For longer than we can remember, Subaru has savored the slogan: “The beauty of all-wheel drive.”
They could have added: “Not quite as pleasing on the pedal.”
Oh, Subarus were always great in certain areas. The all-wheel drive, traction control, high-in-the-saddle stance and well-planned interiors were something to write home about. The enthusiast factor might have left your pen dry.
No more. Once an Outback, always an Outback, never this much vrooom.
First introduced last year, and now expanded to include more models, the 2002 Outback wagon complements its lineup with something slicker, more technologically kicked up and with more spunk. This is a flagship worth flying high.
Having conquered the free world with SUV-like driving without the heavy (gas guzzling) machinery, Subaru moves on to more basic things: Power. Available in five trim levels – base, Limited, H6-3.0, H6-3.0 L.L. Bean and a H6-3.0 VDC – but now with the option of its flashy six-cylinder engine and vehicle stability system, the Outback moves into the in-crowd of near-luxury driving with appointments and features usually reserved for a yacht club.
One caution: Near-luxury prices.
It’s the price you pay when you’re going to compete with the Audi A4s, Volvo Cross-Countrys and Volkswagen 4Motions of the world. And, literally, the price you’ll pay is about $5,000 more than a touched up Outback Limited – the old standard for Subaru excellence. After a few spins, we’ll argue it’s worth a few of your own. The good news is that it’s a lot of the Subaru you knew. The real news is the power under the hood.
Developed as an alternative to the 165-horsepower, four-cylinder engine available in the Outback, the horizontally opposed 3.0-liter six-cylinder gives Subaru a muscle worth flexing in a segment that carries plenty of weight. The bump up is substantial – about 40 horses, to 212 total horsepower – with most of the torque cranked out at 2,000 rpm. And by dropping the engine flat over the front wheels, Subaru still gives itself a traction, weight and handling advantage over many of its counterparts. It also means a smooth ride with plenty of passing options on the open road.
It’s quick. It’s nimble. As the ad used to say: It’s a Subaru!
So where’s the dropoff? That part’s harder to figure.
Downshifting for more power is best done with the flick of a wrist on the automatic – instead of waiting for the Outback to kick the downshift in for passing power.
And some of the interior appointments don’t feel near-luxury.
Overall, this is a refined ride, an Outback-sized improvement over the four-cylinder. It’s responsive at the stoplight and silky on the highway – a step up all the way.
But the best part is what’s made Subaru a superb option, in any model: Handling and control. This year it gets better. Equipped with all-wheel drive, like all Subarus, the Outback gets a bit of a hardware upgrade with the VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Contro l). Normal driving means the VDC system sends 45 percent of the power and drive to the front wheels and 55 to the rear. By sensing driver direction, steering-wheel angle and wheel speed, the Outback adjusts accordingly, preventing an all-out slide.
It’s the perfect answer to your 17-year-old joy rider. Start spinning and the system adjusts – using a combination of traction control and power to all four wheels or apply brake pressure on one wheel. Fishtail a little and the Outback might ease up on the engine to get you on track. In simpler terms: No spin cycle.
Throw in four-wheel anti-lock brakes and you’ve really got a stickler for stability.
Although it’s perfect for snow, slush, sleet or sunshine, our test delivered rain. And lots of it. Five inches in the month of October – and at least one inch one day driving through the Midwest. The Outback held up fine. No runoffs, no slips, no errors. Hydroplaning, that favorite sensation of a water ride on the interstate, was lim , and highway speeds during un-highway like conditions were a breeze.
Subaru’s idea is that bad weather shouldn’t freak you out. It works. The Outback stayed focused on the road providing an opportunity to concentrate on other things – like an interior that is tasteful and comfortable. Although the seat cushions in the 2001 were hard as nails by the time our 200-mile trip was finished. Comfort and support in the ’02 seemed to be improved.
Lumbar in both seats is provided by a simple lever on the seat sides and the eight-way power-adjustable ride makes positioning easy. Layout is conventional, with climate controls placed high in the center, then the audio system and a couple of storage bins below. For 2002, the dash-mounted, pop-out cupholder has been switched for two in the center console and the seat heaters have been moved from behind the driver’s elbow to down low in the center console – a good thing considering they could be inadvertently switched on in the old model.
The steering position is high, the dash cut low for good driving position, and besides the rear-seat headrest that blocks a portion of the rearview mirror, visibility is excellent. The rear seats are also large and comfortable, with plenty of legroom, although things get tight with tall front-seat passengers. But the cargo area of our wagon was downright enormous and a rubberized mat keeping things in place.
Some quibbles: Change the radio. The brochure said our upgraded McIntosh sound system was the top of the line; the faceplate said otherwise. Dressed in silver and black it matched nothing else inside the Outback’s tastefully-decorated interior. It stuck out like a sore thumb. In our 2001 model, the speakers also cracked when the volume was adjusted. Not good for a vehicle with just 12,000 miles.
Cornering lean also makes the Outback feel a little clumsy by car standards, but it handles and stops better than most SUVs.
But fuel economy is top-notch – something to really consider in this segment. Our test averaged 26 mpg on a long trip and 16 in the city.
And when you consider the competition, this Subaru stacks up quite well. It’s a car lover’s sport utility, more small SUV than snow plough, more refined than roughhousing but definitely more power.
And it’s a Subaru!
2002 SUBARU OUTBACK H6-3.0 VDC WAGON
Rating: 3.5
High gear: Subaru combines the security of all-wheel drive, the comfort and appointments of near-luxury and a cargo area that can haul a forest.
Low gear: Price becomes an issue with upscale models and true off-roading isn’t quite the option it is on other SUVs.
Vehicle type: All-wheel drive, front engine, four door, five-passenger wagon.
Standard equipment: All-wheel traction control system; four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock; dual front air bags; front side-impact airbags; daytime running lights; 16-inch alloy wheels & splash guards; front fog lights with stone guards; dual power moonroofs; air conditioning with climate control; McIntosh audio system; heated front seats; heated mirrors; cruise control; keyless entry; power door locks,mirrors and windows; power driver’s seat.
Competition: Audi A4 Quattro, VW Passat 4Motion, Volvo Cross Country, Honda Accord
Engine: 212 horsepower, 3.0-liter, six cylinder
Torque: 210 foot-lbs. @ 4,400 rpm
Wheelbase: 104.3 inches
Length: 184.4 inches
MPG rating: 20 cmpg city/27 mph highway
Manufactured: West Lafayette
Warranty: Basic warranty is three years/36,000 miles; powertrain warranty is five years/60,000 miles; rust perforation warranty is five years/unlimited miles; roadside assistance warranty is three years/36,000 miles.
Base price: $31,895
Price as tested: $32,420