2004 Subaru Outback Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
On the cusp of middle age, Subaru celebrates its 35th year by issuing a 35th Anniversary Special Edition wagon in its 2004 Subaru Outback...
On the cusp of middle age, Subaru celebrates its 35th year by issuing a 35th Anniversary Special Edition wagon in its 2004 Subaru Outback lineup. With the 3.0-liter, 212-hp, 6-cylinder engine and 4-speed automatic, it varies from the other 3.0 wagons only in its unique badging and alloy wheels. The only other significant changes to the all-wheel drive SUV alternative are new 16-inch tires for the VDC models and upgraded leather trim for the shifter and steering wheel in the Outback Limited and L.L. Bean Edition.
The 2004 Outback's full-time all-wheel drive is accompanied by a standard limited slip rear differential, and makes the transition smoothly from city to country roads. A 7.3-inch ground clearance, lower body cladding, large tires, and heavy duty suspension can tackle tough driving conditions, though it's not an off-road vehicle, due to lack of low range gearing. A 2.5-liter, 165-hp H4 engine powers the base wagon and Limited sedan and wagon. A 3.0-liter, 212-hp H6 powers the 3.0 sedan, VDC sedan and wagon, and L.L. Bean Edition wagon. All models have ABS brakes and dual front airbags, with all but the base model having side impact as well. The 2004 Outback earns five stars in front crash test ratings. For maximum stability, the VDC models come with variable torque distribution, traction control, and a stability system, which can also be turned off if desired. All models have heated seats and mirrors, power driver's seat, cruise control, and keyless entry. Leather seats, a sunroof, 6-CD player, and wood accents are added with the Limited, Bean, and VDC models.
Holding nearly as much cargo as SUVs, but improving on the safety, handling, and fuel economy (22/29 mpg), the 2004 Outback is popular with families. Rear seats are comfortable for children, but have limited adult legroom. The wagons are great for camping or other outdoor activities, and feature a cargo cover and roof rack. AWD is the Outback's biggest selling point, but drivers also like that it's quiet and smooth, and praise its overall reliability. Cargo room is spacious, and the 6-cylinder has good pickup and power. The 4-cylinder suffers a bit in the power department, and owners say the seats lack comfort and support for long trips. Cupholders are poorly placed, and the interior plastic looks cheap. There is reported wind noise at high speeds.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers appreciate the 2004 Subaru Outback for its reliability, spacious interior, and performance in various weather conditions. Many have praised its all-wheel drive and cargo capacity, noting it as a great choice for families and outdoor activities. However, some drivers mentioned the need for additional power and found the seats uncomfortable on long trips."
Very clean Blue/Gold Subaru wagon, well maintained, ready to drive away, brakes, a/c, heating system, tires, alignment, interior, belts, hoses all serviced and in great condition. Good gas miliege, safe to drive, accelarations and handling is good. Safe for long distance trips.
March 8, 2011Utility - Back seats lay flat so moving IKEA book shelves was a nice experience. Got a couch and a dining table on roof seperately with no problem. AWD - Have alot more confidence in rain and snow. MPG - Decent but could be better. Use regular gas which is a plus. Apperance - Pretty good for a wagon. If you are not sure, just check out Honda and Toyota wagon effort in those years. Cost of Ownership - Pretty cheap with insurance but this car could depreciate quite a bit, especially if you get the more expensive trim. Build Quality - Pretty good for it's class and price. Fun Factor - It's fun to take the car out and not worry about not being able to bring some stuff you just bought home. Just have to worry not to spend too much in Home Depot or Walmart. Took it to camping twice and it has room for gears for 4.
April 20, 2010If you need some trunk space this is a great car to get. It's better mileage and handling than an suv, great in snow and crummy weather because the AWD means you can stop on any thing.
May 11, 2008What owners say
Very clean Blue/Gold Subaru wagon, well maintained, ready to drive away, brakes, a/c, heating system, tires, alignment, interior, belts, hoses all serviced and in great condition. Good gas miliege, safe to drive, accelarations and handling is good. Safe for long distance trips.
March 8, 2011Utility - Back seats lay flat so moving IKEA book shelves was a nice experience. Got a couch and a dining table on roof seperately with no problem. AWD - Have alot more confidence in rain and snow. MPG - Decent but could be better. Use regular gas which is a plus. Apperance - Pretty good for a wagon. If you are not sure, just check out Honda and Toyota wagon effort in those years. Cost of Ownership - Pretty cheap with insurance but this car could depreciate quite a bit, especially if you get the more expensive trim. Build Quality - Pretty good for it's class and price. Fun Factor - It's fun to take the car out and not worry about not being able to bring some stuff you just bought home. Just have to worry not to spend too much in Home Depot or Walmart. Took it to camping twice and it has room for gears for 4.
April 20, 2010If you need some trunk space this is a great car to get. It's better mileage and handling than an suv, great in snow and crummy weather because the AWD means you can stop on any thing.
May 11, 2008Coloradans LOVE Subarus - and I'm no exception. The Subaru Outback is perfect for the daily commute, getting the kids where they need to be, or picking up oversized items at the hardware store. All wheel drive makes it a breeze to drive in the winter, and it comes with nice standard features. If you are looking for something a little bigger that will let you pack up 4 adults, 2 dogs, and all your ski equipment, this is the car for you. Go for the 6 cylinder, we used to own the 4, and it was a little under powered for the CO mountains. Very few maintenance issues in all the years we've had it. Not the most 'fun' car to drive, but more than expected for a cross over.
August 30, 2012I bought this car in college. It has been a great and reliable vehicle. Has over 225k miles and I haven't had one major or really minor repair (just standard maintenance). I imagine the engine will reach 275k-300k miles, before a major repair is needed.
February 13, 2015a good all round car, reliable but servicing is expensive. Just completed a 9,000 km trip from one side of Austrlia to the other and back, the car performed well on the trip but the seats are very hard on long trips
December 28, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $27,270 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 165 hp H4 | Cargo Capacity 12.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $29,470 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 212 hp H6 | Cargo Capacity 12.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $31,670 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 212 hp H6 | Cargo Capacity 12.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $24,020 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 165 hp H4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $27,570 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 165 hp H4 | Cargo Capacity 34.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $30,970 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 212 hp H6 | Cargo Capacity 34.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $33,170 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 212 hp H6 | Cargo Capacity 34.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $19,770 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 165 hp H4 | Cargo Capacity 27.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $27,770 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 212 hp H6 | Cargo Capacity 34.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
