairs myself. Have had no major repairs as of yet.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2003 Subaru Outback
Edmunds Value
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
Available Subaru Outback 2003 Submodel Types: SUV, Wagon, Sedan
Available Trims: 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Premium, 3.6R Limited, 2.5i Premium PZEV, 2.5i Limited PZEV, 2.5i, 3.6R Touring, Base, 2.5i Touring, 2.5i PZEV, 2.5I, 2.5i Special Edition, Limited, 2.5 XT Limited, 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition, 2.5I Ltd L.L.Bean Edition, L.L. Bean Edition, H6-3.0 L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5I Limited, 2.5i Basic, 3.6R Premium, 2.5 XT, L.L. Bean Edition , 2.5XT Limited, 3.0 R, 3.0 R VDC Limited, 3.0R Limited, VDC, H6-3.0 35th Anniversary Edition, H6-3.0 VDC
Exterior Colors: Crystal White Pearl, Twilight Blue Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Ice Silver Metallic, Tungsten Metallic, Venetian Red Pearl, Wilderness Green Metallic, Crimson Red Pearl, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Carbide Gray Metallic, Satin White Pearl, Dark Blue Pearl, Lapis Blue Pearl, Graphite Gray Metallic, Cypress Green Pearl, Brilliant Silver Metallic/Granite Gray Opal, Champagne Gold Opal, Deep Indigo Pearl, Ruby Red Pearl, Obsidian Black Pearl, Steel Silver Metallic, Azurite Blue Pearl, Diamond Gray Metallic/Quartz Silver Metallic, Willow Green Opal/Moss Green Metallic, Deep Bronze Metallic, Seamist Green Pearl/Titanium Pearl, Timberline Green/Titanium Pearl, Atlantic Blue Pearl, Atlantic Blue Pearl/Granite Gray Opal, Sky Blue Metallic, Mystic Blue Pearl/Titanium Pearl, Seacrest Green Metallic, Harvest Gold Metallic, Newport Blue Pearl, White Frost Pearl/Titanium Pearl, Caramel Bronze Pearl, Regatta Red Pearl, Satin White Pearl/Granite Gray Opal, Champagne Gold Opal/Granite Gray Opal, Quartz Silver Metallic, Timberline Green Pearl/Titanium Pearl, White Frost Pearl/Titanium, Wintergreen Metallic/Titanium, Deep Sapphire / Titanium Pearl, Newport Blue Pearl/Quartz Silver Metallic, Timberline Green / Titanium Pearl, White Birch / Titanium Pearl, Brilliant Brown Pearl, Champagne Gold Opal/Titanium Pearl, Deep Sapphire/Titanium Pearl, Regatta Red Pearl/Titanium Pearl, White Frost Pearl/Moonlight Metallic, Black Granite Pearl/Titanium, Black Granite Pearl/Titanium Pearl, Bright Silver/Titanium Pearl, Garnet Red Pearl, Seamist Green Pearl/Dark Lower Accents, Silver Stone Metallic/Dark Lower Accents, Titanium Pearl
Interior Colors: Slate Black Leather leather, Slate Black Cloth cloth, Warm Ivory Leather leather, Warm Ivory Cloth cloth, Black, Ivory, Java Brown Leather leather, Off Black cloth, Taupe cloth, Titanium Gray Leather leather, Beige, Off Black leather, Titanium Gray Cloth cloth, Ivory cloth, Saddle Brown leather, Taupe, Warm Ivory leather, Gray, Warm Ivory cloth, Off Black, Off-Black cloth
Popular Features: AWD/4WD, Aux Audio Inputs, Rear Bench Seats, Fold Flat Rear Seats, 2500lb Towing Capacity, Trip Computer, Alarm, Heated seats, Power Driver Seat, Tire Pressure Warning, Bluetooth, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, USB Inputs, Stability Control, Auto Climate Control, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Back-up camera, Post-collision safety system, Sunroof/Moonroof, Leather Seats, Blind Spot Monitoring, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Keyless Entry/Start, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-collision safety system, Navigation, Lane Departure Warning, Upgraded Headlights, Parking sensors, Upgraded Stereo, Remote Start, Towing Hitch, Rear Entertainment System
Engine/Mechanics: 4, 6 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, MANUAL
Fuel Types: regular unleaded, premium unleaded (required)
Drivetrains: all wheel drive
