Used 2004 Subaru Outback Wagon Consumer Reviews
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MY 2003 OUTBACK
RICHVANWAG, 12/27/2003
2004 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 35th Anniversary Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
THIS IS OUR SECOND OUTBACK--WE PUT 135000 ON A 1999. THIS CAR IS THE H6, WHICH IS A BIG IMPROVEMENT IN POWER. WE FOUND THE OLD ONE AND THIS NEW ONE TO BE BULLETPROOF. THE NEW ONE HAS HAD NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER. WE HAVE DRIVEN IT 14,000 MILES IN LESS THAN SIX MONTHS, AND NOT A SINGLE COMPLAINT. IT GETS REASONABLY GOOD GAS MILEAGE (ABOUT 25 IF YOU HOLD IT TO 75MPH ON THE FREEWAY) DROPPING TO 23-24 IF YOU DRIVE IT 80-85, WHICH IT DOES COMFORTABLY. I DISLIKE THE NOISE LEVEL IN THE CABIN AT HIGHER SPEEDS. IT IS AN EXCELLENT SNOW CAR. THE HIGH CLEARANCE IS A REAL PLUS IN DEEP SNOW.
Subaru loyality shot
spirit1, 10/23/2008
2004 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I had to have the stereo replaced (after fighting with the dealership over it because they initially refused to repair it) while it was under warranty because of a faulty CD player. Soon after the repair, the speakers quit working. Some of them will work some of the time, but never all of them together and most often, none of them. Dealership won't back their work. With 50,000 miles on the car I had a dash light burn out. Soon after several instrument panel lights have burned out - windshield heater control, passenger side seat warmer button and the air circulating button. The cruise control lever sticks and often won't disengage. CV boot shaft just replaced. 62,000 miles. Now what?
2004 Subaru Outback for sale near you
3 of 31 listings
- H6-3.0 L.L. Bean Edition WagonMSRP: $6,995178 mi away
- Limited WagonMSRP: $3,995238 mi away
- Limited WagonMSRP: $5,990265 mi away
See all 31 listings
Looking for a commuter?
Levi, 05/18/2016
2004 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
21 of 40 people found this review helpful
If you are looking for a commuter car to get you absolutely anywhere, this is the car for you! With that being said let me tell what you don't get with the commute. The sound system is terrible, as is most subaru sound systems. When I got the car, the front drivers side speaker was already out. Don't forget, there are only 4 speakers in this car. The ride quality, is terrible. It is a heavy wagon of a car weighing in at 2tons with two people in the car. a naturally aspirated 2.5l 4cylinder in this bad boy will not accelerate worth a damn. You will find at about about 80k miles is when you start noticing some major problems. Head Gasket will blow at no later than 125k miles. It's the BIGGEST problem with these engines. Head Gasket always blows sooner rather than later, all because Subaru put a cheap, flimsy head gasket in. the automatic is the worst transmission I have ever had to drive, EVER. it will take about 3 seconds from a dead stop with your foot on the throttle before you actually start to move. If you have this car, expect 1st gear to go out on you as soon as possible. Why? Subaru put in a terrible transmission that does not do the job. I would have preferred a 5 speed manual rather than the 4 speed automatic. Let's talk a little bit about the suspension and ride comfort. with every turn or corner you take you will think you are about to roll over. The body roll is incredible in this vehicle. If you have a car full of people you probably will never notice it with the weight evenly distributed. If you are a single guy like me you will not appreciate the ride whatsoever. you will have every bump feel like you are a rag doll in an open container being shooken around. The road noise is bad, let's just be honest. You hear a lot of everything with the windows rolled up and you cant hear your music with the windows rolled down. Heated seats are nice but don't stay on after they have been on for about 20 min. Odd. Also, there is the legendary subaru fluid smell that you will always have fresh in your nostrils when driving this car. It's an unknown scent that every legacy has. Not oil, not AC, not clutch fluid, just a scent of a subaru. Lastly, the lighting. The oversized headlamps are ridiculous. The fog lights give off more light than the actual headlight itself, or the brights for that matter!! The daytime running lights on these cars are notorious for sucking gas and power away from the engine. The DRL's are a waste and I found myself unplugging them altogether because they really didn't do anything but take power away from the car. The AWD part is wonderful, Subaru is a rally car, so they know how to drive on all terrain. That's pretty much it though about this car. Gas mileage was pretty consistent seeing as how you couldn't move but one speed, slowly. Save yourself some time in searching for the right car, go with a Toyota. Owned a 99 toyota 4runner since 99, brand new. 325k all original miles on engine and transmission. Still running strong!! I'm only at 67k miles on the subaru and had to replace battery, and alternator already, probably going ot have to do spark plugs soon and transmission flush since transmission is acting up already. 4runner, didn't replace those until 125k miles. See the difference? Thanks for reading this review, I hope it was beneficial to all.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Highly recommended
JohnM, 03/03/2004
2004 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I am extremely pleased with my Outback. Even with 4 cylinders, it gets me up some pretty steep roads. Handling the mountain highways is a delight.. Ride is smooth yet firm.
A Car to Care for You
SubaruSue, 04/22/2004
2004 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
My 2003 Outback Limited is the fourth Subaru I've owned. Built to last, they handle superbly in any weather. The ride is smooth and comfortable, overall fit/finish superior. Subaru's dealerships have improved in customer service significantly in the last five years; I'm now more satifisfied with my Subaru dealer than with the local BMW dealer I've dealt with.