Weekend Athlete: 2008 Subaru Outback

Rating: 9.0 out of 10

I tested the 2008 Subaru Outback L.L.Bean edition using my usual Weekend Athlete race and camping gear, and it earned a very high rating of 9. The downsides are the sticker price — it's more than $30,000, which doesn't leave a lot of cash for s'mores or race fees — and it's a bit sluggish on the highway. Of course, you could forgo the L.L.Bean edition and buy a 2.5i, like someone I know, and save roughly $5,000 — but you'll still have to deal with the highway sluggishness. Either way, in the city or on two-lane roads the L.L.Bean edition is fun to drive and offers good visibility. Watch the video above to see how the Outback earned its ranking.

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Comments

I've got a 2007 XT Limited, and love it. I test drove all three of the engines, and agree that the normally aspirated 2.5 is a bit too anemic, although many drivers will not mind it.

I actually preferred how the turbo drove to the 6 cylinder, even ignoring the very large price jump to get it.

I do wish they'd continue the 2.5 XT (non-limited) as they did up through 2006, as the leather and sunroof are nice but it ends up being quite a pricy car.

Subaru although greats cars have moved into BMW territory as far as price and it's great that they offer AWD but I found the engines to have no real passing power so I think I will remain a Honda Accord Fan and drive our X3 when the need for AWD comes up.

Some Guy,
I may be wrong but I don't think BMW has a car currently on sale in the U.S. for under $30,000.