A minor front-end restyling and more standard features are the only changes to the 2003 Subaru Outback, a sporty SUV alternative for those looking for better stability, handling, and fuel economy than the more traditional sport utility vehicles. Aside from a tweaked front bumper, the 2003 Outback also gets new front struts. Inside, the base wagon gets a CD player, while the Limited VDC models boost that to a 6-CD player. All of the 3.0 models now come with OnStar, and the 2.5 models get the All-Weather Package standard, which means they now include heated seats and mirrors and a wiper de-icer.
Boosting the list of equipment even on the base models makes the 2003 Outback more competitive with SUVs, and even the base model has a power driver's seat and remote entry. Moving up the chain, you add leather seats, a dual-pane sunroof (single in the sedans), and automatic climate control. A 2.5-liter, 165-hp H4 engine powers the base wagon and the Limited sedan and wagon. A 212-hp, 3.0-liter, 6-cylinder is found in the L.L. Bean wagon and VDC wagon and sedan. A 4-speed automatic is the only transmission in the 3.0s, while a 5-speed is also offered in the 2.5s. All 2003 Outbacks have dual front-side airbags, ABS brakes, foglights, large 16-inch wheels, cruise control, power seats, and all-wheel drive. The VDC adds traction and stability control, for premium handling.
Sitting up a bit higher than the Legacy, upon which it is based, and having a limited slip differential opens up more roads to the 2003 Outback. The full-time AWD automatically apportions torque where needed. The wagons are more geared towards an active lifestyle, with a rubber cargo mat, retractable cover, roof rack, and up to 68 cubic feet of space. Drivers of the 2003 Subaru Outback are pleased with is sturdy reliability, AWD performance, and the long list of features, particularly the heated seats. Legroom can feel cramped and seats uncomfortable for long trips, and drivers don't like that the headrests have to be removed from the split-folding rear seats. Premium gas in the 3.0 Outbacks gets expensive, especially with a 21/27 mpg. Though overall handling is smooth, drivers report some clutch shudder on cold starts.
2003 Subaru Outback, won’t crank until I move the key to start, then off, start again then off, then start. I can hear the click (not the starter solenoid). The click can be felt in the shifter lever. Battery new, although the problem happened with the old battery. After several on off or bump to start relax key in the run position. Sometime it takes 15 or more times to get the engine to crank.
Have misfire in cylinders1 and 3 changed plugs and wires what should I look at next
had oil changed yesterday. they used the high-mileage oil. now subaru is smoking quite a bit and stuttering a bit until it drives a bit. thoughts?
My 2003 Outback won’t crank. I’ve replaced the starter, camshaft sensor and crankshaft sensor. The starter sounds like it is turning but the engine does not seem to turn. All pulleys spin with the serpentine belt when you turn the key as well. It has the 2.5L 4 cylinder motor in it. It was running fine when my wife was driving home, then she said it felt as if she pushed on the brake real hard without actually doing so and then the car start to decelerate and when she got to the shoulder it wouldn’t start.
I recently replaced the head gaskets on my 03 subaru outback 2.5l and when I went to jump start from the battery I get no power but I get power jump starting from the alternator, what could cause this?
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: McIntosh · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: McIntosh · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent