2000-2004 Subaru Outback/Legacy: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2004 Subaru Outback and Legacy
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2000-2004 Subaru Legacy/Outback ▼
- Price Range: $2,500 - $14,100
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2000-2004 Subaru Legacy/Outback and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Cargo room (wagon)
- All-wheel drive
Cons
- Seat comfort (Legacy)
- Automatic-transmission performance
Vehicle Highlights
Subaru's largest all-wheel-drive sedans and wagons were redesigned for 2000. New styling added six inches to length and one inch to width, on a wheelbase about an inch longer than before. SUV-flavored Outback wagons, which had accounted for 65 percent of recent sales, became a separate model line, but shared the basic Legacy design. Those wagons featured a raised roofline. Outback sedans also were offered. Both Outback models had an elevated suspension that provided 7.3 inches of ground clearance--an inch more than the Legacy. Legacy sedans came in L, GT, and GT Limited form. Wagons were offered in Brighton, L, and GT trim. Outback wagons came in base and Limited form, while only an Outback Limited sedan was available. All models retained Subaru's 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, which switched from dual-overhead cams to the less-costly single-cam format and received various internal modifications to produce more torque at lower engine speed. Horsepower was unchanged at 165. A five-speed manual gearbox was standard, with a four-speed automatic transmission optional. Outback sedans came only with automatic. Legacy GT models got a limited-slip rear differential to enhance traction in very slippery conditions. Front seatbelt pretensioners and antilock braking were standard. Side-impact airbags were standard in the GT Limited sedan and Outback Limited, but not available in other models. Rivals to the compact Legacy included the Mazda 626, Mitsubishi Galant, and Volkswagen Passat. Outback went against the Audi A4, Saturn L-Series, and Volkswagen Passat.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Subaru Outback Limited wagon Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 50 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2000-2004 Subaru Legacy/Outback. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2000-2004 Subaru Legacy/Outback.
Year to Year Changes
2001 Subaru Outback and Legacy:
Budget-priced Legacy models disappeared, but the remaining versions gained some standard equipment, including an outside-temperature gauge, variable-assist power steering, and automatic-off headlights. The Brighton wagon was gone, leaving L and GT sedans and wagons, and a GT Limited sedan. A new Outback VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) wagon and an L.L. Bean Edition both used a 3.0-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission. The VDC wagon had Subaru's first antiskid system, plus Variable Torque Distribution four-wheel drive.
2002 Subaru Outback and Legacy:
New H6 and VDC Outback sedans debuted this year, joining the six-cylinder Outback wagons. An All-weather Package with heated front seats and mirrors now was standard on Legacy GT models.
2003 Subaru Outback and Legacy:
Joining Outback and Legacy sedans and wagons was the Baja, basically an Outback wagon with an open rear cargo bed. Baja was 6 inches longer overall than the Outback wagon, seated four instead of five, and came with 2-tone leather upholstery. Added midyear was a Baja Sport with cloth upholstery. The wall separating cargo bed from cabin has a panel that folds to create a pass-through beneath the fixed rear window. Roof lights and a bed-extender cage were options. All Legacys and Outbacks got revisions to suspension and front styling, and OnStar assistance is newly standard for H6 sedan, L.L. Bean, and VDC Outbacks. Also new for 2003 were Legacy L Special Edition models with upgraded features over the base L versions. In addition, the Legacy 2.5 GT replaced Legacy GT and GT Limited models and included a manual shift gate for the automatic transmission. Outback Limiteds, the H6 sedan, and the L.L. Bean wagon now came with an in-dash CD changer.
2004 Subaru Outback and Legacy:
The Baja gets a new optional turbocharged 210-hp 4-cylinder engine in 2004, while siblings Legacy and Outback get special 35th Anniversary Editions this year, which included added standard features on each.
Our road test for the 2000-2004 Subaru Legacy/Outback includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2000-2004 Subaru Legacy/Outback and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2000-2004 Subaru Legacy/Outback is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Acceleration is adequate with manual shift, but a Legacy/Outback feels sluggish with automatic. Though it shifts smoothly, the automatic usually maintains too high a gear--and then is reluctant to downshift. As for economy, a five-speed GT Limited sedan averaged a satisfying 22.5 mpg. Base Legacy and Outback models soak up pavement irregularities better than some larger, more expensive cars. Sport versions and Baja have a ride that is slightly more stiff and jarring. Steering feel and highway tracking are excellent, but plenty of body lean is evident in turns, and tires on early Brighton and L models have modest grip. With their stiffer suspension settings and bigger tires, GTs furnish genuinely sporty handling, but at the expense of some sharp reactions over bigger bumps and tar strips. Brakes are easily modulated and provide terrific stopping power. Wind and road noise are easily managed, while the engine delivers a prominent snarl. Front seats are comfortable for most drivers, though some may find them lacking in long-distance support. All controls are within easy reach. Outward visibility is very good. Rear head, leg, and foot room are plentiful for two adults, on a nicely supportive seat. Tall doors make getting in/out easy. The sedan's trunk is efficiently shaped and liftover is low, but volume is unimpressive. Outbacks blend a little SUV feeling with compact-car convenience, adding a ride that's more civilized and controlled than on any truck-based SUV. Despite copious body lean in turns, an Outback handles far more competently than any SUV. Four-cylinder acceleration is sluggish, and the automatic transmission is reluctant to downshift. Six-cylinder engines are smoother and deliver greater performance, but aren't quite as peppy as some might expect. Baja model makes little sense for practical use, and slow sales back that claim.
Value for the Money
Considerably better than its predecessor, the Legacy isn't an attractive value apart from its AWD system. A six-cylinder Outback wagon stands out for SUV looks and all-wheel-drive traction, without the thirst and clumsiness of a truck-based vehicle.
Considerably better than its predecessor, the Legacy isn't an attractive value apart from its AWD system. A six-cylinder Outback wagon stands out for SUV looks and all-wheel-drive traction, without the thirst and clumsiness of a truck-based vehicle.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Subaru Outback Limited wagon Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 50 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Subaru Outback and Legacy includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Subaru Outback and Legacy .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Engine mounts:
Due to the multitude of configurations (bolt holes, accessory attachment points, etc.), cylinder heads for 2.5L engines are extremely difficult to interchange, often making the simplest solution replacement of the engine. (2000-04)
Pedals:
Some owners have complained about the brake pedal being too low or requiring too long a stroke. Dealers were adjusting the pedal height by changing the length of the pushrod. (2000)
Vehicle noise:
Some early build models made a clicking noise under the dash when the HVAC is switched to "recirc" mode. (2000)
Water leak:
Water may leak from the courtesy-light housing, especially on cars with the dual sunroof, due to a leaking seam. (2000)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $410 |
| Alternator | $490 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,015 |
| Brakes | $220 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $530 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $830 |
| Exhaust System | $210 |
| Radiator | $210 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $525 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $275 |
Our price chart for this generation Subaru Outback and Legacy details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
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| 2004 | |||
| Legacy 2.5 GT | $11,400-12,800 | $10,300-11,500 | $6,300-7,000 |
| Legacy L | $9,200-11,000 | $8,300-9,900 | $4,800-5,700 |
| Outback | $11,600-13,500 | $10,400-12,200 | $6,400-7,400 |
| Outback H6 | $12,800-15,500 | $11,600-14,100 | $7,300-8,800 |
| 2003 | |||
| Legacy 2.5 GT | $9,000-10,500 | $8,100-9,500 | $4,700-5,500 |
| Legacy L | $7,200-8,200 | $6,400-7,300 | $3,500-4,000 |
| Outback | $9,500-11,000 | $8,600-9,900 | $4,900-5,700 |
| Outback H6 | $10,600-13,000 | $9,500-11,700 | $5,600-6,900 |
| 2002 | |||
| Legacy GT, Limited | $7,200-8,500 | $6,400-7,600 | $3,500-4,200 |
| Legacy L | $5,500-6,500 | $4,700-5,600 | $2,300-2,700 |
| Outback | $8,200-9,700 | $7,400-8,700 | $4,200-4,900 |
| Outback H6 | $9,300-11,500 | $8,400-10,400 | $4,800-6,000 |
| 2001 | |||
| Legacy GT, Limited | $5,800-7,000 | $5,000-6,100 | $2,400-2,900 |
| Legacy L | $4,300-5,200 | $3,600-4,300 | $1,500-1,800 |
| Outback | $6,700-8,000 | $5,900-7,000 | $3,100-3,700 |
| Outback H6 | $8,700-9,700 | $7,800-8,700 | $4,500-5,000 |
| 2000 | |||
| Legacy GT, Limited | $4,800-6,000 | $4,000-5,000 | $1,800-2,300 |
| Legacy L, Brighton | $3,200-4,500 | $2,500-3,500 | $800-1,100 |
| Outback | $5,500-6,600 | $4,700-5,700 | $2,300-2,700 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Subaru Outback and Legacy include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Outback 4-door sedan | Outback 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 104.3 | 104.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 184.4 | 187.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.7 | 68.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.3 | 63.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3265 | 3415 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 12.4 | 68.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.9 | 16.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.1 | 38.5 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.3 | 43.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.6 | 37.2 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.2 | 34.3 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Legacy models used a 2.5-liter, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that produced 165 horsepower. Outbacks came with four-cylinder power or, starting in 2001, with a "flat" six-cylinder dual-overhead-cam engine rated at 212 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission was standard on most four-cylinder models, but six-cylinder Outbacks came only with a four-speed automatic. Optional on the Baja in 2004 was a 210-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, making 45 more horsepower than the standard 4-cyl.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| Turbocharged dohc H4 | 2.5 / 150 | 210 | 235 | 5-speed manual: 18/24 4-speed automatic: 18/23 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc H6 | 3.0 / 183 | 212 | 210 | 4-speed automatic: 20/27 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc H4 | 2.5 / 150 | 165 | 166 | 5-speed manual: 21/28 4-speed automatic: 22/27 |
5-speed manual: 22.5 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Subaru Outback and Legacy include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2000-2004 Subaru Legacy/Outback directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2000 Legacy:
Antirust coating could shrink, causing a torque decrease in the bolt that secures the transverse-link bracket to the vehicle body. If the bracket becomes too loose, the transverse link could separate from the vehicle.
2000 Legacy:
The left-side steering-knuckle arm was incorrectly assembled. Steering control could be lost, if left uninspected.
2000-03 Legacy/Outback:
Road salt may cause some vehicles' rear suspension subframe to rust, affecting control of the vehicle. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.
2001 Legacy:
A casting flaw in the right-front bearing housing could result in loss of steering control.
2001 Legacy:
Incorrect seatbelt was installed in the rear-center position. The belt is too short.
2001 Legacy:
Manual seats have been improperly welded. Latch mechanism can break, making seat adjustment impossible.
2001 Legacy:
Underhood fuel hoses can age and become less flexible, allowing fuel leakage at low temperatures.
2001-03 Legacy/Outback/Baja:
Defective transmission parking-rod assemblies were installed on certain vehicles with automatic transmissions. The vehicle may not remain in "Park." Dealer will inspect and replace all affected parts.
2001-04 Legacy/Outback:
Errors with the cruise control cable could cause the driver to not be able to decelerate. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2002:
The brake master cylinders may not function properly at low temperatures. The brakes may not release after being applied.
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