Used 2011 Subaru Outback SUV Consumer Reviews
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Traded in a Forester for an Outback
danwatson, 06/08/2011
2011 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I purchased a 2010 Forester in June, 2010 when a job changed forced a move to the Eastern Sierras and an elevation of 8000 feet. The Forester was a great car that handled the snow without any problems. But, it was underpowered at this elevation and too small for someone who's 6'3" and 260 pounds. So, we traded it in on a 2011 Outback 3.6 Limited. No regrets at all. The 6 cylinder is both smooth and powerful, and the 5 speed transmission is much better than the 4 speed in the Forester. It's got plenty of room, front and back. The only car I've owned that's as comfortable was an Infiniti M35. This is a great road car. If it's as reliable as the Forester was in 18,000 miles, I'm happy.
First Time Subaru OB Owner - Happy Driver
bmwshin, 07/04/2013
2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I've driven my 2011 Subaru Outback about 1000 miles so far. Bought it used with 37K miles. I was at first hesitant to jump in for this crossover, but decided to give it a shot. I'd say that CVT transmission and some Subaru quirks are something that I needed to get used to, but once I was acclimated, driving any other car is not fun any more. I love the spaciousness of the interior, and the performance of the AWD and boxer engine. You get respectable gas mileage at around 25 miles combined. Everything the Edmonds / CR experts talk about is spot-on, but nothing that you'd want to worry about. I love driving this thing around my town and can't wait for next road trip!
2011 Subaru Outback for sale near you
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Exceeded My Expectations
winebike, 01/08/2011
2011 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I have driven my OB 1200 miles. The build date was 10/10 and it came with Conti ProContact tires. In mixed city/highway driving, I've been averaging 22 mph. I previously drove a Lexus GS300. I am very happy with the ride, handling, and features of the OB. When I took my first test drive of an OB last summer, I didn't like it and took it off my list, but I kept coming back to it and liked it better after each test drive. After my fourth test drive, I was sold. After buying the OB and getting to know it even better, I can say that the OB has exceeded my expectations and is an awesome car for its class.
Great in the Snow
danwatson, 11/11/2013
updated 05/11/2016
2011 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I purchased a 2011 Outback Premium new in May, 2011. It now has 52,000 mostly trouble free miles. The only problem was with a power window that would get stuck and the dealer had a difficult time finding the cause. Other than that, it's been very reliable. We live in a ski resort at 8,000 feet and the extra power from the six cylinder engine is well worth it. Even with the bigger engine, we are getting over 25 mpg with a combination of highway and town driving. Styling is subjective, but I think both the exterior and interior are attractive. We have a 100 pound golden retriever who loves riding in the back. I wish it had a little more leg room in front and rear, but it's adequate. After three years and over 80,000 miles we sold this trouble free car. I was getting ready to retire and decided we should get a new car for my wife. I asked what she wanted and it was another Outback in the same color - red. I don't like CVT transmissions and that's all that was available beginning in 2015 and I didn't like the looks of the new model as much, so I bought one of the last 2014 Outbacks with a 6 cylinder engine. It now has over 27,000 trouble free miles. We no longer live at 8,000 feet or drive in the snow, but the AWD is great and we're really happy with Subarus. We've now owned one Forrester and two Outbacks and believe Subaru makes a great car.
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Flawed steering system 2010-11 models
pc, 09/18/2010
2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Bottom line is the car has a flawed steering system and it effects 30-60+ percent of the cars. I got one of the affected cars and have been fighting with SOA over it. They know the cars are bad and they are selling them to unsuspecting buyers. You sign a contract and your stuck. Run away from these 2 year models of this car! Read the horror stories on the site I mentioned above.
Very Pleased
rjnolfe, 10/06/2011
2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Moving from a Chevy HHR to the larger, heavier, AWD Subaru I thought we would get a little worse gas mileage, but NO, it gets better mileage. We typically see 30mpg in or rural area of Upstate NY. Very comfortable and a pleasure to drive. We feel very confident that we can travel just about anywhere in any weather without fear of getting stuck.
Great New 2011 OutBack 2.5i Limited
lgregor, 02/26/2011
2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
My wife & I bought a 2011 Outback 2.5i Limited to help keep the miles off our 2008 Jeep JK with 114k on it already. I love my Jeep and it truly is the best 4wd out there but since driving the Outback I have become spoiled. The quality of ride is something I didnt expect out of this vehicle. Driving the exact same roads and paths I have taken for the past 3 years its a completely different feel. Many bumps/dips that I knew were there in other vehicles seemingly dissapear or become so minimal its outstanding. I am pretty large and I fit very easily in the new Outback. At 6'1 I dont even have to have the seat all the way back to fit. The doors/seals are very very good. Very good fit n finish.
Up-Date Major Defect
Bill, 08/28/2010
2011 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
15 of 17 people found this review helpful
Up-date to my 7/28 review. Subaru came out with a TSB for the steering wheel shake finally which included new front and rear bushings, new steering wheel with dampener, new mount for the trans and a bunch of other parts. Car was at dealer for 2 days for the repair. It drives a lot better now without the shake however the steering wheel vibrates above 70 mph., kind of like operating a power tool. Called dealer and told him the problem and was told nothing more they can do. Car rides well, plenty of power, comfortable, and fun to drive as long as you stay below 70. Envy those of you without the shake or vibration. For me, my first and last Subaru.
Outback Notorious Transmission Issues & software I
Shane, 12/07/2016
updated 06/13/2018
2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
19 of 22 people found this review helpful
CVT transmissions have well documented problems. If it's out of warranty, installation of a re manufactured CVT transmission is $10K! The dash warning lights come on flashing every couple of weeks while shutting down many systems. According to many internet reads, the Subaru shops don't seem to really know why. We have to take the battery cables off and allow for a CPU reset. I don't think this is a problem on newer models, but older ones around 2011 I would avoid.
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- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
First Subaru Purchase
chief47131, 12/16/2011
2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
19 of 22 people found this review helpful
I have owned Ford vehicles all my life, but due to quality issues, decided to purchase a 2011 Subaru Outback. After owning this vehicle for over a year, and with 15,000 miles, it has exceeded my expectations and is worthy of all the positive reviews. I have no issues with the 4 cyl. not having enough power. It does very well in all driving settings and my gas mileage is averaging 22 MPG city and 30 MPG highway. Interior room is great for a family of four. Handling in snow is terriffic with no issues whatsoever. The Outback is a great reliable, economical, safe family vehicle.