Subaru Outback Wagon, 2007: The Weekly Driver

Visit any mountain community and chances are Subaru Legacy and Outback wagons will be as popular as any vehicle on the road.

As an alternative to traditional sport utility vehicles, the Legacy and Outback wagons provide versatility and other appealing SUV traits. But they also offer car-like handling, comfort and fuel efficiency.

Since it debuted in limited release in 1995, the Outback, with its slightly raised suspension, has complemented the Legacy wagon. Fast-forward to 2007 and the Legacy and Outback wagons are now offered in three engine sizes. Combined with Legacy sedan offerings, the vehicles are available in more than a dozen configurations.

My weekly test drive was the Outback 2.5i Limited Wagon, one of seven available versions. Standard is a 2.5-liter, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower and a five-speed automatic transmission.

Since their debuts, the Legacy and Outback wagons have always provided a secure ride and a straightforward, no-nonsense exterior and interior. Mostly, all Subarus are renowned for the standard full-time, all-wheel drive system - an industry leader. It adjusts to any weather and driving condition, thus the vehicle's popularity in mountain areas.

The solidly built Outback (it received the highest government safety ratings) and its all-wheel drive feature provide a feeling of security that overshadows some of the Outback's few less-than-superior qualities. The Outback's automatic transmission isn't particularly smooth, nor is the car accelerated particularly well. Likewise, the Outback's engine noise is severe while attempting to accelerate quickly.

Nonetheless, Legacy and Outback wagons have maintained their popularity on their rugged, multipurpose qualities, and the 2007 follows the tradition. While the backseat is tight and leg and foot room isn't generous, more space is available for cargo. There's 33.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats and 66 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded.

Standard equipment on the 2.5i includes 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, Halogen fog lights, dual moonroofs, heated fronted seats, mirrors and windshield de-icer, power 8-way front seat, windows, doors and locks, leather trim upholstery, roof-rail crossbars and remote keyless entry. Cruise control, tilt steering wheel and AM/FM radio with 6-CD in dash charger and an auxiliary audio jack are also standard.

My test vehicle also included three options: the cargo area convenient group (seat back cargo net, side cargo nets and rear cargo net, $212), Popular Equipment Group (auto dimming mirrors, upgraded security system, $304) and an XM satellite radio kit, $456).

The 2007 Outback hasn't changed significantly since its last redesign in 2005. And its primary competition remains truck-based SUVs with the names Explorer, Grand Cherokee, 4xRunner, S-10 Blazer, Pathfinder, and Passport. The Outback stands by itself, however, as the best car-based option with a similar purpose.

Available in either monochromatic or with two-tone paint, the Outback is rugged, yet sleek. And even with option costs added to my vehicle, its total price fell just under the $30,000 price point, the average current cost in the United States for a new vehicle.

The Weekly Driver: 2007 Subaru Outback

Safety Features - Driver and front-seat passenger dual front, side and side curtain airbags.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) - 22 mpg (city), 28 mpg (highway).

Warranty - Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/60,000 miles, Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles; Roadside (24-hour) assistance program, 3 years/36,000 miles.

Base Price - $27,595.00