2002 Subaru Outback

Summary:

The reliability and the subsequent dealer handling of our issue, we will never own a Subaru again

Faults:

Engine threw a timing belt and failed at 55,000 miles. Engine beyond repair.

General Comments:

We purchased the 2002 Outback due to its reliability ratings in consumer reports and word of mouth. We are the third Subaru owners in our group of friends who've had to replace well maintained engines in our various years Outbacks.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd June, 2006

29th Dec 2007, 20:04

Actually I am quite surpised at that. My parents bought a 2001 Subaru Outback and they have yet to experienced any problems except flaky DRL s. The car now has 193,500 miles and we do city driving quite a bit around Baltimore and Washington D.C. I honestly believe it is one of the best cars we have ever owned.

9th Feb 2009, 08:43

I am also surprised at their bad luck. We have a 2001, Outback, we purchased 3 years ago at 44K miles, now it has 97K miles, and have still not put a timing belt in it, but it's on my list to do soon.

Been a great car, it is more sure-footed on ice and snow than our last 4WD Jeep Wrangler was.

Only problem we have had is the cruise control paddle switch is broke, and rocks have put a hole on both glass fog lamp lenses. I've towed a fishing boat with it and a utility trailer, it tows fine, and it only has the 4 cyl. engine in it.

Great Auto. Trans, it knows when to upshift and downshift, just at the right times. You especially notice it when towing. Never has used any oil.

I would definitely own another one. The only other car I have, which I must say rates as well or better is my old Honda Civic, which I believe will outlast me!! HAHA.

23rd Mar 2009, 18:46

Hi. I had the last post also. I just changed the timing belt at 98,000+ miles, and the belt looked like it had about 30,000 miles on it. I'm sure it was the original belt, it had no cracks, no tears, nor any missing teeth. I'm sure it would have gone quite a bit longer, but why push your luck? At least I now have the peace of mind. I have yet to figure out how to change the cruise paddle switch in the steering wheel. Great car otherwise!

2002 Subaru Outback 2.5L petrol

Summary:

Best I've owned in years!

Faults:

Windshield wipers replaced.

General Comments:

Excellent reliability.

Fair gas mileage relative to engine size and performance.

Handles competently; especially well on poor road surfaces and off-road when compared to others (even our Jeep Grand Cherokee).

Useful and well-conceived interior.

Engine noise tolerable at speed.

Wind noise worse than average.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th January, 2006

2002 Subaru Outback LL Bean Edition 3.0 6 cylinder

Summary:

You can buy a cheaper car, but the Subaru Outback LL Bean has been worth every penny

Faults:

Brakes wore out at 33,000 miles due to heavy stop and go traffic. pads replaced and rotors resurfaced under warranty.

Battery died at 35,000 miles and replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

Great car, very comfortable seats. Nicely appointed interior. Agressive, but pleasant styling. I love the mahogany steeling wheel.

The car has been very reliable. Only minor problems which have been fixed under warranty.

Good power from the 6 cylinder, with decent mileage. My only complaint is it recommends 91 octane gas, which you can't find anywhere. So it's a choice between 93 or 89. I usually alternate and have noticed no difference in engine performance.

I highly recommend the Outback, but suggest paying the extra cost for the 6 cylinder.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 22nd March, 2005

2002 Subaru Outback

Summary:

You get your money's worth

Faults:

There was a parking rod recall and has been replaced.

General Comments:

The car's all wheel drive feature gives you the security in any weather.

A nice looking car that handles well and has great acceleration power.

The seats fold down and giving you the room for any shopping or traveling adventure.

The cabin could be quieter, but is not unpleasantly noisy.

The cruise control feature could have been designed differently.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 7th April, 2004

2002 Subaru Outback

Summary:

All in all a nice car to have

Faults:

The seal around the mirror on the driver side door is leaking and produces wind noise.

Is being replaced under the warranty.

General Comments:

The car is a great confidence builder for the winter driver.

Easy to handle and control.

The 4 cylinder little sluggish to respond.

The bucket seats could be designed more comfortable and are hard to endure on a long ride.

The paint is thin and chips easy.

The assessories are great to have.

I am confident that I am riding in a car that is built well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 14th January, 2003