Used 2004 Subaru Outback Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Won over!
Brad, 08/15/2015
2004 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 VDC AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
36 of 39 people found this review helpful
I have owned and driven many different makes of cars and trucks and non of them new, and this one has won me over to Subaru. It has its quirks that many people have listed as major problems, but if you are buying a used car or any car there are the ups and downs. With this one, there are a few, in the gearing there is a lurching at a low speed if you don't feather the clutch right, I am a larger fellow and it can be difficult to get in and out of and in winter with a coat it is annoying, there is a flaw in the design of the fender panels that leads to a rotting problem in the steel, and for the life of me I don't know why they don't give the wheels more clearance it packs snow like crazy! However with all of that I must say the thing performs! I have climbed hills where other AWD and 4x4 vehicles ended up in the ditch, any problem I have had with it is nothing I haven't seen worse in other used vehicles and most of the time come's down to general maintenance, any company produces its lemons, and I must say I haven't had cause to deal with a Subaru customer service, never owning a car new enough to be under any warranty, but I trust this vehicle to get me to where I need to go no matter the obstruction.
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My baby!
Jimmy, 12/05/2015
2004 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 VDC AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car 4 or 5 years ago from a local dealer. Although it has had its problems, which are expensive to repair (my local Meineke does not like me to bring it to them because "everything is just a little bit different than a regular car) ... so far they have not refused to service it. Rust is a definite problem and I've had the rust repaired several times. Despite my review I'd buy another one in a minute!
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2004 Subaru Outback for sale near you
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Buy an '04, not newer body style
Happy, 10/04/2007
2004 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
16 of 18 people found this review helpful
If you're shopping for a used Subaru, buy an '04. Very dependable car, no trouble. Mine has more than 100K miles and getting 27 mpg. According to a local Subaru mechanic, '04 is the best year for Subarus. Run from the '05s. See my review for our '05 Outback XT under title "Money Pit". It's hard to believe the cars are from the same manufacturer. The '04 has been a perfect car and the '05 was a horribly expensive nightmare. We're keeping the '04 and plan to put another 100K miles on it.
I love my Subaru
SMILLW, 01/30/2007
2004 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 VDC AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
This can is great for all situations. I drive in the city, and have taken it on the highway too. Its ride is smooth and the handling is great. The best test of this car is winter weather and it handles like a dream. That AWD really works.
Great Car
John, 07/12/2007
2004 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
This is a great car. We wanted a car that was a little different from what most people are driving and felt we succeeded. We've had it dealer maintained and haven't had to do anything other than routine maintenance. We just finished a cross country trip in it and it was comfortable and smooth. Averaged 28-29 mpg on the trip.
I LOVE IT!
KATHY JUDGE, 12/27/2003
2004 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I FEEL SAVE IN MY SUBARU. IT'S THE ONLY CAR I'LL EVER OWN. I HAD A 1999 AND JUST TRADED IT FOR A 2004. THE MILAGE SEEMS TO BE ALITTLE BETTER.
H6 verses the 4 cyl
wankie, 01/25/2004
2004 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Had a 2001 Outback 4 cyl, which was a good car. Having traded to the H-6 in 03,it feels like a different car, suttle differences emerge over time. Corners much better, and rolling acceleration, for passing are night and day better. Here in Boise, I can now keep ahead of the mad Truck Drivers.Or at least,Get away from them.
Little old lady's car
Scott, 12/05/2018
2004 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
My mother decided to purchase a new 2018 Crosstrek and the trade in was her 2004 Outback Sedan. After seeing what the dealer was going to give her she decided to gift it to me for my daughter. I can only say that my daughter loves this car. For a 2004 with only 60000 on it with one rust spot this car will last for a long time. She has had no major issues and it drives like a tank in the snow. If someone looking for a great everyday commuter this is the car for you. The leather is very supple and the controls are very easy to read and use. It has developed an odd clicking noise but for a car this old it starts and runs like brand new. I highly recommend this car.
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Unhappy owner
CEP, 03/11/2010
2004 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 VDC AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
10 of 14 people found this review helpful
Based on my experience with this vehicle, I will never again purchase or recommend a Subaru vehicle. At 50,000 miles, so many items began to fail. Six air conditioning repairs, both CV boots burned up because of a design problem, then at 78,000 miles, all the struts needed to be replaced. I am still paying on this vehicle and spend on average another $4000/year to maintain it in good working order. Now the finish on the fiberglass bumper is peeling, the engine continually has a burning odor that can't be identified, and the AC still freezes after a 200 mile trip in the heat. The car is a disaster.
snow mobile
slackersinc, 05/07/2004
2004 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
this car tackles and handles the mountain passes like no other. when the big 4x4's are in the ditch, u just cruise on by. went hunting in eastern wa. last winter. had to travel through 1 1/2' of snow with 3' drifts 5 mls. on a farm rd. no problem...i like this car!
Good car
Jerry Savaloja, 09/16/2005
2004 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Very good ride at expressway speeds. Good handling. Solidly built vehicle. Have not had it back to the dealer except for routine maintenance.
Rock solid but a little boring
3rdSubaru, 07/13/2008
2004 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 VDC AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is the third Subaru I've owned. In 57,000 mi, I've yet to have a single problem. I have separate wheels for snow tires, and I put some sticky summer tires on the stock rims for summer driving. With snow tires, this car is unstoppable in the snow! I also have a full size 4x4 pickup truck, and this car easily out- performs it even in deep snow. You'd have to be a real idiot to get this car stuck. On dry (or wet) pavement, it handles nicely, but I wish they'd offer a more powerful engine. The 6-cylinder is OK, and I get a consistent 27mpg -- no complaints since I drive it pretty hard. My next car will probably be a BMW 335xi or an Audi S5, but the Subaru has served me well.
Excellent performance and comfort
Jazzcat423, 07/21/2006
2004 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is my first Subaru. I wish I had gotten it years ago.
wind noise &poor defrosting
naum, 12/27/2003
2004 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Great auto. Interior wind noise is driving me crazy. Poor defrosting
No Reason To Buy High-End
Jim, 04/12/2006
2004 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 VDC AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
The functionality of the Outback is great -- hauling bikes; moving friends; loading up my band gear. It does this well while remaining a practical urban car (read: easy to park). However, the VDC has failed 5 times -- each time while in the Sierras during a snow fall! Isn't that when I would most need it? Also, McIntosh has failed twice (radio reception is horrible). The two reasons for why I bought the upgraded Outback are both failing ... why did I spend that money?
Subaru
TIm, 02/28/2004
2004 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Good in the snow
Best Car I've Ever Owned!!
Big Dog, 03/04/2005
2004 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 VDC AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I traded in my 97 Dodge Ram Pickup for this car. It was a dealer demo; had 6k on it when I got it, has 17k now. Car is awesome no problems at all. The 3.0 H-6 is a great engine, it has plenty of power to do the job and gets about 23 mpg, much better than the 13 mpg in my truck. The VDC is pretty cool; it gives you great confidence while driving. I turn it off in the snow and have some fun! The interior is great, leather heated seats and climate control plus the Macintosh stereo are all excellent. I love the wood grain trim and the sunroof is nice. It has a very comfortable ride and still performs excellent when pushed hard. As good or better than my mother's BMW 323 and girlfriend's Audi A-4.
My Favorite So Far
WendyB, 12/03/2004
2004 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After 2 Foresters (that I really liked), I upgraded to the V6 Outback Sedan. It's really fun to drive, is very comfortable, and looks good too. The pick up is a little sluggish, but a world of difference better than the Foresters were.
Great Car
Capper, 12/17/2003
2004 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very responsive, fun to drive, capable in the snow.
Engine Trouble
Clooney, 02/09/2004
2004 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love teh car most of the time, but it keeps shutting off without warning while driving slow or at a stand still. Subaru so far hasn't been able to find the problem or fix it.
Excellent
emd, 04/20/2004
2004 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have driven this car for one month Very comfortable heated adjustable leather seats some wind noise good visibiity great controls great sound system feels very safe a little slow in accelerating
This car delivers!
taspz, 07/27/2004
2004 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my third Subaru and second Outback. The 3.0 Outback sedan is a great car to drive and enjoy, a class up from the 4 cylinder wagon. It is plush inside with excellent climate control and a fantastic sound system. It combines typical Outback clearance and AWD comfort and safety on wet roads with smooth, quiet performance. It rivals cars that are far more expensive, as it is equally loaded. I love driving it.
04 Outback
tcsmutball, 01/11/2004
2004 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Terrific vehicle. Better than the 97 addition. Better ride than Toyota Highlander. more features in Subaru.