The Outback is Subaru's top of the line model, so it's imperative that the automaker stays up with the latest. These were the only vehicles ever factory-equipped with McIntosh stereo equipment. In the highest trim level (VDC, for Vehicle Dynamics Control), a 200 W McIntosh stereo system was standard from 2001 to 2003. In 2000, Outback became its own model and added a sedan, as well as an available horizontal six-cylinder engine. The Outback SUS (for "Sport Utility Sedan") was launched with a limited production test run sold in New England in 1999 and based on its success, was rolled out nationwide the following year. Clever ads featured Australian "Crocodile Dundee" star Paul Hogan using the Outback in adventurous situations where it was portrayed besting its competitors, notably the Ford Explorer.Īn Outback Sport, based on the Subaru Impreza five-door hatchback was introduced in 1998. The Outback turned out to be a success, handily outselling its Legacy progenitor. Subaru of America executives created the Outback because the SUV craze had at that point reached a fevered pitch with customers demanding SUVs and shunning Subaru's station wagons (even when equipped with all-wheel drive) based on image concerns, leaving dealers clamoring for a SUV-like product to sell. "Not-so great for a sports sedan frumpy looks."."Some audio switches remain undersized and tough to use while driving." - Consumer Guide."Rear-seat passengers will find knee and toe space to be a bit tight."."If you need an off-road vehicle that can also tow heavy loads and seat seven, the Outback is no match for a truck-based, V8-powered SUV." - Kelley Blue Book."Still not powerful enough." - USA Today."Doesn't offer a lot of sex appeal" - New Car Test Drive.The Dodge Magnum SXT with all-wheel drive is priced similarly to the Outback 3.0 R, but it, too, lags behind the Outback's high resale values." No hybrid model for now but maybe in the next few year.Īccording to Kelley Blue Book, "competitive vehicles such as the Volvo XC70 and the Volkswagen Passat 4Motion cost more than the Outback yet don't retain the same strong resale value.
1st/2nd row overhead side curtain airbagsĬolors will vary by trim and body style, and a full list is available at.Driver/passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbags.Some of the standard safety features on the Outback include: While the sedan body style received 5-Star ratings across the board, the Outback wagon earned 5-Star ratings in all crash tests and a 4-Star rating for rollover. The Outback has received excellent safety ratings from the NHTSA, based on its various tests. RECALL ALERT: Another Safety Recall for 809 2010/2011 Subaru Legacy and Outback manufactured between April 28 through Jdue to an improperly drilled an oil lubrication hole.RECALL ALERT: Subaru Issues Safety Recall for 2010 Legacy and Outback Models.However, the 20 models, which belong to the previous generation, received an overall Green rating in every category from Automotive Information Systems. The latest generation of the Outback was only introduced in 2005, so long-term reliability data is not yet available. Today's actual prices for the Subaru Outback can be found at CarsDirect.Īs seen on the website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows: AM/FM/6CD in-dash changer with MP3 capability.Features and options will differ according to trim level, and the only differences between the sedan and wagon versions, in terms of trim, are the dimensions associated with each respective body style. In addition, the sedan is available in two trims, the 2.5i Limited and the 3.0 R L.L. While the Outback Sport wagon is only available in trim, the wagon comes in 2.5, 2.5i, 2.5 XT Limited, and 3.0 R L.L. The three styles are the sedan, wagon, and sport wagon, which is a shorter version of the wagon. The 2007 Subaru Outback comes in three body styles and several trims speficic to each body style.