2008 Subaru Outback Review

While Subaru was going out on a limb by offering an Outback raised wagon when it was far cooler to have an SUV, they did prove variation can breed profits and the popularity of the SUV through the '90s made anything remotely resembling something capable of going off-road, very marketable.

The Subaru Outback set success in motion for what is now the emerging favorite class -- the crossovers. There is a lot to like about the Subaru, most notably the all-wheel drive and tried-and-true 2.5-liter flat-4 engine. For great traction and an outstanding center of gravity, the flat-4 spreads out the weight of the block over a wider area to create a feeling of tremendous tire on pavement control.

All-wheel drive is standard on all trim levels of the Subaru Outback. The 2008 Outback offers seven trim packages (seems like four too many to me): base, 2.5i, 2.5i L.L. Bean, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Limited L.L. Bean, XT Limited and 3.0 R L.L. Bean. While offering a seemingly endless barrage of option combinations, what you have to know about the Outback is that it's all about all-weather driving and absolute control. The test vehicle was the XT Limited.

Standard on the XT Limited tester was the SI-Drive system. It is a great idea: offer the driver settings for the performance and ride depending on the at-moment needs. The SI-Drive system offered me three modes: Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp. I found myself with the Outback mostly in Sport Sharp mode, with its crisp shifts and accommodating aggressive response.

When you take into account the low center of gravity produced by the flat-4, the "stick to the road" of the all-wheel drive and the nice 17-inch upgrade rims afforded the XT Limited model, you can see how people who buy Subarus are often the most loyal customers.

The only optional item on the tester was the navigation system. This trim level is loaded, and inside the cabin driver and passengers are enveloped in comfortable leather and accommodating amenities.

The Outback XT Limited has a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter flat-4 delivering 243 horsepower and 241 pound-feet of torque. You can opt for a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. The test vehicle had the automatic, and I found it to be more than adequate.

The Subaru Outback cabin offers an upscale feel with quality materials and a sophisticated dash treatment. Well-done faux wood and aluminum accents add to the interior's allure. Driver sightlines are outstanding.

Front passengers will find the seating to be roomy while backseat passengers might feel a bit tight on legroom. Three kids will fit in the back, but only two adults will fit comfortably. While small compared to others in the class and of the same price, Outback does have 33.5 cubic-feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats up and 66 cubic-feet when they are in the lowered position.

Standard equipment for the XT Limited makes this Outback especially high-utility and extra all-weather capable. It included functional roof rails, heated exterior mirrors, deicing wipers, 17-inch alloy rims, satellite radio, CD player (with MP3 player jack), keyless entry and full power accessories. The Limited has a really cool double-paned sunroof that further opens up the cabin to feel larger.

Part of the reason for the crazy-loyal customers is Subaru's ability to keep you safe and sound. You'll find antilock brakes, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and anti-whiplash front head restraints as standard issue on all 2008 Subaru Outbacks. The Outback earned a perfect five-star rating in NHTSA crash tests.

Base priced at the low end, the Subaru Outback is just over $21,500; but higher-level models such as the XT Limited will push the price over $30,000.

Overall, the Subaru is great for those who want sure-footed all-weather traction and some extra ride height clearance. Smallish interior will disappoint some taller consumers, but the turbo 2.5-liter engine will create fun for those that comfortably fit into the cabin.