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Used 2003 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
142 reviews

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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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2 out of 5 stars

I love this car but never fails to let me down :(

Laura, 07/15/2019
2003 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I’ve owned two of these cars and they both took a turn for the worst after two years of having them. After 100000 miles I’ve had to change the headgasket radiator thermostat anything to make is stop overheating and it just keeps overheating and my machanic can’t seem to figure out why I’m so over this 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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4.13 out of 5 stars

2nd Subaru, might be last

Tim, 12/20/2008
2003 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

My car was babied from day one. I upgraded to the Outback from a 2002 Impreza 2.5. I really enjoyed the car, until I started to notice a few sounds as I accelerated from toll booths, etc with my window still down. The dealers could never hear it. I noticed the transmission was always searching between 3rd and 4th gear. The wind noise has me going nuts. The paint has faded in different spots, and I am afraid to use the windshield wiper heater because when I replaced the cracked one, the replacements seem to have a defect with the heating element and it cracks the glass when used. I love Subarus, but my wife makes a good point when she says I need to stop buying someones bad design.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Very Solid Car

Skinney, 09/04/2009
2003 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

This has been a great car for me, I've put on almost 100,000 miles. Now have 122,000 and the car is still running strong. I haven't had any issues except with the door/window moldings, which lead to the wind noise everyone talks about. Two were replaced by dealer, one for free after warranty ran out (thanks Subaru!), and one more that needs fixing. Transmission "pops" when it downshifs from 4th to 3rd but has not created any issues except annoyance. Mileage is not bad considering the weight of car and full time AWD. I average 18-20 for everyday driving and get from 24-26 on the highway (with the H6-3.0) and I don't drive lightly. Out performs many trucks/SUV's in 12"+ snow in the mountains.

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