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2001 Subaru Outback Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$18,195 to $32,390

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.4

avg user rating

(17 reviews)
2001 Subaru Outback Preview summaryImage

Crossovers are all the rage now, but Subaru led the pack, starting in the 1990s with its rugged AWD Outback. Based on the Legacy, it features a high ride height, large 16-inch tires, up to 68 cubic feet of cargo room, and full-time all-wheel drive, but it offers better safety, stability, and handling than the bulky SUVs. Previous Outbacks suffered from a lack of power, however, but the 2001 Outback adds two new trims with a new H6 engine.

The 2001 Outback comes as a Limited sedan and four different wagons. The sedan, base wagon and Limited wagon feature a 2.5-liter, 165-hp H4 with a 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic. The new 3.0 L.L. Bean Edition and 3.0 VDC wagons feature a 3.0-liter, 212-hp boxer H6 engine mated only to a 4-speed automatic. VDC stands for Vehicle Dynamic Control, and is Subaru's new stability system. Combined with traction control and the superb full-time AWD, handling is top-notch in this trim. The L.L. Bean Edition features a security system and exclusive L.L. Bean materials, but both 3.0 Outbacks are decked out with wood and leather trim, a Momo steering wheel, alloy wheels, an 8-way driver's seat, and automatic climate control. Except for the base wagon, all Outbacks comes with a sunroof, foglights, power features, and keyless entry.

Other changes this year include a standard limited slip rear differential, bigger and more appropriate brakes, and a new temperature display. Sitting 7.3 inches above the ground and reinforced with two-tone body cladding, the 2001 Outback is built for challenging road conditions, if not true off-roading. Drivers like the SUV practicality combined with the car-like handling and high safety record for Subaru. All models but the base wagon have dual front and side impact airbags. The new H6 engine accelerates quickly and easily, and the overall ride is smooth. Drivers don't like the limited legroom, wind noise, the underpowered H4, and lack of rain guards on the windows. The switch for the heated seats is in a poor location, often getting turned on unintentionally.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
Sometimes our content pages are the result of a team effort. As with all CarGurus editorial, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2001 Subaru Outback

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User rating:
by Anonymous
Mar 26, 2015
So far so good a few things I need to fix, I did purchase a warranty so things should be good. Subaru definitely builds a solid car. I see so many on the road. But not many with the double sun roofs.Mar 26, 2015
by Anonymous
Jan 02, 2015
I love my Subaru Outback. I bought this car new in 2001 when my son was born. I plan to give it to him when he gets his drivers license. It has been very reliable and now has 130,000 miles on it. No major maintenance issues. Just keep changing the oil, tires and the brakes. Excellent for winter driving because of its all wheel drive and high clearance. I have never got stuck while living through New England winters. The dual sunroof is a very nice feature, but it does take up a lot of head room. I'm 6'1" and I fit comfortably in the car, but the head room is a little tight. I do my own labor as I'm an engineer and somewhat mechanically inclined. The 2001 Subaru outback is exceptionally easy to work on by ANYONE. just buy the service manual at any auto parts store and you can do anything on your vehicle. All the sensors that do go bad are located on top of the engine block, easy. Even the O2 sensors were very easily changes. Mine is a 5 speed manual transmission, which makes it fun to drive. It is one of the few cars you can find these days if you like manual transmission. I also love the way the car rides and feels substantial on the road without being luggy. Although, there is a bit more road noise than I would like.Jan 02, 2015
by Mark B
Dec 19, 2014
I liked it all but the noisy cabin (no door frame) and the smell of gasoline in cold weather (poor seals in my year/model). Great for getting to trailheads off logging roads or off road. Perfect for hauling loads and my dog around too.Dec 19, 2014

2001 Subaru Outback Pricing

Original MSRP
$18,195 to $32,390
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
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Trims & specs

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

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

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: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: center

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · 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

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: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: center

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

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: rear

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

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

Single disc in-Dash CD · 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: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: center

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: dual power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

See all trims (5)
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