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2003 Subaru OutbackSubarus best-selling line adds a pickup-truck crossover for 2003, and gets a less-expensive 6-cyl wagon midyear. Joining Outback and Legacy...
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Subarus best-selling line adds a pickup-truck crossover for 2003, and gets a less-expensive 6-cyl wagon midyear. Joining Outback and Legacy sedans and wagons is the Baja, basically an Outback wagon with an open rear cargo bed. Outbacks and the Baja have a raised suspension and SUV-flavored styling, but all these vehicles share a basic 4-dr design with standard all-wheel drive and horizontally opposed engines. Four-cylinder models come with manual transmission or optional automatic. A 6-cyl engine powers these Outbacks: the VDC and H6 sedans; and VDC, L.L. Bean, and Outback H6 wagons, the last a midyear addition. The 6 cyl comes only with automatic transmission. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard on all Legacys, Outbacks, and Bajas. Front-side airbags are exclusive to the Legacy 2.5 GT and to all Outbacks except the base and H6 wagons. VDCs include antiskid/traction control. All Legacys and Outbacks get revisions to suspension and front styling for 03. And OnStar assistance is newly standard for H6 seda
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18 Reviews from Shopping.com
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Finally - a rugged, safe, AWD family car!
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Pros: Rugged! Seats 5, passenger "cage" for safety, all-wheel-drive, and great gas mileage.
Cons: None
The Bottom Line:
An excellent investment in your family's safety with it's reinforced passenger compartment, all-wheel-drive, and dual airbags. Subaru did not compromise safety for comfort, either - it's a sweet ride!
MY PREREQUISITES
A former Volvo wagon owner, I am very interested in vehicle engineering and safety. When I began shopping around for a new car for my family (of 5), safety was at the top of my checklist. Other considerations were seating capacity, durability, and winter driving - Midwestern winters almost REQUIRE 4-wheel-drive.
THE CAR
- 4 speed automatic transmission
- 2.5 litre engine, 4 cyl.
- multi-point fule injection
- heated wipers & mirrors
- 4 channel, 4 sensor anti-lock brakes
- sound system
- power door locks, seats, windows
- dual airbags
- seatbelt pre-tensioners and force-limiters
THE TEST DRIVE
When I test drove the Subaru Outback wagon, the salesman had me accelerate on gravel, do tight turns (this thing turns on a DIME and can fit into just about any parking spot), and accelerate on a curve. The performance of the Outback was incredible!
OTHER PLUSES
Based on its great gas mileage (28 MPG) and ability to fit into small parking spots, you might think this is a tight squeeze for passengers, but the interior is VERY roomy and the cargo area holds strollers, groceries, backpacks and more. If I have any more children, I would buy a second Outback before getting a larger vehicle. I am comforted by the dual airbags and other safety features including the reinforced passenger compartment. I have yet to drive it in snow, but am looking forward to the experience. The icing on the cake is the winter package - seat warmers and heated windshield wipers. I love my Outback and actually look for reasons to drive it!
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