Subaru’s Outback spawned a whole category of imitators when it appeared on the scene offering some of the versatility of a sport-ute without the tradeoffs in ride and handling. Big-tired, all-wheel-drive station wagons have become almost as common as Ford Explorers, and the combination of carlike ride and off-road ability could be said to have inspired the Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX300, and other “soft-utes.”  Subaru lays claim to inventing the “sport utility wagon” niche (although we think that if AMC were still in business, they might dispute that, citing their Jeep-based Eagle AWD wagon of the early 1980s), which has since been invaded by such notable competition as Volvo and Audi.

For 2003, the Outback receives a slight facial freshening, with revised headlamps that look more in tune with the rest of the Subaru family.  Subaru is also offering GM’s OnStar personal assistant and emergency calling system to Outback models.

The Outback’s look is substantial, with Subaru’s new trademark “droopy-eyed” headlamp units flanking a trapezoidal grille.  A slightly raised roof gives it more visual bulk, and dual moonroofs keep things airy inside.  The Outback features two-tone paint and cladding that help give it that “sport-utility” look.  Large round foglights in the air dam are there for the same reason.  The rear window mimics the shape of the grille, but the wide lower edge also helps to improve visibility.  An L.L Bean edition adds subtle badges on the front fenders and unique 16″ alloy wheels, but not much more.  The Outback looks equally at home in the middle of a muddy field, or out in front of a country club.

The Outback’s basic layout is straightforward and simple–our only complaint lies with the stereo, whose controls are too small.  Over the years, Subaru has improved its somewhat chintzy interior appointments, and the current incarnation of the Outback is actually a pleasant place to be.  The L.L. Bean edition adds to that with a wealth of luxurious appointments.  Automatic climate control, a wood/leather Momo steering wheel, a comfortable eight-way power driver’s seat, and air filtration system are all standard on the L.L. Bean Edition.  We’re not sure we’d want to get it dirty, in fact–which might negate the usefulness of Subaru’s all-wheel drive system.

On the road, the Outback acquits itself well; power from the H6-3.0 engine is decent.  The awkward name refers to the “H” style cylinder layout.  Subaru’s engines are “boxer” engines, with the cylinders arranged in two horizontally opposed banks, rather than a vee or in-line layout–thus the “H6″ designation.  The 3.0 liter engine puts out 212 horsepower with a trademark Subaru gurgle, and it’s incredibly smooth at idle.  Less expensive Outbacks have a horizontally opposed four-cylinder, whose better fuel economy justifies the slight drop in performance.  Full-time all wheel drive keeps things stable.  It’s an active system, which powers all four wheels at all times, but is able to transfer power to different wheels based on throttle and brake input, as well as actual slippage.  The Outback can also be equipped with a limited-slip rear differential.

Handling is head and shoulders above any possible competition from a sport-ute, and it’s not just because of the four-wheel independent suspension.  The H6 engine is mounted low in the chassis, contributing to a low center of gravity.  The suspension has a great deal of softness dialed in, but even with its raised ride height, the Outback is still a car, and it lacks the tippy feeling common to nearly all SUVs.  Freeway travel is equally drama-free, thanks in part to the Outback’s weight.  Although it’s not tippy, it is pushing two tons, a fact that occasionally makes itself known if the Outback is asked to change directions too quickly.

Safety equipment includes front and side airbags, and four wheel disc brakes.

If we have a complaint about the Outback, it’s purely personal;  all of the luxury items seem to have taken most of the basic quirky “Subaru-ness” out of the car.  The weird little four-wheel-drive wagons we used to know and love have gone and gotten respectable.  The ritzy L.L. Bean Edition Outback competes cheerfully with the Volvo V70 Cross Country and Audi allroad quattro.

That’s no reason not to consider it, of course–the only people likely to be bothered by the Outback’s personality are long-time Subaru owners, and they’re more likely to prefer the esoteric Forester anyway.  To make a big splash out at the hunting lodge, however, the Outback is the way to go.

2003 Outback pricing starts at $23,045, and fully loaded models go for almost $33,000.  For the record, even after buying a top of the line Outback, you’d have almost enough change left over from the cost of a comparable Audi or Volvo wagon to buy an Impreza.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2003 Subaru Outback.
Length:     187.4 in.
Width:        68.7 in.
Height:        63.3 in.
Wheelbase:    104.3 in.
Curb weight:    3715 lb.
Cargo space:    68.6 cu.ft (seat folded)
Engine:     3.0 liter DOHC “boxer” 6 cylinder
Drivetrain:     four-speed automatic, all wheel drive
Horsepower:     212 @ 6000
Torque:     210 @ 4400
Fuel capacity:    16.9 gal.
Towing capacity:    2000 lb.
Est. mileage:    20/27

Base price:        $39,405
Price as tested:        $42,441
Engine:     4.7 liter DOHC 32-valve V8
Drivetrain:     four-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Horsepower:     240 @ 4800
Torque:     315 @ 3400
Fuel capacity:    26.4 gal.
Est. mileage:    14/18

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