Subaru has made radical improvements since it began selling cars in America in the early 1970s, as shown by its polished, versatile 2008 Outback mid-size station wagon.
Subaru's very first car sold here was the tiny 360 minicar, which looked like a lump of ice cream and had hardly any power. It was fine for car-crowded Japan, where the average speed in urban areas was about 12.5 mph. But I almost got killed driving one on the Dan Ryan Expy. It soon was replaced by Subaru's small front-wheel-drive economy cars, which were clunky and slow but delivered good fuel economy.
Subaru was ahead of its time in offering a small four-wheel-drive station wagon in 1975, but it wasn't until the mid-1980s that Subarus began losing their reputation for being noisy, underpowered, rough-riding small cars and wagons. They had good mechanical durability, but bodies and interiors weren't considered long-term propositions.
By 1984, you also could get a Subaru hardtop and sedan with a larger engine and four-wheel drive. That's a feature that eventually helped save the Japanese automaker from faltering here because many Americans were warming up to the idea of such a drive system. Subaru eventually gave full-time all-wheel drive to all models.
One must hand it to Subaru for having the guts to offer the first auto -- its small 1989 Justy model -- with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which is now fairly common.
Subaru also came up with one of the first crossover vehicles -- one with an auto platform and SUV characteristics -- with its 1996 Outback wagon. That was an all-wheel-drive version of Subaru's Legacy with a higher roof and raised suspension. Subaru called the Outback "America's first sport-utility wagon'' because the "crossover'' vehicle description was in the future.
In 2000, the Outback also came with a higher roofline and raised suspension. It was based on that year's Legacy, which was redesigned and made larger. That Outback was so popular Subaru gave it a separate model line for 2001.
The 2008 Outback has a heavy-duty raised four-wheel independent suspension and generous ground clearance (8.4 to 8.7 inches) to enable at least moderately tough off-pavement driving.
Outback list prices range from $21,995 to $33,495. There is a staggering variety of trim levels, although the Outback sedan disappears for 2008 because the new Outback comes only as a wagon. Four types of all-wheel-drive system are featured across the line, but you'd have to be an auto engineer to appreciate differences between them.
On a simpler note, there's revised front and rear styling with new front sheetmetal, larger grille opening, new front/rear bumper fascias and new headlights and taillights.
There's also a redesigned instrument panel and new interior fabrics. Easier-to-read electroluminescent gauges once found in only the turbocharged 2.5 model now also are in the six-cylinder 3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition trim level.
A telescopic steering column and new integrated ignition key/remote entry feature become standard for all models. On premium versions, a redesigned steering wheel offers more control buttons for the audio system, cruise control and multi-information display. And the 2.5 XT Limited with an automatic transmission has new paddle shifters in place of shift buttons.
A revised rear suspension provides a nicer ride, and a stability control system is available on more models -- and standard on the six-cylinder version.
The Outback is offered with a 2.5-liter, 170-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a 243-horsepower turbocharged version of that engine. The hot rod version has a 3-liter six-cylinder with 245 horsepower.
The regular 2.5 engine has more torque and better fuel efficiency, while performance of the six-cylinder is improved with increased low- and mid-range torque for better response.
The 170-horsepower engine works with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, while the turbocharged version shoots power through a five- or six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. The "six'' works only with a five-speed automatic.
Subarus used to be inexpensive, but no longer. For instance, I tested the 170-horsepower (oddly named) 2.5 i Limited L.L. Bean version, which costs $27,695 with its Vehicle Dynamics Control stability system. The L.L. Bean option, which includes a navigation system and power passenger seat, is costly at $2,300, but a $700 "value savings'' knocked it down to $1,600. However, a few other extras resulted in a final list price of $30,055, not including a $645 destination-delivery charge.
My test car included a power sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, power driver's seat, heated front seats, tilt/telescopic wheel, cruise control, split-folding rear seatbacks, rear window wiper-washer and power windows, mirrors and door locks with remote keyless entry.
Safety items include front side-impact air bags, side curtain air bags and anti-lock/all-disc brakes with electronic brake force distribution -- besides the all-wheel drive and stability control system.
The Outback is essentially a car, so it provides accurate carlike steering and confident handling with its compact, low-set engine with Porsche-style horizontally opposed pistons. Stopping distances are good, and the brake pedal has a nice feel. But some might think the ride is too firm, although it won't beat you up on rugged pavement.
Acceleration is good even with the base four-cylinder engine and my test car's four-speed automatic, which has an easily used manual shift feature.
Fuel economy is an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 on highways, but dips to 18 and 24 with the turbo engine and 17 and 24 with the six-cylinder engine. Economy would be higher, but all-wheel drive usually lowers mileage. Only regular grade gasoline is needed with the base four-cylinder engine, with premium recommended for the turbo four and six-cylinder.
The functional-looking Outback interior is spacious, especially in the rear-seat area, for four tall occupants, who sit higher than they would in many cars and have good visibility. It's easy to slide in and out, and front seats are very supportive.
Gauges can be read quickly, and sound system and climate controls are large, Drawbacks include an ignition switch that seems buried on the steering column and an automatic transmission shifter that interferes with driver access to the front console cupholders, which have a sliding cover.
A large glovebox and pockets with bottle holders in all doors provide decent storage space.
The cargo area is roomy, especially with the rear seatbacks folded forward.
The heavy hood lacks hydraulic struts, so it must be held open with a prop rod.
In all, the Outback is rugged and versatile. Nobody in the early 1970s would have guessed Subaru would come up with such a vehicle.
2008 SUBARU OUTBACK
PRICE: $21,995-$33,495.
LIKES: Roomy. Good steering and handling. All-wheel drive. Off-pavement abilities.
DISLIKES: Rather firm ride. Shifter partially blocks driver cupholder. Heavy hood with prop rod. |