The Subaru Outback may be named after the Australian wilderness, but there is nothing dangerous or extreme about it, and that’s a good thing. It was first showcased at the 1994 New York International Auto show and generated immediate interest and appreciation. While there have been crossovers before it, some say that it was the Subaru Outback that turned the crossover segment big. Subaru also called the Outback the world’s first “sports utility wagon”.
People saw what the car brought and they liked it, turning the Outback into a sustained hit. One of the main reasons that the Outback has become popular then to now, is because of its all-wheel-drive tech, which helps it take on almost every terrain. For a country like America, where there are the Rockies and the Blue Mountains, the snow in Alaska, and the desert of Nevada and Texas, having a tough car to take on tough terrain is a good thing. And the Subaru Outback does all that, with comfort to spare. And in a compact, affordable way.
So if you are thinking of buying a used Subaru Outback, it’s a wise decision, and a good investment as well because it gives you all the bang for your buck. It handles like an SUV and drives like a car. Here are more reasons to get a Subaru Outback for you and your family at the used car bazaar.
The Earlier Generations Of The Subaru Outback
For its 1994 debut, the Outback wasn’t all that different from the Legacy L-Wagon but in aesthetics. The 2.2-liter boxer engines managed 135 horses and enough sales to make Subaru better the Outback. By 1996, it was taller and more aggressive, and its now 2.5-liter boxer engine made 165 horses. For the first generation, till 1999, gentle updates kept making the Outback better, beefier, and plusher.
The Outback became its line in 2000 as the second generation, and power was upped to 210 horsepower with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine.
More trims and editions came out and by now, the Outback became a cult car, going head to head with the offroad biggies.
If you plan to buy a used Subaru Outback from the first two generations, there may be some issues with the center differential and the transmission, as well as a bit of leakage. But these will come cheap and still have plenty of life in them.
The Third & Fourth Gen Subaru Outback
If you want something more modern in a used Subaru Outback, the third and the fourth generation may have something for you. In 2005, the third-gen debuted on a brand new platform, with a sleeker look, and a turbocharged model as well. The 2.5-liter turbocharged engine made 250 horses with even better torque than the six-cylinder engine. Trims were added and dropped, and the insides began to get better tech. There were some issues with the turbocharged engine, so it may be a good thing to simply opt for the six-cylinder version.
The fourth-generation was when the Outback truly burgeoned, in dimensions and aggression, as well as new engines. Power was better plus the Outback got plenty of comfort upgrades as well as the Eyesight Collision avoidance system, making it a safer car. Door glasses were finally framed and leakage culled.
The CVT models had some reliability issues, and do avoid the 2013 model which underwent a class action lawsuit.
From Gen 5 To Now: Subaru Outback’s Growing Popularity
The fifth generation of the Subaru Outback debuted in 2015 and smoothened all the rough edges of the fourth-gen, with way more sophisticated insides, better engines, and problem-free CVT. Tech was upgraded in 2018, as was infotainment. The Eyesight Collision avoidance system was also bettered. The 2020 Subaru Outback is now in its sixth and most upscale generation yet, with great off-roading capabilities and a smooth ride. The insides are roomy and plush, while the engines do their jobs well.
If you want the cheapest used Subaru Outback, you have to go back in the years and sacrifice a bit on the tech, safety, and power. The third and fourth generations, barring the year 2013 are likely to be a more balanced choice, giving you more modernity at a fair price.
And if you have to have your tech and your used Subaru Outback in the best condition possible, you have to look at the fifth and the sixth generation, but also shell out more.
Most rate the third generation Subaru Outback, from 2005 to 2009 to be the best, because this is where the most and the best changes happened to this popular crossover SUV. Either way, buying a used Subaru Outback makes sure you spend your money well, on a car that still has plenty of life in it, and can still hold on to its value for a good many years to come. Of course, there’s nothing like a new car but when comes to the Subaru Outback, even a used one can feel new.
Sources: Driving.ca, CarEdge