Overview:
This week we’re looking at the Subaru Outback wagon AWD Luxury version of what used to be a pretty austere little car. Today it has grown into a good-sized commuter / small family, all purpose vehicle.

Outback’s aren't just wagons anymore. The Limited Sedan sports a viscous limited-slip differential, protective lower body cladding, fog lights, raised heavy-duty 4-wheel independent suspension, and 7.3 inches of ground clearance.

It gives that cockpit feel where the driver is in control, like a pilot, and the co-pilot is just along for the ride and doesn’t appear to have access to many of the controls.

I was asked to compare the Altima with all its competition for a first time buyer and I found this Outback to be the top of the heap if All-wheel-drive capability would be needed, as the Subaru stands alone in the competition.

Handling & Performance:
Powered by a 3.0-liter H6 horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine that produces 212-horsepower at 6000 rpm and 210 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm. It also features a Variable Torque Distribution all-wheel-drive (VTD), Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and all-wheel, all-speed traction control (TCS) for excellent stability and traction. It is powerful and brakes superbly. The ride is solid and has that substantial feel. Good cornering albeit not a road racer. It’s meant to be a small luxury car rather than a high performance car.

Styling:
Nice looking and unmistakenly a Subaru. It mixes that look of an SUV and a station wagon.

Fit and Finish:
Good attention to detail in fitting quality components.

Conveniences:
The L.L.Bean Edition's interior features automatic climate control with ambient temperature gauge, an air filtration system along with lots more.

Cost:
You’ll pay dearly for all the improvements, but you get what you pay for, meaning a lot of high end design and most of the money is where it should be – in the engine and running gear. 

Recommendation:
If you’re into a quality, smaller sized, all-purpose vehicle for a budding family on a budget, this will provide many years of trouble free transportation. It is well done but luxury is a relative term. This is a luxury car that does it all, albeit on a smaller scale. 

The competition:

Ford Escape $18,035-21,210, Honda CRV $18,750-22,800, Mazda Tribute $17,210-23,230, Toyota RAV4 $16,215-17,615.

Good News:

Outstanding gas mileage for the performance, quality all purpose car in one, economical to maintain,

Bad News:

Expensive up front cost for a small car, design flaw in that the visor hits the rearview mirror… I know, picky, picky, picky.  

Standard Equipment:
3.0 liter H-6 (horizontally opposed) 212 horsepower engine, 4-speed auto trans, all wheel drive, 4-wheel anti lock disc brakes, front and side air bags, heavy duty raised independent suspension, dual power moon roofs with sunshades, leather, 8-way power driver seat, heated front seats, stereo with cassette and CD player and 8 speakers with in-glass antennae, keyless entry with security system, wood and leather tilt steering wheel, air conditioning and filtration system, power windows, door locks and mirrors, cruise control.

Gas Stats:
20 City and 27 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP  $29,990

Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@autolove.com

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