Outback (n.) def: Subaru's Outback

Author's Rating:

Pros: Handling, gas mileage, space, suspension, efficiency.

Cons: Could be more powerful.

The Bottom Line: 
I see at least two of these a day on the streets. I think that says something about Subaru's Outback.

Author's Review
Ok so check it, venturing into the outback anytime soon? How bout the woods, a dirt path into the inspiring depths of the forest?

If so, don't forget your buddy and companion: the 2003 Subaru Outback.

Commonly rated for backtrack journeys the Outback proves it has more than elite traction, suspension, and comfortability when you take it out for a spin in-town or out. The model my dad has is the H4 165HP model and he absolutely loves it; why wouldn't he? Perfect for the outdoorist, whether you wanna go up to the pass for some skiing or snowboarding or a weekend long hike and camping trip. We live in Seattle, and my dad works up in Bellevue; somewhat of a commute especially in stop-and-go traffic in the mornings... Why is this relevant? Gas mileage. Put together the manual trans with the H4 (4 Valves) engine and you recieve 325 miles to the tank. Not bad eh? Specially with those gas prices going up, up, up...

Let's start with the EXTERIOR of the car. Front grill and headlamps prove attractive and stylish while proving effective on engine air-intake and visibility on poor-lit or even non-lit roads. Fog lights included prove efficient in the rain, snow, and of course; fog. Roof can come equipped with an optional ski rack that fits skis, snowboards, and additional cargo boxes comfortably. The Outback has 5MPH collision bumpers and the rear is complete with brake and turn lights that illuminate and alert drivers behind clearly of your current actions.

What are 5MPH collision bumpers? What will that do in a car accident? Nothing. Yeah nothing, so why have them? The ever-so-common fender benders! Parralel parking and such; what if someone backs up into you at 5MPH? Absolutely nothing! (except maybe some minor paint damage - no body damage though). Not anything for a crash, but will prevent a surely uneeded $200 - $300 quick fix.

Suspension on the car is excellent and the ride is above good smooth not to mention quiet. You only hear what you should, (emergency cars, engine working, and so on and so forth), and only feel what is necessary.

Next, let's go to the INTERIOR. Want to carpool? How does four (4) people comfortably sound? Well, pretty damn good to the two in back. Rear seats fit 3 people and not uncomfortably at that I may add; however it's not ideal for a roadtrip or moderately long car drive (20 - 30 miles). Up front consists of a fully equipped dash and accessible stereo deck. The sound system, which I've never put to the full test, plays average to good, producing solid sound and stellar surround. The radio or CD can be heard easily in all corners of the car.

Dashboard includes a speedometer that reaches 140MPH, topspeed I'd estimate is around 110MPH - 120MPH. Not that you'd ever have to go that fast in a hatchback outback. Accurate tachometer redlines at 6,500RPM and ends 7,000RPM. Cruise control, wiper blades, and air conditioning all have people-friendly and customizable controls for any imaginable setting. The glove box, located on the passenger side, as are most glove boxes, is a far size. To anyone looking to add a monitor I'd recomend you know your way around fiberglass and only have a raw-lcd no larger than 6". That, or just go with headrest monitors, plenty of run in the back for passengers to enjoi.

The hatchback portion of the car comes with a theft cover which is retractable and is placed on a track that rests on two hinges for quick installation and uninstallation. The rear itself holds a ton of luggage, groceries, and probably 3 or 4 bodies even. To rattle off a guess at the amount of space, I'd say there's maybe 35 cubed feet. (3' depth, 4' width, 2.5' - 3' heighth).

Three cupholders total can be found in the Outback, two up front, just below the A/C vents and 1 located on the rear of the console for people in the back of the car.

As for transmission, I don't know about the Automatic, but the manual shift is located openly and in easy reach of the driver. The throw could've been made shorter and it can be somewhat difficult for a person's first drive in the Outback.

As for PERFORMANCE, this isn't your WRX STi or even WRX; in fact, my mom's Honda Odyssey could smash this (it's pretty beastly though, haha yeah I know), however, it's more reliable than most cars I've driven and seen driven. Only problems my dad has encountered are the basic clutch replacement and one problem with the brake rotors. The car is well over 100,000 miles on it however, so I'm thinking it's been doing pretty good.

I'm new to manual transmissions therefore I haven't really been able to test it's pickup, if I were to guess though, I'd estimate maybe 8 - 9 seconds for 0 - 60. It ain't a Ferrari but it isn't exactly a granny mobile either. This car is a great family buy or for anyone who is outdoorsey. Handling on the Outback is one unmatched by many others. Subaru accells with this upperhand in suspension and the Outback next to the WRX is motorized proof.