2002 Subaru Outback Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$19,220 to $32,420

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(24 reviews)
2002 Subaru Outback Preview summaryImage

The 2002 Subaru Outback's slogan could easily have been "No Worries." The popular Australian slang phrase captures much of what the 2002 Outback wants to convey -- a safe, reliable, durable, rugged family alternative to an SUV. With full-time AWD, limited slip differential, reinforced body and suspension, large 16-inch tires, and dual front and side airbags, the Outback is built to keep you secure no matter what road you take.

Though we associated the Outback with its popular wagons, it comes as a sedan as well. The Limited sedan and wagon and the base wagon have a 2.5-liter, 165-hp H4 engine and choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto tran. Last year, the 3.0 L.L. Bean and 3.0 VDC wagons were introduced, with a 3.0-liter, 212-hp H6 and 4-speed automatic. The 2002 Outback welcomes two new sedans into the fold, the 3.0 and 3.0 VDC. The VDC sedan and wagon are the top of the line, with full power features, leather and wood trim, heated power seats, a Momo wheel, and a combination of stability, traction and torque control that adjusts the Outback's performance according to road conditions. This year, the VDC gets an on/off button, for drivers who prefer to feel the road a bit more. Other new additions include a lighted ignition switch and an internal trunk release in the 2002 Outback sedans.

Wagons feature a roof rack, retractable cargo cover, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat that expands the 34 cubic foot trunk to 68 cubic feet. Though drivers feel the 4-cylinder Outback is underpowered, the six-cylinder accelerates confidently and handles smoothly and quietly. The AWD performs admirably in snow, and drivers prefer the car-like maneuverability to more unwieldy SUVs. There have been problems with the head gaskets over the years, and though larger brakes were installed last year, owners feel they are still inadequate for the size of the car. They also don't like that the 3.0 Outbacks only take premium gas with a so-so 21/27 mpg.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2002 Subaru Outback

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User rating:
by Bob H
Aug 10, 2020
Love this car! Runs perfectly and looks amazing, plus got a GREAT price!Aug 10, 2020
by Anonymous
Feb 15, 2020
The car was just what we were looking for and so we bought it.Feb 15, 2020
by Ba B
Dec 11, 2014
This is the best AWD car I have ever owned,.If you are looking for something that you can travel in and never let you down, this would be the car for you! It has automatic everything and alloy rims.Dec 11, 2014

2002 Subaru Outback Pricing

Original MSRP
$19,220 to $32,420
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

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

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: center

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · 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

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: rear

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

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

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: rear

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

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: rear

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

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

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

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: rear

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

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

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: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

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: 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: 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 (7)