Driving Experience
Includes acceleration and handling
What Owners Say
"We attended a conference at a Smokies resort in which, due to a surprise spring snowstorm, our Outback was used to ferry people up a mountain to the conference center. They had Explorers, Suburbans and Tahoes which could not reach the top. Great fun."
THOMAS J., VA (2004 Subaru Outback)"accelerates vigorously"
Anonymous, NY (2004 Subaru Outback)"great handling with the all wheel drive"
STEVEN W., MO (2004 Subaru Outback)"3.0 liter 6-cylinder engine uses regular gas. Acceleration has always had a lag and it's not a turbo. Handlers great, but turning radius is very wide."
Anonymous, CO (2004 Subaru Outback)"Great in snow"
NOEL J., CA (2004 Subaru Outback)"The car is a bit underpowered and wallows in the corners, with modifications the handling can be improved, but it still remains under powered. The AWD system combined with a good set of tires makes this the most confidence inspiring vehicle I have ever driven in snow and ice."
JOHN D., ID (2004 Subaru Outback)"Acceleration OK, but engine runs at too high a speed in highest gear at highway speeds. Car was engineered for Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, not for actual highway miles. This manual 5-speed transmission car runs over 3000 rpm at 65 mph; the automatic runs just over 2000 rpm."
JERRY Y., CA (2004 Subaru Outback)"acceleration and climate control, driving to and from Florida with AC, never a hiccup..."
STEVEN W., MI (2004 Subaru Outback)"The flat H6 provides adequate acceleration for city as well as highway driving. Handling in inclement weather is very good. Steering is responsive."
Terrence W., UT (2004 Subaru Outback)"Acceleration, even with the 6-cylinder model outback wagon, is very anemic. This is especially a problem with passing."
Anonymous, CO (2004 Subaru Outback)"good power, exceptional traction winter conditions"
Wayne P., VT (2004 Subaru Outback)"One of the prime impressions on first test driving the car was the superb brake feel and steering. Despite 4-wheel drive, the car handled nicely both in the twisty bits as well as at speed on the open highway. Pedal feel on the brakes was excellent. Both handling and brakes are critical in my evaluating a car."
Donald B., IL (2004 Subaru Outback)"Handling is very good, but acceleration is really poor."
Steve G., NJ (2004 Subaru Outback)"As a four-wheel drive vehicle, I always trust the Subaru to track well in rain, snow, etc. It's a very confidence inspiring car to drive."
Glen M., PA (2004 Subaru Outback)"It's pretty gutless and could use stiffer springs, but I have never had a vehicle that handled snow and ice so competently."
John D., ID (2004 Subaru Outback)"Good power, very quiet engine"
B S., NB (2004 Subaru Outback)"Accelerates very well, and hugs curves well. Does well on snowy or wet pavement."
Anonymous, OR (2004 Subaru Outback)"Both are very good."
Robert K., CO (2004 Subaru Outback)"We have the six cylinder version and acceleration has never been smooth. You have to take it up to 5,000 rpm to really move up a steep grade from a stop or getting onto the highway."
Anonymous, CO (2004 Subaru Outback)"the automatic transmission just doesn't accelerate well"
Scott C., CO (2004 Subaru Outback)
"Relatively poor mileage. Too low front seats. Stodgy handling. Reliable, roomy, good in snow, great for hauling stuff."
J R., DC (2004 Subaru Outback)