In-depth reviews

Subaru Outback estate (2009-2014): owner reviews

"You won't buy a Subaru Outback for it's fuel consumption, but four-wheel drive and decent practicality mean it's worth a look."

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by Richard Ingram

2 Apr 2014

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Carbuyer Rating

2.2 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.5 out of 5

Reviews

Owner Reviews

5 out of 5
4 out of 5
3 out of 5
2 out of 5
1 out of 5

82%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

Brakes (1 case)
Electrics (1 case)
Other (1 case)

Review 1 of 17

Tell us what you think about your car?

I've been buying Outbacks since 1997 and this is the best version yet. The steering is sharp and there is much less body-roll in the corners. The last one I had was a 2010 2.0D manual transmission and I was surprised how different the handling is in the new one. Personally I think the interior looks a little better in the new version but the choice of exterior colours is worse. My Subarus have been totally reliable and now we have a five year warranty.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Your rating of 2.2 against owners 4.5 says it all. When will motoring hacks stop comparing all cars against BMW 3 series and acknowledge that people buy different cars for different reasons? The Outback is well built, attractive in a rugged way, hugely capacious and utterly reliable. I use mine for everyday interspersed with long trips (48 mpg) and occasional off road where it performs more than adequately. Direct comparisons with the Allroad are pointless - it's £10k more!

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

the car has not developed any faults since new

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Its funny that the header on the review says "You won't buy an Outback for it's looks or fuel consumption" These are 2 of the reasons I did buy this car. Chunky looks with flared arches and Subaru Air scoop..just thought it looked more interesting than the wind tunnelled Passats and Skodas. The fuel consumption is excellent and accurate. The engine is very smooth and turbo lag free, though it is noisy, when pushed. Though on the motorway its settled and quiet, 80mph at 2100rpm with its fantastic 6th gear The interior styling has been panned too, which I don't agree with as I it is very well put together, with no rattles. My model comes with everything you need comfort wise including full leather,sunroof and an electric handbrake, which I like. It has full connectivity for bluetooth etc, with also the ability to play DVDs including Mp3 ones so you don't need loads of wires connecting your Iphone, that can just charge in the armrest box. There are many less obvious additions which you may not see at first, like Bilstein shocks and self levelling suspension in the rear, xeon headlights, rear parking camera and keyless entry are also cool. On the less positive side, the ride is fine but is seems over controlled by the VDC and traction control when cornering. You can turn this off but it will reset every time you start up. I would agree that the steering is a little vague and the ride isn't exciting, but when its raining or snowing you really appreciate the feel of the AWD, though the tyres might skit a little as they're independently driven. The 1st gear is very short and it revs very quickly as it is designed as a 4x4 and tow car so round town driving can be tedious. The rear passenger room is very good and the rear seats also recline. The load bay is a good size considering its much shorter than a passat or Mondeo. The really good feature is the one step levers that release the back seats. One last note is that the paint finish is truely excellent

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

I love Subaru reliabilty.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Faultless

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Have not had much in the way of problems, only issue was a seized brake pad which I don't regard as really related to reliability.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

No major problems - niggles with the computor filing to operate on the 6 cylinders very occasionally

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

It a Subaru and I expect reliability

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Never gone wrong

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

no failures

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Always electrical problems. Mainly clutch or brake sensors.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Have used it twice abroad (France) for touring, clocked 2000 miles each trip, no problems, cruised well, cruise control a godsend, powerful engine keeps pace with the more expensive cars, comfortable with leather seats, good luggage space eg wine!

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

I have to be honest and say I am a Brit living in northern BC Canada although I own a 2.5 (173hp) petrol Outback, so I'm not sure how it relates to the UK versions. I had to respond to the Carbuyer original review as in my opinion I don't think this reflects the vehicle. Firstly I would say the reliability, winter performance, standard equipment and fuel consumption are all 4/5. I was not a big Subaru fan before buying the Outback, but I needed AWD and good fuel consumption, plus the ability to put a mountain bike in the back with seats folded down. My last 4 cars have been Audi A4 and A6 Avants so initially the Subaru seemed a downgrade....my views changed within the first few weeks of ownership. These are high quality cars. Having driven trough 3 Canadian winters down to -30 C I am very reluctant to change now. Coupled with a set of Pirelli Snow + Ice tyres the car is unstoppable and I pass trucks that have gone off the road as I tootle by. Recommended definitely.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Totally reliable in ALL weathers and driving conditions. Having owned this brand for 10 years without problems it was an easy decision to choose the same again

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

faultless - uterly reliable.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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