Subaru Outback, 2008: The Weekly Driver

With its 2008 models, Subaru begins its second decade of offering only all-wheel drive as a standard feature throughout its line - Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback and Tribeca.

Subaru is the only manufacturer that offers AWD in every car, and that guarantees one quality. All Subarus corner and maneuver under any circumstance like no other vehicle.

The ride is steady and sure and drivers have few concerns in inclement weather, during sharp cornering or on rough roads.

I've driven several Subarus in recent years, and I also leased an early version of the Legacy wagon for four years in the mid-1990s. Leased or tested for a review, every Subaru I've driven has the same secure feel.

Originally marketed as the "world's first sport utility wagon," for 2008 Subarus have what Consumer Guide defines as "refreshed styling." My weekly drive was the Outback 2.51 model, with four cylinders, 175 horsepower and a five-speed manual transmission.

Subaru's early reputation as a versatility performer was enhanced in its early years with a several-year sponsorship with the U.S. National Ski Team based in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Winters present serious weather in Colorado and that allowed for a nice, truth-in-advertising campaign. But even in a far less severe circumstance it's easy to see how Subaru has built its strong reputation, particularly among mountain drivers.

Early in my week with the Outback, my wife and I drove over the Pacheco Pass, the winding country road stretch near the San Luis Reservoir. We we en route from Sacramento to the Monterey Peninsula.

The road is among my favorite test-driving locales. Winding ascents and descents and high speeds and an oddly cambered road always provide a welcomed challenge.

On this occasion, in early October, it also briefly hailed and rain heavily for a short time. But it might as well have been sunny and windless, which is exactly what it was just before the weather arrived. The Outback confronted the inclement conditions without issue.
The rain and hail quickly dispersed off the windshield and the vehicle continued its stellar path.

All-wheel drive vehicles (the four-wheel drive can't be disengaged) are often criticized because an appreciably stable ride is countered by a lost of gas mileage. The Outback is rated at 18 mph in city driving and 24 mpg in highway conditions. Those aren't great numbers, but after nearly 600 miles during my week's test, the car averaged 22.8 mph - true to the manufacturer's claim.

The Outback's interior offers a combined good use of space with clean lines and thoughtfully designed cargo areas. Leg and headroom is adequate, but the Outback's designation as a five-passenger vehicle is true only if the three back passengers are of no more than average height and weight.

As a wagon acting like an SUV, the Outback has a slightly raised suspension, which only adds to its efficient, simple good looks. It doesn't have the off-road capabilities of true SUVs, but that shouldn't deter potential buys.

The Outback made a strong debut in 1995 and through its various revisions, it remains uniquely positioned in the market. It's a reliable performer in any situation.

Safety Features - Dual front, front side and side curtain airbags.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) - 18 mpg (city), 24 mpg (highway).

Warranty - Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 7 years/100,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles, Roadside Assistance, 3 years/36,000 miles.

Base Price - $23,695.