2004 Subaru Outback New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2004 Subaru Outback?
Subaru offers two Outback models for 2004: the standard Legacy-based version and the smaller Impreza-based Sport edition. This year, the Subaru Outback Sport gets a new hood, fenders, headlights, grille and front bumper. Rear styling is also updated with revised lighting and a restyled bumper. Other new standard equipment includes remote keyless entry, a central door lock button on the center console, a new pump-lever seat height adjuster, collapsible pedals and active head restraints. Revised gauge graphics are also new, and metallic center console trim finishes have been revised. Larger Outbacks carryover into 2004 mostly unchanged. The H6-3.0 receives 35th Anniversary status this year, and upper-level Subaru Outback models get updated wheel selections. Minor changes to paint colors and interior trim summarize the updates to the 2004 Subaru Outback.

Advantages of the 2004 Subaru Outback:

• Proven reliability
• Interior comfort for the Legacy-based models
• Handling for the Sport model
• Just the thing for snowstorms and muddy trails

Objections to the 2004 Subaru Outback:

• High price tags
• Four-cylinder engine is low on engine power
• Lack of legroom in Sport models
• Faux-SUV trim is somewhat gaudy

Editor's Advice:
Subarus are trusty steeds; nearly bulletproof when it comes to reliability, and able to manage all but the worst snowstorms. No Outback is suited to serious four wheeling, but all offer raised ground clearance and added peace-of-mind when the weather turns foul. Taller folks will not enjoy driving or riding in the Subaru Outback Sport. Larger Outbacks equipped with the horizontally opposed “flat” six engine reward owners with power and luxury accoutrements in the cabin. The Subaru Outback is exactly what most people need when they set out to shop for an SUV; alas, too few bother to investigate one of the original crossover vehicles. A new Legacy-based Outback is slated to arrive for 2005, with toned down exterior trim and a more upscale cabin.