Beater Archive

Do you Subaru?:1995-99 Subaru Outback

By admin ⋅ July 9, 2009 ⋅  Email this Article ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

by Raphael Leonard

The Background

Before Subaru introduced the B9 Tribeca, with its 7-passenger capacity and “flying vagina” style grille, the idea of a Subaru SUV was akin to that of a coal-powered hovercraft. That’s why, in 1994, Subaru conceived the idea of the all-wheel-drive Outback wagon to compete with the increasingly popular 4x4s of the day. The idea was an enormous success, leading to a huge boost in Subaru popularity and production of similar all-wheel-drive station wagons by competing brands.

While Subaru claims that their Outback was the first ever all-wheel-drive wagon, the title technically goes to AMC, who used the idea in their Eagle in 1980. Subaru did, however, have a part-time 4×4 wagon in 1974, which evolved into the GL, and later, the awesome-in-every-way BRAT pickup truck. In any case, the Outback first appeared in showrooms as a gussied-up Legacy in 1995. While it did not have the additional ground clearance that was later added to make it more distinct, it came with all wheel drive, foglights, and a two-tone paint scheme to differentiate it from lower-end models.

It would be fair to call the Outback the vehicle that turned Subaru around. After sales picked up, the line went from an obscure Japanese automaker to a trendy brand touted by environmental activists as well as all-season-ski-rack-sporting douchebags. If not for the Outback, it is likely that Subaru would never have regained the stride that they hit in the late 80s, and would be another foreign brand gone the way of Isuzu in America.

The Opportunity

While not the ideal stock vehicle with which to ford streams and climb vertical mountain peaks (that would be the Jeep Wagoneer from a few weeks ago) the Outback is a hardy little wagon that will have no trouble taking you off of the beaten path, or at least onto a somewhat-less-beaten side road. Admirable in snow and reliable to boot, the Outback offers quite a bit for the money, especially when compared to cute-utes within the same price range.

If you’d rather the affordable off-road luxury of, say, an Eddie Bauer Explorer of the same vintage, but don’t want to eat it at the gas station, you’re in luck. While they are less common than the standard base model, the Outback Limited offers body colored trim and gold accents, a leather interior, an über cool double sunroof for front and backseat passengers, as well as seat warmers, upgraded wheels, and numerous other classy additions, all with the Subaru’s famed 4-cylinder Boxer engine, as all Outbacks of the day came equipped with.

The Downside

While many owners swear that the above mentioned Boxer engine can go north of 250,000 miles without missing a beat, it is common knowledge that they are notorious for blowing the original head gaskets between 70,000 and 100,000 miles. Remember, that’s “gaskets,” not “gasket.” Being a Boxer engine, the Outback has two, which means double the cost at the repair shop. When buying nearly any used Subaru, checking for head gasket replacement– and documentation of the work– is a must.

Oh, yeah. The stereotype. If you like the idea of owning a Subaru, you’d better be pretty resilient to lesbian jokes, because it is likely you’ll be needled by friends and co-workers alike after purchasing one. If the idea of this bothers you, you might want to consider some clever responses, lest you become known as the cranky hermit who drives the Lesbaru.

Worth a footnote is the all-wheel-drive system. Though it is extremely practical in snow or the mud, constantly using all wheels can be a drain on gas mileage, so the Outback isn’t quite as efficient as is could be. The engine itself isn’t particularly smooth, either. However, if this is a concern to you, there’s always the option of something less robust, a la Jetta wagon.

The Hit

$2,300 – $4,950

In a Nutshell

While you can find beater SUVs all day for as much, or even cheaper than your typical Subaru Outback, the rally car driving feel, optional features, and comparative gas mileage numbers definitely give the little wagon an advantage. While not a perfect car, the first generation of this Subie is rapidly approaching beaterdom, and can be an excellent driver when found for the right price.