Used 2003 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews
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Its taken me to the moon..now I want to come back
gowest2, 02/04/2014
2003 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
48 of 49 people found this review helpful
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.
Big Dissapointment
pjgelao, 10/10/2012
2003 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car new and have had nothing but COST. At 36,000 it had a leaking head and it was pulled out and fixed, then it was the timing belt at 50,00 miles. Something wrong with it all the time. At 77,000 BOTH heads was leaking again & pulled resurfaced. Heater not working & fixed. When contacting SUBRAU they wanted all servicing recordss. I got the packet together of services & plus ALL fixes.. We waited A MONTH- called many times. My hubby called them and They wouldnt do a thing for me !!! One statement why was I didnt have the car serviced all the time from a Subrau dealer - we were very upset and never a SUBRAU again!
2003 Subaru Outback for sale near you
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The Best as long as its an H6
rberkhei, 01/11/2015
2003 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
33 of 36 people found this review helpful
Subaru has long been the go-to for reliability and dependability for those who know of it. Perhaps these vehicles are the best kept secret or perhaps I'm the only one who needs a car monday-friday and a capable awd vehicle with ground clearance which can hold two kayaks and go anywhere in all weather conditions on the weekends. Set aside its diversity, these vehicles are incredibly safe and undoubtedly reliable. Add in heated leather seats, dual sunroof, premium sound, de-icing wiper blades, the torque of the 6-cyl engine coupled with the handling and some all weather mats, this granny wagon is capable of anything and loves a rough stretch of road! 220k miles and counting.
200,000 miles and counting!
ak_girl, 06/18/2013
2003 Subaru Outback VDC AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I bought this car brand new in 2003. It has been problem free and reliable, I can honestly say this has been the best car I have ever owned. I would gladly buy another new 6 cylinder Subaru without a second thought.
Would not by another Subaru
G Frank, 05/28/2008
2003 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
Negatives:The head gasket went at 73,000, just past the warranty. I went online and there were 450 complaints on one website about the head gaskets on Subarus, yet never a factory recall. At 75,000, a fuel injector had to be replaced. Mileage on car is lousy -- as low as 19 mpg in town. Car leans a lot on turns and dealers said that is characteristic of the car. Turning radius is poor and is therefore dangerous when making a u-turn.
It's been really good to me
Velella, 11/22/2008
2003 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
I am at 167,000 miles with synthetic oil and it is still clear and engine is going strong. Average 22 MPG in Los Angeles with mixed freeway and street and some offroad. Only failure was an air conditioning hose. Michelin Hydroedge replacements went 105,000 miles. The interior shows little wear and leather seats are still in great shape. Put on new tires and intend to keep it going until it dies... and then I might rebuild the motor and keep on.
Nice car, be good to it and will probably be good to you.
ramborob79, 02/11/2013
2003 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
We have owned this car for about 5 years,bought the car with 60k and have put a little over 100k on it. The car has been quite an investment to buy and service but has never left us stranded.Head gaskets were replaced shortly after purchase under warranty and have been fine since. I was told subarus can be considered a specialty vehicle and I agree as they are built different than a lot of cars. Still starts right up,shifts smoothly,rides nice. If you are hard on your vehicle and used to putting very little money into it in the meantime, probably not for you.
Best Subaru Yet
Fastmover, 08/15/2003
2003 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
This is our second Subaru Outback. This car is built so well, no problems, always reliable. I love the handling, the feel of the steering, great brakes, wonderful amenities. I highly recommend this car. This car is refined enough to take to the city for the latest opera, yet tough enough to cross steams and go where I really waant to take it.
Head Gasket built to fail
gib, 06/25/2010
2003 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
19 of 22 people found this review helpful
it started off as Beautiful Relationship. but the honeymoon ended quickly. 1st the Air conditioner dropped to about 10% output, then the Brakes needed a complete remake, rotors pads fluid, all went bad, then the radio, and now after only 40K the Head Gasket is leaking. This is a "known" problem and there have been many recalls but when i contacted Subaru they took the position of," it's 1yr out of warranty". i agreed, but anyone who knows anything about cars knows a 40K engine should never have a HG failure. Subaru makes TERRIBLE Head Gaskets, look it up on-line BEFORE you buy one. the 1 piece of misleading information out there is that many more HGs have failed than have been written about!
Just a great car. 175k miles and going strong.
BrewCar, 09/12/2015
2003 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
14 of 16 people found this review helpful
Owned for 10 years, now at 175k miles. It loves the rain and snow... this AWD beast is simply unstoppable no matter the weather. In the winter, I put on Blizzak WS-70's, and it just sticks to the road (snow/slush/ice, bring it!). Driver position on wet freeways is like Goldilocks, just right, and you're above the tire spray. I'm now spoiled with having seat heaters, fog lamps, and wiper defrost. Power has always been fine - I didn't buy it to be a muscle car. Only problems have been occasional oil leaks - valve cover, then oil pan seal. The brakes need changing about every 15 months, but it only takes about 20 minutes per axle and is dirt simple (yay disc brakes!!!). A bit of wind noise at freeway speeds, but some window seal restorer helps. I've now handed her off to a college bound kid without worry; I'm certain this ride has at least another 125k miles in her. My only real complaint was that I stayed with the stock speakers for the first 5 years - what a difference aftermarket makes!
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03 outback 2.5L SOHC
subie7, 08/01/2013
2003 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
great car very reliable recommend changing the factory head gaskets their junk and upgrade them and youll never have the problem again ik i havent other than that the tranny and engine runs great havent had any other issues with the car other than minor stuff here and their like tube seals and blown dash light 10 yrs old so i thinks shes done me good still gets me from a - z fires up EVERYTIME one lesson i learned for anyone looking to do spark plugs though only run ngk plugs and wires amazing difference
My Subaru = LOVE
Subaru Lover, 05/21/2018
2003 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
I love my car more and more every year that it continues to run so well and get me anywhere I need to go. I plan on driving it for a long, long time.
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I love my H6 green bean
Amf97, 01/03/2020
2003 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I have owned my 2003 H6 3.0 L.L Bean Edition for a year now and I’ve got to say that I’m in love with it. I purchased it with 198,000 miles and now I’m at 210,000...It’s a great car that has given me no problems (besides a few worn out pieces that needed replacing, as is expected from a 16 year old car...power steering O-ring, tie rods, axle boot). Every morning it starts, heats up quickly and gets me wherever I need to go every time. The AWD is fantastic, I’m never going back to FWD. I’ve been through last years and this years winter in Upstate NY and let me tell you it makes all the difference. It stay right where its supposed to be in the road, it plows right through everything thrown in it’s way. I feel so secure driving when the roads are bad where previously I was terrified every winter and my car would always slide and swerve. This is especially nice as I am working a very early morning job so I am driving at 3am and the roads are not always plowed. The sound system is great. It’s gets really loud without any distortion to the music and the sound is very clear and of a high quality. The dual moon roof is a great feature too, I’ve always got the shades pulled and when the weather is nice the roof is open too. It gets so bright in the car, the moon roof and all the large windows attribute to that. I feel that the ride is mostly comfortable. Of course the roads are very holey and bumpy where I live so maybe I’m not the best judge for a smooth ride. I don’t think anyone really gets a smooth ride around here...The amount of cargo space is great. I was able to bring home a 7 ft tall bookshelf in this vehicle...and I could close the hatch with it in there! You can fit a lot of stuff in this car, if that’s something you need/want then you’ve totally got it here. My short list of cons: Not very fuel efficient, but I expected that from an older AWD vehicle. I average around 20 mpg. Mostly backroads/city driving. Acceleration is a bit slow, if you are used to a smaller zippier car be careful. You are not going to be able to make those risky turns or zoom around someone super fast. You’ll need to be a more careful driver, you won’t be making those risky moves anymore. Maybe not a bad thing truly but it was jarring going from a light, tiny, FWD drive sedan to this and not having the same accel. There is wind noise, it was really bad when I first got it but I found a little hack off of Subaru Outback forums for that: cut a few pieces of door edge guard and stick them onto the black sheath the window slides up and down in (around the side mirrors) this closes the gaps and wind doesn’t come in through there anymore. It’s an almost perfect fix Beware of non-H6 outbacks, they are known for having head gasket issues so if you are considering one without this type of engine make sure the head gaskets have been serviced before you buy or haggle it down and take care of it soon yourself. Basically if you are looking for a really pleasant, secure driving experience this car is great. It has every feature I could want. It’s rugged, but also adorable looking with a very nice interior. Reliable with a a lot of great features! I would totally recommend this vehicle
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I may have been unlucky but this thing was hardly reliable
jamespeaut, 02/27/2013
2003 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
Bought car used at 140k (as such this could reflect the previous owner's handling of it.) Week 1: Head Gasket, Oxygen filter, timing belt, Radiator leak Week 4: New Tires, New brakes, CV Joints, Bent Axis joint, oil leak Current: Week 8: Headlight electrical system failure. Paid: 4,500 for car. Repair bill: 5000 I may have bought a bum car but I'm really not impressed with the outback--It's hardly been reliable or cost effective. Even as a temporary commuter car (I bicycle for most of my work) it's cost me a chunk of change. I really wish I had stuck with my old Honda CRV Cons: Gas mileage in cities loud noise from exterior Bumpy ride From what I've experienced, unreliable
Best car I ever owned in 50 years
panda, 04/01/2006
2003 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Solid road car. Great engine, quiet, very good handling, brakes and steering wheel response. Great road shock absorption. Transmission very smooth. The car is tight at the shoulders and could be a little wider. The steering wheel needs to be adjusted higher to clear my knees.
Head Gasket Leaking Problem
Scott R., 02/10/2010
2003 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Bought the car for my wife. Was happy with the car until my dealer confirmed an external coolant leak from both heads at 53,000 miles. I knew of the problem in earlier years, but was told that the problem was fixed in the 2003 model year. I maintained the car over and above Subaru recommendations/requirement. I changed the anti-freeze and used their special conditioner at 25,000 and 50,000 miles. Subaru offered me a 50/50 split for replacing the gaskets. I was considering buying a new Outback next year, but when they have no confidence in their own vehicle (i.e. stand behind such a known design flaw), they don't deserve my loyalty. Recommend only for short term ownership.
Wife loves it
Leo, 08/16/2010
2003 Subaru Outback VDC AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Purchased used 1 yr old. 120K miles on the car so far. Never had mechanical problems. Wife loves it. Replaced McIntosh head unit after warranty ran out with aftermarket radio (First time replaced under warranty). Auto transmission jerks when downshifts from 2 to 1 gear at stoplight. Dealer inspected, no issues found. Average 25 MPG mixed driving. Replacing front brake pads every 20K miles. Wind noise is annoying after 65MPH even with replaced window seals. Needs more luxury features for $30K vehicle. It was my second Subaru after I loved WRX but probably will not be buying again. Better choices available for the money.
Loving Subaru! I do not want to drive anything els
Denise, 01/21/2016
updated 08/01/2017
2003 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
13 of 17 people found this review helpful
We have enjoyed this car, bought in 2006 at 130000 miles. Now we have 284000 and it is still driving like new. I sold my sweet 2003 at 288.000 miles. Never had one problem. We bought a 2016 brand new! Although the car is new and the technology is great it does not compare with my 2003. The old car was an LLBean Legacy Outback with leather interior. CD player (5 CD changer) which really was wearing out. Separate Moon and Sun Roofs. No navigation system. I used a separate GPS System. The new 2016 is an Outback. The ride in the 2003 is way smoother and the engine is so much quieter. The navigation system really ... well ... sucks. Everything I said before still goes about my 2016 Subaru. I have to really say that the navigation system in the car is hard to use! What I do not like about the whole system in general is that it takes over and does not allow you to do anything while the car is in motion. Or even sitting with your break on in Drive. Even the passenger cannot make any changes to the route or look up anything. The mapping program is archaic to say the least. Why can't Subaru integrate a system that matches what you have on your cell phone. You are used to looking at that screen used to in putting the data or information. I use a couple of mapping programs. The only thing good about the mapping program in my car right now is the graphics are good. But it's so difficult to put an address in and the first time I tried it I kept putting the address that I wanted to go to as my home address because you can't tell what it wants and then you find out that you've put your home address as an address you're trying to navigate to. I really don't use it much it's a waste of time for me. I also do not like the sound Radio / whatever it's called. You can't take stations off that you don't want on there. I took Sirius radio off there because it's seriously not worth the money. But I can't get the Sirius channels off. I've tried going in and just putting another channel on top of that one that works but it's very time-consuming it needs to be more user-friendly because you have to sit out in your garage for hours the program it. Subaru please send us a fix... I need a computer upgrade this year one that is not 20 years behind the times. I have leather seats my car does not smell like leather my husband said well they're not really leather... I did not know that when I bought the car... Well I can live with it but it's just one of those frustrating things if you know what I'm saying. When I come up to my car and it's locked I have a car full of groceries and I have my key in my purse I can open the doors no problem but I cannot open the tailgate it will not open for me. I have to unlock my car and then open the tailgate. It won't even unlock with the remote. , so far this car drives like a dream... I have no complaints about the car just the computer system that runs the mapping program and the child guards apparently that I can't turn my radio off when I'm backing up since someone left it on parked it I turned on the car put it in reverse and then all the sudden the radio comes on and just blasting scared this scares the heck out of me and I have to stop backing up put my car into park to turn the radio off. Just those little aggravating things they super add up. And the little drop-down for the sunglasses that is in the ceiling of the car up close to the front windshield pops down put your sunglasses in... No sunglasses will fit in there it is so freaking small. Just saying
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WHAT A MONEY PIT!! TOO BAD :(
mom0f3, 01/26/2011
2003 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
Beautiful car, roomy enough for transporting my children. Paint job is still brilliant and the car looks newer than it is. I really considered buying a newer outback, however at 70,000 miles, one thing has broken after another. First the wiper hose, then the wiper motor, head gaskets replaced, water pump and now the transmission is shot. I have put 3K into the car in the past 6 months. Thank goodness the transmission is still under warranty. I just wonder what is next to go. Too bad because I really liked driving my outback.
No Subarus in the future for me
TG, 06/27/2010
2003 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
Within 48K I have lost my AC, redone the Brakes, lost the radio, small plastic hooks and knobs break off easily and finally the Head Gasket failed. Bad Subaru! the HGs have been failing on these cars since 1976 (my 1st Subaru) after many misleading discussions with Sales/mechanics we decided to give them another chance. FAIL. don't buy a Subaru w/o looking up their reviews/complaints first.For a car with this many features you would not think that this CRITICAL part would be so consistently overlooked.
Reliable
Sorin, 07/18/2009
2003 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
I bought it brand new and now I have 140.000 on it. Drives like the first day. Have not had ANY engine/transmission problems. Wasted money on extended warranty. Did oil change myself, fuel filter only changed a couple a times, transmission fluid drained twice, Serp belt went at 100K. Changed spark plugs (major pain, buried deep) at 100K, looked like new. VERY reliable in all kinds of weather. Cons: wind noise (only if you want to drive above 80, and then I guess it's a good thing, it keeps you alert). Not enough leg room. Those who think a 6 cylinder will accelerate faster forget about it, it doesn't, because it's heavier. It is friendly, though, once you get to know it.
A Lesson Learned The Hard Way
machineryman, 07/29/2013
updated 09/27/2013
2003 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
12 of 16 people found this review helpful
I bought my Outback two years ago with 115,000 miles on it. In over 200 cars that I've owned I've never owned an Outback, but everyone that I talked to that had one loved it. This car ranks as one of the 3 worst cars that I've owned. It's the only car that I've owned that would break just sitting in the driveway. It's been a real money pit. With the chronic head gasket problems I'm surprised that anyone buys these. I sure wish that I had researched it before I bought. This was definately an expensive lesson learned the hard way.
Guess I got the lemon
Jane, 10/31/2009
2003 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
14 of 19 people found this review helpful
Immediately post-purchase, I noticed the car hesitated on acceleration & had slow & clunky gear shifting. I was told that was just "the boxer engine"?! The car chews thru the brakes - been replaced & repaired every year. Wind noise has been a constant irritation & I can't read stereo settings on bright days due to glare. Today, I was told that the head gasket is blown and the brake pads are gone again. In spite of having routine maintenance, this 6 year old car has had a long history of expensive repair, gets poor mileage & requires more expensive gas. I would never buy another Subaru but from others' revus, clearly I'm in the minority?! Must have been the lemon?!
13 years old and going strong
Mike Fisher, 03/27/2016
2003 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Audio System (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
Really does great on bad roads and steering control is excellent. Visibility is also excellent. Like all Subaru Outback's, excellent storage space very good seating space. With current estimated value about $4000, this car's average annual depreciation is little more than $1000 per year --- pretty remarkable. Only downside is that it has never been "great" in going uphill in the mountains (underpowered a bit).
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A word of warning...
abgra, 03/29/2012
2003 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Audio System (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I LOVED this car when I first got it. I live in Montana, so the AWD and heated seats were perfect. However, I quickly realized this car is was a lemon. I poured thousands into this car before I finally traded it in for a Civic, only to find out the dealership forked out $3000 to fix the head gasket, water pump, timing belt (that was only a year old), air conditioner, and front brakes that I replaced a year before as well. A local Subaru mechanic said that there is a factory defect in these and he rebuilds about three a week. If you insist on buying this car, make sure you have a Subaru specialist go over the engine with a fine-tooth comb.
Heavy, numb, and compromised.
Daniel, 08/21/2021
2003 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
There is a lot to love about the Outback. It has a really nice, two-tone interior with heated seats standard. There is enough space to sleep in it. And the handling is very nicely balanced. And they are cheap and everywhere. BUT. Its slow. This is the most heavy generation of the Outback (the 2nd generation). Thats very important to understanding why people say it has slow acceleration. I have an automatic 2.5L. There are only four gears in the auto, like a lot of early 2000's cars, and its not enough. The transmission will shift from 2nd to 3rd at 40mph, and you wind up at 2,000 rpm and unable to keep accelerating, especially if you're going uphill at all, because the horsepower doesn't peak until 4,000rpm, and there isn't enough power from the 2.5L to accelerate all 3,900 pounds. To get the proper acceleration out of it, I use the shifter to hold 2nd and 3rd gear until 4,500 rpm. My dad actually handed me down this car because he got tired of the lackluster acceleration. Most people are afraid to rev their cars that much, so I think a lot of folks would find it unpleasant to drive their cars like this. And you shouldn't really have to, but its to compensate for the design. The EJ25 is a great motor...in a car that is 1,000 pounds lighter. If I could sum up this car in one word, it would be "numb". I think Subaru designed this car to be "luxurious" in it's driving feel in a way that would appeal to older drivers. The result is a smooth ride and a very solid and planted feel, spacious cabin and quiet drivetrain, but the acceleration and hill climbing ability is really lacking. Subaru cut corners by taking their base motor and putting it in their heavvyest, biggest model. It should have had two versions of a 6 cylinder, or turbo standard, with better programming on the transmission. Also, it needs mid-grade gas... but still feels low on power. Then there is the offroad ability. It doesn't have much. The height raises the center of gravity and affects the handling, while giving you barely any more offroad ability. It's better for getting to trail heads and in the snow, but personally I like sitting closer to the ground. The seating position inside the car is quite high too. When I first got it I had a hard time getting used to how low the top of the windsheild was on the inside. I am 5'10". All in all, I'd opt for the 3rd generation Outback and pass on the 2nd if you really want an Outback.
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Ultimate Utility Car
Dave, 08/16/2005
2003 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
This is our second Outback, the first was a 2001 but in the basic package. The VDC edition is simply an extremely well designed and built car. Put an aggressive tire on it and you can get any where you need to go in any weather. Handling is surprisingly sport like and has enough power to make driving fun, we trailer an atv with it. Decked out with all the bells and whistles.
My car
Diane, 04/17/2010
2003 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
This is my third outback and it has 220,000 miles and runs great! I sell real estate and put many miles on and enjoy the quality and ride! My last one had less than 20,000 miles when I slid on black ice, T-boned a tractor trailer that was loaded and totaled the trailer and i walked away without a scratch.
Wow, where do I start?
jillreyna, 05/25/2015
2003 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
13 of 21 people found this review helpful
I have a 2003 H6 V3.0 with just 119,000 miles on it. It is hard to put this car and "reliable" together in the same sentence, not to mention that dealers in my area do not stock many parts for it. Averaging around $450+ per simple repair, after shopping around some. I would buy any other Subaru, but any reader who finds this a good car value is welcome to make me an offer. One-owner Arizona vehicle, driven by senior person. Maintained to point of exhaustion.
bad choice
walter, 04/26/2008
2003 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
6 of 9 people found this review helpful
I think it was my fault buying this car, because my wife needed a wagon or something really fast because she needed it for commuting to work. Suvs were out of the question, but now we feel guilty because anything is better than this junk car. Forget about going on vacation because there is TOO MUCH WIND NOISE!!!! Its almost like having a separate stereo system, one for the radio, and one for the noisiness of the car. You won't get stopped because people love the way it looks because it is ugly, especially the '03 model. We are hoping to trade in the Subaru before it depreciates.
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.
overall great vehicle
Light, 11/14/2006
2003 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Subaru has proven again to be a terrific car in all the most important levels. Interior design is still in the works (this being our second Outback over the last six years). The driving safety and ease we rate the highest. This car has prevented accidents and is a great bad weather car. We take it off road and it is amazing. It is easy to maintain and has been totally reliable. We love the looks and feel of our Legacy Outback. We will remain loyal Subaru owners. The driver's and forward passenger windows are noisy(wind type noise), with was the case with our first Subaru also. They maybe able to be adjusted. Other than that, we are totally and utterly happy with this car
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.
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.
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.
VDC wagon - underestimated sleeper
willoc, 07/18/2003
2003 Subaru Outback VDC AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I'm going on two months with the car and enjoying every drive. McIntosh audio is much better than the Bose system I had in my previous Infiniti. Soundproofing is excellent, this car has TRACTION you can't even break the tires loose on full throttle and it accelerates pretty well considering its weight (3800+ lbs). Has a very solid, safe feel. If you are getting out of an SUV like I did, you will find this car every bit as capable as an SUV yet handles like a car and I just got 26 mpg on a road trip. awesome !!
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.
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
Its 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).
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.
I love my car
i can has car, 07/03/2008
2003 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have only had my Subaru for about 2 months but I have fallen in love with it. I'm only 16 years old, and it isn't exactly the coolest looking car, but it is fun to drive, pretty fast, and the double sunroofs are great. It has been the most reliable car I have ever experienced. The AWD has saved me a few times. But I mostly use it to go around turns way too fast.
My first Subaru
RIBob, 08/20/2002
2003 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
After having driven Ford products for my entire adult life I have purchased a brand new Subaru on an impulse. I was drawn to its sleak design and sporty appearance. What brought me to the Subaru dealership was my interest in trying an AWD vehicle. So far I am very impressed with the ride and the handling. I certainly hope this vehicle will continue to perform as one would expect from a Subaru.
The worst mistake of my life
Elizabeth, 08/10/2010
2003 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
Second Subaru - both lemons. After 83,000 miles on the car (legacy Outback) and regular maintenance (no problems to date) the car needs over $4k worth of repairs. van Bortel, Victor NY - worst dealer ever - offered me $800 trade in. That's right, $800, even though Edmunds lists rough condition as worth about $4k in trade in. Yes, I bought the car there. van Bortel really knows how to treat their customers. I will never buy a Subaru again. Shame as I really wanted to like them.
Belongs in the junkyard!!!
eva, 07/31/2007
2003 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 10 people found this review helpful
My wife was talked into this car when she bought it. We wanted a safe and affordable wagon, but that doesn't mean subaru is a great car either!!! The exterior is disgusting, and wind noise is terrible. I can barely hear people talking! It accelerates like a donkey. Don't buy this car.
I LOVE THIS CAR, best one I have ever had
Patterson, 07/13/2006
2003 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I never knew what it was like to LOVE a car until I got my wagon. I will probably never own another type of car but a Subaru Outback. It is the perfect size for about ANYTHING. It is reliable, is great for short or long trips. The gas mileage is good even with the rising costs. This is coming from someone that drives an hour each way to work everyday. So I spend TONS of time in my wagon.
" On Star " Analog To Digital
2003 Subaru Outback, 08/06/2005
2003 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Other than the up-coming change in 2 1/2 years for the OnStar system, from analog to digital, the car has been all I have ever expected out of it and more. I have mine serviced every 2,500 miles, and if I find something wrong, I have it repaired while it is still nickel dime, before it reaches quarter half dollar condition.
Garbage
wis family, 03/06/2010
2003 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Audio System (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
At 60K the engine developed a bad knock we were told this was normal - as it got worse we had oil analysis done and it indicated there was a lot of aluminum in the oil after endless dickering with Subaru they replaced the engine - the old one had two very bad pistons and would have failed soon. We also have had many electrical problems and oil leaks at the cam seals. Also the alarm system was on and my remote battery died and I was unable to get it started until I got a new battery for the damn thing. We could go on and on about this lemon. We were Subaru fans and drove our last one almost 200K but this one has been a nightmare of epic proportions. We will NEVER buy another one.
Darn That Transmission
duzduz, 08/10/2010
2003 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Overall I truly loved this car. Unfortunately the window noise everyone talks about came up for me around 30,000 miles but bigger than that, the transmission! Clunky from about 56,000 miles and finally bit the dust at 140,000. Come now, that's too early. I'm a very gentle driver, never accelerate too fast, and would certainly expect a better lifetime out of such a major (and EXPENSIVE) element of the car. Sounds like this is a trend with the 03 Outback :(
Love My Subaru
SCB, 08/14/2003
2003 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
We just traded in our Dodge MiniVan for the Subaru Outback. We have two children and I did not think we needed another van but I wanted to have room and we take car trips often so comfort was one of my big factors. We have not taken a car trip with it yet, but I know we will not have a problem. I also wanted the AWD and of course the bigger engine. I have always heard great things about the outback and that it had all the safety features to make you feel good with having small children in it. The child seat anchors are a plus.
Peppy, all the bells and whistles, safe
Campbell, 05/07/2016
2003 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 10 people found this review helpful
Reliably safe and very peppy!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Another good Subaru
Chuck, 09/19/2007
2003 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I am generally happy with this car. It gives me the cargo capacity that I need and is also useful as a passenger car. My car is a 4-cylinder and it seems a little weak on acceleration and going up hills. This can be particularly annoying when trying to merge onto the highway. Probably the 6-cylinder engine is best on this vehicle.