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Used 2003 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
142 reviews

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4.88 out of 5 stars

New H6 Wagon Model

tigerspy, 08/06/2003
2003 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

It’s about time Subaru came out with a base model Outback with the H6 engine! This car is a mid year model for 2003 and is basically a base model with the H6 engine, auto climate control, auto dimming mirror and a few extra items that don't come standard on the base model. The H6 engine is extremely smooth and quiet. It's mated with a 4-speed which has rather wide and tall gearing, but IMHO acceleration still remains smooth and quick. Subaru has priced this model very reasonably (thousands less than the LL Bean or VDC models and only a few hundred bucks more than the Limited model).

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4.63 out of 5 stars

High mileage, still runs like new

Snow shredder, 10/17/2008
2003 Subaru Outback VDC AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

No major mechanical problems. Routine stuff like brake calipers and pads but nothing major. Still is rock solid, lots of power (V6), great in the snow, slush and rain and fun to drive. Presently have goodyear assurance tripletred tires and recommend them on this car. All in all, still love the car.

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4 out of 5 stars

My wife's "tank" which she loves

Firefighterjake, 11/06/2007
2003 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

My wife is a nurse who has to drive 35 miles each way to and from work in all kinds of weather. Before she used a Nissan 4WD pick-up, which worked well, but it seemed a bit top heavy to her in the snow and was severely under-powered. She absolutely loves this Subaru as she says it powers through everything Mother Nature throws our way here in Maine. In fact she says it's a lot like driving a tank as it goes through anything with no issues. We've had no problems and honestly feel the 4-cylinders provide plenty of giddy-up and go for us.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Glad 2 B back in a Roo!

linuxlooNH, 08/08/2005
2003 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

After four years with a Saturn LW2/300, I decided to get back to Subaru for a variety of reasons. The biggest one is the reliability of the car. I had a '92 Loyale that I couldn't kill, but traded in for the Saturn. After various "issues" with that car, I decided to come back to Subaru. I bought the standard Outback Wagon with a 5 speed, my first! and just love it. Here in NH you need a good snow car. The Outback continually impresses my wife and I, not only in the foul weather, but on our short and long trips. Very little stops the car or us. It goes through every where we want to go. It loads up and cruises down the highway well. Being 6 foot 1 inch, I find I have just enough room behind the wheel.

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4 out of 5 stars

Lives up its reputation

TP, 02/02/2007
2003 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Very pleased with my Outback LL Bean H6 Wagon. Although it produces annoying wind noise (apparently a Subaru trait), and can use a five speed auto transmission to move it up hills easier, the H6 is very smooth and moves well on the highway. I find it enjoyable and fun to drive. It handles well, and I like the ride. The posi rear hinders the performance in snow as compared to non-posi Subarus, but you still feel secure. My brother's had 7 Subarus and talked me into buying this one. I'm glad he did. It was between this and the 4Motion VW Passat Wagon, but after talking to former and current VW owners, and reading that the VW's reliability reviews were horrific, it was an easy decision.

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