2004 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5 liter from North America
Summary:
All-in-all, a great little car which I recommend highly to others
Faults:
No problems yet.
General Comments:
Power with non-turbo engine is acceptable. Have towed over 1500 lbs easily though hilly terrain.
Fuel economy is 26 mpg on highway at 70-75 mph, 24 mpg in typical commuter driving.
Frameless windows are well sealed, actually quieter than other cars I test drove with framed windows.
Car has unique combination of excellent ground clearance AND a low center of gravity. Handling is wonderful. Doesn't have the swaying typical of many taller SUVs.
Limited version is very well equipped, with leather, heated seats, heated mirrors, heated windshield, 2 sunroofs, security system, 6 disc CD, 4 wheel disk brakes, radio weather channel, auto dimming rear view mirror with compass and outside temp gauge.
I'm very, very pleased with the vehicle, but there are a few things that could be better. Neither my wife (130 lbs) or me (220 lbs) find the seats comfortable for long trips (over 4 hours) although they're fine for shorter trips. Don't care for the cruise control design where a separate button on the dash has to be pressed every time the car is started to activate the cruise. Oil drain plug must be tightened much more than other designs or it will leak. It uses a 'loose' metal o-ring which is easily lost, which will also result in an oil leak. Every other vehicle I've owned in the past 25 years had a 'captured' washer, which I feel is a much better design.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 10th July, 2005
20th Feb 2006, 08:31
You are supossed to use a new washer every time you change the oil. It costs less than a dollar.
29th Mar 2006, 22:40
It is indeed a capable car, but I agree with you on the seat comfort issue. For some reason, sitting in the seat for more than an hour is not comfortable to me.
18th Jun 2008, 07:40
Overall I have been extremely satisfied with my 04 OB LTD.
Purchased new Dec 04. Now (June 2008) have 85K.
Positive:
-Handling in snow and winter conditions is absolutely outstanding.
-Interior fit and finish is very high quality
-Sound system is quite good.
Negative:
-Mileage is mediocre. Acceptable given the all wheel drive.
-Engine feels underpowered. This is undeniable when cargo for vacation is added and the vehicle has 2-3 people.
-Slight "hesitation" when coming off a stop. Dealer had not acknowledged. Computer replaced at 65K largley solved the issue.
-OEM tires are not ideal. Bridgestone replacements are much better at rain-shedding and handling.
-At 65K, I learned what "torque bind" is! Serious drive train issue where the tail of the trannie (and it's multple clutch plates) binds up resulting in very annoying clunk-clunk sound. This can be caused by running vehicle on cookie tire or with uneven tire pressures for as little as several hundred miles. Tends to affect automatics more than 5-speed (however, I have a 5-speed). Do some research on this. It was about a $1600 problem/off warranty.
8th Nov 2005, 06:49
Hi.
The cost of a metal washer vs. a bolt with a 'captured' washer is much higher. I think the intent is to make sure you have a new metal washer each oil change.
Ken.