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Used 2008 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
127 reviews

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Best Bang for Buck!

Feilo, 12/31/2007
2008 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The OB has always been on my shortlist of cars through the years and I finally went for it when it came time to part with my (much loved and performance tuned) Passat wagon. The 2.5i is very well matched with the 5MT and I am enjoying true motoring again! Also appreciating AWD for the first time in the snow we have been having here in the Midwest. After ~6000 miles, fuel consumption has been reasonable - averaging ~26 mpg overall in 70/30 highway/urban driving, and have been trouble free. Had to upgrade the rear sway bar and tires to get handling to what I would like but then, that's not for everybody. Fit and finish is OK for what I paid for it. All in all, I am really happy with my 2.5i!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great so far

cptplt, 02/03/2008
2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I Limited 4dr Wagon AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This replaced a 98 Legacy wagon and is an incredible improvement especially the interior. I have the PZEV version and had read that people were having engine problems in cold weather but the recent few subzero spells have been no problem at all. The 4 cylinder 2.5 is more than adequate but if you want real umph get the turbo or 6cyl. This has more power than my 98 Legacy yet it still gets better mileage!

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Great all-purpose vehicle

DenverGuy, 05/21/2008
2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We looked at a number of small SUVs and wagons and went with the Outback for a number of reasons: comfort, MPG, and functionality. The other small SUVs did not ride well and seemed cheaply made (including Toyota and Honda). The ride quality in a wagon is way better and does everything I need it to do. MPG (28 hwy, 22mpg city) has been better than advertised, which is rare. Great resale in Colorado and low operating costs. Only 500 miles on it so far so I can't comment on long term reliability.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great Alaska Car

Kenny, 05/28/2008
2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

So far so good. Wish it had better gas mileage, but I knew what I would get before I bought it, just did not know how much gas prices would rise.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Satisfied

Ted, 06/16/2008
2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've had my Outback for 6 months and have put over 8000 miles on it. Initial impression of quality is good. I bought the car due to its safety features, additional room for my family, and reputation for quality. I haven't been let down. My only real gripe about the car is the lack of horsepower. This car could really use an extra 20 hp. Not a big deal since I'm not out to win any races. However, the car is slightly under-powered in my opinion.

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5 out of 5 stars

A Happy Subie owner

A Happy Subie owner, 08/17/2008
2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I absolutely fell in love with this vehicle after I saw quite a few on the road driving around. After doing my research and going to this website (www.edmunds.com) and Subaru's website, reading all of the great comments people had on this particular vehicle, I was sold. I got the sport package with the heated seats and the heated mirrors. I think the heated seats will help me in those cold winter early mornings to work when i have to clear the sidewalks at a school where i work at.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

My Outback

charli, 02/09/2008
2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had my Outback for a month. This is "moms car" and I love it! I have an 11 year old daughter and she and I go do a lot of outdoor things. I have already driven in snow and the traction was great! My neighbors were sliding on the snow and my Outback did fine! I'm enjoying driving this car. I like that everything seems convenient to reach for me. My husband is 6'4 and he actually has headroom. I had looked at the Honda CRV too but I just kept coming back to my Outback and happy that I did! Love driving it, get a lot of comments on it, even the boys at the carwash told me they like the inside! I'm driving mostly in the city. I'm getting 22.8 and look forward to taking this camping!

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3 out of 5 stars

vOOM IN MY sUBARU

grace osborne, 08/24/2016
2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I Limited 4dr Wagon AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

TEMPERATURE LIGHT AND RATTLE IN REAR AXLE

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
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4.13 out of 5 stars

Best Bang for Buck

Feilo, 01/01/2008
2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The OB has always been on my car shortlist and I finally got an 08 2.5i 5MT to replace my much-loved and performance tuned 03 1.8T Passat wagon. I immediately upgraded the tires and the rear sway bar - instant handling upgrade. The 2.5i is really well matched to the 5MT (I've been disappointed by rental 4ATs OBs before). Have been averaging ~25+ mpg overall - 70/30 highway/urban. This is my first AWD car and its been interesting in the recent snows - its a new driving experience that's for sure. All in all, I am happy with my purchase and am enjoying true motoring with the 5MT. No warranty issues so far (6k miles) and as I stated in the title - its the best bang for my new car buck!

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5 out of 5 stars

Was the right choice

Cessna Driver, 01/05/2008
2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I Limited 4dr Wagon AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Was replacing 2000 Explorer with 141K miles, and tired of the poor gas mileage. Looked at every crossover and small truck SUV available, and found the Outback to be the best combination of sensible size/mileage and cargo capacity. We ski and have a place in Durango, CO so we needed AWD. Very satisfied with the Outback - fit and finish are excellent, ride is superb, decent handling, 170 HP flat four is definitely adequate for us, mileage has consistently been 25 MPG. Interior is nice looking and functional - not the weird and techno-ugly stuff we've seen in other vehicles. Great driver's seat (the 2000 Explorer had the worst!), sound system is excellent.

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