2004 Subaru Outback Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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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.
User reviews for 2004 Subaru Outback
Write a review2004 Subaru Outback Pricing
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
Exterior Features
Skid plate(s): front and rear
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 · Upholstery: cloth
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: trunk release · 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: 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: center
Exterior Features
Skid plate(s): front and rear
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
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: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Skid plate(s): front and rear
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
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: 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: 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: rear
Exterior Features
Skid plate(s): front and rear
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: dual 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: 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
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: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Skid plate(s): front and rear
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
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
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
