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2008 Subaru Legacy Outback Quality Review

August 19, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

five-seat cabin feels intimate
Cars.com

plenty of legroom, but headroom is tight for taller riders
ConsumerGuide

interior is well designed
ForbesAutos

Again, the 2008 Subaru Legacy Outback is not at the top of TheCarConnection.com's list of luxurious rides, but it's better than average.

Cars.com reports that "as midsize cars go, the Outback's five-seat cabin feels intimate...total passenger volume ranges from 93 to 98 cubic feet, depending on whether you have a moonroof." ConsumerGuide reports "plenty of legroom, but headroom is tight for taller riders," and [rear] foot space is cramped, even with the front seats raised." Edmunds says 2008 Subaru Outback "seat comfort is generally good, though adults may find the backseat tight on legroom and shoulder room compared to roomier wagons and crossovers." According to ForbesAutos, "two adults will find the Outback Wagon adequately roomy up front, with up to three of all but the tallest riders accommodated in the rear."

Storage space appears to be a disappointment in this 2008 Subaru; ConsumerGuide says "these wagons have low liftover but no opening glass," and "interior small-item storage [is] lacking, disappointing for an 'active lifestyle' vehicle." Edmunds reports that "with the rear seats up there is 33.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity...flip them down and 66 cubic feet are available."

According to Car and Driver, the 2008 Subaru Legacy Outback "interior is of fairly high quality compared with that of similarly priced cars, especially on the less expensive models." Cars.com says "heated seat controls have a rickety feel, and the doors lack window frames, so they don't shut with as much heft as I've come to expect in a midsize car." ConsumerGuide's verdict: "Assembly quality has been good on models tested. With revamped interior, materials are class appropriate, though nothing special given Subaru's near-premium pricing."

ConsumerGuide also notes that while "turbocharged and 6-cylinder engines are subdued and refined...some testers complain of body drumming over broken pavement," and "a fair amount of road and wind noise filters into the cabin at highway speeds."

Conclusion

The 2008 Subaru Legacy Outback has above-average fit and finish, and below-average seating space.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:five-seat cabin feels intimateCars.complenty of legroom, but headroom is tight for taller ridersConsumerGuideinterior is well designedForbesAutos Again, the 2008 Subaru Legacy Outback is not at the top of TheCarConnection.com's list of luxurious rides, but it's better than average. Cars.com reports that "as midsize cars go, the Outback's five-seat cabin feels intimate...total passenger volume ranges from 93 to 98 cubic feet, depending on whether you have a moonroof." ConsumerGuide reports "plenty of legroom, but headroom is tight for taller riders," and [rear] foot space is cramped, even with the front seats raised." Edmunds says 2008 Subaru Outback "seat comfort is generally good, though adults may find the backseat tight on legroom and shoulder room compared to roomier wagons and crossovers." According to ForbesAutos, "two adults will find the Outback Wagon adequately roomy up front, with up to three of all but the tallest riders accommodated in the rear." Storage space appears to be a disappointment in this 2008 Subaru; ConsumerGuide says "these wagons have low liftover but no opening glass," and "interior small-item storage [is] lacking, disappointing for an 'active lifestyle' vehicle." Edmunds reports that "with the rear seats up there is 33.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity...flip them down and 66 cubic feet are available." According to Car and Driver, the 2008 Subaru Legacy Outback "interior is of fairly high quality compared with that of similarly priced cars, especially on the less expensive models." Cars.com says "heated seat controls have a rickety feel, and the doors lack window frames, so they don't shut with as much heft as I've come to expect in a midsize car." ConsumerGuide's verdict: "Assembly quality has been good on models tested. With revamped interior, materials are class appropriate, though nothing special given Subaru's near-premium pricing." ConsumerGuide also notes that while "turbocharged and 6-cylinder engines are subdued and refined...some testers complain of body drumming over broken pavement," and "a fair amount of road and wind noise filters into the cabin at highway speeds." ConclusionThe 2008 Subaru Legacy Outback has above-average fit and finish, and below-average seating space.  2008 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK STYLING | [7 out of 10] Edmunds: "Outback now embraces its midsize wagon body" Kelley Blue Book: "wedge-shaped profile...bolder stance" The Auto Channel: "faux wood and silvery trim give a slightly upscale ambiance" The 2008 Subaru Legacy Outback has a ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Although a number of the more upscale compact SUVs might be a substitute for the 2008 Subaru Outback, all of the rugged wagon alternatives are somewhat pricier. The Volvo XC70 costs just a few thousand more than a fully loaded Outback, yet it has a much more refined, distinctive interior that also feels a bit roomier. The Volvo also excels in safety and safety features. The Audi Avant wagon model is another possibility that's about the same size as the Outback, though it comes only in V-6 form and is priced at close to $50,000. And the Passat wagon is a spacious and safe alternative; its 2.0T engine is both more fuel-efficient and more powerful than the Outback's standard engine. But in order to get the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system on the Passat, you need to pay many thousands more, for a sticker price of almost $40,000.

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See the Subaru Legacy Outback in Other Years:

2008 | 2007 | 2000

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