2008 Subaru Outback Review | Buyer Guide
Revamped Outback Gets facelift
If there is a hall of fame at Subaru headquarters back in Japan, a prominent place should be set aside for the Outback wagon. It’s the vehicle that saved Subaru’s American operation. Back in the mid ‘90s, the Japanese automaker was struggling for its very existence here. They didn’t have the right product. Sport/utility vehicles were taking off, but Subaru didn’t have an SUV to sell. What Subaru had was station wagons, with their proven all-wheel-drive system, but nobody wanted wagons. Then Subaru came up with one of the great marketing ideas of the decade. They took their Legacy station wagon, beefed it up a bit; styled it like a sport/utility vehicle and sold it as the Outback. The rest, as they say, is history. The Outback has been Subaru’s perennial bestseller.
For 2008, Subaru has realigned its Ouback/Legacy lineup. Outbacks now only come as wagons, and Legacy’s are only offered as sedans. This better reflects customer preferences. Both have received freshened styling. The most noticeable feature on the Outback I drove was the larger, more upright grille. It gives this SUV-light a more forceful look. High-end models also get new alloy wheels. On the inside, Outbacks get a redesigned instrument panel and nicer fabric on the seats.
One of the reasons that the Outback has been successful is that it has about as much room as a midsize SUV, but without the exterior bulk. It will hold up to five passengers and carry over 65 cu-ft of vacation gear. Drivers should find their accommodations satisfactory, but the front passenger seat could use more thigh support. Rear passengers fare better because they sit higher than those in front. But like in most midsize vehicles, the middle position is really only suitable for kids.
My upscale 2.5XT Limited model had a well trimmed interior, with leather upholstery and nicely integrated wood and pewter-colored accents. It also featured a large two-piece sunroof that stretched all the way to the backseat, and an optional navigation system that was fairly simple to program.
Subaru powers the 2.5XT Limited with the turbo version of its 2.5-liter, flat-four engine. It generates 243 horsepower, and is mated to a five-speed automatic. The turbo gets something called Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE). This is a system that enables the driver to select three different modes of engine performance by turning a dial. The “Intelligent” mode is the slowest to respond when you hit the accelerator, but it delivers better fuel economy. The “Sport” setting provides a quicker, more powerful response, and “Sport Sharp” is good for maximizing performance. I found the ‘Sport” mode to provide a happy medium. Like other Subarus, the Outback comes with the automaker’s highly regarded all-wheel-drive system.
In the safety department, the Outback has earrned high marks. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates it a “Top Safety Pick.” And the National Highway Safety Administration has awarded it a five-star rating in front and side crash tests.
Driving the Outback is a pleasant experience. Power is more than sufficient. The engine pulls well on grades, and is quiet, even at higher revs. Conversely, when you need engine braking going down hill, a manual shift mode makes it easy to get into the lower gear you want. The Outback’s ride is compliant. It absorbs bumps very well. However, its handling is just okay. The Outback’s high road clearance (8.4 inches) and lengthy suspension travel (good for off-road) cause it to feel a little spongy taking corners. However, I suspect that most Outback owners will not see this as a problem.
Outback pricing starts at just $22,640, but my loaded 2.5 XT Limited had suggested price of $35,619.
Snapshot Review
SUV-light styling
Good Power with Turbo
Family-Size Accommodations
Comfortable Ride
