The Outback was originally an offshoot of the Legacy wagon for the 1995 model year, although it was given distinctive body cladding and a slightly raised roof the following year. For 2005, Outback engine choices consisted of the 170-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder, an optional 243-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 245-horsepower six-cylinder. All engines are horizontally opposed, which places two banks of cylinders/pistons at 180 degrees to each other. This tough design also lowers the centre of the gravity of the vehicles for improved road control. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, while four-or five-speed automatics (depending on engine choice) were optional. An all-new Outback wagon arrived for the 2010 model year.
The 2005-'09 Outback was a roomy and sure-footed machine that was praised for its ability to slog through most road and weather conditions.
The spacious, well-appointed cabin could comfortably seat five. With the wagon's rear seat folded flat, the Outback displayed impressive cargo room (with an additional storage cubby below the load floor).
The base four-cylinder engine was thriftier on fuel than many competing truck-like all-wheel-drive models, while the torquey top-of-the-line six-cylinder was an excellent choice for hauling recreational toys or towing travel trailers. Overall excellent ride quality and cornering control (assisted by the standard all-wheel-drive sys-tem) were also Outback strong points.
Although the optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine as well as the six-cylinder provided sufficient muscle when called upon, they both consumed premium-grade gasoline and were thirstier than the base 2.5 four-cylinder. Although the Outback's somewhat hiked-up suspension made it competent on rough or slippery roads, it wasn't appropriate for extreme off-road-ing, not that many owners were so inclined. Given the complexities of all-wheel-drive, obtain a clean bill of health for your chosen Outback before driving away.
Subaru's growing popularity is reflected in decent used-car values. Selecting either the turbo XT or high-end L.L. Bean models could bump up the average selling prices by $3,000-$4,000.
The Outback is one of the more practical automobiles out there. The wagon conveys just the right amount of machismo that complements its AWD ability (the poor-selling Outback sedan less so). Outbacks drive, ride and steer like most other cars, but it's the added ride height and go-anywhere powertrain that gives drivers the confidence to hit the road when conditions might otherwise keep them at home.
YEAR RANGE APPROX. PRICE RANGE*
2005 $11,000-$13,500
2006 $13,500-$16,000
2007 $15,000-$18,000
2008 $17,000-$21,000
2009 $18,500-$23,500
*The higher end of a given price range represents vehicles with more options and fewer miles.
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